Human nature is a funny thing. I’m not sure if we will ever figure out why we do the things we do. Often we don’t do the things that benefit us most. Such as it is with life in business. I can’t count the number of times I’ve said to myself ‘Why did I do that?’ or more likely, ‘Why didn’t I do that?’ My wife would agree with me, except I think she is referring to things at home. But that’s another story, this is a Woodworking article, and I’ll save the other one for when I’m writing an article to Dear Abbey.
The people I want to speak to now are the kitchen cabinet manufacturers who did not make it to the CKCA National Forum in Winnipeg.
Simply put, you missed a great Forum.
Yes it was cold in Winnipeg. And that would have been an issue if we had all of our events outside, but we didn’t. We had some great speakers who informed and challenged us. Our suppliers treated us by sponsoring events, great food and giving us their undivided attention for a couple of days to show us all the latest products and services that they had just launched or were about to launch. One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that you can’t run your business very well if you don’t have your key suppliers working with you to help you stay competitive.
On Friday, Décor Cabinets and Duha welcomed us for a friendly and informative tour of their plants. This is the only opportunity most cabinet shop owners will ever have to see another plant in our industry. As well, we’ve had some great entertainment. We spent an evening at the Manitoba Legislative Building, which might make you think ‘Why would anyone want to spend an evening at a Legislative building?’ But it had nothing to do with politics. This was all about secret codes and features incorporated into a building - hidden in plain view. Normally you would not see them, but after we were told about these secrets, they gave us a real sense of awe and wonder. If you’re ever visiting Winnipeg this is a must-see tour.
On Saturday evening we had our always-popular suppliers showcase, President’s dinner and a live band for our listening pleasure and dancing. On Sunday morning we had our roundtable meeting just for manufacturers, which is just another way of saying lets get together to talk about issues in our businesses. This is usually the one event from which most shop owners go home with something that will make them money. It’s not uncommon to hear shop owners say they have either saved or made many thousands of dollars from what they have picked up at the round table meetings over the years. I know because I am one of them. Overall, the ones who attended the Forum already know what a benefit it was to be there.
I have heard many comments about going home with something they can inject into their business. The benefits of networking and building relationships that result from being involved are priceless. For the rest of you who didn’t make it there, you need not despair. We have more great events coming. All CKCA members will be getting updates to our upcoming regional events. In June we will be in Fredericton, N.B. and in September we will be back in Ontario for an event in Chatham. Next year’s National Forum will be held in Las Vegas along side of KBIS. You will be able to combine the National Forum, KBIS and have some holiday leisure time all with one plane ticket. This is a perfect time to bring your spouse and avoid the question ‘Why didn’t you take me to Vegas?’
If you’re already a CKCA member I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. If you’re not a member I encourage you to sign up and try us out for a year. It will be good for your business. And don’t let human nature get in the way.
Jake Wolters is President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association and the President of Nu-Way Kitchens Inc. near Guelph, Ontario. He can be reached at: jake@nuwaykitchens.ca
