Page 14 - CMA PROfiles Fall 2018

ASSOCIATE OF THE QUARTER: WESTERN DOVETAIL

explains. “The key to our success is that
we are providing a service, not a product.
Every decision about details, materials
and services offered has been customer-
driven. Customers were not looking for
a cheap box to put in their cabinets; they
wanted each order to be custom-tailored
to their project and the needs of their
clients.”

And as part of that service, Western
Dovetail also sells drawer hardware;
pullouts and rollouts; slides and other
related products. Its specialties include
divided, double-deck, pantry, curved and
corner drawers.
“The earthquake comeback was more
challenging than anything that has come
before, but after more than 20 years, you
have more to lose,” Hunter says. “We
have 20-plus employees, and many have

Max Hunter and his father George at Western Dovetail's first trade show, the 1993 Woodworking and been there from the beginning. We’ve
Machinery Supply Fair in Anaheim, California. watched them get married and have kids,
and now their kids are grown up; one of
The city of Vallejo also helped, providing on its feet, but is carrying a lot of debt, those kids is now working in the shop.
no-cost permits for the necessary elec- Hunter says. We’re supporting generations of families,
trical work and spray booth installation. The lesson in all of this? “Never give up,” and it’s inconceivable that we would let
Vendors were supportive throughout he says. that go for any reason.”
the crisis, many even waiving finance
charges until things were under control. GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY To other businesses that face crises, he
Though it took a lot of customizing to As Western Dovetail celebrates its 25th has a bit of advice: “You have to be willing
get the new space set up, there is one year in business, the company is still to admit that you’re struggling, but also
major advantage: it’s a concrete building serving customers from its earliest days demonstrate that you’re committed to
with a steel superstructure, built “like a – and it’s the “serving” part that defines succeeding. People can see that you are
tank” by the US Navy. Western Dovetail, Max says. sincere in that and will go the distance
In 2018, Western Dovetail is finally back “It’s not as simple as selling boxes,” he with you.”

In honor of its 25th
CMA CONNECTIONS anniversary, Western

“We joined the CMA about 10 years ago at a trade show to Dovetail is happy to

connect with small shops across America. I have enjoyed offer CMA members
a 25% discount through
their gatherings and sit-down dinners at the shows, where 12/31/2018.
we all get to meet face-to-face; it’s a good group of folks.” Use offer code CMA25

— Max Hunter at drawer.com.

12 PROFILES FALL 2018