Page 21 - CMA PROfiles Summer 2018

a $40 sheet isn’t going to produce the price difference we have “We don’t do that stuff right now, but we want to do it in the
versus other companies,” he explains. “The attention to detail, future. So that’s our mindset – put everything into the business
staying true to the project timeline, and the amount of time and be in a position to grow and not have to turn work away.”
spent with the client is where a lot of our value comes from.
PARTNERSHIP
“We try to make sure everyone understands what’s going on Day to day, you’ll find Picanzo out in the field managing the job
before it happens,” Danielsen adds. “We draw everything on the site and shop, while Danielsen is in the office, doing the CNC
computer. That way our client can really visualize the project work, drawing jobs on the computer, and doing the books.
they are investing in. We’ve been told that others just simply
sketch something out real quick and provide a low-ball quote to “I go to the site to measure and quote, and Brandon does the
get the job. Our clients notice the difference in the quality and installs,” Danielsen says. “I don’t go on the site after the quote
the time we spend on preparing and quoting each project.” is made.”
Maintaining both a friendship and a healthy business partnership
THINKING AHEAD for 13 years is no small feat. Strong communication has been
Danzo Group’s shop is equipped with some of the most up-to- just as important in their partnership as it’s been in their client
date machinery available, which not only gives them an edge relationships.
on the competition in their area, but also makes efficient use of
materials with as little waste as possible, they say. “We’re really honest with each other,” Danielsen says, “and
there are no money issues. I think that’s where a lot of business
One piece of equipment in the shop caught the eye of CMA partners fail. They want more for themselves, and they don’t
members when Danzo Group hosted a shop tour this year: A think about the business first. We’ve always put everything into
5x12 CNC router, which is larger than the CNCs most shops use. the business; we’re on the same page with that.”
“For the most part, we don’t need a 5x12,” Danielsen says. “We They even bought a house, fixed it up and lived together for
do have one job right now that takes a 5x12, which a few years to cut back on personal expenses; this kept the
is rare. Most jobs are fine with a 4x8.” business afloat during hard times. Later, after Danielsen got

SO WHY GO BIG? married, he and his wife bought Picanzo out, and he bought
“Everything we buy is based on thinking about the future,” another house.
Danielsen says. “If we’re spending the money, we might as well But being patient and staying debt-free has been a huge
spend a little more and get a machine that can do that much challenge, Danielsen says.
more in the future so we don’t end up turning down jobs or “Having started out with only $500
having to sub stuff out.” combined and never
The same logic applied when they bought an edgebander,
he says. Danzo Group invested in a Flex 47 machine, “which
Our favorite and most useful CMA asset is the Mentor Council. Knowing we are not alone in the
has corner rounding and all these other
options,” he notes.

challenges we face as a small to mid-size cabinet company is a relief in itself.
Valuable advice is only an email or two away, and that eases anxiety as well as builds camaraderie
The value of the CMA
amongst like-minded professionals. We look forward to using it more as we continue to grow.

This year, we have benefited from hosting a CMA shop tour, which gave us the opportunity to

meet executive director Amanda Conger and mingle with other CMA members.

CABINET MAKERS ASSOCIATION 19