Page 11 - CMA PROfiles Winter 2021

THE EVOLUTION OF BUSINESS: OUTSOURCING

MORE THOUGHTS ON OUTSOURCING

Many of us believe we can do things better, faster, Everyone knows it’s a challenge to find skilled employees.
and cheaper than the competition. With decades There’s a really great way to get around this problem, and I’m
in the business, I now get that are many ways to do sure you know what I’m going to say. Outsource to get that
it better, faster, and cheaper — ways that allow you skilled labor you need! Subcontractors can step in and help
to leave work at a decent hour and have weekends with your immediate need.
free to spend with your friends and family.
Outsourcing is one of those time-saving strategies.
Outsourcing can also be the difference between saying “yes”
or “no” to new opportunities. I’m sure you’ve fielded calls from
Just as we need to free up hours for our lives people who want a project done in a month or two when you
outside work, we need more time to do strategic have no availability for several months. You probably tell these
planning that will help us ensure that we’re customers that you can’t help them. But what if you had a list
on track and profitable. The reality is that our of reliable subcontractors and quick-turnaround vendors you
day-to-day work often eats up that planning time. could call? Then you could outsource some or all of the project
So we tread water and keep putting off those so you didn’t have to turn it down. That one prospective
crucial opportunities to evaluate where we are client could translate to repeat business and referrals to
and figure out how we can improve. Outsourcing more clients. Outsourcing can give you the power to say yes
can help you make time for that all-important — increasing your sales volume while controlling your costs.
assessment and planning that only you can do. (Randy Niewind refers to using this strategy in his story.)

Tracy Yarborough Cristofir Bradley

Maple River Woodworks — Coward, SC Cristofir Bradley Cabinetry — Memphis, TN
Tracy Yarborough’s shop has transformed from a one-man Bradley, who has been in business for 11 years and now
cabinet shop to a five-man door shop that does occasional works as a “one-man band,” has always outsourced all
kitchens and baths. That evolution led him to outsource cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and drawer boxes.
most of his cabinet parts. There was a good reason for that: He doesn't have the
equipment to make his own.
“I use Cabinotch whenever I can,” he says. “Dovetail Recently, Bradley has outsourced pre-finished doors and
drawer boxes are cheaper to buy than to build, too. I fronts with good success. In the past year, he started
also outsource all onlays and decorative items, and most outsourcing all of his cabinet boxes (Cabinotch). He says
molding is outsourced as well. The same goes for all he will continue to do that because it frees him up to sell
interior storage solutions — for trash, spices, cutlery more and have more free time.
inserts, etc.” He has also started outsourcing his installs to a highly qualified
Yarborough has started outsourcing some prefab team so he can remain productive in the shop. (Bradley has
cabinetry, too. He carries the JSI line and a line of Polish- had up to two full-time employees in the past; now he just
hires extra help on a one-off basis when he needs it.)
supplied unfinished cabinets for those who want a custom
paint or stain color. Why did Bradley see outsourcing as a great strategy? He
says what he learned through the CMA was the single
He echoes Krig’s thoughts about tapping into the outside largest influence in his decision to begin outsourcing
help available from the CMA. cabinet boxes, and his other outsourcing choices flowed
from that positive experience.
“I most likely would not still be in business today if not for
the outsourced advice and help I have received from many No matter what your philosophy may be, it’s the bottom
CMA members over the years,” he says. “Some of them line that tells you if your strategies are working. Bradley
reports that his business is more profitable now than it’s
never knew they helped me. I took ideas from a thread ever been even though he has a solo operation.
or two [in the forums] and applied them to my business. I hope this has given you valuable food for thought about ways
Thanks to all who participate in the CMA forum: You never that outsourcing could help your business. If you have stories
know who you may inspire to make a change for about how outsourcing has helped you, please share that
the better." information on the CMA forums so it can help fellow members.

CABINET MAKERS ASSOCIATION 9