Page 18 - CMA PROfiles Winter 2018

FEATURED SHOP: PREMIER BUILDERS

“Believe me, we

haven’t given up

the craftsmanship

part of our job!”

“I visited the manufacturing plant in North Carolina,” he says. become “our CNC guy,” Kumph says. “He understands the
“I met the men and women that build the machines and saw the software programs and is always willing to learn more.” They are
pride they take in their work. I saw firsthand how my machine was currently using Cabinet Vision, alpha Cam and KCD Software.
going to be made and how I was to be treated. And I love that it is
made in America by fine craftsmen, similar to my own shop. Slevoski, the shop manager who had encouraged Kumph to bring
the technology on board, was trained on the new machine, too.
“The machine has been a huge game changer,” he adds. “We may “It’s nice to have two people up to speed,” Kumph says.
not use it daily, but it’s made a big impact on what we build and
how much we can produce — time-wise and quality-wise. There’s Premier has six dedicated shop employees, each with a distinct
so much potential.” set of skills and responsibilities. Besides Slevoski and LaFollette,
mentioned above, Mike Gaudette, Bill Botte and Pete Brett do
But as many CMA members know, transitioning to life with a the majority of the fabrication and assembly while Gary Desiletes
CNC doesn’t stop with making the purchase. manages the spray booth and all finishes. The shop guys work

“What I didn’t know out of the gate was exactly what we needed with the field crew for the installations. “I am so lucky to have
to do for set up and training.” Kumph recalls. “Software choices such a talented team,” says Kumph.
were also overwhelming.” It turned out that a recent hiring “We had a site meeting for a very substantial millwork project
decision would be key in getting up and running.
recently, and I brought the whole crew,” he adds. “It’s always
Ken had hired Zach LaFollette, a young man who was getting out good for guys in the shop and the field to evaluate the project
of the military and moving back to the area. “Though he had no together. It’s great to see everyone pulling as a team and bounc-
cabinetmaking experience when he was hired, Zach has done ing ideas off of each other as they walk through the space.”
an amazing job growing and learning,” Kumph says. “He is an
integral part of the cabinet shop now.” Two years in, he has no regrets about incorporating his C.R.
Onsrud machine and CNC technology into Premier’s operations.
And, as it turned out, his new employee was tech-savvy. So
when they purchased the CNC, Premier sent LaFollette to the “Believe me, we haven’t given up the craftsmanship part
manufacturer in North Carolina for training, and he has now of our job!”

16 PROFILES WINTER 2018