In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Clark Cottongim, owner of Woodstock Cabinets, about his journey in transforming a family business. They explore the company's history, founded in the 1960s, and discuss the challenges Clark faced after inheriting the business following his father’s passing in 2021. The conversation highlights the emotional and strategic aspects of managing a legacy business, from navigating grief to making pivotal decisions like adopting CNC technology and focusing on custom cabinetry. Clark also shares insights into marketing, cash flow management, and the importance of building a strong team to ensure growth and sustainability in a competitive market.
Takeaways
- Legacy and Innovation: Balancing a family business’s heritage with modern advancements, such as CNC technology, is key to staying competitive.
- Focused Strategy: Saying no to projects outside the company’s niche has strengthened their brand and improved operational efficiency.
- Marketing Matters: Word-of-mouth remains a cornerstone of their success, but social media and storytelling amplify brand awareness.
- Team and Cash Flow: Building the right team and growing at the speed of cash are essential for sustainable, long-term business growth.
Chapters
00:00 - The Legacy of Woodstock Cabinets
12:41 - Navigating Grief and Business
25:45 - The Evolution of Products and Services
31:05 - Marketing Strategies and Business Growth
34:47 - Embracing Technology: The CNC Revolution
38:26 - Scaling Up: From Small Shop to Large Facility
40:51 - Growing with Cash Flow: A Legacy of Frugality
43:55 - The Power of People: Building a Strong Team
48:38 - Marketing Strategies: Driving Awareness and Engagement
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Connect with Clark at:
https://www.woodstockcabinets.com/
https://www.instagram.com/woodstockcabinets/
https://www.facebook.com/WoodstockCabinets/?pnref=lhc
The Woodpreneur Podcast
We cover the business and marketing side of the sawmill, tree service, furniture making, Urban Wood, and woodworking industry. If you're a woodworker, sawmill owner, or any other entrepreneur and/or business owner in the wood industry, you need to check out this podcast.
Each week, we interview business owners, large-scale companies, entrepreneurs, makers, and designers while also offering marketing and business advice that will help you grow your business and increase your profits. Tune in every Thursday!
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