Cabinet Maker Profit System Podcast

Is that new machine really worth the money? Just because the salesman says it’ll pay for itself doesn’t mean it will. In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Kolin Veldman from K&S Woodworks about the real ROI of large purchases in a cabinet/millwork shop. What you’ll learn in this episode: 1. How to decide when your shop is ready for a CNC 2. Why “buy what you need today, not what you dream of tomorrow” is smart advice 3. The true costs behind new equipment (training, utilities, maintenance) 4. Why professional development for your team might be the best investment 5. How Kolin grew from a dairy barn shop to a $5M business without losing sleep over debt 👉 If you’ve ever wondered if now’s the right time to invest in that next machine, this episode will help you decide. 📌 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more insights to grow your shop  More about Kolin Veldman: K&S Woodworks: Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #woodworkingbusiness #cabinetmaker #millwork #contractorbusiness #tradesbusiness #furnituremaking #equipmentupgrade #cncmachine #edgebander #contractortips

Are you taking on the wrong jobs? Just because your shop is busy doesn’t mean you’re profitable.  In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Jillian Klinar from INNERGY to talk about why choosing the right deals can make or break your millwork or cabinetry business. What you’ll learn in this episode: 1. Why the average shop wins only 20% of bids — and what to do about it 2. How to grade customers and focus on high-value clients 3. The hidden costs of “bad jobs” that kill your margins 4. Tools and systems to keep your estimating and operations aligned 5. How to build profit into every job, not just revenue 👉 If you’re ready to stop being busy and start being profitable, this episode is for you. More about Jillian Klinar: LinkedIn: Company: SUBSCRIBE NOW:     Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #woodworkingbusiness #cabinetmaker #millwork #innergy #contractorbusiness #estimating #businesssystems #tradesbusiness #furnituremaking

Every profitable project starts with one thing: estimating.  In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Ben Hudachek of BH Estimating to talk about why estimating is the heartbeat of your cabinetry or millwork business—and how to finally take control of it. What You’ll Learn: 1. Why most estimating systems stall business growth 2. How to hand off estimating with confidence 3. The power of checklists and post-job reviews 4. Culture shifts that protect your margins and sanity 5. Real stories of shops that scaled profits by fixing estimating If you’ve ever lost sleep before hitting “send” on a bid, this episode is for you. 👉 Subscribe to stay ahead in the trades. 👉 Like and drop a comment with your biggest estimating challenge. More about Ben Hudachek: LinkedIn: Website: BH Estimating LinkedIn: SUBSCRIBE NOW: ⁨   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #estimating #millwork #businesssystems #businessgrowth #cabinetmaker #tradesbusiness #jobcosting #woodworkingbusiness

What’s really causing delays, rework, and frustration in your shop? After surveying 126 companies, we uncovered the truth: it’s not the people—it’s the lack of leadership systems. In this episode, Dominic Rubino shares insights that every construction and contracting business owner needs to hear: What you’ll learn: 1. The top shop-floor problems that derail production (and why communication is the hidden culprit). 2. Why foremen fail without proper time management training. 3. How the 1-3-1 Method puts responsibility back on your team and gives you your time back. 4. Real-world examples from shops like yours—and the tools to fix the issues for good. If you’re tired of constant interruptions, miscommunication, and jobs going sideways, this episode is for you. 👉 Subscribe, like, and comment with the #1 issue throwing your shop off track. FOLLOW 👉 Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #foreman #tradesmen #cabinetmaker #constructionleadership #businessowners  #millwork #skilledtrades #contractorsuccess #leadershipcoaching

In this episode, Dominic Rubino chats with Ashley Stuckless—civil contractor, engineer, and founder of High BC Hunting—about how to balance construction business ownership, family life, and high-performance backcountry adventures. If you’re a contractor who wants time for family, hunting, or just peace of mind, this episode is for you. 🔑 What We Cover: 1. Why work-life balance is a discipline, not a dream 2. Using family calendars and mental “credit systems” 3. Training and prepping for 10-day solo sheep hunts 4. What hunting teaches us about business leadership 5. Lean productivity lessons from editing 100-hour videos into 25 minutes 6. How passion projects can fuel business growth 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tools, strategies, and interviews made for contractors like you. More about Ashley Stuckless: LinkedIn: High BC YouTube:   Website: Instagram: Facebook: SUBSCRIBE NOW: ​ ⁨   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System:

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re working harder but not keeping more money, this episode is for you. Dominic Rubino sits down with Adam Sylvester (Charlottesville Gutter Pros & Charlottesville Lawn Care) to break down the ‘Go Back Report’—a tool that uncovers the true cost of rework, callbacks, and discounts in a contracting business. In this episode, we cover: 1. How to calculate the true cost of a callback 2. Why giving a “simple” 10% discount can kill your profit 3. What recurring revenue does for cash flow 4. Why you must stop competing with low-ball contractors 5. How to use logic and numbers to make better business decisions 🔔 Subscribe for more simple systems to grow your trades business and get your life back. 👍 Like this episode, drop a comment, and share with another contractor who needs it. More about Adam Sylvester: LinkedIn: Charlottesville Lawn Care: Charlottesville Gutter Pros: SUBSCRIBE NOW:   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #contractorbusiness #constructionbusiness #tradesbusiness #knowyournumbers #jobcosting  #contractortips #constructionsuccess #cabinetmaker #millwork #remodelingbusiness

What happens when your project gets damaged and the insurance company lowballs the claim?  In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System Podcast, Dominic Rubino sits down with insurance expert Galen Hair from Insurance Claim HQ to reveal strategies contractors can use to get paid fairly. You’ll Learn: 1. Why insurance companies benchmark against big-box store cabinets instead of custom work 2. How to use photos, videos, and detailed invoices to prove your case 3. The right way to communicate with adjusters without crossing legal lines 4. How to support homeowners so they get the fit and finish they deserve Whether you’re a cabinetmaker, millworker, or contractor, this episode will help you protect profits and stay in control during insurance claims. 👉 Watch now, hit Subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. More about Galen Hair: LinkedIn: Insurance Claim HQ: Insurance Claim HQ LinkedIn: Instagram: SUBSCRIBE NOW:   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #insuranceclaims #cabinetmaker #millwork #contractorsuccess  #constructionbusiness #profittoolbelt #cabinetmakerprofitsystem #cabinetry #contractorlife

If you’ve ever been frustrated with Cabinet Vision, this episode is for you. Dominic Rubino sits down with David Buchsbaum of Beacon Solutions LLC — a former shop owner turned software consultant — to explore how smart shops use Cabinet Vision to boost productivity, reduce errors, and make more money. What you’ll learn in this episode: 1. How to identify and remove “bloat” from your Cabinet Vision setup. 2. Why outdated versions could be costing you more than you think. 3. Real examples of UCS (User Created Standards) that save hours every week. 4. The role of continuous improvement in both software and shop floor processes. 5. How to cut down rework and callbacks with better engineering practices. 6. The personality styles best suited for Cabinet Vision roles — and how to hire the right person for the job. David and Dominic dive deep into the people side of Cabinet Vision too — showing why the right behavioral style can make or break your success with the software, and how matching skills to personality leads to faster workflows and fewer mistakes. David’s insights will resonate with shop owners, engineers, and managers who want to work smarter, not harder. 📌 Follow, like, and comment with your Cabinet Vision challenges or tips — your question might inspire our next episode! More about David Buchsbaum: LinkedIn: Beacon Solutions LLC: SUBSCRIBE:     Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System:

You work hard. You make good money. But if you’re not keeping it — you’re not really winning. In this episode of Cabinet Maker Profit System, Dominic Rubino sits down with Chad Hufford, Financial Planner and Owner of Veritas Wealth Management, to talk about how trades business owners can start planning like the millionaires they are. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: 1. The difference between making money vs. growing wealth 2. Why many contractors fall into the “growth trap” 3. How to spot a bad financial advisor 4. Why your wealth strategy should match your risk and lifestyle 5. How to plan your legacy as a blue collar millionaire 📢 Follow, like, and comment to join the conversation. More about Chad Hufford: LinkedIn: Veritas Wealth Management: Veritas LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE 👉   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #WealthPlanning #FinancialFreedom #bluecollar #growthstrategies #wealthbuilding #wealthmanagement #contractortips #cabinetmaker #millwork

Promoting your tradesmen doesn’t automatically create a great foreman. In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System, Dominic Rubino shares the hard truth: most foremen are set up to fail—and it’s costing you growth, time, and peace of mind. 💡 Based on exit interviews, industry forums, and leadership data from 26 companies currently in training, Dominic walks through: 🔹 Why foremen get burned out 🔹 The 6 biggest reasons they quit 🔹 What support they actually need 🔹 How to stop being the only leader in your shop 🔹 Why training your foreman is the most profitable move you can make 🎯 Whether you have a shop floor lead, install foreman, or engineering lead—this episode is your roadmap. 📞 Want Dominic to train your foreman? Text “foreman training” to 315-903-7853. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more business insights for contractors and shop owners. FOLLOW 👉     Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #foreman #tradesmen #cabinetmaker #constructionleadership #businessowners  #millwork #skilledtrades #contractorsuccess #leadershipcoaching

In this episode of Cabinet Maker Profit System, Dominic Rubino sits down with Fyfe Barraclough—entrepreneur, coach, and former painting contractor—to explore the truth behind overwork in the trades. Too many contractors wear busyness like a badge. But behind the hustle is often fear, poor delegation, and lack of systems. 🔍 In this episode: 👉 Why “I never take a day off” is a red flag 👉 How mental fitness and identity play into overwork 👉 The controller archetype vs. the Jedi mindset 👉 How to break the loop with small actions 👉 Practical delegation tips and when to hire an office manager ✅ If you’re serious about growth and freedom, this episode is your wake-up call. 📌 Follow, like, and comment below: What’s YOUR biggest time trap? More about Fyfe Barraclough: LinkedIn: Fyfe Coaching: Fyfe Coaching LinkedIn: FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE 👉   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #ContractorLife #TimeManagementTips #FyfeBarraclough #ConstructionBusiness #constructionleadership #cabinetmaker #delegationskills #businessfreedom #tradesmen #millwork #entrepreneurmindset

In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System, Dominic Rubino shares insights from coaching $3–10M cabinet and millwork shop owners. If you're stuck at $4M, wearing too many hats, or unsure how to scale without burning out — this episode is for you. 📌 You’ll learn: ▶️ What top-performing owners do differently (hint: it’s not tools) ▶️ The 11 key focus areas of a $4M+ shop owner ▶️ How to calculate your hourly value and protect your time ▶️ The mindset shift from tradesman to CEO ▶️ Real examples of systems, dashboards, and staff development 📣 Follow, like, and drop a comment if this hit home — and tell us what you’re changing next. FOLLOW 👉 ⁨   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #businesscoaching #worksmarter #mindsetmatters #woodworkingcommunity #furnituremaking #cabinetdesign #tradesmen #woodshop #woodworking

From banker to landscaper, Carroll Fitzgerald built a 70+ person business with 35 trucks — and then sold it to his own management team. In this episode, Carroll shares the full story of how he scaled Fitzgerald’s Landscaping and structured a successful employee buyout. What you’ll learn: How Carroll grew his company from a weekend side hustle to a multimillion-dollar operation Why he planned his exit 5 years in advance — and how that paid off How he used SBA financing and vendor takebacks to help his team buy the business What makes a succession plan actually work in the trades 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow for more business growth stories in construction trades. More about Carroll Fitzgerald: LinkedIn:  Fitzgerald's:  FOLLOW 👉     Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System:  Profit Toolbelt:  Contractor Wealth System:  #TradesBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #EmployeeBuyout #ConstructionLeadership #DominicRubino #ProfitToolBeltPodcast #CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ContractorWealthSystems #CarrollFitzgerald #FitzgeraldsLandscaping

Are you hiring on instinct — and paying for it later? In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with recruiting expert Andrea Hoffer from AHA! Business Consulting about her D.R.E.A.M. system — a step-by-step approach to hire and keep great foremen in your cabinetry, millwork, or construction business. What you’ll learn: ➡️ How to define what your ideal foreman actually looks like ➡️ The importance of reaching candidates in the right places ➡️ How to engage and keep strong applicants moving through your pipeline ➡️ Interviewing tips to assess candidates like a pro ➡️ What to do after hiring to motivate and retain your best talent 🎯 This episode is a must-listen if you’re a trades business owner tired of bad hires. 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on hiring, profitability, and leadership in the trades. More about Andrea Hoffer: LinkedIn: aha! Talent Experts: FOLLOW 👉     Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #foremen #contractortips #cabinetmaker #millwork #tradesmen #hiringtips  #businessowners #hiringpractices #contractorlife

In this Cabinet Maker Profit System episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch Inc., to dig into why wasted drive time is killing contractor profits — and how to fix it. James shares his journey from painter and pressure washer to Inc. 500 tech entrepreneur, and what every construction business owner can learn from it. 🎯 Topics covered: 1. How to stop wasting time on bad leads 2. Using video tech to qualify jobs (before hopping in the truck) 3. Creating recurring revenue in trades like painting, millwork, and cabinetry 4. Claiming your territory and building brand stickiness 5. Smart uses of tech for installs, site checks, and training 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more no-nonsense contractor business tips. 💬 Drop your biggest windshield time headache below. More about James Hatfield: LinkedIn: LiveSwitch: FOLLOW 👉   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #constructionbusiness #contractortips #cabinetmaker #millwork #tradesmen #SmallBusinessGrowth #leadqualification #recurringrevenue #constructiontechnology #cabinetmakerprofitsystem

Foreman training that actually works—just 1% at a time. In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System, Dominic Rubino connects James Clear’s Atomic Habits with life on the shop floor. Success doesn’t come from yelling louder or working longer—it comes from repeatable systems that make your foreman better every week. You'll hear: 🔹 How 1% improvements in leadership add up fast 🔹 A foreman who finally made it home for dinner 🔹 Why yelling doesn't equal accountability 🔹 How one shop slashed rework in half If you run a cabinet shop, millwork company, or lead a trades team—this one’s for you. 📲 Text “Foreman Training” to 315-903-7853 to learn more. 👍 Like and subscribe 💬 Drop a comment: What habits do you think would change your team the most? FOLLOW 👉   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ #atomichabits #jamesclear #tradesmen #woodshop #contractortips #woodworking #habitstacking #woodworkingcommunity #furnituremaking #cabinetdesign

In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System show, Dominic Rubino interviews Katie Smith from Wild Path Consulting, who shares why marketing isn’t about selling — it’s about building real connections with your best customers. Katie’s unique perspective, shaped by her time as a wilderness guide, will help you rethink how to approach marketing in your construction business. Key Topics Covered: 1️⃣ How to define your ideal customer and avoid wasting time and money 2️⃣ Why marketing isn’t just about ads — it’s about showing up and serving 3️⃣ Real-world examples of contractors making marketing work without being flashy 4️⃣ Tips for staying authentic and community-focused in your marketing 🎧 Tune in and subscribe for more real talk about growing your cabinetry or millwork business! 💬 Leave a comment to share your thoughts or how you’re marketing to your ideal clients! More about Katie Smith: LinkedIn: Wild Path Consulting: FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE 👉 Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #constructionmarketing #contractormarketing #marketingstrategy #contractorlife #marketingtips #cabinetry #millwork #tradesbusiness

In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System show, host Dominic Rubino sits down with Chip Tighe of Organizers Direct Industries to unpack the three proven paths into the closet and home organization industry: 👷‍♂️ Whether you’re a contractor, cabinet maker, or millwork shop owner — there’s a model that fits your goals, margins, and risk tolerance. Topics Covered: 🔹 DIY vs Franchise vs Distributorship: What’s best for you? 🔹 Custom storage solutions that sell (and why clients pay more) 🔹 Real-life project stories — including a $300K closet build 🔹 How to run lean and still earn high margins 🔹 Avoiding callbacks through smart design and installs 📣 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more episodes on building a better cabinetry business! More about Chip: LinkedIn: Organizers Direct Industries: FOLLOW 👉   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #cabinetry #cabinetmaking #businessmodel #distributorship #homeorganization #closetdesign #customcabinets #constructionbusiness #franchise

In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System, host Dominic Rubino talks with Clint Padgett, a project management veteran whose clients include Coca-Cola at the Olympics and FIFA World Cup. But don’t worry — the lessons he shares aren’t just for mega-corporations. They’re built for your shop too. Whether you’re managing installs, renovations, or entire builds, this conversation will help you: ➡️ Replace confusion with clear, confident planning ➡️ Build real accountability in your PM team ➡️ Avoid the biggest time-wasters in construction project management ➡️ Train new PMs to talk (not just text) ➡️ Use conversations to prevent disasters and scope creep Follow us for more straight-talking business advice for trades pros. And don’t forget to share it with someone who needs to hear it. More about Clint: Website: Project Success Inc: The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett: FOLLOW 👉   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #ProjectManagement #ProjectPlanning  #Millwork #CabinetMaking #WoodworkingBusiness #CabinetDesign #FurnitureMaking #woodworking #woodworkingcommunity #businesstips

Dominic Rubino interviews Phil McGilvray—finance coach and founder of Grandma’s Jars—who helps construction business owners understand why profit doesn’t always equal cash in the bank. 🎯 Topics Covered: ➡️ The 5 simple numbers you MUST track to understand your cashflow ➡️ Why most business owners aren’t actually paying themselves properly ➡️ How to build a financially stable business—even with debt ➡️ The secret to getting out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle ➡️ Real-world advice for raising your rates and cutting waste If you're in cabinetry, millwork, or any trade-based business, you can't afford to miss this episode. 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment if this helped you! More about Phil: Website: Grandma’s Jars: The Cashflow Fix by Phil McGilvray: FOLLOW 👉   Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: Profit Toolbelt: Contractor Wealth System: #cashflow #profitability #Millwork #CabinetMaking #WoodworkingBusiness #CabinetDesign #FurnitureMaking #woodworking #woodworkingcommunity #businesstips