• Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
R&J Cabinetry began almost 4 years ago after 50 combined years experience in the business. Taking cabinetry personally, our goal is to provide cabinetry to our customers they will love for years to come.
• Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Roger started in cabinetry from the “ground up”, building, installing, then design/sell. Jan completed her Associates in Science, Interior Design with a certificate in Kitchen and Bath Design, completing a leadership training program as well.
• What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
We wanted to provide not just cabinetry, but excellent service, personally important to both Roger and Jan. We jumped into our own business later in our careers with a Now or Never attitude and have been going strong ever since!
• What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Don’t be in a hurry; take time to research your options; utilize the SBDC and other sources for advice.
• What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Courage; willingness to wear many hats; continual learning
• How many hours do you work a day on average?
8-10
• To what do you most attribute your success?
Perseverance; Passion; Presence. Perseverance no matter the problem – work it out. Passion for designing kitchens; Presence with customers to take in the full picture of their needs and desires.
• How do you go about marketing your business?
What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Word of mouth
• Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A HELOC was the first money; we invested in it ourselves.
• What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Continuing education; continuity with employees; problem solving; team support
• Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Thriving and growing; staying small enough to keep it simple but large enough to employ several more talented designers.
• Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Concept 32 Custom Cabinet Studio