Building Quality and Craftsmanship in Cabinet Finishing: A Conversation with Jim Carrigan

Summary: Jim Carrigan, owner of Jeco Finishing, shares his journey into the world of finishing and the benefits of pre-finishing cabinets. He emphasizes the importance of systemizing processes and using a consistent product line to maintain high quality and craftsmanship. The conversation covers various topics related to the woodworking and finishing industry. Some of the main themes include the challenges of moving to a new location, the importance of building relationships with clients, the shift towards stains and away from paint, the use of Vero and other special effects in finishing, and the potential of micronized pigment stains. The conversation also touches on the benefits of making your own colors and the need for a larger skilled finishing base in the industry. In this final part of the conversation, Jim Carrigan and Zach Shrum discuss the challenges of stain matching and the preferences of North American customers. They also touch on the importance of continuous learning and the need for more training and accreditation in the finishing industry. Jim shares his advice for those wanting to get into the finishing game and emphasizes the importance of staying teachable and finding a niche. They also discuss the role of social media in the industry. Keywords: finishing, pre-finishing, cabinet finishing, wood finishing, solvent 2K coatings, craftsmanship, quality, systemizing processes, customer expectations, woodworking, finishing, challenges, moving, building relationships, stains, paint, Vero, special effects, micronized pigment stains, making colors, skilled finishing base, stain matching, North American market, continuous learning, training, accreditation, finishing industry, social media, coaching Takeaways: Pre-finishing cabinets can shorten the construction cycle and improve overall project efficiency. Systemizing processes and using a consistent product line are key to maintaining high quality and craftsmanship. Solvent 2K coatings offer flexibility and durability, making them a preferred choice for finishing cabinets. Building strong relationships with clients is crucial for maintaining goodwill and customer loyalty. Vero and other special effects in finishing are becoming popular, allowing for unique and creative designs. Making your own colors can significantly reduce material costs and provide more flexibility in color matching. Continuous learning and staying teachable are crucial in the finishing industry. More training and accreditation are needed in the finishing industry. Social media can be a valuable tool for learning and connecting with others in the industry. Titles: Managing a High-Volume Finishing Shop The Benefits of Pre-Finishing Cabinets The Shift Towards Stains The Benefits of Making Your Own Colors Jim Carrigan's Involvement in Coaching Transitioning Customers to DIY Staining Sound Bites: "Pre-finishing is the way to go. It shortens the construction cycle and improves efficiency." "Systemize, systemize, systemize. Follow the same steps every time for consistent results." "Solvent 2K coatings are a game changer. There's no better product for finishing cabinets." "Your clients probably don't even consider going anywhere because it hasn't changed anything." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 03:03 Getting into Finishing and the Transition to Pre-Finishing 11:58 Systemizing Processes for High Quality 18:58 Managing a High-Volume Finishing Shop 31:12 Building Strong Relationships with Clients 33:35 The Shift Towards Stains 39:09 Exploring Vero and Special Effects in Finishing 52:39 The Need for a Larger Skilled Finishing Base 55:08 Continuous Learning and Staying Teachable 01:03:36 The Need for More Training and Accreditation & Social Media 01:15:17 Jim Carrigan's Involvement in Coaching