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McDermott Returns to Run Cabinet Makers Association

McDermott Returns to Run Cabinet Makers Association

  • May 4, 2015
  • by Rich Christianson
Jim McDermott, right, and Joe Knobbe, a past president of the Cabinet Makers Association, man the CMA’s booth at the 2015 Cabinets & Closets Expo.

Jim McDermott, right, and Joe Knobbe, a past president of the Cabinet Makers Association, man the CMA’s booth at the 2015 Cabinets & Closets Expo.

Jim McDermott is back in the saddle for his second ride as executive director of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA).

McDermott retook over as executive director effective April 1. He succeeded Dave Grulke, who managed the association’s day-to-day affairs for the last five years.

A founding CMA board member and past president, McDermott served his first stint as executive director from December 2007 until handing over the association’s reins to Grulke in November 2009.

“Dave has been a valued part of the CMA these past years, as well as a friend,” said Matt Krig, CMA president and owner of Northland Woodworks of Blaine, MN. “We wish him luck in his future endeavors.”

The CMA represents custom woodworking companies located throughout the United States and Canada. The association also has several dozen associate members comprised of industry suppliers. Among them is Columbia Forest Products.

Laying Out an Agenda

McDermott made his first re-introductory public appearance representing the association at the Cabinets & Closets Expo last month in Schaumburg, IL. The former cabinetmaker said one of his immediate short-term goals is to get reacquainted with the wood products industry. “I want to reconnect with our members via personal contact,” McDermott said. “I also want to reconnect with and strengthen our relationships with our industry and media partners.”

A third short-term goal, “to get our sales and marketing efforts up to a higher standard by bringing someone on staff that has the proper skill set,” was accomplished with the recent hiring of Amanda Conger to the newly created position of director of marketing and sales. Conger’s industry experience includes marketing roles with Premier EuroCase and Stiles Machinery.

McDermott rattled off three long-term goals beginning with creating a “strong presence” at the AWFS Fair, July 21-23 in Las Vegas. Potential plans include a shop tour and post-show networking events for CMA members.

McDermott said he views participating in industry events as a vital platform for the CMA to bring members together to network and to recruit new members. Along those same lines, he said a second long-term goal is to establish at least four regional meetings, seminars and other types of events within the next year.

The ultimate objective, he added is “growing the CMA by increasing membership, and refining and improving member benefits.”

To learn more about the CMA, visit cabinetmakers.org.

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