Investing IN Flexibility
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ike so many great panel processing stories, this one begins with a panel saw, an edgebander and a CNC router. Set against the sultry backdrop of South Florida, this is a tale of survival and success – of using flexible technology to bring the sexiest materials in the industry to the masses. Of course, machines are nothing without people who understand how to leverage market position and maximize supplier relationships. People such as the Canters. After years designing, selling and installing cabinetry for many different companies, patriarch Artie Canter decided to open his own operation, Distinctive Kitchens and Baths, in 1990 in Boca Raton, Fla. “We are very diverse in what we do,” said Adam Canter, president of Distinctive Kitchens. “My dad always believed in serving a wide customer base. If one part of the market slows, another might pick up. It keeps the business somewhat recession proof.” MARKET FLEXIBILITY
While Distinctive Kitchens does everything from rental apartments to multimillion- dollar custom homes, the majority of trade is new construction, track homes and production homes for large-scale homebuilders throughout South Florida. There is also a retail and remodeling division for individual customers. As business grew, so did the need for stability in the supply chain. Enter panel saw, edgebander and CNC router. In 2002 the father-son team started EuroCraft Cabinets, a semi-custom cabinet company. “We knew if we started manufacturing our own line of cabinets, we would have one great customer off the bat,” Adam Canter said. 36
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