Welcome to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast. In today’s episode, host Jacob Edmond sits down with the president of Atlanta Casework Systems, Marty Hammond, as they delve into the dynamic world of the millwork industry. Marty shares his journey from working at a high school cabinet shop to eventually purchasing the company, now specializing in K-12 casework and millwork manufacturing. The conversation covers challenges in gaining trust and influencing architects, the impact of COVID-19, the shift in education towards specialized schools, and the intricacies of meeting different quality expectations within budget constraints. Join us as we explore the ever-evolving landscape of millwork and gain insights from Marty’s wealth of experience.
About Our Guest:
Marty Hammond began working at a cabinet shop owned by a relative during high school and continued to work there through college, eventually earning a degree in management from UGA. He briefly worked in the insurance industry but was disillusioned by the ethics of the industry and returned to the cabinet shop to find another job. He started at $6 an hour and worked his way up, eventually buying the shop with a friend in the early 2000s. Today, Marty is a successful co-owner of the cabinet shop where he initially started as a high school job.
Listen to the Full Episode:
Summary:
Marty Hammond shares his journey in the millwork industry, touching on topics such as the significance of process management, challenges in gaining trust, and the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on the industry. The conversation delves into the complexities of working with architects, the need for business ethics, and the evolving demands of the education sector. With a focus on continuous improvement and adapting to change, Hammond highlights the dynamic nature of the millwork industry and shares valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the future of millwork manufacturing.
Beginning in the Industry:
- Marty started working at a cabinet shop in high school and eventually bought the company, now known as Atlantic Casework Systems.
- The company specializes in K-12 casework and millwork manufacturing, finding success and expertise in a niche market segment.
Challenges in Architectural Trust:
- “The challenge has been getting the architects on board with the fact that something different might be better.”
- Marty discusses the difficulty of influencing architects accustomed to cheaper, lower-quality products and combating negative perceptions within the industry.
COVID-19 Impact and Adaptation:
- The discussion explores the impact of COVID-19 on material shortages, labor, and the need for long-term relationships to overcome reputation issues.
- Plan and preparation for material shortages and labor inflation are highlighted, alongside the need to attract younger generations to skilled labor roles.
Embracing Automation:
- Robotics and automation are seen as potential solutions to labor challenges, with an emphasis on the need for programming and integration in the manufacturing process.
Ethics and Business Relationships:
- Marty emphasizes the importance of ethics, trust, and business relationships as fundamental components that will remain unchanged in the millwork industry.
The Shift in Education Demand:
- Marty discusses the shift in education towards specialized schools, such as STEM schools and performing arts centers, leading to increased competition and changing expectations.
- The challenges of meeting quality expectations within budget constraints for specialized areas are explored.
The Complexities of Quality Expectations:
- The perception of quality in different types of millwork is compared to that of vehicles, bringing attention to trade-offs and different use cases.
- Both speakers acknowledge the broad expertise required in the industry, from technical knowledge to business operations.
Final Thoughts and Networking:
- Marty shares valuable insights and educative perspectives, emphasizing the importance of networking and learning within the millwork industry.
Conclusion:
The conversation with Marty Hammond offers an inside look into the intricate world of millwork, shedding light on the pivotal role of business ethics, innovation, and adaptation in navigating industry complexities. His wealth of experience and dedication to continuous improvement serve as an inspiring testament to the dynamic nature of the millwork industry, and his commitment to sharing knowledge and networking underscores the collaborative spirit within the industry.
Discover more about Marty Hammond and Atlanta Casework Systems at [www.atlcasework.com](www.atlcasework.com), and join host Jacob Edmond in welcoming continued conversations and insights from industry leaders like Marty Hammond on the Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast.
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