Ratko Tubic's Insights on Reputation, Communication, and Outsourcing

Listen to an engaging conversation with special guest Ratko Tubic, a contract millwork engineer. In this podcast, he shares his journey from being a third-generation woodworker in Bosnia to working in the US millwork industry. Ratko discusses how he grew within companies, eventually transitioning to freelance contract work. Drawing from his experiences, Ratko emphasizes the essential role of communication, setting standards and learning from feedback for success in the industry. He also shares his perspective on prospective changes in the industry, including the importance of sustainability and technological advancement.

About Our Guest:

Ratko Tubic discovered his passion for woodworking at a young age, spending countless hours honing his skills in his father’s workshop. Despite his father’s encouragement to pursue a different path, Ratko stayed true to his love for woodworking throughout high school. In his final year, discussions about college choices arose, and it was then that one of his friends introduced him to the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Belgrade. This faculty offered a major in technology management and design of furniture and wood products, the perfect blend of Ratko’s passion and academic pursuits. Excited by the opportunity to further develop his skills and knowledge, Ratko decided to enroll in the program, determined to make a mark in the woodworking industry.

Listen to the Full Episode:

Summary:

Ratko Tubic shares his experiences and observations from the millwork industry. From the importance of reputation and continual learning to the role of communication and standardization, Tubic’s insights shed light on what it takes to succeed in this secretive and competitive field.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reputation Matters in the Millwork Industry:

“A small percentage of businesses are well run and operate ethically, and reputation is important in the industry and any business.”
Tubic emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong reputation within the industry, as it can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

2. Embrace Continual Learning:

“I’ve been disappointed with many companies I’ve worked with, as I expected them to be more organized and efficient.”

Some companies blame others and refuse to acknowledge their own shortcomings.
Companies that prioritize employee success and strive for improvement are commendable.

3. Be Mindful of Structural Efficiency:

The millwork industry is notoriously secretive due to concerns about competition.
However, there are benefits to sharing and learning from other companies and industries.
Hiring employees from different companies brings valuable perspective and feedback.

4. Prioritize Employee Success:

“Companies that keep me in the loop and include me in handoff meetings are the best to work with.”

Handoff meetings involve a group review and discussion of the project, ensuring clear communication for quality drawings.
Poor communication leads to strained relationships and hinders the millwork service.

5. Learn from Others:

“Many companies oppose this new approach, but there are also many who are embracing it.”

Bridging the gap between shop drawings and millwork expertise is crucial for successful implementation.
Companies struggling with processes and systems often hesitate to seek help.

6. Effective Communication is Key:

“Companies fail to provide proper onboarding and training for new hires, both external and internal.”

Internal hires have the advantage of accessing resources and asking questions within the company.
Informal learning within a company leads to inconsistencies in task performances.

7. Transitioning to New Ways of Working:

“Engineers in certain environments lack clear guidelines and processes.”

Without standardized processes, engineers make individual decisions, resulting in inconsistencies.
Leadership plays a vital role in establishing standardized processes.

8. Onboarding and Training for Success:

“Not enough companies give feedback to their subcontractors or suppliers for improvement.”

Providing feedback to subcontractors ensures better results.
Many shops have had negative experiences outsourcing drawings, leading them to avoid it altogether.

9. Emphasizing Open and Honest Communication:

“Effective communication, whether positive or negative, leads to a more successful partnership.”

Seeking feedback from clients and addressing any issues helps improve work quality.
Open and honest communication is key to success.

10. Looking Beyond the Millwork Industry:

“Looking outside of one’s industry for opportunities to learn and adapt is vital.”

Overcoming ego allows for effective learning and identifying new opportunities.
Outside perspectives offer valuable insights and solutions.

Conclusion:

Ratko Tubic’s interview provides valuable insights into the millwork industry, emphasizing the importance of efficient operations, continual learning, and effective communication. By seeking external perspectives, providing proper onboarding, offering feedback, and embracing standardized processes, millwork companies can enhance their practices and ensure long-term success. With an open mindset and dedication to improvement, companies can overcome challenges and thrive in the competitive millwork industry.

November 8