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Company:
Central Florida Cabinet Supply
Address: 2313 Silver Star Road
Phone: (407)292-3644
Fax: (407)292-3799
E-mail: eric@flcabnts.com
Web Site: www.flcabnts.com
Key Contacts:
Eric Barnes, President
John Murphy, VP Sales
Major Products: Wilsonart Laminate, Wilsonart Adhesives, Plywood and Particle Board, Veneer, Hardwood Lumber, Decorative and Functional Hardware, Fastcap, Fasteners, Finish Materials, Cabinets and Countertops.
Customer Focus: Our entire focus is to provide our customer with a totally unique shopping experience. We strive to deliver superior customer service in every facet of the business. We realize that competitive pricing is a requirement but at CFCS, it is not the most important item. Our level of service allows us compete with our competitors who are 10 times our size.
Market(s): Florida
About A&M Supply Corporation: CFCS was established to give our customers a one stop place to purchase their required materials. By focusing on service, we are able to get the focus off of pricing. Our customers know that we may be higher in price but they are willing to pay a small upcharge in order to know that here at CFCS, they are not just a number. We greet most repeat customers by name and treat everyone with respect. We appreciate every order we receive. We take our time with each customer to make certain that they feel they are getting their money's worth for the products or service we are proving for them. It is important to note that for all of us at CFCS, this is more than a paycheck. We truly care for our customers and we want the best for them as well. I believe it is evident in the way we conduct our daily business.
A quick conversation with President, Eric Barnes.
How long have you been with Central Florida Cabinet Supply?
I started CFCS in June of 2003.
How long has Central Florida Cabinet Supply been a member of NBMDA? Why did it join?
EB: CFCS joined NBMDA very soon after we opened. I was involved with NBMDA as a manufacturer and I enjoyed the benefits of being involved at that level so there was never a hesitation in joining as a Distributor.
In what ways does NBMDA provide value to your firm?
EB: NBMDA provides an excellent venue to share ideas with my peers, some of whom may very well be competitors. It is interesting to know that we all share common problems and to see how others have dealt with similar situations in their business. The true value is the ability to learn from each other and to continue to each grow our businesses successfully.
Did you attend the 2008 Annual Convention & Tabletop Business Session? If so, why?
EB: I attend every Tabletop Business convention. This is the perfect environment to learn from my peers and my vendors, as well as establish new relationships.
When did you join the Distribution Industry? Why?
EB: I joined the Distribution Industry in 1992 as an Outside Salesman. I was young and I had no idea of what I should do with my life. This industry has provided a good life for me and my family. It is filled with genuinely good people and I look forward to going to work every day.
What do you think is the most exciting aspect of your position and/or the industry?
EB: I love to help people and to see their dreams of a new kitchen come to fruition.
What do you think is the most difficult aspect of your position and/or the industry?
EB: I believe that establishing realistic expectations is our most difficult hurdle. We are the middle man and we rely on others to give us good information but we do not always receive correct info. We strive to tell the customer not what they want to hear, but the reality. They may not like it, but at least they know where they stand and can make good decisions from there.
What does Central Florida Cabinet Supply do to navigate the ever-changing workplace safety regulations within the Industry?
EB: We all work hard to keep the showroom as well as the warehouse neat and clean as well as monitor each other to make certain we are all working in the safest manner possible.
What does Central Florida Cabinet Supply do to keep its sales team up-to-date on new products?
EB: We work hand in hand with our vendors and their reps to have training on a regular basis for not only new products but existing lines as well.
Does Central Florida Cabinet Supply have a formal process for evaluating customer needs and handling feedback?
EB: As a small company we constantly ask our customer directly for feedback on our ability to provide them the level of service they expect.
What industry topics is Central Florida Cabinet Supply addressing on a regular basis?
EB: I have three core principles for doing business. It must be legal. It must be moral. And we must make money. There is no correct order as all three requirements must be met in order to do business with CFCS. I pass these values to our customers and hope that they will adopt these same rules in the business dealings. Profitability is not a bad word and if I can assist my customers in being profitable themselves, a long term relationship will certainly follow.
What is the impact of the housing decline on your firm? How are you responding to those challenges?
EB: Our customer base ranges from the 1-2 man shop, to the huge millwork shop, to the weekend warrior re-facing his own kitchen. We do everything in our power to provide the products and service that our customer asks for, regardless of the fact that they are retail or wholesale. The housing decline is forcing everyone to work smarter but still remain profitable.
How is your firm addressing the growing trends focused on green building?
EB: We continue to source products that meet LEED requirements
