To increase internal efficiency, they have restructured their order entry procedure so that all cabinet orders are reviewed by the project engineer with the commissioned designer to ensure clarity, accuracy and consistency. All cabinet pricing is executed on the computer, they note.

Furthermore, the Web site offers intra network capabilities between two offices, including Internet access for research.

Deane and Cooney also make sure to keep up with industry trends. Their belief that mill shops have become increasingly competitive among architects led them to partner with a local mill shop. This type of innovation has led to direct, positive results for the firm, they report.

Aside from their design team being recognized nationally with numerous sales/design achievement awards, the company has also seen an increase of sales volume at a 10%-15% rate annually. In addition, they report that the company's profit margin continues to increase, and jobs are completed at a more efficient rate.

Both Deane and Cooney work hard to exceed their company's historical mission statement: "The Kitchens by Deane family honors its legacy by providing the highest-quality custom cabinetry, innovative and compelling interior design, superior craftsmanship and outstanding customer service," However, they also differentiate themselves from the competition through a more recently created slogan : "When it's a Kitchens By Deane, it's your kitchen."

 
Second place: Wood Palace Kitchens, Inc., Middleboro, MA.
Design Firm's Forward-Thinking Mission Breeds Success

With a mission statement which reads, "21 years into the 21st century," it's pretty safe to say that Tim Holick, president of Middleboro, MA-based Wood Palace Kitchens, Inc. has always looked ahead.

With one eye to the future and the other focused firmly on his clients' present-day needs, Holick has built Wood Palace Kitchens into a leader of quality service, earning the company second place honors in Category One of K&BDN's second annual Industry Leadership Awards.

His success formula is based on planning ahead, while never neglecting to take care of the basics whether that means showroom cleanliness, customer service or personalized product design development. A major key to his success is knowing his competition, customers and staff, he reports.

With his forward-thinking vision, Holick is attending to customers' needs even before he gets them. First, Holick stays on top of who is obtaining building licenses in the area. By doing this, he knows who to contact for these new building and remodeling construction jobs before they actually begin.

In addition, this allows the company to ensure a personal touch is used in all its business dealings.

To get an early handle on his clients' wish lists, the company uses a strong pre-qualify screening session, Holick notes.