News
e’ Bella Entrepreneur Corner – May 2010
May 24th, 2010
Ask Clay Cox the key to his successful cabinet business and he’ll give you a one word answer: relationships. He and his wife, Kelly, who’s a managing owner, start by getting to know their customer’s wants and needs so they can
deliver exactly what is expected.
“We create a dialogue so we know what our client’s life is like and what their priorities are,” says Kelly as she sits at a kitchen island in the company’s show room. “We want to help them establish their dream.”
That starts with asking questions: How will the room be used? Does the client entertain often? How frequently do they cook? Kitchens by Clay custom designs each kitchen and bath, offering everything from high-end, handmade custom cabinets to manufactured cabinets at a variety of price points. Kitchens by Clay can also help create outdoor kitchens, home libraries and ofices for new home construction, remodels or corporate clients.
“Every project has several people involved,” explains Clay, who has owned the business for 11 years. “We are experts in cabinetry and because cabinetry is such an integral part of the project, we help customers with the entire process.” That often means referring clients to other businesses and establishing relationships with a cadre of dependable general contractors, plumbers, installers, appliance retailers and interior decorators who are all involved in the process.
“We guide our clients,” says Kelly “We want them to know what happens next, when it will happen and who will do it.”
Clay and Kelly share the belief that excellent customer service is simply the right thing to do. However, they acknowledge that too often people have had negative experiences with contractors who don’t inish the job
on time, or have workers who are less than respectful of an owner’s home. Instead of frustration, the couple’s clients write letters praising the positive experience they’ve had.
“You don’t have to settle for acceptable,” Kelly states. “You should expect a high level of service no matter how much you spend.”
One of the biggest business challenges Clay and Kelly have faced the last few years is the slowing economy. However, that didn’t stop them from moving into a larger showroom in a more retail environment two years ago, and making the most of their extensive experience in remodeling.
“We knew that if people wanted to spend money, they would want it to be with a stable company,” notes Clay. As a result, Kitchens by Clay completed 65 projects in 2009, making it their best year ever. The owners see expansion in their future, and promise to continue their high level of service that always puts the customer first.