28 - How to Build a $2M Domestic Cabinet Manufacturer with Alex Forbes

Nikonomics - The Economics of Small Business

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In this episode of Nikonomics, we dive into the world of custom cabinetry with Alex Forbes, the owner of Lane 17 Cabinet Company; a U.S.-based cabinet manufacturer based in Cleveland, Ohio.
Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting the business in his garage to scaling it to handle high-end residential projects. He discusses the challenges and rewards of manufacturing domestically, the intricacies of managing cash flow, and the strategic decisions that have fueled his company’s growth.
For anyone interested in the manufacturing industry or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-life experiences. Stick around to hear Alex’s thoughts on the importance of continuous improvement, the challenges of cash conversion cycles, and his advice for aspiring business owners.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe. You can follow Alex on 𝕏 at https://x.com/alexforbes__.

00:45 The Unique Approach of Lane 17 Cabinet Company

01:31 Alex's Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Success

05:06 The Decision to Manufacture Domestically

07:04 Scaling and Future Plans for Lane 17

11:46 Economic Considerations and Business Models

19:08 Customer Acquisition and Marketing Strategies

20:28 The Power of Word-of-Mouth in Home Renovation

21:34 Challenges of Scaling a Custom Manufacturing Business

23:50 Financials: Average Ticket Price and Margins

24:25 Navigating Cash Flow and Payment Cycles

27:24 Rapid Fire Questions and Business Insights

31:09 Understanding the Cash Conversion Cycle