In this the first of three parts, Will Sampson talks with Dustin Hunter of Hunter Trim & Cabinets in Fort Worth, Texas, about the amazing transformation of his shop through applying lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
This episode of the Woodworking Network podcast was sponsored by FDMC magazine. FDMC magazine is your vital source of information to improve your woodworking business. Whether it is keeping you apprised of the latest advances in manufacturing, helping you solve your wood technology problems with Gene Wengert, or inspiring you with case histories about successful businesses and best practices, FDMC magazine is there to be the sharpest business tool in your shop. Learn more and subscribe for free at woodworkingnetwork.com/fdmc.
Woodworking Network is a home for professional woodworkers, presenting technology, supplies, education, inspiration, and community, from small business entrepreneurs to corporate managers at large automated plants.
You can find all of our podcasts at WoodworkingNetwork.com/podcasts and in popular podcast channels. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Thanks again to today’s sponsor, FDMC magazine. If you have a comment or topic you’d like us to explore, contact me at will-dot-sampson @ woodworking network dot com. And we would really appreciate it if you fill out the survey at woodworking network.com/podcast-survey. Thanks for listening.
Intro music courtesy of Anthony Monson.
Welcome to the Woodworking Network Podcast where we explore the business of woodworking and what it takes to succeed. I’m Will Sampson.
This episode is sponsored by FDMC magazine.
Today, we’ll be interviewing Dustin Hunter of Hunter Trim and Cabinets in Fort Worth, Texas, talking about the amazing transformation of his shop through applying lean manufacturing principles. But first, let’s talk about “Magic or technology.”
The famous science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke was fond of saying, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Think about all the magic we hold in our hands these days. Cell phones in our pockets are more powerful than the most sophisticated room-size computers of just a few decades ago. Paired to the Internet, they are nothing short of amazing. Have a question? The answer is in the palm of your hand with the magic of Google.
But having this magic so conveniently available has done something else to us. We’ve become much less patient for answers, progress, and change. We want what we want NOW. If we can’t get it as easily as flipping a light switch, then that’s just too much work. We can’t be troubled to do research past the first page of Google.
This really applies when it comes to improving our businesses. We want magical leaps in production and profitability by simply turning on a machine, rearranging the shop, or hiring the right person. When I talk to people about the benefits of lean manufacturing techniques, they get really excited hearing success stories of seemingly magical results. But when they learn that adopting lean is more about accepting a process of continuous disruption and change in their business, they are less enthusiastic.
I guess it is a lot like all the people who want to lose weight and jump for the latest diet craze while avoiding long-term health and fitness improvement programs. Where’s that magic solution that will make it all better?
In the shop, it’s like the owner who buys one new machine and expects it to transform his whole operation even though he hasn’t spent the time to figure out how to integrate the new technology or properly train staff.
Continuous improvement, working in many small increments over time, can reap rewards that seem like magic. The Grand Canyon was not carved in a single action but instead by the minute actions of flowing water over centuries and eons, but the result is no less magical.
In the same way, constantly improving your flow and efficiency, constantly improving the knowledge and skill of your employees, constantly re-evaluating every part of your business, including your own management decisions, that all adds up to major magic over time. Rather than waving a magic wand once, you are building a better magic wand every day.
Mentioning lean manufacturing leads right into our guest today, but before we talk to Dustin, let’s pause for a word from our sponsor. tco
Now, let’s talk to Dustin Hunter about his lean journey.
0:00—Welcome Dustin Hunter.
0:42—How did Hunter Trim & Cabinets get started?
2:00—What kind of work are you specializing in?
2:30—When did you first get interested in lean manufacturing?
4:30—How did you get buy-in from staff?
5:52—How important was involving Jim Lewis?
7:18—What was your first big lean success?
8:01—Can you quantify that impact?
9:24—What kind of physical improvements were made in the shop?
10:44—Organizing the shop
That’s all we have time for today, but we will continue our interview with Dustin Hunter in the next episode.
You can find all of our podcasts at WoodworkingNetwork.com/podcasts and in popular podcast channels. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Thanks again to today’s sponsor, FDMC magazine. If you have a comment or topic you’d like us to explore, contact me at will-dot-sampson @ woodworking network dot com. And we would really appreciate it if you fill out the survey at woodworking network.com/podcast-survey. Thanks for listening.