Chris Dehmer speaking at major industry show in Las Vegas

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Dark Horse Woodworks owner Chris Dehmer was scheduled to speak at two sessions during this week’s AWFS (Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers) show in Las Vegas.

IMG_4107On Wednesday, July 17, Chris participated in a panel discussion titled “Taking the Leap to a Bigger Machine: What You Need to Know Before You Invest.” Chris and

 

fellow CMA member Matt Wehner joined CMA Executive Director Amanda Conger to tell their stories of taking leaps of faith and investing in machines ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.

Chris and Matt talked with Amanda about “what they’ve learned, what they wish they had known, and what they’d do differently if they had to do it again,” as the AWFS preview described it. “This session will cover it all – selection, negotiation, financing, moving, set-up, processes, compressed air, power, dust collection, tooling, the learning curve and all of the surprises that come with integrating a big machine into your shop.”

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Today, Friday, July 19, Chris and fellow CMA member and former president Matt Krig will talk with Amanda Conger about “Boundary-Pushing with Your Nested-Based Router” – sharing tips for getting more out of your CNC router. 

Chris and Matt will share “how they are using their machines, ways to simplify routine processes, and tactics to make additional revenue … how to push your machine to be more effective, and ultimately more profitable.”

Being able to share Dark Horse Woodworks’ experience with others in the indu

 

stry is one of the great things that has come out of our involvement in the CMA. AWFS will be the first major industry event since Chris was elected president of the CMA Board of Directors.

Here’s the full run-down of CMA activities at this year’s AWFS – if you’re thinking about joining the CMA, this will give you a taste of the organization’s contributions to major industry events and thought leadership. (It could be you participating in a panel and sharing your experience at a national or international show one day!)

Chris Dehmer elected VP of Cabinet Makers Association Board

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New CMA VP Chris Dehmer with Matt Krig, former CMA president and fellow CMA board member, at last summer’s AWFS (Association of Woodworking and Furnishing Suppliers) Fair in Las Vegas. 

After serving two years as an at-large member on the Board of Directors of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), Dark Horse Woodworks’ Chris Dehmer has been elected vice president of the industry group for professional cabinet makers and woodworkers in the United States and Canada.

The CMA describes itself as a professional organization “where cabinetmakers and woodworkers from both the residential and commercial markets get together and share their hard earned knowledge and experience to help one another.” 

Chris joins new president Leland Thomasset, treasurer James Fox and secretary Monika Soos.

“Being a board member has opened up new communication lines with other board members,” Chris says. “It really has taken my involvement to a whole new level.” He points to a visit that he and former CMA president Matt Krig made to Thomasset’s workshop in Maine when they were in the area for a regional event. Their idea was to take advantage of being nearby to have a hands-on working visit with Thomasset.

 “We showed up in work clothes and were able to work on a project and see how Leland’s shop works, get ideas from him and offer ideas from our own shops,” he says.

FDMC magazine even ran a feature about the collaboration. 

“Being on this board has changed me and my business forever,” Chris adds. “Being a member of the CMA was great, but being a board member forces you to be involved – and being involved is the only way to get maximum return on membership. 

“Without my board experience, I probably wouldn’t have agreed to be a part of the CMA shop tours this coming August when the International Woodworking Fair comes to Atlanta,” he says. “Before, pride and ego would have gotten in the way. Now I’m inviting people to come on the CMA tour and tell me what we’re doing wrong. It’s great to be part of a group that allows me to get to know people who are so generous with their time, experience and expertise.

“My involvement with the CMA is the single best professional development opportunity I’ve ever encountered, and I’m happy to take on a new role this year.”