SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – How to create a comprehensive customer contact is an essential skill that every woodworking professional should acquire. Contracts are the foundation of every successful project. They establish the rules of the game, ensuring that both parties are on the same page from the get-go. 

Lois Snider, Owner and President of Periwinklers of Tapon Springs, Fla., and Randy Niewind, Owner of Randy’s Cabinets and Woodworks of Grand Rapids, Minn., will present their approaches to developing binding agreements at the Wood Pro Conference, April 17. Their session, Negotiating Contracts, will be applicable to both new and experienced woodworking company owners and managers. 

Topics Niewind and Snider, president and vice president of the Cabinet Makers Association respectively, plan to cover in their joint presentation include:

• How to account for unexpected challenges that can arise such as weather delays, material shortages, or even changes in the client's preferences. Even though these factors are outside of the woodworking company’s control, providing for these types of contingencies in a contract will help keep projects on track. 
• How to negotiate fair and realistic payment terms that benefit both parties. Managing cash flow is essential for the health of a wood products business and having a clear understanding of payment expectations is key. 
• When to require a bonding provision as an extra layer of security for both parties. Bonding is an often overlooked but essential aspect, especially in larger projects. The presenters will break down what bonding entails, why it's crucial, and how to navigate the bonding process. 
• Understanding the unique challenges of residential versus commercial projects. Snider and Niewind will discuss the nuances and how to tailor contracts to suit the specific demands of each project type. Understanding these differences can make or break negotiations.
• What to include in contracts. They will go beyond the basics by exploring how to outline scope, deliverables, and any additional services. This clarity ensures there are no misunderstandings down the road. 

Setting clear expectations with clients to create a roadmap for a successful project. The speakers will share tips on effective communication and how to manage client expectations throughout the entire process.

The Wood Pro Conference is co-sponsored by the Cabinet Makers Association and FDMC magazine. Other conference sessions include:

• Opening Keynote: The Psychology of Business – The Edge of Successful Business Owners, presented by Daniel Eisenbarth, Results Coach and Business Results Trainer of Robbins Research International 
• Lean Strategies to Increase Profitability, presented by Gregory Paolini, Owner/Operator of Gregory Paolini Design LLC 
• Transitioning Your Business, presented by Ken Kumph, Owner of Premier Builders 

Registration for the Closets and Wood Pro Conferences includes breakfast, lunch, an afternoon tour of Inspired Closets Chicago showroom and Perfection Custom Closets manufacturing facility, an early evening Welcome Reception and the April 18 reception honoring winners of the Top Shelf Design Awards and #YoungWoodPro award.

View the full three-day schedule of events.

About the Closets Conference & Expo and Wood Pro Expo Illinois
The annual Closets Conference & Expo (CCE) is the only national event for all closet and home storage professionals. The 2024 edition is co-located with Wood Pro Expo Illinois (WPE), a regional marketplace for woodworking professionals. The events are organized by Closets & Organized Storage and FDMC magazines respectively. Each is a distinct media brand of Woodworking Network. The twin-bill event is scheduled for April 17-19, 2024, at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.

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CCE and WPE each kick off with a separate full-day conference on April 17, co-sponsored by the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals and Cabinet Makers Association respectively. The two-day co-located expo, April 18-19, features woodworking machinery, supplies, and components. Additional educational programming is offered on each day of the expo. Tours of local manufacturing plants and the popular Top Shelf Design Awards networking reception are also key features of the event. View current program schedule.

For information about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, contact Laurel Didier, exhibit sales. For all other inquiries, contact Kim Lebel, show manager. 

More Woodworking Network events
Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, Oct. 24-25, 2024, Spooky Nook Sports/Warehouse at the Nook, Manheim, Pa.

Salon Industriel du Bois Ouvré (SIBO), Oct. 24-26, 2024, Centrexpo Cogeco, Drummondville, Quebec.

Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Nov. 12-14, 2025, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ontario.