CTD Podcast with Michael Hartel, PhD

Founder - Cabinet IQ

In this CloseTheDeal.Com Podcast interview, Michael Hartel shares his entrepreneurial journey and the development of Cabinet IQ, a specialized business focusing on cabinets and countertops. The conversation begins with Michael’s background, highlighting his transition from a corporate engineering job to pursuing his passion for entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges he faced in the corporate world and the pivotal moment that led him to start a cabinet company. 

Michael’s journey reflects the common entrepreneurial theme of identifying a problem in the market—in this case, unreliable cabinet providers during his house flipping ventures—and creating a solution.

Evolution into Franchise Model

As the conversation progresses, Michael delves into how Cabinet IQ evolved from a local business into a franchise model. He emphasizes the importance of niche specialization and delivering consistent quality, which led to the decision to focus solely on cabinets and countertops. This strategic shift allowed the company to streamline operations and provide a superior customer experience, setting them apart from general kitchen remodeling companies. The transition into franchising was driven by a desire to scale the business while maintaining quality and consistency across different locations.

Investment and Revenue Expectations

Michael provides insights into the investment required to become a Cabinet IQ franchisee, detailing the total investment range and the breakdown of costs. He also shares impressive revenue figures, showcasing the potential for franchisees to achieve substantial revenue streams. The discussion highlights the profitability and growth potential within the cabinet and countertop industry, particularly in serving mid to high-end clientele.

Technology and Support for Franchisees

A significant aspect of Cabinet IQ's success lies in its innovative use of technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. Michael explains the development of a proprietary platform, CabinetIQ, which integrates various business functions such as CRM, scheduling, marketing automation, and customer communication. This technology-driven approach not only improves efficiency but also ensures a seamless experience for franchisees and customers alike.

Marketing Strategies and Future Vision

Lastly, the interview covers Cabinet IQ's comprehensive marketing strategies, including outbound call center initiatives, showroom design, and customer engagement tactics. Michael outlines the mission and vision of Cabinet IQ, aiming to eradicate the fear of kitchen remodeling for homeowners while becoming the most respected and largest chain of cabinet and countertop showrooms globally. The discussion reflects Michael’s passion for providing exceptional service, leveraging technology, and fostering growth opportunities through franchising.