Serving a diverse clientele, McPherson Cabinetry delivers on-time, on-budget projects to developers, contractors, designers and individuals
DUNCAN – Global pandemic has forced many businesses to rethink everything from staffing and production, to safety protocols and growth. Companies have adapted on the fly to keep themselves and employees working. This was true of McPherson Cabinetry, founded in 2014 by cabinet-maker veteran Arlene McPherson with business partner Alister Frayling. Luckily, they were prepared.
Arlene McPherson, co-founder of McPherson Cabinetry
“Within the first few days of the pandemic declaration, we had protocols in place,” Says Arlene. Seven members of our staff decided to self-isolate, a decision we fully support. This left us with a core team, diligent about keeping the business running with strict safety guidelines.”
Like many businesses, the key to maintaining momentum was flexibility and adaptation.
Elaborates Arlene, “As it has for many, business slowed, but we are resilient and versatile. Our talent has turned their hand to whatever work has come our way. We built bee houses, cabinetry for schools, made signs, cut pre-assembled cabinets and continue to serve customers and contractors to the best of our ability with the constraints placed upon us by COVID-19.”
A component of their adaptation strategy was a new production line of anti-bacterial cabinet and door material to make homes safer.
“We hope to continue to innovate as we all return to the “new” normal,” says Arlene.
From modern to rustic, Arlene McPherson’s staff have the tools and experience to produce quality cabinetry for kitchens, island, bars, bathrooms and more
This innovation and drive comes from humble beginnings, in a one-bay space in an industrial building south of Duncan in 2014, conceptualized at a local pub with Alister.
“Alister challenged me to start my own cabinet shop. In my 50’s, it wasn’t something I thought I could do at first, but we worked out the costs on a napkin,” explains Arlene. “We figured out how many kitchens we’d need to sell per month to break even. I could do this, I felt empowered.”
Three decades as a journeyman, coupled with a strong reputation from spending eight years plying her trade in the Cowichan Valley, provided McPherson Cabinetry a strong starting point. They bought used tools, contacted suppliers and contractors and hired a finisher and sawyer before opening their doors. The result was several contractors immediately onboard, and a business that grew exponentially over the following six months. They have continued to grow since.
Growing Their Business And Serving Communities In The Age Of COVID-19
“By 2015 we outgrew our space. We moved out and tripled our square footage, purchased new equipment and hired more people, including in sales and admin. As we grew, I learned more about delegating responsibility and scaling a business, which was great,” says Arlene.
In 2017 they expanded to their current location at 5141 Polkey Road in Duncan, an 8,000 square foot shop, and the largest showroom in the Cowichan Valley, with space to meet growing needs. In spite of these difficult times, their future appears bright.
“We continue to serve our contractor and developer clients while building on our success to add more,” concludes Arlene. “We’ll continue to provide excellent service to homeowners and the renovation market. We see the next few years as a period of growth in residential and multi-family homes on the island.”
