At what point do we step in, or do we let the team figure it out? Well, listen — it depends on the team. It depends on the department, and it depends on the level of experience.
For example, for my drafting department and for our Montreal team, I have way more confidence in them because of their level of experience and their years of experience. But when it comes to the Austin team, because they are new and they’re just getting used to the rhythm, to troubleshooting, and to the process, we feel like it’s better if we step in earlier. And with experience, they’ll be able to take over. Obviously, the dream is to have them manage and troubleshoot at every stage.
It Goes Both Ways
It goes both ways. Somebody might assume that something is super simple… but it actually isn’t. And sometimes they might think something is really complicated, when it’s actually simple. Take something like putting a piece of edge banding on a piece of pressed wood. It’s simple — if you have the machine and the knowledge of how to use it. It is simple. That’s true. But it’s not simple for everybody. So it really goes both ways.
Building a Team That Works
We’re building — just like we did in Montreal — we are building a team. We’re building a group of people that like to be around each other and that take pride in their work. That’s the most important part. We are also building a network of amazing contractors and designers, just like the one we have in Montreal — people we can rely on. People that will have our back, regardless of whether things go wrong or right.
Nothing Is Simple in Manufacturing
But assuming that something is simple in manufacturing — that’s wrong. There’s nothing simple that’s happening in the shop. From the drawings — those are not simple. The pretty drawings, the design plans — those are not simple. Drafting plans — nothing is simple about that. And then when you think about it, what are you actually doing? You’re taking drafting plans — just drawings, or 3D images — and turning them into reality. Well, nothing is simple there. We’ve developed ways and systems of transforming that into reality. But is there anything simple? No. Is it simple for us? Damn straight, it is.
What This Really Means
This is the part people don’t always see. What looks simple on the outside is the result of experience, systems, and a team that understands the process. Because when everything is working together — the people, the workflow, the systems — it feels simple. But it’s not.
Custom Cabinetry in Austin, Texas
At SOLL.Solutions, everything you’re seeing is part of building an in-house cabinet shop in Austin, Texas — from drafting and design to manufacturing and installation. And it’s all built through experience, structure, and a team that’s constantly learning.
Follow the Process
This is part of our 365 series, where we show what actually happens behind the scenes. Not just the finished product. The real process that brings it to life.
