Help Wanted: Starting an Apprenticeship Program for Your Shop

In our inaugural episode, we give the hosting reins to Ken Kumph, founder and president of Premier Builders in Georgetown, MA, and president of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Kelly Victor-Burke, CEO of Burke Architectural Millwork in Livonia, MI, about the workforce challenges impacting the woodworking industry and starting an apprenticeship program for your shop.

Show notes

Kelly Victor-Burke is an entrepreneur, woodwork manufacturing advocate & professor emerita who taught for 30-years at Eastern Michigan University as co-director of the Geotourism & Historic Preservation Bachelor of Science Program until her retirement in April 2020 to concentrate on her growing woodwork manufacturing business, Burke Architectural Millwork (BAM).

Kelly and her husband/business partner Barry founded BAM in 2016 to disrupt the status quo in the woodwork industry and bring positive recognition to the field of architectural millwork manufacturing. BAM is Michigan’s first and only WBENC Certified WBE in custom architectural millwork. While Kelly spends the majority of her time on administrative tasks & sales and is the company’s social media guru, she really loves being on the shop floor working on projects.

Ken Kumph Ken is president of Premier Builders and has an active role in the day-to-day operations with sales, estimating, and business management. He has been a team leader and frequent volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, is an active member of the Cabinet Makers Association, the National Association of Homebuilders, and a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. He is a continued supporter of local youth sports teams and educational endeavors. Ken currently serves as the President of The Cabinet Makers Association

This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.