A Ward Design Beats Recession Odds …

A Ward Design, a manufacturer of custom cabinetry and furniture based in Winter Haven, has been recognized for outstanding sales growth performance in the 19th Annual WOOD 100 Report. The report, which profiles and ranks 100 fast growing woodworking companies, was published in the September 2008 issue of Wood & Wood Products magazine.

The Winter Haven-based woodworking cabinets and millwork is also featured in the September online issue of Industrial Strength Woodworking as one example of seven companies thriving inspite of the recession. Significant as well, the photo chosen to lead the article was an A Ward installation. The photo and excerpts from the ISW write up follow.

A Ward Design has grown sales of its cabinetry and millwork products through increased service and marketing efforts, including an enhanced Web site and videos.

It’s an achievement these days for woodworking businesses to survive in today’s challenging economy, yet alone thrive. But there are some doing just that.

As part of its ongoing “Survival Guide” series, Wood & Wood Products polled seven woodworking companies from this year’s WOOD 100 whose firms not only grew in 2008, but are projecting increased sales for 2009.

Here is Winter Haven’s “A Ward Design” story …

Banking on Reputation

A Ward Design President Kevin Ward credits a great work ethic and professionalism as keys to the Winter Haven, FL-based custom cabinetry and millwork company’s growing success for 2008 and in 2009.

“I was a general contractor before founding this company, so I understand what the ‘other side’ wants and needs. We have a philosophy that we come to work in professional attire. We try to make a good impression from the first phone call. We answer questions and return calls. Our shop is always clean and neat so that when customers visit — people shopping for high-end products often want to see the place — we make sure we provide the kind of atmosphere they expect,” he says.

Ward says the company goes the extra mile in customer service, including being very proactive. “We are engaged from the first call and try to set up a meeting in a timely fashion. We want people to see that we are interested in working for them and that they matter to us.”

And while many of his competitors charge for design fees, A Ward offers it for free. “I can tell if a potential client is really interested and I don’t charge them to provide a detailed drawing. We try to provide a totally positive experience, from the first call. Once they have a comfort level about you, you pretty much have the job,” Ward says.

- Excerpted from Industrial Strength Woodworking

Congratulations to the staff and management of A Ward Design for their recession busting performance.