Cutshop to the Waikato.
On Monday the 19th of September, Cutshop Waikato opened its doors. We caught up with franchisee Keith Hofer to find out more.
A new challenge
Keith has spent much of his career in the corporate world of IT. Feeling ready for a new challenge, he decided to move his family to Hamilton and take on a Cutshop franchise — the first in the Waikato.
“I’ve always liked the idea of running a business, and I saw purchasing a Cutshop franchise as an opportunity to use my business skills and make it happen,” says Keith.
From Cutshop’s perspective, Keith’s IT experience makes him an ideal fit to make the most of the sophisticated software that drives machinery in every franchise to take projects from paper designs to a 3D reality.
The team
Keith acknowledges there is no substitute for industry experience, which is why he recruited Anthony, who has eight years as a cabinetmaker under his belt.
For Keith, one of the great advantages of being a Cutshop franchisee is the wealth of experience and support available.
Filling a gap
Up until now, says Keith, there hasn’t been anyone in the Waikato specialising in contract cutting.
“There are some businesses that do a bit, but they measure up and install as well, which makes them more expensive.
Keith also points out that because Cutshop are specialist contract cutters, they don’t compete against their customers for work.
“We focus on cutting, drilling and edging; we don’t get involved in selling completed cabinetry.”
Make more for less
Using the latest machinery imported from the United States and Europe, respectively the CNC and Edgebander, Cutshop can cut and finish just about anything — including MDF sheeting, solid wood, veneers, acrylic panels and aluminum.
An astute businessman, Keith likes the idea that Cutshop enables tradies to increase their output without a large capital investment and reduce costs at the same time. For DIYers, projects are possible that otherwise wouldn’t be due to a lack of machinery and expertise.
“Placing an order is easy. Customers just send us a drawing with the cabinet measurements, and we then create a cut list. Once the cut list is approved, we start the job. We can source the material, or customers are also welcome to use own suppliers.”
Find out more
To celebrate Cutshop’s arrival in the Waikato, there will be a barbecue for customers on October 29th. However, you don’t need to wait till then to find out what Cutshop is all about — just give Keith a call on (07) 444 5545 or drop in and check out the new branch at 47 Northway Street, Te Rapa, Hamilton.
