The CKCA is managed from Ottawa, with a full time Executive Director. In addition, the volunteer Board of Directors supports the core work of the Association and works collaboratively with the Executive Director to move the strategic priorities of CKCA forward. Board terms are 3 years in length and Board members can run for 3 consecutive terms. We are always keen to hear from individuals who have a strong desire to help move our industry forward. If you have a background in the Kitchen industry, and have a passion for the growth of CKCA and would like to contribute to our Board, please contact us here. Our board meets bi-monthly via Zoom as well as in person 1-2 times per year.
President
Pete Fournier – Triangle Group of Companies
Vice-President
Amrita Bhogal – Sunrise Kitchens
Amrita is an enthusiastic HR professional whose focus is to elevate people’s mindset and coach them to live a continuous improvement lifestyle. She has always had an entrepreneurial mindset and turned her passion for helping people into a pursuit of Human Recources in University. Nine months into her career she was introduced to the principles of Kaizen and since then adopted these principles in her life. Presently she is educating the workforce at Sunrise Kitchens on learning to use Kaizen principles in daily tasks at work and at home. Amrita is the recent recipient of the Wood Manufacturing Council’s HR Award for Innovation 2020 and has spoken at numerous CKCA events and continues to write and publish articles in CKCA newsletters. She is currently working on an assessment tool with the Kaizen Institute that will be available to CKCA members in 2020.
Past-President
Heidi Boudreault –Denca
Born and raised in Calgary, Heidi learned the ins and outs of the custom cabinetry industry at a young age, her passion in business management makes Heidi a perfect fit as General Manager and co-owner at Denca for the past 15 years. Her education includes Finance, Business Management and Marketing. Denca manufactures custom kitchens, vanities, entertainment units and cabinetry for any room in the home/office. Also a supplier for many appliances and plumbing fixtures. Denca is an active member of the Calgary community, proud to have donated kitchens to non-for profit organizations in Calgary and supporting many local charities and events.
Treasurer
James Dewinetz, CPA, CMA – Pacific Rim Cabinets
James has been around the cabinet industry his whole life, working in factories as a summer job. His father started Pacific Rim Cabinets in 1997 to manufacture custom cabinets solely for export to Japan. Over the years, while Japan remains an integral part of the company’s history and sales, Pacific Rim Cabinets now deals primarily with the custom home builders, designers and architects around Vancouver and the lower mainland of BC manufacturing custom kitchens, bathroom vanities, entertainment units, closets, fireplace surrounds, offices, among others.
James began working at Pacific Rim Cabinets in 2010 as the company’s accountant, he completed his CMA designation in 2012 and became the company’s President in 2018.
James works with the CKCA President and the Executive Director to manage and monitor the CKCA Finances on a regular basis.
Secretary and Executive Director
Sandra Wood, CMP
Sandra has worked in the not-for-profit sector for almost 30 years. Having worked for many different associations in education, medical and now wood sector, Sandra brings a universal perspective based on hands-on experience. She is passionate about not-for-profits because they work to support their members and the industry. Sandra enjoys “connecting the dots” and facilitating strong networking opportunities to engage members. She believes Associations are about fostering strong business relationships fueled by an empathic and sound business approach. She is an experienced public speaker, writer and has served on various Boards as a Director. She brings a well rounded perspective to CKCA.
CRAIG ATKINSON- MARATHON HARDWARE
Founded in 1990, Marathon began with a simple concept; to provide excellent customer service to the woodworking trade by offering affordable high-quality hardware and the best customer support in the industry. Over the last 30 years, we have been dedicated to our customers by creating a company with these cornerstone ideals. Craig joined Marathon in 2011, taking charge of their technology and web, and later all marketing. With extensive operations from BC to Ontario, Marathon takes pride in building long term relationships with its customers. Craig believes that the mission of the CKCA is in direct relation to Marathon’s approach to doing business. By building working relationships based upon trust and mutual respect, everyone moves forward together.
JOERG BRAUNS – 2020
Joerg Brauns is part of the Manufacturing Team at 2020. In 2001, Joerg moved to Canada to open an office for a Germany Software Company. Acquired by 2020 Technologies in 2005, Joerg held several leadership positions at 2020. With over 20 years of experience in the woodworking industry around the world, Joerg has managed ERP implementations and led a team of professional engineers and consultants, before managing new and existing manufacturing accounts around the world. Joerg is also a member of 2020’s worldwide Factory leadership team.
He is a strong believer that the collaboration between like-minded people will allow all of us to grow
GIUSEPPE CASTRUCCI – LAURYSEN KITCHENS
Giuseppe is Vice-President Marketing, Sales at Laurysen Kitchens in Ottawa where he works with his wife, Caroline Castrucci who has previously served on the CKCA Board and most recently served as President of CKCA. Laurysen Kitchens was established in 1970 and began as a business operating out of the garage of John Laurysen with just 1,200 square feet. With more than 55,000 square feet of manufacturing space this family run business continues to thrive and a third generation is now very actively involved in the business. Giuseppe brings a wealth of experience having served on various Boards over the years including currently President of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, Chairman of the Kitchen & Bath Program at Algonquin College Business Advisory Board, Chair of the Design Excellence Awards Committee for NKBA Ottawa. Giuseppe has a passion for cars and is also Chairman of the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival. He was Knighted by the Royal House of Savoia Charity and also by the Ethiopian Order of the Lion Charity.
TREVOR CHAULK – CHAULK WOODWORKING
Trevor has been in the trades for about 26 years, starting off with 10 years in the tool and die industry in the Toronto area. After moving to Haliburton Highlands, Ontario in 2007, he started a small cabinetry company. Since then, they have grown to be the largest cabinetry shop in their local area. Trevor and his wife Angela understand the dynamics of starting, building and running a cabinetry shop in today’s time, while raising three children. He has always had a passion for woodworking, designing and building things. After joining the CKCA as a member in 2016, he was enthusiastic about what they were doing and had to offer. Trevor has a keen interest in seeing the Canadian cabinetry and manufacturing industry learn, grow and thrive.
EARL DUCHARME – HAFELE CANADA
Earl is a proud Canadian, born & raised in Vancouver, who relocated to the GTA over a decade ago. He has been around building products, manufacturing and construction his entire career and loves it. His professional experience lies in being a part of and leading globally branded organizations within Canada, predominantly focused in these areas. He is the current Managing Director / President of Hafele Canada. Earl is passionate about enhancing the quality of living in our homes and within our communities. Also, food, cycling and soccer. Hafele is a global manufacturer and leader in the world of hardware – furniture, architectural and most recently lighting. We’re privately held, German based and stand for quality, service and innovation. Our company’s successful history of 100 years and 40 years in Canada is close upon us in 2023.
LUKE ELIAS – MUSKOKA CABINET COMPANY
Luke has been in the industry for more than 30 years and only loves his family more than his pursuit of advancing technology in business. Luke is passionate about technology in manufacturing and in 1989 started implementing computer hardware and software to improve office to shop communications. Early on Luke invested in cutting and optimization software and invested in a a Nested Based Manufacturing in 2000. Today Luke is co-founder of SMARTMRP Inc. an ERP/MES automation software specifically designed for the woodworking industry. With SMART at its core, Muskoka boasts one of the most advanced panel processing cells in the world, utilizing Robotics, RFID, ERP and an AGV, for machining, sorting, labeling, transporting and tracking parts. These innovations have resulted in Muskoka having output three times the industry average. Luke believes the key to survival and growth is through integration of processes and automated sharing of information within the organization.
VARUN GAJENDRAN – LUCVAA KITCHENS
Varun has been involved in his family’s custom cabinetry business since it started, but joined full-time in 2016. While working on the marketing aspects for the company, he is learning the operations side of the business and getting to know how our industry functions. With the woodworking industry finally moving towards lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0, Varun is taking Lean Manufacturing courses at University of Toronto to earn his green-belt designation. All in an effort to continue his father’s implementation of lean throughout the company, and maybe the industry. Being a member of the board is a new experience for Varun and is eager to contribute to the future of the CKCA.
CHRIS HAVEY- CNC AUTOMATION
Chris joined CNC Automation in March 2022 after 19 years at Deslaurier Custom Cabinets where he was a member of the senior leadership group and held the role of manager of supply chain and new product introduction (NPI). As a seasoned operations and supply chain professional, Chris brings tremendous insight and knowledge, both from the viewpoint of a manufacturer and now as a supplier. Chris is results-driven and prides himself on his work. He loves this industry and approaches it with passion and vigor. It is the same passion that has driven Chris to want to be on the CKCA Board of Directors. Chris was elected to the Board on June 15, 2023 to serve his first 3 year term.
GERALD VAN WOUDENBERG – VAN ARBOUR DESIGN
Gerald is owner of Van Arbour Design based in Vancouver, BC. In business for 34 years, Gerald is a first generation Canadian with Dutch roots. Gerald loves building and knowing how something works. He is committed to change in an ever changing world and always looks for the best and most effective ways to do things. Gerald’s business is intensively client-driven: quality first, with integrity and honesty and transparency in the process. Gerald has been a presenter at the CKCA National Forum and is now pleased to be a member of the Board of Directors.