A Culture Of Trust, Support And Shared Success Drives Cabinet IQ’s Franchise Network
Cabinet IQ’s C-suite sets uncompromising standards for the brand and continually lives up to them, says franchisee Nik Johnsson. “CEO Michael Hartel and Chief Operating Officer Jacob Collums told me that their plan was to surround themselves with awesome people. They were true to their word, and it’s an exciting culture to be part of. The best part of the culture is that we franchisees are always communicating. We lean on each other to solve problems, celebrate victories together, ask for advice, share tips and tricks — the list goes on and on.”
That same synergy permeates Johnsson’s franchise, where mutual respect prevails. “I approach my team as if we are all equals. We are in this together. Communication is critical. I’m not any better than anyone else on the team,” which is made up of two full-time designers, one part-time office assistant, four subcontractors who install the cabinets, and three partners for countertop fabrication.
Opening the Business
“I’ve learned so much from my team,” says Johnsson, who in September 2024 opened his Cabinet IQ, a full-service cabinet and countertop franchise operating in Kansas City and based in Overland Park, Kan., a suburb southwest of downtown. He previously ran a Walmart Super center in the Kansas City area. “I’m amazed daily at how well my knowledge, skills and abilities from my previous work experience have translated into a completely different industry. The training that Cabinet IQ provided was great. I’m constantly surprised about how I’ve been able to transition into an industry that I previously knew nothing about.”
He says several factors attracted him to the Cabinet IQ franchise. “The most important reason was that its focus on a six-star experience was something that aligned with my core values in business. It is hard to find companies in this industry that are trustworthy and that operate with integrity. I was also very impressed with Michael Hartel, the founder. He is someone who really cares. He is passionate about the industry, and he’s a true visionary.”
Aided by top-notch training and franchisor support, Johnsson’s franchise flourishes. Yet with 20-20 hindsight, he would revisit a couple of early decisions. “If I was starting again, I would hire a designer sooner and get more aggressive with marketing. There are so many outdated kitchens out there.”
Staying in a reflective frame of mind, he has a suggestion for entrepreneurs looking to invest: “I would recommend anyone considering a Cabinet IQ franchise to find some people who have recently remodeled their own kitchen. Ask them about their experience. In most cases, the experience wasn’t good. Now imagine yourself providing exceptional service throughout the process.”
As much as he enjoys running his franchise, Johnsson cautions that business ownership will inevitably be challenging and nerve-racking. “Starting a business is never easy. You’ll experience sleepless nights, you’ll question how to pay your bills at some point, and you’ll struggle with how to provide exceptional service. Projects will go sideways. Keeping a positive attitude and leaning on your peers will help you get through it all.”
Austin, Texas-based Cabinet IQ was founded in 2017 and began franchising in 2022. It has 101 franchise units and two company-owned units, and is expanding throughout the U.S.
Cabinet IQ’s Support
Michael Hartel founded Cabinet IQ to modernize the kitchen and bathroom remodeling industry and provide stress-free project completion. The company’s vision is to become the largest and most respected brand in the nation for cabinets and countertops. Franchisor support includes:
- Advice on site selection, lease negotiation and staff recruiting.
- Guidance on building and maintaining relationships with contractors, interior designers and architects.
- Initial training of 98 hours in the classroom and 40 on the job.
- A corporate mentor at the franchisee’s location for a full week during launch period — assisting with daily operations, marketing, sales, design and job-site processes.
- Weekly calls with each franchisee to discuss varying needs and situations.
- Diverse marketing help — mailings, digital presence and a call center that pitches the franchise to everyone who receives a remodeling permit in the franchisee’s service area.
Learn more about the Cabinet IQ franchise.
