Paul Downs, cabinetmaker and custom conference table builder, decided the best way to grow his business was to stop custom woodworking, and start managing. But he is still inspired by woodworking geniuses like George Nakashima, James Krenov, and Sam Maloof.

Tim Copeland at Copeland Furniture, a 95-employee manufacturer in Bradford, VT, says this week's delay in Obamacare "is delaying the ultimate for another 12 months." Companies his size were given a one year reprieve on having to insure employees, but Copeland already does.

Paul Downs, owner of Paul Downs Cabinetmakers in Bridgeport, PA, and a bloggist for the New York Times, will deliver the opening keynote speech at the 2014 Cabinets & Closets Conference, April 9 at the Hotel Somerset-Bridgewater.