Michael and JoAnn Gilhool  live in Upper Chichester, PA and own American Wood Design Company, a manufacturer of custom cabinetry and counter tops. The custom woodwork made by American Wood Design is used primarily in office buildings. They have been in business for 13 years.

The Widener University Small Business Development Center started working with Mike and JoAnn shortly after the center opened in January of 2007. In addition to consulting services, the Gilhools have attended three SBDC training programs and have been a case study for a management class in the Business School. Consulting services have been provided by Glenn McAllister and Jim Porter. Howard Schwartz has helped the Gilhools with government marketing and legal issues. Dr. Mary Williams and Jim Porter taught the Management Seminar course where American Wood Design was a case study.

When the SBDC began consulting with American Wood Design, sales had been slowing and cash flow was becoming an issue. Working with the SBDC, Mike and JoAnn developed a plan to increase sales. The result has been that sales are now at a run rate that is double the sales level of a year ago. The SBDC also helped American Wood find additional financing for the increase in inventory needed for the incremental sales. Improved organizational workflow for American Wood’s nine employees has been implemented as a result of the suggestions of the MGT 451 class.

American Wood Design has improved financial performance since working with the SBDC. Mike and JoAnn have also enjoyed working with the students in the MGT 451 class and there has been the additional benefit of having Widener University business students work with a local business.

Editor's Note:  Be sure to visit America Wood Design on the web at  www.AmericanWoodDesign.com