Cabinetry Manufacturer Builds Success in Tampa Bay
IQ+ Cabinetry of Hillsborough County
What began as an unexpected opportunity for Carolina Ojeda and her husband, has grown into a thriving cabinetry manufacturing and remodeling business, specializing in custom cabinets, countertops, and closets. Using skilled local carpentry, IQ+ Cabinetry successfully produces custom cabinetry and millwork while also providing remodeling services and wholesale closet manufacturing to the Tampa Bay region.
The business owners did not originally plan to enter the industry. Instead, the opportunity emerged through a mentor who introduced them to the cabinet business through wholesaling. Over time, they discovered limitations in that model and decided to expand into manufacturing to gain greater creative and operational control.
Today, the owners take pride in transforming raw materials into high-quality finished products. “What excites me most about the manufacturing side of our business is the transformation process. Starting with a raw piece of wood and seeing what it can become is incredibly rewarding,” Ojeda explained. “We first visualize the project through renderings and then bring it to life using our equipment and machinery. Seeing the final product completed is truly amazing,” she added.
As they worked to grow their company, the owners turned to the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County for guidance. With support from business consultant, Janette Blanco, they explored new ideas and strategies to expand their services and streamline their operations.
“My Florida SBDC consultant, Janette Blanco, has been instrumental in our growth,” Ojeda said. “Since we began working with the SBDC, we have seen a clear difference in how our business operates. They helped us streamline our processes and focus on hiring the right personnel to support our expansion.”
Ojeda went on to explain how Blanco’s guidance led the business to implement technology and seek funding that ultimately benefits the company as well as their clients. “We are currently implementing AI tools to automate certain processes and improve efficiency in how we serve our clients. The SBDC has also helped us strengthen our financial position, allowing us to pursue the commercial contracts we have been working toward,” she added.
Through networking opportunities and strategic guidance, the company also achieved a major milestone — partnering with a local general contractor to secure a government contract for millwork and cabinetry at the Pat Frank Courthouse. “The SBDC has helped us achieve one of the main goals that we had, and Janette obviously, helped create this opportunity by partnering with a local general contractor, obtaining a government contract to do the millwork at the Pat Frank Courthouse. It was not only millwork, but it was also our standard cabinetry work. This was definitely new, but it was something that we wanted to get into and we were able to achieve that goal,” Ojeda said.
When asked what advice she would give to other small business owners, Ojeda said, “I always recommend the SBDC to other business owners. It is an excellent resource for anyone looking to grow their business, improve operations, and reach their goals. Their guidance can help you build the business you envision.”
Today, the business continues to grow with new opportunities, demonstrating how craftsmanship, vision, and expert guidance can transform a small business into a flourishing enterprise.
