Richard founded Debrich Custom Joinery in 1994, specialising in High-End Residential fit outs.

Having a passion for construction, Richard left school to pursue a career in Custom Joinery. He completed an apprenticeship in Shopfitting and Detailed Joinery at North Sydney TAFE, graduating late 1988.

Following stints working through all aspects of Joinery construction, installation and Site Management for several leading joinery companies, Richard founded Debrich Custom Joinery in 1994, specialising in High-End Residential fit outs. Like most, he started small, evolving through the years, and now manages a team of 30 highly qualified professionals.

Recently provided the opportunity to join the ACFA Board in 2021, Richard remarks, “My dedication to training, supporting and mentoring the next generation of joiners drives my passion in representing the industry”.

Darren started his trade in 1996 as a Cabinetmaker Joiner. After completing his trade, he moved into factory foreman roles, then moved into production management before gaining experience in a general management role.

Darren became part of the sales team for a leading board manufacturing company before moving into management positions within that organisation. In 2015, Darren followed his passion of being a business owner and opened Craftmark; a wholesale supplier to the trade, supplying some of NSW’s leading kitchen companies, joiners and builders.

Darren has a Cert III in Carpentry Joinery, Cert IV in Building and Construction, Cert IV in Frontline management, and a Cert IV in Web-Based technologies. Darren is continually working on his personal development, and currently using business advisors to gain experience in the day-to-day running of business practices.

Darren is one of the board directors at ACFA, and has a strong passion for the industry with a focus on making a positive change. His passion is to ensure the future of our industry and secure a strong presence in the manufacturing sector for all cabinetmakers. Darren joined the Board so he could be part of the change and advocate strongly for our industry.

Darren owns and operates The Kitchen Maker, having started the company in 2004. Prior to that, he was involved in a family business within the Joinery industry since he completed High School Certificate in 1993.

Darren also owned Total Polyurethane, a polyurethane business, that he ran in conjunction with a business partner for six years. This business employed 2 apprentices and turned over $800,000 per annum.

The Kitchen Maker employed two apprentices that started in TKMs early formative years. One has been with the company 18 years and the other 14 years. The apprentice that started with Darren 18 years ago is now Project Manager and the other is Foreman. The Kitchen Maker currently employ 2 apprentices which are both enrolled with ACFA.

Darren is passionate about the industry. The plan is for The Kitchen Maker to employ more apprentices as Darren sees this as a way forward to strengthen business and industry while at the same time upskilling and fostering individual personal growth. Apprenticeships are unique in the sense the work is immediate for business, the upskilling takes place both theoretically and practically in real time and feedback on an individual’s performance is immediate. This is a sustainable business model and it is this unique approach that will help strengthen, build and keep manufacturing in Australia.

Darren is also very community minded and through my business, The Kitchen Maker, with Community Sponsorship which has helped Darren build a great network for the business through staff and clients. At a personal level, Darren has also been involved in sail-racing since the age of 10, competing all over the world and recently skippered his own boat across the Atlantic.

Robyn has had a long and successful career as a senior executive at Borg Manufacturing.

An accountant by trade, she has overseen the expansion of Borg as it has developed into a major national building products manufacturer and is now involved with the development of other business interests in the Borg Group.

Robyn brings a wealth of experience in board management, project and financial management, risk control, process improvement and organisational development.

Robyn joined the ACFA board in 2015 to promote the industry and ensure we have a voice in the changing regulatory environment, as well as helping to steer appropriate training for our sector.

In July 2019, Robyn joined the board of First Super; a role where her leadership skills, financial acumen and commercial experience can further support the industry by ensuring the retirement savings of all First Super members are governed well.

Robyn holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), a Diploma of Management, and is also a Graduate of Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (Adv).

With over 36 years of experience in the industry, Nino Strangio, is an accomplished Tradesman, Managing Director and Business Owner of Betta Style Kitchens & Joinery Pty Ltd.

Nino’s career began as an apprentice in Shopfitting and Detailed Joinery but his passion, determination and commitment to the industry enabled him to successfully complete several more qualifications:  Certificate III in Carpentry, Corian Master Craftsman, KBLR – Kitchen and Bathroom Renovator, Certificate IV in Building and Construction.

A successful Business Owner in his own right, he is an inspiration to the next generation of tradesmen who he mentors. Nino’s strong leadership, analytical skills, initiative and self-motivation have been paramount for all his achievements and success.

In recent times Nino has become part of the ACFA Board of Directors: “Representing the industry is a great honour and a great responsibility but I am up for the task and delighted to undertake these duties”

Frank Iaria is a highly experienced and well-respected professional in the renovation and building industry. As the Design Director and Founder of the Mint Kitchen Group, Frank is dedicated to providing his clients with the highest quality design and renovation services. With over three decades of experience in the industry, Frank has a wealth of knowledge and skills and is widely recognised for his expertise and commitment to quality.

Frank is a registered builder, authorised to carry out building work in Victoria, Australia, and a certified kitchen designer, demonstrating his expertise in kitchen design. Under his leadership, the Mint Kitchen Group has established a reputation for quality and excellence and has received numerous awards for its exceptional work and high-quality design and installation services.
Frank’s passion for design and renovation, combined with his creative vision and innovative ideas, makes him a valuable asset to the Mint Kitchen Group and its clients. His ability to turn clients’ design dreams into reality, combined with his commitment to customer satisfaction, has helped to establish the Mint Kitchen Group as one of the most trusted and respected renovation companies in Melbourne.

With a team of experienced and highly skilled designers, craftsmen, and tradespeople, the Mint Kitchen Group is well-equipped to handle projects of all sizes and complexities, and is dedicated to delivering the highest quality renovation solutions for its clients. Under Frank’s leadership, the company continues to set the bar for quality and innovation in the renovation and building industry.

Frank was part of the strategic merger of the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association with the Kitchen Bathroom Designers Institute, and is a currently serving board member.

Sandy is the Director and Owner of Planit Cutting Edge Solutions, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong track record of leadership in the manufacturing technology and software sector. With an understanding of CAD/CAM systems and a strategic mindset, Sandy plays a key role in guiding the Company’s direction, fostering innovation, and ensuring exceptional customer experiences.

Sandy leads with a focus on building meaningful partnerships across the industry and with customers, while driving innovative, future-focused strategies. What sets Sandy apart is her down-to-earth approach. She knows how to connect with clients, understand their needs, and deliver solutions that actually make a difference.

At Planit, she leads cross-functional teams and drives initiatives that align cutting-edge technology with practical business needs. Sandy is also a strong advocate for continuous improvement and professional development within the organisation, contributing to a culture of excellence and innovation.

Chris Chmielowiec, the son of a cabinetmaker and an interior designer, has been deeply immersed in the bespoke joinery industry for much of his life. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Chris moved to Sydney in 2014, bringing his specialized joinery expertise to the Australian market. Now based in the Northern Beaches, he views joinery as an art form that demands precision, craftsmanship, and perfection.

In 2021, Chris launched his company, Interspec, specializing in high-quality joinery projects, with a focus on the residential market. At Interspec, Chris emphasizes collaboration with skilled artisans to create timeless and beautiful interiors. By utilizing cutting-edge machinery, advanced software, and lean manufacturing practices, his meticulous approach ensures seamless execution and flawless results. This combination of craftsmanship and innovation has been key to Interspec’s success.

Chris is passionate about the joinery industry and is dedicated to advancing its growth and excellence. As a Board Member of ACFA, he brings his wealth of experience, innovative mindset, and commitment to fostering collaboration and sustainability within the trade. His vision is to support the development of the industry while maintaining the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Ben Lamont completed his Cabinetmaking apprenticeship in 1999 and, alongside his wife, launched a successful business in Casino in 2001. Over the years, their business has grown significantly, relocating to Lismore into a purpose-built factory that now employs 12 full-time staff.

With extensive knowledge of the joinery industry, Ben’s business specializes in manufacturing and installing cabinetry, solid surfaces, and solid timber windows, doors, and stairs. Their diverse projects include renovations, new homes, private and government education buildings, healthcare infrastructure, and aged care facilities.

Having navigated significant industry challenges, including the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Ben is deeply aware of the vulnerabilities facing the sector. He is passionate about addressing key issues such as trade shortages, operator burnout, and the increasing complexity of manufacturing and logistics. He is also committed to advocating for better governance practices to help businesses thrive and prevent industry dissolution.

Ben’s goal as an ACFA Board Member is to support businesses in overcoming these challenges, foster a sustainable and resilient industry, and develop strategies to attract and retain a skilled workforce. His experience and dedication make him an invaluable member of the ACFA Board.

Mohammad Khanbashi holds an Advanced Diploma of Architecture and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management, bringing over a decade of expertise across multiple sectors to the joinery and shopfitting industry. As the Director of Indetail, a company he founded in 2010, Mohammad has successfully delivered a diverse portfolio of projects in hospitality, commercial construction, and interior fit-outs, working in both subcontractor and head contractor roles.

Since becoming a licensed commercial builder in 2019, Mohammad has reinforced his commitment to providing integrated design, project management, and construction solutions. His leadership at Indetail is driven by a focus on quality craftsmanship, innovative approaches, and collaboration across all aspects of a project.

An active member of the joinery and shopfitting community, Mohammad is passionate about advancing industry standards and practices. As a Board Member of ACFA, he brings his extensive experience and dedication to fostering innovation, promoting craftsmanship, and supporting the sustainable growth of the industry. His goal is to help strengthen the industry’s future while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and excellence.