We recently had the chance to connect with Michael Glaser and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning from my boys—my 11-year-old and my 7-year-old. Their natural curiosity is a daily reminder to slow down, notice the little things, and ask questions with a fresh perspective. Kids don’t look at the world through the lens of limitations—they look at it with wonder, creativity, and possibility. That mindset inspires me, both as a father and as a business owner.
My boys remind me that there’s always something new to discover if you keep your eyes open and your mind willing to learn.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michael Glaser, and I’m the owner of Nashville Modern Cabinetry. We specialize in high-end European cabinetry, with a focus on clean lines, innovative functionality, and a design aesthetic that makes every space feel both sophisticated and personal. For us, cabinetry isn’t just storage—it’s an art form that can transform a home.
I grew up in Ojai, California, a small artist town where creativity and craftsmanship were part of everyday life. Later, I spent over a decade in Chicago, a city that taught me to appreciate bold architecture and modern design. Those two experiences—Ojai’s artistic roots and Chicago’s architectural energy—heavily influence the work I do today.
At Nashville Modern Cabinetry, our goal is to create spaces that feel elevated yet livable. We collaborate with homeowners, builders, and architects who want something truly custom, something that reflects not just a trend but a lifestyle. Right now, we’re excited about pushing the boundaries with new materials and design concepts that bring a fresh, European sensibility to homes here in Nashville.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks bonds most often is a lack of presence—when we stop listening, stop showing up, or let pride get in the way of understanding. Miscommunication and unmet expectations can create distance, but underneath it all, it usually comes down to not making the effort to truly connect.
What restores those bonds, in my experience, is humility and honesty. Taking the time to really listen, to admit when you’re wrong, and to see the other person’s perspective with compassion—that’s what rebuilds trust. Whether it’s in family, friendships, or business, bonds are strengthened when people choose empathy over ego and action over words.
For me, both as a father and a business owner, I’ve learned that consistency matters. Being there—day after day, conversation after conversation—is what keeps relationships whole and helps repair them when they’ve been strained.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I call it “suffering well.” To me, that means refusing to let hardship steal your joy. Life will knock you down—that’s guaranteed—but there’s happiness to be found even in the middle of the struggle if you choose to look for it. Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” has always been my reminder: you’re going to get knocked around, but the measure of a person is in how they rise again.
Suffering well taught me resilience, perspective, and the discipline to never give up. It showed me that growth isn’t just about chasing success—it’s about finding meaning in the process, even when it hurts. That mindset shapes how I raise my boys and how I run my business: with consistency, presence, and the belief that beauty can be built out of brokenness.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
For me, the difference comes down to substance versus noise. I try to stay away from Instagram “trends” or speculative ideas that builders and designers push just because they’re flashy in the moment. Fads come and go—but real design should feel timeless.
Foundational shifts, on the other hand, usually happen when something truly changes how we live in a space. More often than not, that comes when new types of appliances enter the market—integrated refrigeration, induction cooking, steam ovens, or smart technology. Those kinds of innovations actually impact the way people use their kitchens and homes every single day.
That’s why I focus on collaboration over chasing what’s popular. I sit down with clients, make adjustments with them in real time, and work side by side to design cabinetry and layouts that respond to those real lifestyle shifts. That process keeps the work grounded in what’s lasting rather than what’s loud.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
In business, I hope people say that I genuinely cared about their needs. Not just that I built beautiful cabinetry, but that I listened—to their vision, their lifestyle, and the details that mattered to them. I want to be remembered as someone who wasn’t chasing volume or trends, but who took the time to create something meaningful and lasting for each client.
At the end of the day, the story I’d want told isn’t about the projects themselves—it’s about the relationships behind them. That I approached my work with honesty, creativity, and a commitment to helping people feel at home in their spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.NashvilleModernCabinetry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillemoderncabinetry?igsh=bnM3ZmF3b2Uwbjlw&utm_source=qr
- Other: 615-578-4247
M@finaldesigner.com
