EJ’s Discount offers alternatives in countertops, cabinets and appliances

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
READY FOR BUSINESS — Jim Cray, owner of EJ’s Discount, is ready to help homeowners with their kitchen and bathroom renovation projects. He specializes in cabinets, countertops and also offers appliances. EJ’s Discount is located on the North Road, in the former MACS Trading Post location.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    EJ’s Discount on North Road in Houlton, at the former MACS Trading Post location adjacent to the Horn of Plenty, is open for business.
    EJ’s Discount offers cabinets, countertops and appliances.
    “I am new to town,” said owner Jim Cray. “My prices are going to be good and I am going to do everything in my power and ability to help those who come through the doors.”
    Cray began working in the industry in 1965 for Rathbun Lumber Company in Presque Isle and has been in and out of the business. He spent 14 years in the mental health field, eight of those with the Bureau of Mental Retardation, leaving to work for the Aroostook Mental Health Center in Caribou.
    Cray worked at Haney’s Building Specialties in Caribou and as road salesman for Aroostook Solid Surface before retirement two years ago.
    With unexpected financial pressures, Cray needed to go back to work and decided to open his own business.
    “I am not here to beat anyone,” he said. “I am here to offer a fair product for a fair price. My target is low to middle income people. Aroostook County is a poor county and the income level is down. So, I searched and found an unbelievable product.”
    Cray will carry two lines of cabinets through JSI Cabinets in Falls River, Mass. The entry level is called the Craftsman Series, followed by the Designers Series.
    “These cabinets are all plywood, with no chipboard, not even the shelves,” he explained. “I was impressed with that.”
    The Craftsman Series only has six door designs and is color and design specific.
    “You can’t mix and match,” Cray added. “For example, the raised panel only comes in oak, no other colors. So, it is limited to what you can pick.”
    But, the Designers Series is an upper scale set and according to Cray, he saw a 10-by-10-foot raised panel oak cabinet design advertised for around $3,500.
    “I can do that same size kitchen with a sink and faucet for $2,995,” he said. “So, there are some huge savings.”
    Both cabinet series have upgrades available, including dovetail drawers and soft-close action, for a nominal fee. The Designers Series cabinets are installed with dovetail drawers, with the exception of two in the family. But, they can be upgraded, as well.
    On the display floor, Cray also has large vanities set up in both cabinet series, too.
    “I designed them specifically to show what a customer can do with the cabinets,” he said.
    Cray will stay with basic lumber such as oak, maple, red birch and basswood. He does advise customers that humidity will affect the cabinets.
    Another option available to customers is counter top material from laminate like Formica and Wilsonart  to solid surfaces such as Affinity and Corian to the stone family of granites, soapstone and quartz.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
ON SITE — Jim Cray, owner of EJ’s Discount, stands in the kitchen showroom of his new Houlton business.
    “The solid surface, stone counter tops have to be templated,” Cray explained. “The fabricator comes to the home, lays out the template and then goes back to the shop. Most places it takes a turnaround of 10 to 15 days, but I will try to do it in seven.”
    Outside of EJ’s Discount are granite slabs on display, and inside, there are laminate counter tops, which can be bought on site and taken home.
    “If cutting, capping or anything special has to be done,” Cray said, “the customer takes the counter top to my fabricator in Easton. They will bring the counter top back the same day, but I have to arrange [a time] and charge for it.”
    But what brings a display of cabinets together with a finished look? The appliances.
    “I needed an appliance line to go with my cabinets,” said Cray. “They are only enhanced by the accessories you put with them.”
    Cray will deal in Whirlpool products since he has had good luck with the company, whose brands include Amana, Kitchen Aide, Estate and Maytag.
    “I am not going to have what everyone likes here,” said Cray, “but, I am here and I will have appliances available. I want to bring in laundry equipment, extra stoves and refrigerators.”
    The drawback comes in freight when Cray has to order in just one piece of equipment.
    “I need to order a minimum number of pieces to save everyone on shipping,” he added. “I have eight pieces here now and an extra upper level dishwasher.”
    EJ’s Discount is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, Cray who lives in Washburn, will stay open for special appointments.
    “I am experienced in the business and I am learning the design program for kitchens,” he said. “Once I am proficient, standard kitchen designs will be very easy.”
    EJ’s Discount does not offer in-house financing on items and when a customer purchases a product, 50 percent is due at the time of order and balance due upon delivery or pickup.
    Cray will offer installation on cabinets.
    “If I mess up on an order, I assume responsibility,” he said. “If it is an issue with the cabinet company, I will do the best I can for the customer.”
    Though new to the town, Cray has already met a few people and has made one sale in the two weeks he has been here.
    “I am here for the business,” he said. “As a person who is here to deal with the public, I am going to do everything I can do to make their experience with me memorable — on the positive not the negative. I want them to save money. I want them to know I am an honest person. I don’t believe in leading someone down the road just to make a buck. I want to accommodate as much as possible.”
    To talk with Cray call 532-7773.