Read More Articles by Bill Esler

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Bill Esler
ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

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Woodworking Industry News

Lumber Liquidators Names Its Board Chair to CEO

Lumber Liquidators named John M. Presley its Chief Executive Officer. On the board 9 years, Presley helped steer Lumber Liquidators through controversies surrounding Lacey Act violations, and laminate flooring formaldehyde concerns stirred up by a 60 Minutes expose.The flooring company's stock price slid and sales fell dramatically this year.
By Bill Esler, November 4, 2015 | 9:41 pm CST

Furniture

Stanley Furniture Turns a Small Profit, Hits Production Snags

Stanley Furniture turned a small a profit third quarter as, largely a result of $4.9 million in CDSOA income, the antidumping duties collected from China and other foreign furniture producers deemed to have sold furniture below market prices. Disruptions in production slowed delivery of new adult residential furniture lines.
By Bill Esler, November 1, 2015 | 12:06 am CDT
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Architectural Products

Architectural Woodworkers Name Great Lakes Chapter of the Year 2015

SALT LAKE CITY - "AWI Chapters are an integral and vital part of the organization. Running a chapter is as difficult as running a business, and is the heart of our AWI membership,” said Scott Markwood in opening a Sept. 28 awards ceremony during the Architectural Woodworking Institute 63rd Annual Convention in Salt Lake City. Recognizing AWI chapters for their contributions to the architectural woodwork community and service locally to members, the Chapter of the Year Award goes to the top performing AWI member group.
By Bill Esler, October 30, 2015 | 12:31 pm CDT
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Show Us Your Shop

Greensboro Makerspace Names Executive Director

A woodworking and makers collective, The Forge, in Greensboro, NC, has named Joe Rotondi as its first executive director. He cooperative work center provides tools and machinery for 3D printing, rapid prototyping, woodworking, electronics and other fabrication activities.
By Bill Esler, October 28, 2015 | 9:38 pm CDT

Cabinets

Masco Cabinetry Sales Fall 5 Percent

Problems in sales of kitchen cabinetry and vanities followed Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS) into the third quarter, with sales in the category down 5 percent. The rest of Masco's home improvement categories brought operating profit growth and flat net sales in the third quarter of 2015.
By Bill Esler, October 28, 2015 | 9:27 am CDT

Project Gallery

CNC Machining Bicycles in Hickory and Ash

Mike Mahoney, founder of Savvy Cycles in Grand Junction, CO, says he worked for close to two years, designing, testing and perfecting the process of making a wood bicycle frame.
 
Mahoney has extensive experience in woodworking and 3D laminating from ten years of longboard skateboard manufacturing, seven years teaching woodworking, and thirteen years of furniture and cabinet making.
By Bill Esler, October 27, 2015 | 10:05 pm CDT