Read More Articles by Bill Esler

Profile picture for user billesler
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.

Coal-Pulverized.jpg

Woodworking Industry News

Puffed Wood Pellets Hold Promise for Coal Power Plant Conversions

A Michigan firm says it will bring to market a biomass conversion process that transforms wood waste and other vegetation into material that burns well with coal. Developed by Biomass Energy Enhancements, the new process overcomes limitations of standard pelleting wood and thermal drying, with can leave polluting toxic salts and energy-dampening moisture in the biomass.
By Bill Esler, September 16, 2015 | 9:57 am CDT
Urban-Wood-Furnishingsc.jpg

Management

Etsy Invites Manufacturers to Supply Its Sellers

Etsy is opening Etsy Manufactruring, a marketplace for its online sellers to find and connect directly with manufacturers. The move is a departure from its individual crafter-sales model. Etsy says it will launch later this year, with wholesale manufacturers restricted to the U.S. and Canada supplying four categories of its online merchants: apparel and textiles, machining and fabrication, printing, and jewelry and metalwork.
By Bill Esler, September 14, 2015 | 10:52 pm CDT

Management

A New Woodworking Academy Headed to National Prominence

The Peyton, CO School District has taken the first step to creating a woodworking program that will become national in scale. That first step was the opening of a dedicated woodworking school in Peyton, CO on the site of a former middle school campus. Enrollment in the current academic year is expected to reach 60 students. For the 2016-2017 school year, 120 students are expected.
By Bill Esler, September 14, 2015 | 4:31 pm CDT