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.

AWFS News

AWFS Fair 2015 Names Visionary Award Finalists

AWFS Fair has announced the 2015 Visionary Awards finalists: 25 products from 23 companies will judged in seven categories: Environmental, Ergonomics, Safety, Plastics Supply and Technology, Innovative Technology and Productivity. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony Friday, July 25, at 9:15 a.m. on the AWFS Fair Stage.
By Bill Esler, July 16, 2015 | 11:44 am CDT
Vexor, custom cutting tools

AWFS News

Vexor Custom Cutting Tools Makes AWFS Fair Debut in Las Vegas

Vexor Custom Woodworking Tools will exhibit for the first time at the 2015 AWFS Fair woodworking show. Vexor will show its custom cutting tool capabilities, and new corporate branding at AWFS, running July 22 – 25 in Las Vegas. Vexor (Booth #9146) will join hundreds of the nation's most popular woodworking tool manufacturers at one of the largest industry gatherings in the world.
By Bill Esler, July 15, 2015 | 4:46 pm CDT
Ashley Furniture

Woodworking Industry News

Ashley Furniture Nixes Sale, Moves Ahead in e-Commerce

Ashley Furniture, which said Monday it is ending exploration of a sale of its business, continues with its expansion into e-commerce. A new Tampa, FL campus for its Ashcomm LLC online subsidiary is expected to house more than 100 employees by the end of the year. Closely-held and controlled by the Wanek family, Ashley Furniture, Arcadia, WI, did an estimated $4 billion in revenue in 2014, and manufactures in the U.S., Viet Nam, and China.
By Bill Esler, July 14, 2015 | 3:09 pm CDT
Simon Spykerman, Tigerstop

Woodworking Industry News

TigerStop Names Simon Spykerman to Director of Marketing

TigerStop named Simon Spykerman as Director of Marketing. Spykerman was most recently head of SpykerMedia, creating and executing digital strategies for a broad client base which included Smith-Root, Adventist Health, Clark College and Clark Public Utilities. British-born Spykerman will focus on TigerStop’s marketing and information assets efforts in the digital landscape.
By Bill Esler, July 14, 2015 | 1:55 pm CDT