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.

Moko-Shamalsq.jpg

Architectural Products

Moko Interiors Sculpts Vertical Veneer Panels

Moko Interior, based in Budapest, Hungary, says it produces handcrafted luxury wooden wall panels that form dramatic additions to hotel lobbies, apartments and offices. Moko vertical sculpture gives designers and architects an opportunity to create a unique ambiance in their projects.
By Bill Esler, June 8, 2015 | 6:04 pm CDT
Paul Downs Cabinetmaker,

Video

Paul Downs Cabinetmaker Shop Tour

If you are interested in seeing all of this first hand, please call us to arrange a tour.  We are very proud of our facility and our workers and love to show them off.  The tour generally takes about 45 minutes, and covers all phases of the operation:  design, manufacturing, finishing, and shipping. If you’ve never seen a modern workshop, you will be amazed at how we integrate advanced technology with traditional hand skills.
By Paul Downs, June 7, 2015 | 2:09 pm CDT
Paul Downs Cabinetmakers, Paul Downs

Management

Paul Downs, Cabinet Maker, Is Also Business Media Star

Paul Downs, cabinetmaker, has risen to fame as a New York Times columnist. With thousands of followers, Downs details the development of his small furniture business and the challenges he has faced along the way.Now he is publishing a summary of what he has learned, and shared, in Boss Life, an inside look at what it’s like to run a small woodworking business. Downs, whose specialty is conference tables, takes a very practical approach to business management and operational challenges - approaching his business as he does any woodworking project. 
By Bill Esler, June 7, 2015 | 1:28 pm CDT
State-Graphic-Wages.JPG

Management

Payrolls Due for an Uptick in Wood Industry

The woodworking industry can expect to pay more for workers. And so can every industry. Wages are expected to rise 2.3 percent this year.The rising employment figures are one reason - 280,000 jobs were created last month. So competition for workers is increasing. And just as demand for lumber raises its price per board foot, demand for labor drives up the hourly rates - since supply is finite.
By Bill Esler, June 6, 2015 | 10:00 pm CDT

Woodworking Industry News

TV Woodworker Nick Offerman Hails Grads of North Bennet St. School

BOSTON -  One of the top U.S. woodworking and craftsman schools had a surprising guest speaker for its graduation last week. Television personality Nick Offerman. While famed for his role as Ron Swanson, shop program director in "Parks & Recreation" show, Offerman is much loved by woodworkers who know him as the owner of Offerman Woodshop, a  real woodworking enterprise in Los Angeles.
By Bill Esler, June 4, 2015 | 7:02 am CDT
1st-West-John-Wagner.gif

Woodworking Industry News

1stWEST Mergers & Acquisitions Moves Into Lumber & Building Materials

EVERGREEN, CO - 1stWEST Mergers & Acquisitions says its has expanded its footprint in the lumber and building materials sector with the appointment of a  John D. Wagner as a Managing Director, according to Ted Rieple, founder.“The lumber and building materials sector has seen an impressive number of merger and acquisition transactions, as the housing industry continues its recovery. JJohn will use his extensive contacts to raise awareness of 1stWEST M&A for buyers and sellers.” 
By Bill Esler, June 3, 2015 | 10:19 pm CDT