As we near the end of the first quarter of 2017, I am still hearing mostly optimistic thoughts from people in the woodworking industry who I encounter daily. But I worry that too many take a passive approach to business, resigned to the ups and downs of an economy for which they have little control. That may be, but it still takes more than optimism to be successful.

If you google “Buffer Management” you will get a variety of results that focus mainly on buffers used to pad time for a task in project management or a deliberate amount time built into a project management timeline to facilitate nuances that might occur. That sounds a lot like waste to me, and it in no way captures the essence of this article and how you can employ buffer management to create continuous flow.

Recent trends seen at such venues as the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and the International Builder Show confirm an ongoing growth in premium European finishes for furniture, cabinets and other wood products. Those finishes range from ultra-high gloss to elegant satins. Capitalizing on the trend, Sherwin-Williams recently announced that it is offering Sayerlack brand finishes across the U.S.

Relationships between home builders and closets manufacturers results in a win-win situation for all. Angel Martin, Affordable Closets Plus, discusses how she developed a one-on-one relationship with a local custom builder.

We’ve hired leaders from outside our industry to give you a fresh perspective on running your closet business.

Editor: Your recent magazine cover (FDMC January 2017) showing two elephant tusks is incredibly irresponsible and only highlights how ignorant you and your staff are. Elephant populations are being wiped out and to display these tusks that only promote and further the desire to own ivory is so careless of you. I would expect better judgment as you must be educated and aware of this problem. Even if they are fake it is equally irresponsible. Do you not have any regard for these creatures? I hope you exercise better judgment going forward. Thanks.

Citing growth in sales and the potential for expanding into foreign markets, TigerStop has opened a new office in Mexico City

Customers can design their custom drawer inserts easily online.

Charter member Wood-Mode looks back on 62 years of industry evolution since joining the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.