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Read More Articles by Karen Koenig

Karen M. Koenig has more than 35 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As senior editor, her responsibilities include writing and editing for Woodworking Network publications FDMC Magazine and Closets & Organized Storage Magazine, as well as the website. She also oversees many of Woodworking Network's special projects and programs, including Red Book: Resource Guide for Best Practice, FDMC 300, 40 Under 40, and the Wood Industry Market Leaders. She can be reached at [email protected].

Woodworking Industry News

Kimball Hospitality to acquire D'style furnishings

Kimball Hospitality announced plans to acquire furnishings supplier D’style Inc. and its subsidiary Allan Copley Designs for $20 million.

By Karen M. Koenig, November 2, 2017 | 10:09 am CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

5 Ideas to market your business: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Working with celebrity designers, giveaways and expanded showrooms are just some of the ways the 2017 WOOD 100 companies are spreading the word about their products and services. This year's class includes residential and office furniture producers, cabinet and casework manufacturers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 4:15 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

5 Ways to attract customers: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Online promotions as well as traditional marketing efforts are among the ways these WOOD 100 companies are keeping their name at the forefront of customers' minds. This year's class includes cabinet and casework manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 4:10 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

23 Successful business strategies: WOOD 100

A corporate culture, product diversification, networking and acquisitions are just a few of the ways in which these WOOD 100 firms grew their profits. Also offering advanced training and empowering employees helps ensure a stable, and happy, workforce. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 4:00 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

22 Tips to improve woodworking productivity: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

These woodworking manufacturers are at the top when it comes to optimizing productivity. In addition to lean manufacturing, new technology and training methods, a successful strategy requires a commitment by all employees to the process. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 3:37 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

29 Ways woodworking technology helps grow business: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

New technology helps keep production rolling by reducing time, labor and improving quality – and essential factors in helping these WOOD 100 firms finish first in their field. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 3:07 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

10 Strategies for creating hot products: WOOD 100

Check out some of the strategies used by the 2017 WOOD 100 companies to develop innovative products. This year's class includes cabinet and casework manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 2:45 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

6 Service strategies for obtaining & retaining customers: WOOD 100

Good customer service is a vital component to success. Today's wood products manufacturers must also work harder, smarter and faster than their competitors. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 26, 2017 | 2:29 pm CDT

Market Leaders

Meet the 2017 Wood Industry Market Leaders

Meet the elite - the 2017 Wood Industry Market Leaders. They are: Elliot Germany, Panel Specialists Inc.; Kevin McCoy, National Office Furniture; Dan Tafoya, Tailored Living; Kelly Shotbolt, Arauco North America; Dave Bashor, Flexsteel Industries Inc.; John Gahm, Kitchen Kompact; and Kathryn Constantine, Brown Wood Inc.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 23, 2017 | 12:42 pm CDT

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Dave Bashor, Flexsteel Industries Inc.

The furniture industry wasn’t necessarily the first, or even second, career choice for Dave Bashor, who early on aspired to be an architect, and later enrolled in the police academy. But for Bashor, it would prove to be the best choice.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 23, 2017 | 12:15 pm CDT