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Karen Koenig
Editor

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].

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Farooq Kathwari, Ethan Allen Interiors

A fortuitous meeting started Farooq Kathwari on the path to becoming the chairman, president and CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors – and turned the Kashmir-born man into a true American success story. Under Kathwari’s leadership, Ethan Allen has become a top producer of residential furnishings, with nine manufacturing facilities, including six U.S. production facilities and a sawmill, plus plants in Mexico and Honduras.

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Todd Wegman, Stevens Industries

Teamwork: It’s what drives not only Stevens Industries President Todd Wegman, but is the very essence of the employee-owned, multi-million dollar panel laminator, commercial casework and millwork manufacturer, and private label manufacturer. Under his leadership, he has created at Stevens a culture that drives entrepreneurialism.

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Sylvain Garneau, Groupe Lacasse

Opportunity led Sylvain Garneau to join Groupe Lacasse. A passion for woodworking is what has kept him there. Under Garneau’s leadership, Groupe Lacasse has continued to be proactive with regards to productivity, diversification and in particular, creativity. It has been recognized for its achievements, including several “Best of NeoCon” awards.

Furniture

TV star & celebrity photographer Nigel Barker launches furniture line for Art Van

It's got all the makings of a picture-perfect business relationship. Internationally famous fashion photographer and reality TV personality Nigel Barker has paired with America's largest independent furniture retailer on a new collection of residential furnishings. The Nigel Barker Collection, which includes living room, dining room and bedroom furniture, debuts Oct. 1.