Author Works | Woodworking Network

Read More Articles by Karen Koenig

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Keith Morgan, Bespoke

Keith Morgan is renowned for his artistic creativity. So it’s surprising that Morgan, owner of luxury woodworking firm Bespoke, initially sought a much different career.

“My original career was going to be in maritime business law. However, it was not the creative endeavor I thought it would be,” he said.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 23, 2019 | 3:39 pm CDT

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Tom Happ, Closet Works

You could say organization is a key component to Tom Happ’s business success. The president of Closet Works, Happ has helped grow the Chicagoland manufacturer into one of the region’s largest providers of closets and custom organization solutions.

By Karen M. Koenig, October 23, 2019 | 3:33 pm CDT

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Jimmy Thornberry, Powell Valley Millwork

An inspirational business leader and president of Powell Valley Millwork, Jimmy Thornberry represents the second of a three-generation family business that incorporates innovative management and production processes in the manufacture of poplar moulding and millwork.

Prior to entering the woodworking indus

By Karen M. Koenig, October 23, 2019 | 3:15 pm CDT

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Caroline Castrucci, Laurysen Kitchens

A well-known advocate for the cabinet industry, Caroline Castrucci got her start at a young age working in the family-owned Laurysen Kitchens, founded by her father John Laurysen in 1970.

“My father also got us involved at an early age in a number of industry associations, including Home Builders and the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Associat

By Karen M. Koenig, October 23, 2019 | 3:11 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

22 business blueprints: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Changes in workplace procedures, market area growth, acquisitions and expansions are just a few of the ways these WOOD 100 firms grew sales and improved their long-term business prospects. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2019 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 23, 2019 | 11:14 am CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

22 ideas to improve customer service: WOOD 100 Strategies for Succcess

Today's wood products manufacturers must work faster, harder, and smarter than their competitors while providing service, quality and added-value to the wood products. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2019 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 23, 2019 | 10:32 am CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

12 tips to market your company: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Member programs, targeted marketing, online ordering and promotions, social media and increased networking opportunities are just some of the ways the 2019 WOOD 100 companies keep their names and brands at the forefront of customers' minds. This year's WOOD 100 class includes cabinetry and closet manufacturers, 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 23, 2019 | 9:42 am CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

11 product ideas to grow sales: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

New product innovations are opening doors to more business for these 2019 WOOD 100 companies. 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 22, 2019 | 4:47 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

22 tips to enhance production: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Lean manufacturing, training, new technology and some innovation are helping these woodworking manufacturers increase production while improving quality and efficiency. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2019 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 22, 2019 | 3:56 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

11 ways technology improves profits: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

New technology helps these WOOD 100 companies finish first by reducing time, labor and improving quality. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2019 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 22, 2019 | 3:21 pm CDT