To be the best. It’s a goal that’s driven Ron Montbleau throughout his woodworking career, first as a furniture maker, then to high-end custom homes and office interiors, to his current role as CEO of Montbleau & Associates, the California-based architectural woodwork firm that’s making a name for itself in the national arena.

A structural engineer, Ralph Fehr’s involvement in the woodworking industry came at the behest of his brother and a friend, who had purchased a small business. Fehr began helping with equipment-related projects, before soon joining as a partner.

 On Sept.

Jeff De Lonay’s extensive woodworking experience and leadership abilities have helped Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc. adapt to a changing marketplace and continue to be successful.

  Max Verkamp recalls the advice a customer once gave him: “You and your company can differentiate yourselves from your competition when something goes wrong, which will occur at some point.”

Celebrity closet designer and author of the Closet Design Bible, Lisa Adams has put a public spotlight on the field of home organization.

  Gat Caperton’s business philosophy can be summed up in three simple words:  Fast, flexible and simple.  “This is something that’s far easier to say than to execute.  Still, we remind ourselves of this mantra regularly.  When achieved, it’s powerful and fun,” said the president and CEO of the residential furniture maker.

Watch woodworker and YouTuber Jim Overton turn and carve of jack-o-lantern from a wet Yew log.

Milgard Windows & Doors, a Masco-owned manufacturer of wood and vinyl windows and patio doors, partnered with a Hawaii building firm to quickly manufacture 200 windows for a micro-shelter project.

New owners reset the program for venerable incubator of inspired management ideas. 2019 dates: April 14-16, in San Jose, California.