SAN JOSE, Calif. - Woodworking Network will recognize the latest recipients of its annual Market Leader Award during a luncheon at the Executive Briefing Conference in San Jose, California.
2018 Market Leader winner Ron Montbleau, Montbleau & Assoc., will be honored during an April 16 luncheon taking place during EBC 2019, at the San Jose Marriott. He is among seven honorees from 2018. In addition to Montbleau, other Market Leaders from previous years who are in attendance at EBC 2019 will be recognized at the luncheon, in a program moderated by Laurel Didier, Director of Custom Media and Publisher of Closets & Organized Storage magazine at Woodworking Network.
To be the best is a goal that’s driven Montbleau throughout his woodworking career. Under his leadership, the architectural woodwork firm has thrived, with activity increasing fourfold during the past few years. Montbleau & Associates also has built a factory in Mexico, expanded the facility in San Diego, plus invested millions in technology.
Shop floor at Montbleau San Diego
Montbleau began his woodworking career as a furniture maker, then moved to high-end custom homes and office interiors, and finally 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.
Founded in 1980, the company produced residential furniture before moving into architectural casework and millwork, including reception furniture and boardrooms for corporate office interiors of clients that include Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon. Hospitality and healthcare are now taking over half of the company’s current focus.
“Four years ago, we were doing $20 million a year," says Montbleau. "This past year, we did $70 million, and we’re looking at a goal of $80 million to $90 million in 2019.”
A project for Amazon at Montbleau
As the company looks to expand its market reach, Montbleau said, “My goal is to continue growing the company and to build a culture and team that will thrive and last long beyond my tenure.”
Also thriving at the company is a culture of caring. Montbleau and the firm are involved in a number of community and charitable endeavors on the local as well as national level, including the North of Boston Cancer Resource, a foundation created by his sister. “I like to be involved in charities where I know where the money is going and helping people.”
The Market Leaders represents an elite group of North American wood industry professionals that is recognized for successfully meeting competitive and economic challenges at their companies. Many of them are listed in the FDMC 300.
Ron Montbleau on the shop floor with Ron Johnson
Market Leader Awards also recognize efforts beyond the realm of businesses, and include working for the betterment of their industries and communities, through volunteer efforts, philanthropic endeavors, or in creating jobs for those struggling to find employment.
The Wood Industry Market Leaders is an audience recognition program, and the selection of the honorees is done by the editors of Woodworking Network based on input from industry associations, editorial recommendations and submitted nominations. The next call for nominations is June 2019: Those interested in submitting nominations are asked to contact Karen Koenig at karen.koenig@woodworkingnetwork.com.
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