FDMC Leadership Edition October 2017

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.

  A decorated veteran of the U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard with a background in I.T. and logistics, Elliot Germany’s first choice for a post-Army career was not in woodworking. “Having said that,” the president & CEO of Panel Specialists, Inc. (PSI) added, “I’m so glad it worked out this way and I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve been blessed with.”

  Starting in 2007 with Closet Tailors, Dan Tafoya and the visionary team behind parent company, Home Franchise Concepts, transformed and evolved the closet company into one of the most recognized brands in the whole home organization industry – Tailored Living.

“Where we focus, we succeed,” is the mantra of Kevin McCoy, president of National Office Furniture. And under his leadership, the contract furniture manufacturer has indeed flourished.

  A lifelong hockey fan, Kelly Shotbolt doesn’t just have ice in his veins, he’s got sawdust in his blood.

  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.

  Like his grandfather and father, John Gahm always wanted to be a woodworker. Dwight Gahm purchased Kitchen Kompact in 1955, and John’s father Walt, and uncles Gordy and Phil, joined after college. “I followed in their footsteps and began working at Kitchen Kompact after I graduated from college,” said John.

  A lot of components have fallen into place for Kathryn Constantine as the vice president of Brown Wood Inc. who continues to make her mark in the industry.

Since 2009, Woodworking Network has paid tribute to market leaders in the wood products industry that have made an impact — not only at their own companies, but also on the industry as a whole. Represented are persons from all segments of the secondary woodworking industry, including: residential furniture, contract/office furniture, cabinets, closets/home storage, store fixture, architectural woodwork, window and door, and wood components.

Winners of the 2017 Wood industry 40 Under 40 Award were announced by Woodworking Net work in the second annual listing of rising talent in the wood manufacturing industries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Here’s a quick recap of the top companies in each segment as detailed in the FDMC 300.

It was a simple concept: fresh ideas on materials and technology presented with flair and a dash of TEDx. So how did it go at the first Woodworking Network Leadership Forum?

Tips to grow your woodworking company’s business.