FDMC Leadership Issue October 2018

The Market Leaders are: Jeff De Lonay, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc.; Max Verkamp, Indiana Furniture; Ola Yoder, Kountry Wood Products; Gat Caperton, Gat Creek; Ralph Fehr, Elias Woodwork & Mfg. Ltd.; Ron Montbleau, Montbleau & Associates; and Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design.

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.”

 On Sept.

  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.

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.

  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.

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

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.

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

Targeted marketing, online promotions, design competitions and networking are just some of the ways the 2018 WOOD 100 companies keep business cooking when it comes to promoting their products and services.

Website optimization, online and 3D ordering systems, plus traditional marketing efforts are among the ways these WOOD 100 companies are keeping their name at the forefront of customers' minds.

Changes in corporate culture and workplace procedures, enhanced market areas, partnerships and product diversification are just a few of the ways in which these WOOD 100 firms grew sales and improved their long-term business prospects.

Lean manufacturing, new technology and training methods, and a dose of innovation are helping these woodworking manufacturers optimize productivity and grow their business.

New technology gives production a lift by reducing time, labor and improving quality – essential factors in helping these WOOD 100 firms finish first in their field.

Raise a toast to some of the strategies used by the 2018 WOOD 100 companies to develop innovative products.

Today's wood products manufacturers must work harder, smarter and faster than their competitors, while providing constant contact, consistent quality and added-value to wood products. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2018 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

The largest wood product manufacturers in North America are ranked by annual sales each year in the February issue of FDMC.