FDMC October 2020

Despite the constraints brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, this elite group of individuals have ensured their companies are positioned to meet the competitive and economic challenges faced in their respective industries.

The president and CEO of Bestar-Bush, Michael Evans’ business mantra is simple and succinct: Behave in a manner that is open, honest and direct. “This pertains to all the stakeholders in our business, our people, our customers, and our suppliers.”

A forward thinker, Andrew Campbell has led  New Jersey-based Eastern Millwork Inc. to its high level of success by leveraging design innovation, automation, technology and lean manufacturing, plus an aggressive information management system, to fulfill projects that require large volumes of material on tight and shifting schedules.

Putting people first is the mantra of Kent Bowie, Metrie president and CEO, and under his leadership North America’s largest moulding producer is doing just that.

John Bray, CEO of Vanguard Furniture, has dedicated more than half his life to the industry. In recognition of his achievements, he received the American Home Furnishings Alliance Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame in 2016.

In business, people often talk about a “white knight,” meaning someone who swoops in at the last minute to rescue a struggling or failing company. Bill French is the white knight who rescued Wood-Mode in 2019 after its long-time ownership suddenly shut the doors.

 A “perfect fit” is how Wendy Scott described her career in the

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.

Targeted marketing, online ordering and promotions, celebrity spokespeople, social media and increased networking opportunities are just some of the ways these 10 WOOD 100 companies keep their names and brands at the forefront of customers' minds.

Acquisitions, expansions, new markets and changes in workplace procedures, are just a few of the ways these 34 WOOD 100 firms grew sales and improved their long-term business prospects.

Lean manufacturing, training, new technology and a dash of ingenuity is helping these woodworking manufacturers increase production while improving quality and efficiency.

Adding technology can help woodworking companies reduce their turnaround time and labor while improving product quality. What follows are some of the machinery and supply investments put in place by the 2020 WOOD 100 class.

New product innovations are raising the bar and opening doors to more business for this year's WOOD 100 companies.

Now more than ever, wood products manufacturers must work faster and smarter than their competitors while providing customer service, quality and added-value to the wood products. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the WOOD 100.

Q. Where does hardwood lumber come from? How can I lower lumber prices?

Fixing mistakes before they happen can double your net profit.