FDMC October 2025 - Leadership Issue

Meet the 2025 Wood Industry Market Leaders, a group of elite individuals who are not just helping their companies and brands survive, but thrive, all while navigating economic, labor, tariffs, and other issues impacting today’s top producers. They are (pictured top, left to right): Todd Wanek, Ashley Furniture Industries; Joel Epstein, Fabuwood; Andy Rosenband, Morgan Li; Jonathan Rosenband, Morgan Li; Randy Tallman, The Stow Company; Kristine Cox, Rowland Woodworking Inc.; and Brian Dougherty, ClosetMaid

Recognized in 2025 as a Wood Industry Market Leader, Todd Wanek is president and CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries. Under his leadership, the world’s largest residential furniture manufacturer (FDMC 300 #1) has become even bigger and better. Todd is also recognized for his, and the company's, philanthropic efforts.

Joel Epstein, founder & CEO, Fabuwood. leads one of the fastest-growing privately owned cabinet firms. The company is ranked #37 on the FDMC 300. Joel is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts.

Recognized in 2025 as Wood Industry Market Leaders , Andy Rosenband, CEO, and Jonathan Rosenband, president of Morgan Li, spearheaded the rebirth of the contract furniture and retail fixture maker after it was destroyed in a devastating fire. They are also recognized for their philanthropic efforts.

Recognized in 2025 as a Wood Industry Market Leader, Randy Tallman is executive vice president and COO at The Stow Company, one of the largest and most recognized closet and home organization firms. Randy is also recognized for his work in advancing the panel products and closets industries.

Recognized in 2025 as a Wood Industry Market Leader, Kristine Cox is vice president of Administration, Rowland Woodworking Inc., a well-known architectural woodwork firm. She is also recognized for her work in advancing and educating the next generation of industry workers.

Recognized in 2025 as a Wood Industry Market Leader, Brian Dougherty is vice president of Sales for ClosetMaid PRO Building Division, one of the largest and most recognized closet and home organization firms. Brian is also recognized for his work in advancing the industry at large.

Read how the 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 honorees are making their mark.

Recent major deals stand to reorder the top companies in the FDMC 300 list of largest wood products manufacturers.

Wellmade Performance Flooring was raided by federal law enforcement on suspicion of labor trafficking, freeing dozens of workers forced into “labor servitude.” The Aug. 13 story was the most-read story from August 13 to September 13.

Project to refresh classic library features modern custom furniture with subtle additions for technology and design.

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a member of the legume family; it can “fix nitrogen” in the soil. While native to the Appalachian Mountains, from Pennsylvania to Alabama, in the last century, it has spread to almost every state. With a widespread, shallow root system, it is ideal for thin soils where it will prevent soil erosion, and it is often used for strip-mine reclamation projects barren due to mining debris and acid soils.

Learning how to fast-track lean from the maker of an innovative beer dispenser.

It takes more than delivering orders to build a successful following.

Tips about epoxy, marking defects, and carpenter bees.