I am constantly amazed by the strength of the companies in the woodworking industry. More so than perhaps any other market, they have been hard hit by the economy — and they are doing whatever it takes to not only survive, but succeed.

This is the second year in which we  expanded the parameters of the WOOD 100 to not only recognize sales growth (see list on page 50), but to also pay tribute to those companies that have grown better. Their achievements are detailed on the following pages.

Whatever it Takes
What works for one company may not work for all. However, the strategies shared can all be adapted to suit the production and marketing demands faced by all companies in all segments of the marketplace. Here are a few of the ideas:
• Expand your opportunities. A number of companies cited diversifying into new niches, growing existing product lines and even marketing their production capabilities to competitors as methods for bringing in new business.
• Look beyond traditional marketing methods. Social media, apps and even float building were among the go-to-market strategies used by this year’s WOOD 100.
• Many attributed the company’s success to their employees. Ideas for obtaining and retaining this “valuable asset” were provided.
• Companies are going lean and green. Lean manufacturing and other process improvements have helped a number of WOOD 100 — large and small — constrain their costs while improving turnaround time.
• Customer service is also a priority. It’s what many say sets their companies apart from competitors and builds solid client relationships.
More Wood 100 ideas are online and in webcasts. Register at WoodworkingNetwork.com/webcasts.