40 Under 40 honored at Leadership Reception
40 Under 40 Class of 2021

Members of the 2021 Class of 40 Under 40 met at the Leadership Reception, held prior to AWFS Fair in Las Vegas. 

LAS VEGAS - Honorees of the 2021 Wood Industry 40 Under 40 were recognized July 19 at a special Leadership Reception in Las Vegas. This year marks Woodworking Network’s sixth annual awarding of the 40 Under 40, which celebrates industry professionals who are making an impact at their jobs, in the community, and on the North American woodworking industry.

The 40 Under 40 Class of 2021 is sponsored by CNC Factory and Hexagon Production Software: Cabinet Vision and Alphacam. This year’s class includes manufacturers, suppliers, designers, and educators, representing all segments of the woodworking industry including: cabinetry, furniture, casework, architectural woodwork and millwork, closets/home organization, and wood components.

Tim Fixmer, CEO of CCI Media, the parent of Woodworking Network, said, “It is our distinct pleasure to again recognize some of the best and brightest contributors to wood products manufacturing in North America with our sixth annual class of 40 Under 40 honorees. This year’s inductees join the 200 alums from prior years, forming a group of enterprising individuals destined to advance our industry to meet the ever-changing challenges of the future.

“Please join us in congratulating each of them and celebrating their commitment to excellence.”

At the reception honorees received a commemorative pin, and an engraved plaque provided by Epilog Laser.

The 2021 honorees also will be recognized at future industry events including the Executive Briefing Conference (EBC), Sept. 8-10 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In addition, they will be profiled in the October issue of FDMC magazine and online at WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Harry Urban, publisher of FDMC, noted, “While dealing with COVID personally and professionally, this year’s nominees have successfully navigated supply chain volatility, led and motivated team members and contributed to their communities.  Cheers for the Class of 2021!”

In alphabetical order, the 2021 honorees are:
Kelly Barefoot, franchise owner of ShelfGenie of Coastal Carolinas • Luke Barnett, executive director, Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute • Janelle Berman, owner/partner, Amber Millwork Ltd. • Sean Biloski, owner, Iron Oaks LLC • Renfro Carranza, Microvellum administrator at Panel Specialists, Inc. • Jimmy Carroll, general manager, Ruck Cabinet Doors • Marty Coleman, woodshop supervisor, Narrow Gate Woodworks • Robbie Davis, CEO, Delta Millworks • Derek DeGeest, president, LestaUSA & DeGeest Corp. • Elizabeth Dick, director of Sales & Marketing, TigerStop • Bennett Dipzinski, Sales & Marketing manager, Hocker North America • Adam Doran, Design manager, Closet America • Robert Edelbach, vice president, Red Star Cabinet Co. •  David Fair, CEO, Third Bench • Kevin Finney, owner, Vantage Customs LLC • Nathan Guffey, president, Guffey Cabinetry & Guffey Systems LLC • Roger Harry, principal/CEO, Bill Truitt WoodWorks • Will Holsappel, general manager & partner, Windmill Cabinet Shop Ltd.  • Dave Hoppe, project engineer, Dynamic Wood Solutions • Austin Jackson, director of Sales & Distribution, SurfPrep Sanding by Dixon • Seth Johnson, vice president, Leeman Architectural Woodwork • Frankie Jordan, CEO, The Washington Woodworking Co. •  Ben King, president, Quarry View Building Group • Michael Laurysen, production manager, Laurysen Kitchens Ltd. • Steven McNeilly, national sales manager, Cefla North America • Madelyn Melchert, Nehemiah’s Workshop woodworking teacher, Church Hill Activities and Tutoring • Andrew Moretti, president, RFP Design Group Inc. • David Niemczyk, regional board manager, Würth Baer Supply Co. • Jonny Nikolic, CFO, Specialty Laminates • John Parker,  Engineering manager, Halkett Woodworking Inc. •  Eddie San Juan, Back End Operations manager, E.F. San Juan • Joe Schumacher, vice president of Operations, Stevens Industries Inc. • Abi Shaffer, director of Marketing at Leuco Tool Corp. • Alex Staalner, brand manager for Brookhuis America Inc. • Justin Stabb, owner of Stabb Designs LLC • Alexandra Sustaita, Finance manager, Panel Specialists, Inc. •  Mario Tellez, senior technician • Justin Trewitt, owner of Dapper Woodworks • Justin Whitaker, product manager, Genesis Products Inc. • Tara Whitlock, sales account manager for Häfele America Co.

More information on the 40 Under 40 can be found at WoodworkingNetwork.com/40-under-40. For inquiries about the industry recognition program, email [email protected].

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About the author
Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]