LAS VEGAS -- Guy Bucey, decorated Marine, and director of operations at Inova, will kick off Woodworking Network's Under 40 Leadership Conference with his keynote titled, "Leadership Matters," on July 16 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (the day before AWFS opens).  Bucey will discuss his company's path to lean manufacturing and his management philosophies. Bucey, 34, served two deployments in Iraq. After retiring from the military, he took up woodworking as a therapeutic hobby and even entertained the idea of starting his own custom cabinetry business. In the summer of 2011, he joined Inova, whose factory is located outside of Albany, NY. The company designs and manufactures multifunctional, space-saving furniture, specializing in modern day Murphy-Beds. He saw the opportunity as a chance to learn the business side of carpentry and expand on his woodworking prowess. However, he quickly filled a void the company had in management. He was hired as an assembler, was promoted to team leader in subassembly, then supervisor and now leads operations for the entire facility as the Director of Operations.  In 2016, Bucey was named to the inaugural Woodworking Network 40 under 40 list.

 

In the fall of 2015, with the prospects of increased sales and rapid growth coming to Inova’s near future, Guy decided it was time for the Inova team and himself to adopt and fully embrace the Lean Manufacturing philosophy and all that goes with it. Guy has studied the philosophy from the creators of lean in Japan and has submersed himself in the thought process. Since then, the factory has more than doubled in size and capacity, while increasing employee morale and decreasing turnover by over 80%. 

 

The Woodworking Network Under 40 Leadership Conference allows current and future woodworking industry leaders to get up to speed with the latest in technology, management and marketing in today’s business environment.  The July 16, full-day educational conference is moderated by Harry Urban, publisher of Woodworking Network. Industry professionals of all ages are invited. The Woodworking Network Under 40 Leadership Conference is sponsored by Hexagon and Timber Products.  The all-day conference is  followed by the Woodworking Network Leadership Reception at 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., which introduces the Woodworking Network 40 under 40 Class of 2019.  All July 16 program registrations include education sessions, lunch and Woodworking Network Leadership Reception.