A savvy businessman, Don Mead was the vice president of marketing for a transportation-related firm, when in 2000 he came to the notice of contract furniture giant HNI, the parent firm of notables such as The Gunlocke Co., Allsteel, HON, Paoli and more.

The 2015 Wood Industry Market Leaders includes execs at The Gunlocke Co, Showplace Wood Products, Yoder Lumber, Bella Systems and JB Cutting.