Working with celebrity designers, giveaways and expanded showrooms are just some of the ways the 2017 WOOD 100 companies are spreading the word about their products and services. This year's class includes residential and office furniture producers, cabinet and casework manufacturers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Standard Furniture, Bay Minette, AL —  The residential furniture maker is sitting pretty, with the popularity of the “Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines” helping drive sales. Magnolia Home is a fully independent division of Standard Furniture, which has a long-term licensing agreement with Gaines.

Joanna and Chip Gaines co-host the popular HGTV show Fixer Upper. Designed by Joanna Gaines, the furniture offers a mix of vintage, industrial, modern Boho, farmhouse and cottage styles. It’s on display in the Magnolia Home showroom in High Point, near Standard’s showroom.

Founded in 1946, Standard has approximately 750 employees worldwide, and roughly 2 million square feet of operating infrastructure. In September, the company announced a partnership with Aterian Investment Partners.

“We are excited to partner with the Aterian team and collaborate on strategic initiatives that will allow Standard to continue to provide high quality products to our existing customers, as well as pursue additional business initiatives and service offerings,” said CEO Todd Evans.

More Top Marketers

Elipticon Wood Products Inc., Little Chute, WI
Along with short lead times, “We increased our marketing and sales efforts while continuing to offer top notch customer service,” said Patricia Heckner, director of marketing. 2016 sales for the architectural millwork firm rose 7.3%.

Morantz Custom Cabinetry Inc., Lauderdale Lakes, FL
The cabinet firm formed “relationships with developers that are building upscale homes and offered each home cabinets as a complete package so that they were only working with us for all their needs,” said Harold Morantz, president. “Our vendors know that we are always looking for the newest and best materials, even though we are a small company and our builders and designers love visiting our showroom to see the latest products.” 2016 sales rose 62.7%.

Cole Wagner Cabinetry, Rochester Hills, MI
Excellent service and a great reputation with local builders have helped spur the company, said President Cole Wagner. He also advised, “Following up through the entire construction process and keeping communications open.” Sales grew 20.8% for the cabinet firm, which purchased another cabinet shop last May.

The Moulding Source Inc., Mooresville, NC
Along with its reputation for good customer service, “we also have a retail woodworking tool store in the plant,” said Rick DiNardo, president of the custom moulding manufacturer.

Read more 2017 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Initiatives
Go-to-Market Strategies
Business Strategies
Productivity Enhancements
Technology Integration
Product Innovations
Customer Service
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