Website optimization, online and 3D ordering systems,  plus traditional marketing efforts are among the ways these WOOD 100 companies are keeping their name at the forefront of customers' minds. This year's WOOD 100 includes cabinet and casework manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Photo: Gator Millworks

Gator Millworks, Denham Springs, LA —  A lot has been happening at the cabinetry and casework firm. “We are always investing our money into new ways of improving our product, process and people,” said Chad Foster, president/CEO.

Gator increased its marketing over the past 1-1/2 years with a new website, case studies and new messaging. It has also invested  millions of dollars in new technology, including an ERP system, Homag panel saw, Weeke CNC, Intellistore, SNX contour edgebander, ROBATech sander and Makor finishing system, and added employees.  Gator also recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art facility.

“Gator Millworks is pushing ourselves and our team to be better, every day,” Foster adds. The firm also gives back to the industry, and community,  including donations to Pittsburg State University and creating a summer internship program.

More Bright Ideas

Bella IMC, Huntertown, IN
President Chad Shelton credits “creating our online 3D ordering system and improving our production process,” for helping the cabinetry firm’s 2017 sales grow a whopping 225.0%.  “The results are only the tip of the iceberg.” Bella has an extensive online ordering system that allows customers to customize the cabinets, hardware, finishes and dimensions. Bella also has a patent-pending ordering kiosk that can integrate with other cabinet shop’s offerings.

RiverCity Cabinets Inc., Austin, TX
“We focus on relationships with our builders,” said Randy Hardin, owner of the high-end residential cabinetry firm. “Obviously we have to provide excellent quality, we have to deliver cabinets on time, and we have to service the cabinets quickly and efficiently. But without developing trust and creating a bond with our builder, it means nothing.” A new CR Onsrud CNC also has dramatically increased throughput.

URDrawer, Clearwater, FL
The dovetail drawer maker uses a seamless online system that quotes, converts to order and sends automated acknowledgements when orders move into production and delivery. “This provides service, convenience and quality that customers realize helps their bottom line,” said Randy Koch, GM/owner. 2017 sales grew 26.4%,

Morantz Custom Cabinetry Inc., Lauderdale Lakes, FL
“We worked closely with custom home builders to prove to them that we can handle large homes and provide a one-stop shop” for all cabinetry and design services, as well as seamless project coordination, said Harold Morantz, president. The firm also rents a large warehouse to store projects until installation and sends progress pictures during production. Sales at the cabinetry and closets firm grew 28.4%.

Pacific Crest Custom Cabinets, Ridgefield, WA
2017 sales at the residential and multifamily cabinetmaker grew 28.6%. “We have been able to stay consistent in both lead times and pricing over longer periods of time than both our local competitors and the national brands selling in our market,” said Brian Boggs, GM. “We also employ a large field team that makes sure houses are ready for closing.”

The 2018 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmier Inc.

Read more 2018 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Strategies
Business Strategies
Productivity Enhancements
Technology Integration
Product Innovations
Customer Service
Return to WOOD 100 main page
Read the special 2018 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Changes in corporate culture and workplace procedures, enhanced market areas, partnerships and product diversification are just a few of the ways in which these WOOD 100 firms grew sales and improved their long-term business prospects. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2018 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Photo: ROOMI Group

ROOMI Group Corp., Houston, TX —  Hurricane Harvey dealt a blow to the Houston area in 2017, including architectural millwork firm ROOMI Group which saw its employment levels drop from 165 to between 110-130.

Highly optimistic that conditions will rebound and the employee levels will return to their pre-Harvey days,  “Our vision is to bring in folks that are driven,” said Faisal Hussain, CEO. “This is definitely a hard gig. But if you’re driven, [ROOMI is] a great place to be because you’re challenged every day. Obviously, we provide a very professional environment, so we do want folks that are academically sound. [We also want people who] understand that communication has to be transparent, it has to be sincere. We have no tolerance for arrogance or belittling or anything of that nature. We believe in treating our employees with the same respect as we treat our customers.”

Despite the hurricane’s impact, 2017 sales grew 14.4% at ROOMI, which has a variety of large and small commercial and residential projects in its portfolio.

Photo: Stevens Industries

Stevens Industries Inc., Teutopolis, IL —  A “focus on bringing products to new markets, both geographically and to an expanded group of end users” along with employees’ skills are among the  reasons business continues to boom at Stevens Industries,  said Amanda Emmerich, marketing coordinator. 

2017 sales saw a rise of 11.4%. Stevens specializes in commercial casework and millwork. A sub-contract fabrication and TFL decorative panel supplier, the company is a single-site manufacturer of commercial cabinetry, millwork, countertops and solid surface material, specializing in large scale projects. 

Stevens also invested in machinery to improve its production efficiency and capabilities, and recently purchased property for a planned expansion to further enhance production efficiencies, she added.

Photo: Millwork 360

Millwork 360, Tampa, FL —  “2017 was a year of significant internal growth for Millwork 360,” said Jamie Burge, CFO.

“Although not reflected in sales or earnings, we spent much of the year investing capital, personnel and time into becoming an authorized Florida Manufacturer of Impact Rated and HVHZ Rated Exterior Doors.  We were also selected as the premier and sole distributor of Mastergrain Fiberglass Doors out of Canada and devoted a tremendous amount of resources to learning, training, and investing in creating awareness of this new line and opportunity.”

In addition, the maker of high-quality custom wood mouldings and doors, and distributor of premium fiberglass doors hired two engineers to “integrate a highly automated CNC router into our door scheduling to double Exterior Door capacity” and to develop custom door quoting and drawing software. Other equipment investments were also made.

“2017 was a year of learning, investing, and preparing for the increased demand in 2018 and future years,” Burge added.

Photo: Superior Cabinets

Superior Cabinets, Saskatoon, SK —  Despite seeing a market decline due to low housing starts in Western Canada, 2017 sales for the cabinet firm rose 17.4%.

 “One significant driver of this revenue correction was a major account capture of a larger residential property management company who invested significant capital into suite refurbishment and improvements,” said Shahan Fancy, corporate sales development manager.

 “This account capture was successful due to a full team alignment of manufacturing, operations and store leadership that were all nimble and did what it took to meet the specifications of the custom products and aggressive timelines requested by the client.” 

A leading manufacturer and supplier of full access kitchens, Superior Cabinets  has also won awards for its customer service and product innovations.

More Master Planners

Burruss Cabinets, Cumming, GA
“We raised our labor prices and cabinet cost, said Phillip Burruss, president. “Also we try to just produce high-end cabinetry.” 2017 sales grew 23.2%.

Closet Factory, Jeannette, PA
Employee skills and “implementing best work practice procedures,” helped drive 2017 sales up 20.4%, said Michelle Walters, president. The closets and storage solutions firm also invested in technology, while 2018 plans include a new, larger production facility.

Elias Woodwork, Winkler, MB
“The expansion of existing and new product lines allowed our current customer partnerships to grow, as well as to create new partnerships,” said Jeremy Funk, sales & marketing manager. He also credits “the application of our team’s ingenuity and hunger for constant growth,” with helping drive 2017 sales up 38.1% for the components firm.

JBD Inc., Sheridan, WY
In addition to expanding its market size to a radius of 500+ miles, JBD is taking on larger ticket-price projects, said Jim Bede, president. 2017 sales at the commercial casework and millwork firm rose 16.7%.

GL Veneer Co., Huntington Park, CA
Chairman Jeffrey Levin cites “strategic sourcing of  new raw materials, and the special processing of these new products,” with spurring 2017 sales growth of 11.1%  and the architectural panel, lumber products and components producer. “This has aided in our diversification, and spread of product offering, making us more integrated with our customers in our offering of options & solutions.” The company also implemented software to further control and gain feedback from operations and fine tune projections.

B & E Woodturning Inc., Lenoir, NC
The woodturning and components shop grew 11.3% due in part its employees skills. “We seek specialized skill sets for each position and have increased company benefits for employee retention,” said Sandra Poarch, vice president.

Kith Kitchens, Haleyville, AL
“We’re constantly investing in employees and equipment,” said Bret Knight, vice president sales & marketing. 2017 sales rose 19.1% at the cabinetry firm. “We’re building a brand that both the employees and customers can be proud of.”

Mill Tech LLC, Columbus, OH
Kevin Henderson, vice president at the architectural woodwork firm, credits “being proactive with customers and staying ahead of them, also company-wide systems and job costing procedures,” for Mill Tech’s business success. “We work closely with architects and owners to help facilitate and provide everything including: countertops, cabinets, custom profile units, wall panel features and standing and running trim,” he added.

Phillips Enterprises Inc., Northampton, MA
“Every project is unique, so we are constantly finding creative methods for manufacturing each new project to drive efficiency and lower costs,” said James Dean, general manager at the custom point of purchase display fixtures firm. It also works with suppliers to minimize material costs to stay competitive.

Superior Millwork, Wilmington, NC
Business is strong at the architectural casework and cabinetry firm. “We delivered a quality product, competitively priced, in the required time frame,” said Tony Gardner, general manager.

Reborn Cabinets, Anaheim, CA
“We keep all team members involved and knowledgeable about the metrics for their own departments. Everybody works toward a common goal, with specific milestones they can monitor,” said Anthony Nardo, CFO. “Our great team is the key to our success.” 2017 sales at the cabinetry firm grew 35.3%.

Duval Fixtures, Jacksonville, FL
In addition to investing in technology, “I focused my time on sales and marketing and allowed the operations to be handled by my partner. The results were clearly visible,” said Corey Dawson, vice president of the cabinetry and architectural millwork firm. 2017 sales climbed 18.0%.

Textruss Inc., Austin, TX
Keeping track of lumber pricing and maintaining quality control are among the strategies in place at the truss manufacturer, said Mike Shelton, president.

Casework Solutions LLC, New Century, KS
“A focus on our team and our team culture and making sure the entire team has the shared values and vision that it takes to stay intensely focused over time,” helped spur the cabinetry, countertop and millwork producer’s 2017 sales to 26.4% growth, said Randy Frey, member/manager.

Victor Robbins Group LLC, Hainesport, NJ
“We put an intense focus on customer’s needs, managing throughput in quality in our shop, and maintaining and training staff,” said Robert Schultz, sales/estimating at the architectural millwork and cabinetry firm. 2017 sales grew 9.0% as the company also invested in technology.

Ira’s Custom Cabinets Inc., Kindred, ND
“We pride ourselves in ‘thinking outside the box’ and making our customer’s vision a reality,” said John Giddings, president. “Since I purchased Ira’s Custom Cabinets, in 2015, we have transitioned from a production-style shop to a custom cabinet shop. This shift in focus accounts for the downturn in sales from 2016 -2017. With patience and hard work, we are on track to rebound to our 2016 gross sales figure, with better margins.”

Mill-Rite Woodworking Co. Inc., Pinellas Park, FL
2017 sales grew 3.8% at the custom architectural millwork firm. “The biggest thing we did was our internal reorganization with software and aligned ourselves with outstanding general contractors and projects,” said Gregg Marrocco, business development. “The results we noticed is that our projects came out more efficiently and our relationships grew better, and that will lead to even better things in the future.”

Wood Haven Inc., Perry, KS
“We just worked hard, paid attention to details and addressed issues quickly,” said Jim Guffey, president. Also cited has been the “ability to morph skills and machinery to fit the project.” Wood Haven manufactures high-end exterior rainscreen siding and other high-end exterior products, with projects like Wave walls and the “most crazy Tree Houses.”

The 2018 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmier Inc.

Read more 2018 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Strategies
Go-to-Market Strategies
Productivity Enhancements
Technology Integration
Product Innovations
Customer Service
Return to WOOD 100 main page
Read the special 2018 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Lean manufacturing, new technology and training methods, and a dose of innovation are helping these woodworking manufacturers optimize productivity and grow their business. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2018 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Decore-ative Specialties' Streamline RTA cabinets. Cabinetmaker: CT Woodwork & Design in Connecticut. Photographer: Laura Fenwick

Decore-ative Specialties, Monrovia, CA — “Expanding on our 2016 WMIA Wooden Globe Award for Innovator of the Year, we purchased additional custom Bacci CNC machines that perfectly square, shape and sand cabinet doors in a single operation,” said Joel Boyles, vice president of sales, marketing & customer service. Decore-ative Specialties provides custom cabinet components to a variety of industries. 2017 sales grew 6.4%. 

“Similar to past years, we’ve developed, fabricated, and implemented new equipment and systems to support our mission,” Boyles added. “We remained committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and our mission of being accurate, complete, and on-time.”

Decore also continues to expand its offerings, and has received a U.S. patent for its new composite core door style, the Elk Grove Design (Patent No. 9,845,637).

Photo: AllRout Inc.

AllRout Inc., Zeeland, MI —  A custom CNC routing jobshop, AllRout’s 2017 sales grew 30.3% in part due to the company’s ability to reduce delivery times, said Jeff Robinson, president.

“We are currently doubling the size of our manufacturing space. This is allowing us to add more CNC machines,” Robinson said. “Along with that, we are adding additional team members to help keep up with the workflow.

AllRout routes solid wood, composite panels, plastic and aluminum products for furniture, architectural, and commercial projects. “If it can be machined with a CNC router, we have likely cut it.”

To aid production, AllRout recently added a high-speed Datron CNC router/mill to its lineup. “This machine is very unique and not many people have such a machine in our industry. This sets us apart from others,” he added.

Photo: Dura Supreme

Dura Supreme, Howard Lake, MN —  Dura Supreme Cabinetry specializes in semi-custom and custom cabinetry, as well as products for home organization.    

“From its start in a garage to the 220,000-square-foot manufacturing facility it is today, Dura Supreme Cabinetry has maintained a history of blending old world craftsmanship with the latest in technology,” said Mandi Juskiewicz, marketing communications.

“This history has allowed us to continuously adjust to ever-changing marketing demands. By steadily updating our processes through incorporating proven technologies, we’ve managed to continually improve our quality, consistency, and production speeds while at the same time never sacrificing the true handcrafted aspects that our cabinetry is known for,” she added. The firm won a 2018 WMIA Wooden Globe Award for Manufacturing Excellence through Technology.

“Dura Supreme Cabinetry recognizes the continued investment into technology is imperative to stay competitive in today’s market,” Juskiewicz said.

Photo: Art for Everyday

Art for Everyday Inc. Toronto, ON —  CEO Manoo Mahmoodi attributes the architectural component  manufacturer’s successful year to new product development along with reduced delivery times.

At the 50,000 -square-foot facility, the company combines the latest woodcarving technology with handcraftsmanship to manufacture the high-quality carvings from premium North American hardwoods. To aid in production, it recently invested in manufacturing and project management software, Mahmoodi said.

“Our staff is passionate about the blend of art and architecture that encompasses all our products. This, we demonstrate through our dedication to quality, our continuous innovation and our desire to facilitate our clients to evolve their own designs into truly special arrangements,” the company said.

TOP PRODUCERS

Inova LLC, Guilderland Center, NY
2017 sales grew a whopping 93.9% at Inova, a multi-functional furniture maker specializing in wall beds for the hospitality and housing industries. “Our company continues to focus on our employees and growing our people,” said Guy Bucey, director of operations. “We took great steps to ensure proper flow through our facility and focused on our top priorities of zero defects and no customer complaints.” Aiding its lean efforts, new technology including a panel saw, edgebander and two CNCs. “This year our focus is on R&D and designating an area for it. This will include new panel processing machines which will allow us to not interrupt our main production lines.”

Centorbi Cabinetry, St. Charles, MO
The custom cabinetry manufacturer’s 2017 sales grew 7.0%, and 2018 looks to be even better, said Derek Centorbi, president. Centorbi added a new production manager, along with new production methods, including Lockdowel construction, and also purchased a nested-based CNC router. It also increased its outsourcing.

Brave Custom Woodworking, Manassas, VA
“We streamlined our production process into more lean thinking and reduced our cycle time per build,” said Jesse Cline, owner. New technology included a horizontal borer and upgrades to the CNC machinery. 2017 sales at the cabinetry firm grew 12.4%.

AB&D Furniture Mfg., Homewood, IL
2017 sales at the furniture and casework firm grew 14.8%. “We Implemented standard operating procedures as well as a fully integrated CAD/CAM/ERP system,” said Christopher Agate, director of design and engineering. Technology investments included a contour edgebander, Black Bros. laminating line and a CNC router.

Modern Cabinet Co., Poughkeepsie, NY
The cabinetry firm continues to improve its manufacturing, said Samuel Schor, vice president. “We made sure that anything that leaves the facility leaves no holes for a complaint in quality. If it is not perfect we reject it.” 2017 sales grew 6.7%.

Canyon Creek Cabinet Co., Monroe, WA
“Over the last several years, Canyon Creek has invested a significant amount of time and money into the manufacturing operations and new equipment to improve capacity and capability,” including CNC routers, saws and an edgebander, said Cindy Draper, marketing manager. “We also invested a significant amount in new talent.” Canyon Creek produces Cornerstone premium framed cabinets, Millennia premium frameless cabinets, Katana value frameless cabinets and Canyon Creek Closets Plus home organization. 2017 sales grew about 1.7%.

Metropolitan Cabinets & Countertops, Norwood, MA
Sales continue to grow at the cabinetry and stone countertop fabricator, which is increasing productivity and expanding its plant from 84,000 to 145,000 square feet, said Samantha Elfland, marketing director.

Hollands Custom Cabinets Inc., El Cajon, CA
“We have continued to focus on standard operating procedures, in addition to focusing on scheduling, capital reinvestment and our people, said Jed Richard, vice president at the custom cabinet firm. 2017 sales grew 5.5%, and the future looks to be good too, with increased productivity from new CNC routers, edgebander, case clamp, beam saw, drum sander and dowel inserter.

Dream Closets Inc., Sophia, NC
2017 sales at the closet and cabinetry firm grew 30.9% and look to be even better in the next few years, said Phill Hunt, vice president. Dream Closets expanded its shop size and capabilities, including CNC machining and edgebanding. “I was able to increase production and take on an additional aspect of manufacturing.”

TrueGrain Inc., Burbank, CA
The cabinetmaker has focused on “Standardizing manufacturing and installation procedures to ensure high quality results every time on the first try,” said John McGinnis, president. Also a priority, “job costing each project so that we can see which types of jobs are most profitable and focus on obtaining only those projects.” 2017 sales grew 24.9%, with expectations also good for 2018 and 2019.

Architectural Millwork Mfg. Co., Eugene, OR
“We revised our internal production procedures to increase workflow. We also changed the estimators and increased the number of proposals submitted,” said Jarold Stump, vice president. The architectural millwork and paneling firm also invested in a Wood-Mizer saw, panel saw and widebelt sander. 2017 sales grew 18.6%.

B.C. Cabinets Inc., Anaheim, CA
The company increased production of its commercial and residential cabinetry and cut-to-size parts for other shops, said Bart Duran, owner. 2017 sales grew 1.9%.

Best Cabinets, Chicago, IL
2017 sales at the cabinetry and components firm grew 30.0% due to increased productivity, said Dan DeWalt, owner. “We combine a perfect blend of employee and subcontracted work.” The company also invested in an in-house kiln and sawmill.

Bon Vivant Custom Woodworking, Miami, FL
Improved organization of projects with 30 or more items has helped the custom millwork and cabinetry firm grow 9.5% in 2017, said Rick Rammos, owner/president.

Lexington Manufacturing Inc., Minneapolis, MN
2017 sales at the architectural door and profile wrapped components specialist grew 10.4%, with more to come, said David Claypool, sales manager. “Investing in automation and employee training to improve productivity continues to be a continuous improvement effort at Lexington Manufacturing” he said. The company also invested in technology, including a panel saw and lineal flat line lamination in 2017, and an automated paint line in 2018.

South Side Design & Building, Brooklyn, NY
While reducing delivery times, “we were able to track and process multiple projects simultaneously. We never let quality slip,” said Sam Morse, president. The company, which provides exhibit fabrication services to museums, cultural institutions, private galleries, and corporate clients, also invested in a laser cutter/engraver.

Integrated Wood Components Inc., Deposit, NY
“Our company is starting lean manufacturing training and has experienced a major change in the way customers order,” said John Kamp, president. Business is good for the custom component manufacturer which recently invested in a Gannomat dowel insertion machine and Biesse CNC nested router, with another CNC router planned for 2018, to go with its lamination, edge finishing, assembly and packout capabilities.

Wilco Cabinet Makers Inc., Green Bay, WI
The cabinet and millwork firm’s 10-year lean manufacturing effort has motivated its management teams, cross training, and collaborative sales methods, said Paul Wilinski, president. In addition, Wilco invested in new technology, including a beam saw, CNC router, material handling and finishing equipment. 2017 sales grew 12.9%.

Saw Creations LLC, Geneseo, KS
2017 sales at the custom furniture and cabinet shop grew 78.2%. “Going from a one-man shop to hiring one employee, I was able to better manage jobs and build better client relationships,” said Scott White, owner/operator. He also invested in a Unique door machine and finishing equipment.

The 2018 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmier Inc.

Read more 2018 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Strategies
Go-to-Market Strategies
Business Strategies
Technology Integration
Product Innovations
Customer Service
Return to WOOD 100 main page
Read the special 2018 Leadership issue of FDMC online

New technology gives production a lift by reducing time, labor and improving quality – essential factors in helping these WOOD 100 firms finish first in their field. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2018 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Photo: Premier EuroCase

Premier EuroCase, Denver, CO — Investments in new products and technology are already paying off for the full-service panel processor, which specializes in lamination, custom components, store fixtures, and cut-to-size doors. Sales grew 21% in 2017 and look to be even better for 2018 and beyond.

“We invested in a product line expansion for our Roücke HD textured melamine collection,” said Jill Rosenberger, marketing manager. “The four new vintage woodgrains look like they experienced the natural weathering process giving them the perfect farmhouse aesthetic. In tandem with the launch of the new colors, we added barn door styles – Z-frame, I-frame, H-frame and X-frame doors – to our product offerings.

The innovations have not stopped there. This year, Premier EuroCase also invested in two autonomous Homag HPS 320 flexTec saws for batch size one and short-run custom cutting, with unlimited recuts and flexible cutting patterns possible. The HPS 320 flexTec saws will be used in conjunction with the Intellistore automated panel storage and retrieval system.

 “We'll be the first company in North America to acquire two of these robotic saws as we continue to grow our fleet of intelligent technology,” she said. Plans for 2019 include the addition of a fully autonomous Homag laser edgebanding line that will operate along with three existing laser edgebanders.

At the 300,000-square-foot manufacturing campus, in addition to casework and components the vertically integrated company also produces Reflekt, UltraMatte, Ion, Roücke HD, Roücke TFL, and HPL products on-site for a variety of markets including: residential, commercial, multifamily, education, healthcare; hospitality, and retail store fixtures.

Photo: Scane Custom Cabinets

Scane Custom Cabinets, Brea, CA —  Sales continue to grow at the family-owned and operated custom manufacturer which specializes in traditional and modern cabinetry.

“We purchased a new (Biesse) edgeband machine,” said Zach Scane, operations manager. “It increased our efficiency and sales capacity by allowing us to produce frameless cabinetry more effectively, much quicker, and with superior quality. Our previous machine was very old and limited and this new machine represented a major jump in technology,” he said.

It also allowed the firm to incorporate new textured melamine products. “Our new abilities in this area generated an additional source of revenue for our company as we can now take on more frameless cabinetry projects and produce them quickly,” Scane added.

Photo: transFORM

transFORM, New Rochelle, NY —   “This past year all the departments at transFORM came together and placed a strong focus on how we can continue to drive innovation and better serve our clientele. As a result, we acquired state-of-the-art equipment for our manufacturing facility,” said Andreas Messis, co-founder. 

2017 purchases included a Homag Venture 230 L, Homag BHX 200 with return conveyor, Homag Ambition 2480 PUR , and Doucet return conveyor. In 2018, transFORM also added a Homag HPP 300 Power Edition with Schmalz Jumbo Ergo vacuum lift.

“With these new additions, there has been a significant increase in our productivity. By embracing new technology, we have been able to stay ahead of the curve in the woodworking industry,” he added.

2017 sales grew 14.4% at transFORM, whose diverse offerings include closets, European-style wall beds, home offices, wall units, laundry rooms, entertainment centers, garages, mudrooms and pantries.

More Tech Heads

CSD Custom Woodworks, Lindstrom, MN
New equipment plus with more employees helped drive 2017 sales up 35.4% at the custom cabinetry, millwork and fixtures firm, said Chris Dalbec, owner. Recent purchases include a widebelt sander and RazorGage saw system.

Gerber Wood Products, Kidron, OH
“We have embraced as much technology as we can afford to use,” said Steve Gerber, GM. 2017 purchases include a CNC router, beam saw and laser engraver, with an optimizing crosscut saw in 2018. Following growth in 2017, 2018 sales should be even better at the wood components firm. “We seek new opportunities and challenges even if they require change.” 

Knight’s Cabinets LLC, Elko, NV
Sales projections for 2018 and 2019 are good for the custom cabinet manufacturer, said Jed Knight. Investments in technology, including a CNC router in 2017, and a laser  engraver in 2018, will add to the company’s productivity.

Glen Armand Furniture Inc., Alexandria, LA
Adding CNC machinery to the production process has added “to quality excellence and uniformity,” said Glen Armand, president. Sales projections for 2018 and 2019 also look good for the manufacturer of high-quality custom residential furniture and casegoods.

JB Cutting Inc., Mt. Clemens, MI
2017 sales grew 12.5% at JB, which specializes in 3D laminate and 5-piece doors, drawer fronts and accessories for the kitchen, bath, home organization, store fixtures and healthcare furnishing environments, said Christina Relyea, sales and marketing manager. “We added more staff and equipment,” including two CNC routers, Wemhoner press and Hocker dust collection system. Also planned is another 5-piece door machine, flipper, sander and packaging equipment.

Boxwood Cabinetry, Oklahoma City, OK
“We added equipment to speed production and changed the scheduling process of upcoming jobs. This resulted in reduced delivery times and increased profits,” said Doug Allen, president. 2017 sales grew 12.0% at the custom unfinished residential cabinetry manufacturer.

Timberwood Properties Inc, Leesburg, FL
A producer of custom outdoor cabinetry, Timberwood purchased a Thermwood Cut Ready router to spur production. “This reduced labor and material costs to be more profitable,” said Tim Richardson, manager. 2017 sales grew 28.5%.

Concept Millwork Design & Development Inc., Orange, CA
“Our focus was on being able to supply all custom millwork, stone, metal, glass, and special finishes to a hotel construction project and enormous savings. We were successful by expanding and refining our overseas import and logistics division,” said Cindy Gubler, president. The firm also invested in CNC technology, manufacturing software, and an edgebander, to increase productivity.

North American Plywood Corp., Parsippany, NJ
Sales grew 12.1% for the producer of components and architectural panels. “We invested in a direct to substrate digital printer that has completely changed our product offering and continues to grow it at a rapid rate,” said Donald Kuser, GM. Also acquired in 2017 were a Northwood CNC router, Doucet return conveyor and edgebander. A drawer side blank machine and more are planned for 2018.

Jorgensen Carr Ltd, East Orange, NJ
Quality control and attention to detail helped sales at the high-end architectural millwork firm, Kenneth Carr, vice president. Also spurring production was the purchase of a Hess edging machine.

B & W Woodwork, Holland, MI
Sales projections are excellent for the maker of commercial cabinets, counters, desk units, bank lines, laminate and solid surface, said Bruce Kruithoff, president. Along with B & W’s “quality work and service” has been the purchase of a second CNC to aid production.

Hardwood Floors of Hillsboro LLC, Hillsboro, WI
“We increased production while still maintaining our quality,” said Salena Ball, owner. 2017 sales grew 26.5% for the high-end unfinished hardwood flooring maker, which also added an Ultimizer defect saw.

Trimtek Custom Woodwork, Lantana, FL
2017 sales rose 10.8% for the maker of cabinetry and architectural woodwork. Aiding growth was the addition of a larger facility and new machinery, said Shastri Bissessar, president.

The 2018 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmier Inc.

Read more 2018 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Strategies
Go-to-Market Strategies
Business Strategies
Productivity Enhancements
Product Innovations
Customer Service
Return to WOOD 100 main page
Read the special 2018 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Today's wood products manufacturers must work harder, smarter and faster than their competitors, while providing constant contact, consistent quality and added-value to wood products. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2018 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Photo: Hansen & Company Woodworks

Hansen & Company Woodworks, Holdingford, MN —  Excellent service and along with new product development helped grow business at the custom architectural and casework firm.

“First, we determined the added value we have to offer to commercial clients, like pre-construction planning and value engineering services,” said Sarah Hansen, marketing coordinator. “Then we implemented a process of vetting clients to determine the services they value and to verify that their valued services match with the added value we provide. Finally, we implemented stronger engineering to deliver the added value.”

The strategy worked, and 2017 sales rose 5.6%.

Aiding the efforts was the 2017 purchase of a nesting CNC router, and edgebander automation for material handling and a vertical CNC center in 2018.

Photo: Suburban Laminating

Suburban Laminating Inc., Melrose Park, IL —  In addition to its high-quality products and on-time deliveries, “we have always provided a high level of service to our customers.  When they have a vision in mind we work to help them realize that vision, minding all the important details along with cost and time line,” said Sherry Orrico, president/owner of the custom laminate casework and furniture firm.

“In 2017 our focus was to increase sales of custom reception desks. The key steps were to create awareness in our existing customer base that we could provide high end looks for any budget. We incorporated reclaimed wood, stone, acrylic panels and lighting into our desks. The results were increased business in our existing customer base, and along with an elevated image for Suburban Laminating.”

Photo: Cole Wagner

Cole Wagner Cabinetry, Rochester Hills, MI —  “Customer service has always been our top priority,” said Cole Wagner, president of the one-stop shop for custom cabinetry, furniture and millwork for kitchens, baths, closets and other rooms. 2017 sales grew  23.1%.

“We specialize in one-off designs and builds other shops can't do,” he said. “I like to create a relationship with our customer as a kitchen [for example] can be a very large financial commitment.”

Wagner continued, “Building relationships have helped us keep returning customers. We treat our cabinets as they are our own until the job is complete. We also help with other trades and keep the communication open to help the process/job move along smoothly.”

To aid production, the firm recently added another entire cabinet shop with CNC capabilities and an edgebander.

Photo: Maco Mfg.

Maco Mfg. Inc., Temple, TX —  “We really pushed customer service and customer satisfaction last year,” said Rachael Beaty, office manager at the educational casework manufacturer. The efforts paid off, with 2017 sales up 68.4%.

 “We added a designated person to handle customer inquiries, sales, and quotes. This provided quick turnarounds and easy communication between our company and customers,” she said.

“We also put a main focus on incorporating lean and TIMWOOD (Transportation, Inventory, Motion, Over Processing, Over Production, Defective) principles into our production floor to reduce our operating/cost of good sold numbers and ultimately optimize profit margins and offer competitive pricing for our market.”

In addition to adding equipment, Maco also invested in employee incentives to increase production times.

Service Specialists

Ace’s Custom Cabinetry, Gravois Mills, MO
2017 sales at the custom cabinet firm grew 21.4%. “I don’t turn down any jobs,” said Austin Edwards, owner. “I will bid on an entire house full of cabinets or all the way down to a simple door. I may not always get them but I at least put the effort of getting my name out there and showing interest in what the customer wants. I also keep up on the latest trends and new products for cabinets,” he added. “I treat each job as if it were to go into my home.”

Nashville Custom Woodwork Inc., Nashville, TN
“We have a continued focus on producing quality products and customer service,” said Robbie Barnhart, president. Business looks good for the producer of bench made custom cabinetry, kitchens, baths, bars, media, and specialty work, with plans underway to increase production and update equipment, including the saws.

Elipticon Wood Products Inc., Little Chute, WI
2017 sales rose 13.0% for the producer of specialty curved and straight millwork.  “We work individually with our Network of Customers to provide them the value-added solutions they need with great lead times and quality products,” said Patricia Heckner, controller. “We are employee owned and provide long-term positive employment opportunities for our employees by creating value for our customers.”

Interior Components Group Inc., St. Cloud, MN
“We worked with employees to service customers to keep them happy and coming back with next project,” said Steven Barthelemy, CEO. The effort paid off, as 2017 sales rose 3.4% at the custom commercial casework and millwork firm. Investments in technology, including a new edgebander, also helped increase production and spur sales.

Brooks Brothers Cabinetry, Colorado Springs, CO
Great customer service helped drive 2017 sales up 28.3% for the custom cabinet maker. “We have a amazing team of designers and craftsman that really care about the customer and end product,” said Darin Brooks, vice president of operations. 

Hamilton Custom Wood Products, Hamilton, MI
“Consistent quality, on time delivery at a great price,” helped drive a 55.6% sales growth in 2017, said Thomas Grifhorst, president. “A local economy that is hot,” will mean even better sales for 2018 and 2019. The company makes wood components, custom furniture and cabinets.

Haas Cabinet, Sellersburg, IN
“We made customer contact and care our number one goal late in 2017 to prepare our customers for some significant product changes to be introduced in 2018,” said Bryant Haas, vice president of sales. The effort paid off as 2017 saw a rise in sales, and 2018 and 2019 should also be good for the stock and semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinet manufacturer. The company also received a 2017 WMIA Wooden Globe Award for its Commitment to Excellence Through Technology.

Cabinet Werks Inc., Ukiah, CA
President Keith Graydon attributes “our consistent fair pricing and quality service in the marketplace,” for the custom cabinetry and closets manufacturer’s 2017 sales growth of 16.7%.

Talbert Architectural Panels and Doors, Brea, CA
Business is good at the FSC-certified custom architectural panels and doors manufacturer. “We focused our efforts on selecting the highest grade of veneer available,” said Len Gordon, owner. “We produce at a reasonable price and we are sensitive to accommodating our customers scheduling needs.”

Law & Hicks Millwork, Maryville, TN
2017 sales grew 8.6% at the high-end custom cabinetry, door, furniture and paneling firm. “We exceed customer expectations, and that results in more high-end customers,” said David Law, partner. Aiding the company’s production has been the addition of a dual head sander in 2017, with plans for a new CNC in 2018.

Quality Built Cabinets lnc., Marion, MI
“Making sure my customers are always happy and the job is done completely And making sure the deadlines are met,” are the secrets to the custom face-frame cabinetry and storage solutions manufacturer’s success, said Marc Pluger, owner. Helping the production efforts is a recently acquired line boring machine and a new pocket hole machine. Also planned for purchase is an inline ripsaw plus some additional equipment.

Closet & Room Solutions, Grand Rapids, MI
“Service, quality, workmanship, integrity, and ethics,” said Richard Dreiband, owner, helped spur the closet and home organization’s 15.6% sales jump in 2017. A full-service provider, the company designs, builds and installs its products.

Heritage Woodwright LLC, Denver, NC
Sales at the cabinetry and components manufacturer rose 37.5% is 2017, due in part to the company’s customer service efforts, said Robb Parker, owner. The company also takes pride in the quality of its products, and in 2017 invested in a CNC router and edgebander, with plans in 2018 to add additional spray equipment.

Romac Lumber and Supply Inc., Leesburg, FL
The company’s great customer service is opening doors at the Romac Lumber and Supply, as 2017 sales rose 4.6% for the entry door and custom moulding firm. “I run one of the nine profit centers at Romac,” said Chuck Shoop, Door Plant and Custom Millwork manager. “We focus on quality and customer service. We at Romac put our customers first.” To aid production at the shop, the company recently purchased a KVAL interior door line. Additional purchases include a V” nail back nailer for better miters, Shoop said, and a briquetter for waste compaction and to reduce manpower.

Wood Works Custom, College Grove, TN
“Our main goal company-wide is 100% customer satisfaction at the completion of each job,” said Tom Vernon, owner. The strategy is working well, as 2017 sales rose 24.4%, and projections are also good for 2018 and 2019. The company manufactures all types of custom cabinetry for residential homes.

Commercial Casework Inc., Fremont, CA
2017 sales rose 8.0% for the architectural millwork and cabinetry firm. “We focus on existing customers, as well as pursuing new customers,” said Nicholas Palmer, CEO. “We are also focused on maintaining consistent quality and a high level of customer service, regardless of project size or client.”

Premium Woods LLC, Lincoln, NE
One of the secrets to the laminate casework and surfaces manufacturer’s success, “We maintain constant contact with our customers — we try to call them before they call us,” said Bob Long, president. Business also projects to be good in 2018 and 2019.

Dutchmaid Woodworking LLC, Shipshewana, IN
Business is good for the manufacturer of residential cabinetry and components parts for RV vehicles, said Chris Miller, salesman. “We strive to always do the right things, and are very responsive to our customers’ needs. We also focus on producing quality components, all solid wood parts, with  timely delivery, and service after the sale,” he added. Aiding the production efforts was the addition of a 6-head moulder and gang ripsaw in 2017.

Sam Schuyler Designs, Ocala, FL
2017 sales grew 29.6% for the custom cabinet and closets manufacturer. “Customer service, marketing and product production,” said Sam Schuyler, president, should continue to help drive the sales growth, projected to be good for 2018 and 2019.

The 2018 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmier Inc.

Read more 2018 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Strategies
Go-to-Market Strategies
Business Strategies
Productivity Enhancements
Technology Integration
Product Innovations
Return to WOOD 100 main page
Read the special 2018 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Raise a toast to some of the strategies used by the 2018 WOOD 100 companies to develop innovative products. This year's class includes cabinet and casework manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Photo: Kessick

Kessick Wine Storage Systems, Greenville, SC —  Business at Kessick Wine Storage is going strong, and looks to be even better in the coming years.

Kessick designs and manufactures wine cabinetry, cellars and wine racking. It is a wholesale supplier to the custom wine cellar industry, design community, and the building trades.

“Educating design professionals about how the strong trend in wine storage, wine rooms and wine cellars in the residential market, has created a fantastic opportunity for product expansion and ancillary sales,” said Robert Bass, founder/owner.

Kessick’s wine cabinetry features dowel and joinery construction and uses premium grade hardwoods, PureBond hardwood panels, hand wiped stains and multi-step finishes. To aid production, new machinery includes a Gannomat Drill/ Dowel and a Homag edgebander.

Hot Products

Caretta Workspace, Lewis Center, OH
Sales are strong at the designer and manufacturer of  high-end, solid wood technology desks and tables for the home and office. “We’re developing new products that are in demand in the market. For example, our new line of executive sit-stand desks fits a need for the upper end of the market,” said Andy Tracewell, director of marketing.

Gat Creek, Berkeley Springs, WV
2017 sales grew 15.6% at the solid wood furniture manufacturer. “We have developed a number of cool (color value) contemporary finishes for our line of home furniture,” noted Gat Caperton, CEO.  Aiding productivity is a new Homag sander, Intorex CNC and Homag 5-axis CNC.

Patsons International Inc., Orlando, FL
2017 sales grew 28.9% for the maker of Lazy Lee Revolving closets. “We have achieved a product that stands alone, and yet is able to hold over 8,000 pounds of weight while being able to freely rotate on the patent-pending bearing that we also manufacture,” said Andy Patel, president. Lockdowel fasteners and a new SNX contour bander are used in the production.

Hamilton Ross Millwork, Annapolis, MD
The architectural millwork and casework firm designed and fabricated a machine to add circle saw marks on lumber. “This lets us fabricate vintage looking doors, beams and mantels with flat and straight lumber, significantly reducing man hours,” said Steve Lichok, owner.  2017 sales grew 22.2%

The 2018 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmier Inc.

Read more 2018 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Strategies
Go-to-Market Strategies
Business Strategies
Productivity Enhancements
Technology Integration
Customer Service
Return to WOOD 100 main page
Read the special 2018 Leadership issue of FDMC online

LIVONIA, Mich. - U.S. cabinetry sales rose a healthy 11 percent for Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS) according to the company's third quarter SEC filing. Masco cabinet brands include Cardell Cabinetry, KraftsMaid, Merillat, and QualityCabinets. 

On Sept. 18, Kountry Wood Products hosted 350 top customers, vendors, community leaders and special guests at its brand-new event center, Sammlung Platz ("Gathering Place" in German - see picture below). The evening consisted of dinner, award presentations, and musical entertainment. CEO Ola Yoder (at podium) presided over the award presentations.

Woodworking has played an integral role in Ola Yoder’s life for close to half a century. Yet surprisingly, it wasn’t necessarily the career he envisioned growing up.

“I never really thought one way or the other until I got into it,” said the Kountry Wood Products CEO. “Once I did, I always had a vision of doing production, high-volume woodworking.”

Yoder spent almost 30 years working in the cabinet and wood shops of a local mobile home and RV manufacturer before he and a former partner started Kountry Wood Products in 1998.  They produced picture and mirror frames for major retail chains, when a customer request for cabinetry took them in another direction. Before long, they were producing kitchen cabinetry under the Kountry Wood name.

The company has grown significantly in 20 years, from building products in Yoder’s barn, to producing an estimated 6,000 cabinets daily — approximately 1.4 million a year — from a combined manufacturing space of 227,000 square feet.

A lean manufacturer, Kountry Wood performs panel sizing, finishing and other operations in-house, while outsourcing rough mill from domestic producers. 

Yoder added he is always looking for ways to improve and grow the company. Plans include modernizing the Wabash plant, “but the main goal is just to keep on doing what we’re doing, and make changes as we go along.”

It’s a strategy that has worked well, with achievements that include a listing in the 50 Indiana Companies to Watch in 2008. Kountry Wood, with the inclusion of  Borkholder Furniture which Yoder acquired in 2010, is also ranked in the FDMC 300.

Yoder credits his management team, employees, and customer base for the success. “Just having good people all around – that’s one of the best achievements,” he noted.

Yoder’s appreciation for his employees, and their families, is evident. The company offers an extensive benefits package including a generous health insurance program that covers no co-pay/no-charge office visits, labs, immunizations and generic prescriptions in addition to a wellness program. “That’s one of our great accomplishments.”

Another is community service, for organizations such as  Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and the Boys & Girls Club of Nappanee.  Reflective of his Amish heritage, Yoder said, “We’re very much a believer in helping people out, not only in our local community but also abroad too.”

In his free time Yoder enjoys traveling, meeting with friends and other woodworkers, and spending time with his family, including his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Quick Glimpse:

Education: I never went to college, but I’ve read a lot of management books and attended many seminars.

Number of years at the company: 20

Number of years in the industry: Approximately 50

Word that best describes you: Determined

Business mantra: Ship on time and ship complete, with good quality and at a fair price

Best advice: Be honest and have integrity. Do what you say and don’t go out there and blow a bunch of smoke.  And the next thing is to be humble and don’t blow your own horn.

Who have you tried to emulate? Jim Shea inspired me to do a lot of different things in business. He gave me a job, gave me experience. And also Clarence Witsken. He was my mentor when I started my business.

Ralph Fehr, president & operations manager, Elias Woodwork & Mfg. Ltd.

A structural engineer, Ralph Fehr’s involvement in the woodworking industry came at the behest of his brother and a friend, who had purchased a small business. Fehr began helping with equipment-related projects, before soon joining as a partner.

“I think not being a ‘real’ woodworker myself has forced me to allow decisions regarding many aspects of the work to be made right on the factory floor,” said Fehr, president and operations manager at Elias Woodwork. “Empowering the front line worker close to the customer to make decisions has proven to be most efficient. We hire talent and train well. Internal training in our fast-paced world of changing styles and product offerings has become one of our major strengths.”

Another strength, and also a mantra, “is to not cut costs close to the customer.” As product moves throughout the production cycle, “we use less and less automation and take more and more time to assure the final quality entering the paint and finish facility, where we spare no expense in getting the job just right,” he said. “These steps are the cornerstone of customer satisfaction and make it palatable from a cost point of view. Quality always has to be job one.”

 Fehr added, “I am proud of the attention to detail, overall quality of work, and ownership our staff exhibits and the reviews this gets from customers every day.

“This doesn’t happen without a catalyst. I would have to say that planning succession and assembling a team of next generation co-owners and a good supervisory incentive system implementation is personally my proudest achievement.”

Under Fehr’s leadership, Elias Woodwork has become a  major player in the wood components industry — and it  continues to innovate. Among the projects underway is an online ordering system that is customized and configured to each customer’s product mix and specification. “We are very excited about the possibilities this has for our customers’ experiences.”

Plans also call to consolidate Elias Woodwork’s three closely located factories into two by spring of 2019. “We see some efficiencies and reaction speed improvements made possible by this move so everyone is excited for this to happen,” Fehr said.

The firm is equally involved in the community, aiding on large scale projects such as the construction of a “lake,” beach and meditation garden for a summer camp, Heritage Park, and a hospice care facility.

In his free time, Fehr enjoys being with his wife, entertainer/performer/singer/songwriter Julie C. Myers and seeing her perform. “I was a musician in my college years and still tend to live out my own musical ideas through her vicariously.”

Quick Glimpse:

Education:  Structural Engineer

Number of years at the company & industry:  36

Best advice: Learned from his father, “I should resist habits…and to think fully about the implications of my actions no matter how small and insignificant. Deal with the details and the big things will fall into place as they should.”

Who have you tried to emulate? I take inspiration from several people. Johnny Buhler (Farm King Ind.) once said “Never cry about a bad deal…just move on as quickly as you can.” I’ve admired a local entrepreneurial family (PW Enns, Triple E RV) for taking care of and inspiring their employees. I also take many lessons and examples from my father, David H. Fehr, one being the pursuit of excellence should be an enjoyable journey and not an inconvenience on the way to chasing profitability.

Since 2009, Woodworking Network has paid tribute to market leaders in the wood products industry that have made an impact — not only at their own companies, but also on the industry as a whole. Represented are persons from all segments of the secondary woodworking industry, including: residential furniture, contract/office furniture, cabinets, closets/home storage, store fixture, architectural woodwork, window and door, and wood components.

Listed below, in alphabetical order, is the compendium of Wood Industry Market Leader honorees (titles/jobs were at the time of recognition) between 2009-2017. For more information, visit WoodworkingNetwork.com/Market-Leaders.

Click here to read the 2018 honorees.

Keith Atherholt (2010)
President, Lewis Lumber Products
In addition to his work on behalf of the industry, under Atherholt’s leadership the millwork/components producer increased sales, profits and products, while reducing operating costs.

Neil Balter (2013)
Founder, Organizers Direct
Prior to launching Organizers Direct in 1995, Balter founded California Closets, the nation’s largest home organization franchise. Balter has deservedly earned a reputation as “The Closet Entrepreneur.”

Bill Barton (2012)
President & CEO, California Closets
Barton has helped home organization giant California Closets grow even larger and more innovative, often looking at markets outside the industry for new ideas. He also serves on boards for the betterment of the industry.

Dave Bashor (2017)
Director of Manufacturing, Flexsteel Industries Inc.
Overseeing three home furnishing sites in the United States and one in Mexico, Bashor leads efforts to reduce workplace injuries, improve quality and on-time delivery and reduce lead times at the residential furniture company.

John Bassett III (2012)
Chairman, Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co.
Under Bassett’s leadership, the company became the largest domestic producer of wood adult bedroom furniture. Bassett was also recognized for his leadership role in the fight against low-cost imports.

Troy Bednarz (2014)
Owner, Lakeside Cabinets and Woodworking
Under Bednarz, the custom cabinet firm has not only improved its production capabilities, but also racked up impressive sales growth. His strategies for success have been recognized in the WOOD 100.

Debra Behring (2015)
President, JB Cutting
While expanding the component firm's capabilities, Behring was also instrumental in creating the order entry software, helped design the catalog/marketing strategy, and worked to instill a philosophy for customer service.

Mark Bernhard (2009)
President, Bernhard Woodwork Ltd.
With a lifetime of experience in the industry, Bernhard has guided the architectural woodwork giant to new levels, constantly challenging and exposing the firm to new methodologies, including those learned from other industries.

Franco Bianchi(2011)
President & CEO, Haworth Inc.
Under Bianchi’s leadership, Haworth has grown in size and brand recognition, offering integrated and innovative products for the contract furniture market, and helping to create an agile environment for today’s workforce.

Tony Bour (2015)
CEO, Showplace Wood Products
No stranger to the cabinet industry, Tony Bour has started three highly successful firms during his 49 years in the marketplace: Decora Cabinets and Starmark Inc., now divisions of Fortune Brands, and Showplace Wood Products. He is a true entrepreneur in the cabinet industry.

Steve Brewster (2010)
Director of Sustainability, Kimball Office
In addition to his work at Kimball, including aiding the office furniture firm’s environmental initiatives, Brewster gained recognition as a speaker on sustainable manufacturing.

Mike Carson(2009)
President, Closet Works Inc.
In addition to founding his own closet company, Carson was instrumental in launching The National Closet Group, the first association for the home storage and organization industry.

Mark Clemens(2011)
VP Product Development, idX Corp.
In addition to his efforts at well-known architectural and retail fixture firm idX, Clemens has worked to improve the industry and has been active in the AWI.

Kathryn Constantine (2017)
Vice President, Brown Wood Inc.
Constantine has helped the components company grow and develop new products, including the popular stock line Designs of Distinction. She is on the KBIS Advisory Council for the NKBA and is active in the KCMA, and other associations.

Margaret Fisher (2010)
Director Market Development, Lange Bros. Woodwork
A business advocate and author, Fisher has been a speaker on behalf of the AWI on the topics of LEED, wood and carbon, and forest sustainability. Her experience has helped the custom woodwork firm grow business.

John Gahm (2017)
VP Manufacturing, Kitchen Kompact
Gahm plays an integral role in Kitchen Kompact’s success, including efforts to improve the plant and manufacturing process and enable the cabinet company to diversify its offerings and grow business.

Sylvain Garneau (2016)
Chairman & CEO, Groupe Lacasse
Under Garneau’s leadership, the office furniture maker continues to be highly proactive in its productivity, diversification and creativity, earning several “Best of NeoCon” awards.

Elliot Germany (2017)
President & CEO, Panel Specialists Inc.
Under Germany’s leadership, the multi-million-dollar institutional healthcare woodwork firm has grown in strength and scope, offering a wide range of high-end decorative interior products and systems.

Kent Gilchrist (2013)
President, Fremont Interiors
Gilchrist’s dedication to both his firm, Fremont Interiors, and the architectural industry as a whole have resulted in significant growth for both. He is involved in AWI, WoodLINKS USA, SkillsUSA and WCA.

Bob Gronlund (2012)
Chairman & CEO, Wood-Mode Inc.
Under Gronlund’s leadership, Wood-Mode became one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of custom and semi-custom cabinetry, and also was one of the first in the U.S. to produce frameless cabinetry. Gronlund’s industry commitment also earned him a 2005 Metz Achievement Award.

Roger Jones (2011)
VP Global Logistics, Century Furniture
Jones helped increase international work for the residential furniture maker and was instrumental in developing the infrastructure to support Century’s Lacey Act implementation.

Farooq Kathwari (2016)
Chairman, President & CEO, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc.
Under Kathwari’s leadership, Ethan Allen has become a top producer of residential furnishings, with nine manufacturing facilities, including six U.S. production facilities and a sawmill, plus plants in Mexico and Honduras.

Steve Kincaid (2010)
President, Kincaid Furniture
Under Kincaid’s direction, the company became a leader in solid wood residential furniture, while ensuring the environmentally sustainable manufacturer remained competitive in the global market.

Peter Kleinschmidt (2013)
President, CEO & Chairman, Stiles Machinery
One of the founders of the WMIA, Kleinschmidt’s ability to look at the big picture also helped Stiles grow into what’s perhaps the largest woodworking machinery distributor in the United States.

Edmund ‘Bud’ Klipa (2012)
GM Wood Division, Steelcase Inc.
Klipa helped steer Steelcase’s Wood Division’s offerings to meet the changing workplace modes and trends, and helped the contract furniture giant a stronger global product portfolio through sustainable manufacturing.

Kevin Kuske (2009)
General Wood Manager, Steelcase Inc.
Kuske was instrumental in helping Steelcase reinvent its Wood business and put in place sustainability initiatives, including process and product changes, at the contract furniture giant.

Skip LaBella (2014)
President, Closet America
Under LaBella’s direction, the vertically integrated Closet America has grown significantly and has distinguished itself in the home organization industry through its technology innovations, customized products and service.

Jack Lansford Jr. (2016)
President, Decore-ative Specialties
Lansford has played a key role in the expansion of Decore’s components and capabilities, which in turn have influenced the custom cabinetry market. The company was one of the first to produce raised panel doors in a one-week lead time.

Bastien Larouche (2013)
President, CEO & Founder, Ro-Bois-Tic
Larouche’s innovative approach to manufacturing led to North America’s first lights-out woodworking plant, utilizing robotic technology to provide OEM components to cabinet firms.

Bill LePage (2009)
VP Operations, The Simple Furniture Co.
LePage helped direct the RTA company’s sustainability efforts, making it one of the first to offer an eco-friendly line of children’s furniture. Also offered was RTA furniture for adults.

Bob Lewis (2016)
CEO, Closet & Storage Concepts/More Space Place
Lewis has guided the multi-million-dollar operation to a leadership position in the home organization industry, making it one of the fastest growing franchises in North America.

Joe Lonardo (2015)
Founder & CEO, Bella Systems
In the first seven years since founding the closet company, Lonardo opened three franchises along the East Coast, with more franchises in the works. In addition to work for his own company, Lonardo also works to promote the industry and is active in the ACSP.

Pernille Lopez (2009)
President, IKEA North America
Lopez quickly rose through the company’s ranks, and as the North American president, helped drive IKEA’s growth from a small retailer to a nationally recognized home furnishings and accessories chain.

Matt Lundahl (2012)
COO, Meyer & Lundahl Manufacturing Co.
A “crusader” on behalf of the architectural industry as well as at his own firm, Lundahl has helped grow Meyer & Lundahl into a premier specialty contractor in the Southwest. In addition to charitable endeavors, Lundahl and the firm are also active in AWI.

Christine Marvin (2012)
Dir. of Marketing, Marvin Windows & Doors
Marvin’s contributions at the company have helped ensure the window and door giant remains innovative and continues its long history of industry-first achievements.

Kevin McCoy (2017)
President, National Office Furniture
Under McCoy’s leadership, the environmentally sustainable contract furniture manufacturer has recorded consecutive years of record sales while developing strategies and initiatives that also benefit National’s distributors and customers.

Don Mead (2015)
President, The Gunlocke Co.
Mead helped grow the contract furniture firm out of the recession and continue its legacy of quality, design and sustainable manufacturing. Founded in 1902, Gunlocke is renowned for its Oval Office chairs.

Hank Menke Jr. (2013)
President & CEO, OFS Brands Inc.
Menke has helped the office furniture maker remain at the top level through product innovation, value and service. Menke is also a recognized leader for his industry and community efforts.

Gene Ponder (2013)
Founder, Master WoodCraft Cabinetry
A recognized entrepreneur, Ponder founded Republic Industries before launching Master WoodCraft Cabinetry, an environmentally sustainable and highly successful cabinet manufacturing firm.

Jeff Pray (2011)
President & CEO, PIN
Under his direction, the store fixture maker has grown and gained recognition. PIN has won numerous awards for its service, product designs as well as innovative use of technology.

Brian Preston (2016)
Founder & Director, Lamon Luther
Providing jobs to give the homeless a “hand up, not a handout,” has been a driving force behind Lamon Luther, a custom woodworking firm founded by Preston.

Mark Richey (2009)
President, Mark Richey Woodworking
Richey’s success comes from his strong environmental initiatives, including the use of wind turbines, as well as empowering employees at the high-end architectural millwork firm.

Kevin Sauder (2009)
President & CEO, Sauder Woodworking
As president & CEO, Sauder has helped drive the RTA giant’s strong environmental initiatives: the company produces almost 300 tons of wood waste daily, yet has not taken a load to the landfill in more than nine years.

Jim Sherbert (2010)
CEO, Bush Industries
Under Sherbert’s direction, Bush diversified into new markets and developed new brands and product lines, while putting in place strategies to increase enterprise value through sustainability.

Kelly Shotbolt (2017)
President, Arauco North America
Shotbolt has led Arauco North America to composite panel dominance, including building the largest continuous press particleboard mill in North America. Shotbolt is also active in the CPA.

Eric Smith (2012)
President & CEO, Panel Processing Inc.
Under Smith’s leadership, Panel Processing has grown to be the largest panel fabricator in the nation, offering diverse manufacturing capabilities.

Steve Stephens (2014)
VP, Marketing & Business Development, acpi Cabinets
Stephens’ dedication, data-driven decisions and research skills have helped the cabinet manufacturer develop new markets and opportunities for its products.

Greg Stoner (2010)
President, MasterBrand Cabinets
Stoner parlayed his experience in large-scale manufacturing environments and with multiple distribution channels to position MasterBrand as a leader in the cabinet industry. He is also active in KCMA and promoting the industry.

Karen Strauss (2011)
President, Masco Cabinetry Group
Under Strauss’ direction, Masco consolidated the retail and cabinet divisions into one streamlined organizational structure. Products are made using environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Dan Tafoya (2017)
President, Tailored Living
Starting in 2007 with Closet Tailors, Tafoya and the visionary team behind parent Home Franchise Concepts, transformed and evolved the closet company into one of the most recognized brands in the home organization industry.

Rick Thaler (2016)
President, OGB Architectural Millwork
Under Thaler’s leadership, the 28,000-square-foot architectural woodwork firm has produced a variety of award-winning commercial and residential projects. Ten percent of his net profit is targeted for community giving.

Bob Timberlake(2012)
Chairman, Bob Timberlake Inc.
Timberlake’s innovative approach to design and marketing a branded furniture line helped turn around the furniture industry. Also notable has been his adamancy to keep the manufacture in the United States.

Kent Untermann (2014)
Owner, The Art Source
A true entrepreneur, Untermann owns and is actively involved in a number of diverse businesses, including a design studio, picture frame, closets and cabinet manufacturing firms and franchises.

Brian Walker (2010)
President and CEO, Herman Miller Inc.
Walker has led contract furniture giant Herman Miller to be one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” and was instrumental in its adoption of the Economic Value Added financial and performance metric. He is also active in BIFMA.

Richard Walz (2014)
President, WalzCraft
Under Walz’s leadership, the wood components manufacturer has grown from a small shop to more than 250 employees, and with savvy skills, has positioned it for even greater success for years to come.

Ron Wanek (2011)
Chairman, Ashley Furniture Industries Inc.
A self-made millionaire and one of the richest Americans, Wanek has led the residential furniture company to becoming the largest in the nation, and among the first to both source and sell around the world.

Chris Watson (2011)
COO, Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp.
In addition to his work on behalf of the industry, Watson has led the wood components firm in strategic initiatives, including resizing of operations and lean manufacturing.

Bill Weaver (2009)
President & CEO, Canyon Creek Cabinet Co.
In addition to his work on behalf of the industry, Watson led the wood components firm in a number of strategic initiatives, including resizing of operations and lean manufacturing.

Todd Wegman (2016)
President, Stevens Industries Inc.
Wegman helped drive profits and spearheaded the transition to an ESOP at the multi-million-dollar panel laminator. The diverse firm is also a commercial casework and millwork manufacturer, and private label manufacturer.

Paul Wellborn (2016)
President & CEO, Wellborn Cabinet Inc.
Head of the award-winning cabinet firm, Wellborn has been recognized with the 2004 Jerry Metz Achievement Award, and is very active in the KCMA including serving as its president.

Jennifer Q. Williams (2010)
Owner & President, St. Louis Closet Co.
In 1991 Williams launched the first locally owned closet firm that installed custom organizing systems, and has watched it grow into a nationally recognized firm. She’s also won multiple awards for her entrepreneurship.

Andy Wilzoch(2009)
Owner & President, Premier EuroCase
With the goal of always moving forward and reinvesting in infrastructure, Wilzoch propelled Premier EuroCase from a 1,000-square-foot shop into one of the largest panel processors, as well as a laminator and casegoods and components maker.

Eric Wolff (2011)
President & CEO, The Stow Co.
Under Wolff's direction, Stow has become one of the premier, sustainable manufacturers of closet, garage and other home organization products, including the ORG, EasyClosets and EasyTrack brands.

Mel Yoder (2015)
CEO, Yoder Lumber
Yoder learned the wood industry from the ground up, and for more than 50 years he has worked tirelessly to grow and promote not only his own company, but the hardwood dimension and millwork industry as a whole.

Boe Young(2010)
VP of Manufacturing, Impressions Marketing Group
Young has helped lead Impressions in many award-winning ventures, including earning multiple “Above and Beyond” awards for customer service and project execution in retail environments.

About the program
The Wood Industry Market Leaders is an audience recognition program, and the selection of the honorees is done by editors of Woodworking Network based on input from industry associations, editorial recommendations and submitted nominations.

The next deadline is June 2019: Those interested in submitting nominations are asked to contact Karen Koenig at karen.koenig@woodworkingnetwork.com. Current and past Market Leaders will also be recognized in print, online and at industry events, including Executive Briefing Conferences and Leadership Forums.

Deerpark Creations makes specialized signs and cutting boards, complete kitchen and bath remodels and everything in between, working with area contractors that need specialized woodworking, moulding, cabinets, and customer builds.

“We have never advertised, everything has been word of mouth and I would like to say it is our quality that makes us special,” said Rick Dulka. “Our goal is to give the customer what they want, not what we want.  Working with Mozaik and Aspire I can give a detailed picture to the customer of what they are wanting.”

Dulka said the history of Deerpark Creations started in 2004, after he and his wife Janet retired from the U.S. Army after more than 20 years of service for both of them. Dulka and partner Galen Peters have worked to steadily expand the business.

“I bought my mom and dad’s farm in northern Minnesota,” Dulka said. “It was a pig farm when I was growing up. I spent the first year cleaning out buildings and painting and buying machines.”

The shop’s first building at that farm in Trail, Minnesota, was 30 x 45 feet, and during the first few years Dulka said they were “pretty primitive,” with everything being done by hand, from start to finish.

In 2007 they added a 25 x 35 spray booth for finishing, and in 2009 they added a 40 x 60 x 12 main shop.

In 2012 they added a 30 x 40 office, display room and bathroom.

“So over the years it has grown from a hobby to a business,” Dulka said.

“When we first started out most projects were done on white paper, all hand drawn and hours of detail making sure everything was right. In 2009 we bought our first CNC, a CAMmaster and Mozaik software. (There was) a huge learning curve from doing everything manually to automated.

“In 2014 we bought our second CAMaster Panther which was a bigger machine and with Mozaik we went from making kitchens that literally took three months (down) to two weeks to complete.

“Our shop is relatively small,” Dulka said. “There are only four of us working but Mozaik (acts as) our fifth and sixth workers.

Bringing ideas to life

Dulka said that Mozaik is used from start to finish with cabinets.

“I will sit down with a customer and get their idea and then I use Mozaik to bring it to life for them, with 3D renderings, layouts and options that they can use to change things,” he said. “With Mozaik it is so easy to change something once I have a design in the program, and the customers love it to because I can change something for them and show them instantly.”

In the shop, they run cut sheets for each job packet, while the face frames are being cut out and assembled on a homemade Kreg table, the sheet goods are sent to the CNC and cut out, boxes and shelves first, then drawers.

“If there is something special we usually run it at the end, like custom engraving or detail,” Dulka said. “Once the boxes are assembled by Mozaik assembly sheets, the face frames are finished and attached to the boxes for finishing of exposed ends.”

Drawers are installed and doors are made (using Mozaik cutlists) and it all comes together and then is installed.

Deerpark has done some custom signs for businesses, farms, and clubs. They have also done a lot of custom moulding for contractors and for themselves for jobs, including crown, casings and coves.

Shop equipment

The equipment lineup at Deerpark Creations includes the CAMaster Panther CNC router with eight-tool changer and 5 x 8 bed, Powermatic table saw, Grizzly shaper, two Delta shapers, Woodmaster 40-inch drum sander, Woodmaster 18-inch moulding machine, Festool Kapex sliding compound miter saw,

Safety Speed Manufacturing panel saw, Powermatic 8-inch jointer, Kreg Foreman pocket hole machine, Blum door hinger, and three Craftsman table saws.

Dulka said his military experience has helped him operate a shop.

“After being in the Army for more than 20 years and a lot of it being deployed and overseas, running a business seems easy LOL,” Dulka said. “I was a Warrant Officer which meant I was specialized career field, a lot of leadership, responsibility, and teaching, so it helps me manage day to day pretty easily.

“Our future is always open. Everything we do is a new adventure so it’s never repetitive. We did this year get on with some builders on new house builds which have been a challenge but very fun.”

Deerpark Creations

Trail, Minnesota

Kitchen and bath cabinets, mouldings, signs

Employees: 4

http://www.deerparkcreations.com/

RESTON, Va. - Cabinet sales rose 2.3% in September compared to the previous year's figures, marking a sixth straight month of year-over-year growth for the industry. According to participating members in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association's monthly Trend of Business Survey, stock sales were up 9.4% and custom sales rose 5.2%, although semi-custom dropped 5.6% compared to the same period in 2017.

Year-to-date cabinetry sales through September are up 1.9%. Stock sales are up 4.1%  and custom sales have increased 4.3% year-to-date, however semi-custom sales are down 1.1%.

Compared to August figures, sales are down 1.9% overall; stock sales dropped 4.4% and semi-custom decreased 1.0%. However, custom cabinet sales saw an increase of 4.9% in the month to month comparison.

The KCMA Trend of Business Survey participants include stock, semi-custom, and custom companies whose combined sales represent approximately 70% of the U.S. kitchen cabinet and bath vanity market. KCMA says 63% of its cabinet manufacturer members report sales below $10 million annually, reflecting the importance of small manufacturers in the industry.

KCMA is the major trade association for kitchen cabinet and bath vanity manufacturers and key suppliers of goods and services to the industry. The association has been compiling and reporting industry sales data for more than 40 years.

• Do we think it will become more high-tech?
• Do we think it will be more low-tech?
• Or will it be business as usual?

QUEBEC CITY, Quebec -- Premoule, manufacturer of countertops and custom cabinet doors, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Premoule's 50th anniversary celebrations culminated with an evening at the Voltigeurs de Quebec Armoury, where more than 300 people were invited. Customers from all over Canada and the United States were in attendance.

The Deslauriers family at the head of Premoule has been able to offer quality products and has distinguished itself through its customer service. Throughout the year, several initiatives were undertaken to involve the 400 employees. Premoule is expanding its product line while expanding its geographic markets. See http://premoule.com.

Following a year of growth, kitchen cabinet demand in the United States is projected to increase 5.9% per year to $17.1 billion in 2021, according to the recent Cabinets Market in the U.S. study by The Freedonia Group. Tall kitchen cabinets are projected to reach a value of $3.2 billion in 2021 on annual advances of 7.7%, with base cabinets projected at 5.2% annual growth.

Meanwhile, U.S. demand for countertops is forecast to rise just over 2% annually through 2022 to 803 million square feet, according to Freedonia’s study, Countertops in the U.S. Gains will be seen in residential remodeling activity as homeowners continue to opt for larger kitchens and multiple bathrooms, while construction activity in the countertop-intensive office, retail, lodging, and institutional markets will also drive growth.

Click to enlarge/download the infographic, plus find more market data in the December 2018 FDMC Wood Industry Almanac.

Top kitchen & bath trends

According to the 2018 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Report by the National Kitchen & Bath Assn., here’s a snapshot of what’s trending.

1. In the United States, Farmhouse ranks as the most popular kitchen style, followed by Transitional and Contemporary, while in the bath, Transitional and Contemporary are extremely popular, followed by Traditional. In Canada, Contemporary-styled kitchens top the chart, followed by Transitional and Mid-Century Modern. In the bath, it’s Transitional, followed by Contemporary and Traditional; Industrial-style is also popular.

2. Paint is the predominant choice for kitchen cabinet facing, with wood ranked second, followed by glass. Wood is the choice in the bath.

3. White and gray continue their dominance for hottest color schemes.

4. For kitchen cabinet door style, frameless has the edge, with homeowners preferring full overlay over inset, and partial overlay a distant third. For the bath, frameless again has the edge over frame.

5. For countertop surfaces, quartz is by far the preferred choice, followed by granite and marble. Laminate remains a less-expensive alternative.

The NKBA survey includes responses from 822 designers, remodelers, architects, dealers and manufacturers.

Quick Stats

Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn.’s monthly Trend of Business survey shows cabinet sales rose 2.3% in September compared to 2017. Year-to-date sales are up 1.9%: stock sales are up 4.1%  and custom increased 4.3%, however semi-custom sales dipped 1.1%. Year-end 2017 sales for participants totaled $7.1 billion.

2017 saw a 10% increase, to $11,000,  in the median spend for kitchen remodeling, the most popular renovation according to the 2018 Houzz & Home study. The guest bath and the master bath are the two next most popular rooms for renovation.

A survey of 1,000 U.S. homeowners found half who used a kitchen designer for a recent project worked with one at a home improvement store, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. RICKI’s survey, How Homeowners Shop for Kitchen Products, noted almost seven in ten relied on the designers for product recommendations and half for design and color/finish recommendations.

The total revenue of wood kitchen cabinet and countertop manufacture in Canada is expected to reach $2.905 billion (USD) in 2018. That number is projected rise to $2.932 billion in 2019 and $2.954 billion in 2020, according to information from Statista. (NAICS/SCIAN 33711).

In 2016, the total salaries in the Canadian wood kitchen cabinet and countertop industry reached $1.1 billion, increasing from $983.3 million in 2015 or by 11.9%, according to Statistics Canada, Annual Survey of Manufactures and Logging.

The home remodeling market is estimated by The Freedonia Group to be $69 billion.

Global demand for countertops is projected to rise 2.3% annually through 2021, to nearly 500 million square meters, according to the study Global Countertops by Material, Market and Type, by The Freedonia Group. Strong advances in developing markets such as China, India, and Brazil will account for the majority of demand, with the kitchen market accounting for the majority of demand. Solid surface continues to be a global favorite, with engineered stone fast tracking upward due to its style and durability.

Market Data Sources: The Freedonia Group, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. (KCMA), National Kitchen & Bath Assn. (NKBA), Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Assn. (CKCA), Cabinet Makers Assn. (CMA), FDMC, Houzz, Statistics Canada/StatCan, RICKI, Statista, U.S. Census Bureau, Government of Canada-Innovation, Science & Economic Development

Category: Cabinets & countertops include: kitchen cabinetry, bath cabinetry, vanities, countertops and islands.

LAVAL, Quebec– A strategic acquisition was announced by Groupe Classique and Conex, a manufacturer of dental and medical cabinetry. Conex will operate as a division of Groupe Classique.

By adding Conex to Groupe Classique, the company will have an extra 25,000 square feet of modern equipment, as well as experienced cabinet makers, machine programmers and designers and a new showroom in the works.  Also added to the mix is Conex's experience as a dental and medical clinic cabinet-maker in Quebec. 

Brian Birenbaum, president of Groupe Classique, said the acquisition will expand the production capacity using both manufacturing facilities to their fullest capacity. This will enable Groupe Classique to supply the ongoing demand of condo, hotel, retail and commercial projects as well as continuing to develop the dental and medical cabinetry sector that has been set by Conex, across North America.

Following years of exponential growth and supplying major projects in the real estate industry in the Greater Montreal region, it was time for Groupe Classique to evolve in a way that would allow them to sustain a bigger amount of simultaneous projects and lower production time.

Having contributed to buildings such as La Tour des Canadiens, The Bell Centre, HBC, Stingray, La Belle et La Boeuf; as well as a plethora of multiplex residential projects, it became clear that it was time to grow to be able to maintain the supply and minimize lead time. With new CNC machines and more space, Groupe Classique can now take on many more projects at once, allowing them to build cabinetry for several hundred door multiplex construction projects at a time. https://www.classiquefurniture.com/.