Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Tovi Spero, Education Director at the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS), to explore the critical role of education in shaping the future of the woodworking and millwork industries. With a career rooted in teaching and technical education, Tovi shares how his journey from high school STEM instructor to industry advocate has positioned him at the forefront of workforce development. Together, they discuss the growing talent shortage, the importance of early exposure to manufacturing careers, and how initiatives such as student competitions, CAD design programs, and partnerships with organizations like SkillsUSA are helping to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. This episode offers valuable insights for shop owners, educators, and industry leaders who want to ensure the long-term success of the wood manufacturing sector. About Our Guest Tovi Spero is the Education Director at the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) and a lifelong educator dedicated to advancing career and technical education. His professional journey began as a high school STEM teacher, where he developed a passion for hands-on learning and student mentorship. At AWFS, Tovi leads educational outreach initiatives, organizes the education conference at the AWFS Fair, supports the Fresh Wood student competition, and facilitates public policy advocacy for the woodworking industry. He also collaborates with organizations such as SkillsUSA to connect students with real-world career opportunities. Through his work, Tovi is committed to strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring the continued growth of the wood manufacturing industry. Where to Learn More AWFS Website:https://www.awfs.orgAWFS Fair:https://www.awfsfair.orgSkillsUSA:https://www.skillsusa.orgDesign-it-Digital student CAD competition:https://subscribepage.io/design-it-digital-2026Connect with Tovi in LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tovi-spero-physics/Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with John Mercure, President of Raydeo Enterprises, to explore four decades of leadership in architectural metals, millwork, and signage. From humble beginnings in neon signs to delivering complex scopes on stadiums, high rises, and major commercial projects, John shares the lessons that shaped his company and his philosophy on building. With nearly 40 years at the helm of Raydeo, John has navigated economic downturns, evolving general contractor dynamics, major technological shifts, and the increasing complexity of contract risk. Through it all, one principle has remained constant. Deliver the job. As John puts it, “One of our things is we've never failed. I ain't gonna tell you, we made money on everything, but we've never failed.” About Our Guest John Mercure is the President and founder of Raydeo Enterprises, a multidisciplinary fabrication company specializing in architectural metals, millwork, and signage for large scale commercial construction. What began as a neon sign operation in the early eighties evolved into a full scope fabrication firm serving stadiums, hotels, high rises, museums, and corporate environments across the United States Over the years, John expanded Raydeo through strategic reinvestment in technology, facilities, training, and people. Today, the company operates with approximately 85 to 100 employees in a 72,000 square foot facility, focused on complex projects that demand coordination, creativity, and precision Where To Learn More Raydeo Enterprises: https://www.raydeo.com John Mercure´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mercure-b081406/ Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Jenny Gayfer, owner of Top 40 Woodworks, an OAC certified commercial millwork company based in Canada. Jenny shares her unconventional journey from vendor representative to consultant to ultimately acquiring the very company she once supplied materials to. With more than two decades of industry exposure, Jenny brought a rare perspective into ownership. She had seen the best and worst of millwork operations across Canada, understood the competitive landscape, and knew exactly where Top 40 stood in the market. What followed was not a quick overhaul, but a deliberate transformation focused on culture, systems, visibility, and long term strategy. About Our Guest Jenny Gayfer is the owner of Top 40 Woodworks, a predominantly commercial architectural millwork company with long standing national contracts and a growing multifamily presence. Before acquiring Top 40, Jenny spent over 10 years as a decorative surface and materials vendor representative, working closely with millwork shops across Canada. Top 40 was one of her largest accounts, giving her deep operational insight long before she stepped into ownership After years of consulting and business development for the company, Jenny and her husband acquired Top 40 and began a comprehensive internal restructuring. Since then, she has led the implementation of an ERP system, adopted EOS from the book Traction, redefined the leadership team, and repositioned the company for scalable growth. What You Will Learn Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Liz Ingebrigtsen, Project Manager at Sprovieri’s Custom Counters and current Chair of the Board for the Architectural Woodwork Institute. With more than 15 years in the industry, Liz shares her journey from starting at the front desk during the height of the recession to becoming a respected industry leader at both the chapter and national level. Together, they explore the evolving role of AWI, the importance of industry involvement, and the real opportunities available for young professionals in millwork. This conversation goes beyond standards and titles. It is about ownership, workforce development, mentorship, and building a sustainable future for the trades. About Our Guest Liz Ingebrigtsen is a Project Manager at Sprovieri’s Custom Counters in the Chicago area and the current Chair of the Board for the Architectural Woodwork Institute. She has served for years on the Chicago Chapter board and recently stepped into national leadership. Liz began her career in the middle of the 2009 recession, taking a front desk position at a countertop company that would eventually become her long term professional home. Over the years she grew alongside the company as it expanded from residential work into large scale commercial fabrication. Through her involvement in AWI, she found not just professional growth but community, mentorship, and purpose within the millwork industry. Where to Learn More Architectural Woodwork Institute https://awinet.org Sprovieri’s Custom Counters https://sprovieris.com Connect with Lizz Ingebrigtsen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizingebrigtsen/ Blog: https://vifpodcast.com/leadership-and-legacy-in-millwork-with-liz-ingebrigtsen/↗ Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Madison Fuzzell, Chief Operating Officer of Integrity Architectural Millwork, to explore what it looks like to step into leadership within a second generation millwork business. Madison shares her unconventional path into the industry, beginning with a corporate career in international supply chain and operations before joining her family’s millwork company. Together, they discuss the realities of succession planning, earning trust in a legacy shop, and introducing modern systems into an established operation. This conversation offers a candid look at leadership transitions, industry change, and the future of millwork from the perspective of a new generation of leaders. About Our Guest Madison Fuzzell is the Chief Operating Officer at Integrity Architectural Millwork, a Nashville based millwork company founded by her father more than 40 years ago. Although she grew up around the business, Madison initially pursued a career outside the construction industry, studying business and working in international grocery supply chain operations in Germany and the United States. After years of experience building systems, managing logistics, and driving operational efficiency, Madison joined Integrity Architectural Millwork during a pivotal transition period. Since then, she has helped modernize processes, implement scheduling and documentation systems, and guide the company through growth, a new facility move, and leadership succession. She is also actively involved in AWI and industry organizations that support collaboration, education, and workforce development. Where to learn more Integrity Architectural Millwork website https://www.integritymillwork.net/ Integrity Architectural Millwork Linkedln https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-architectural-millwork-inc./ Connect with Madison Fuzzell on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonfuzzell/ Podcast blog:https://vifpodcast.com/leading-the-next-generation-of-millwork-with-madison-fuzzell/?utm_source=Buzzprout&utm_medium=Podcast Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! Better Drawings, Better Builds: Jobsite Lessons with Katelyn Rossier In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Katelyn Rossier, a licensed architect in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the founder of MentorDINO, a training platform built to close the gap between architecture school and real-world practice. Katelyn shares how spending more than half of her career on job sites reshaped the way she thinks about drawings, detailing, construction administration, and the relationships that make projects run smoother. Together, they unpack a challenge both architects and trades feel every day: the disconnect between design and construction. From “design intent” that gets misunderstood to drawings overloaded with information that still miss the details people need to build, this conversation is a practical look at how teams can collaborate better and why mentorship is the real solution to the industry’s training problem. About Our Guest Katelyn Rossier is a licensed architect and the founder of MentorDINO, an education and mentoring platform designed to help architects strengthen their technical skills, communication, and jobsite confidence. After working in both small firms and large, multi-location environments, she saw firsthand how understaffing, burnout, and limited training impact drawing quality and construction outcomes. Today, Katelyn runs two businesses: MentorDINO, and her architecture firm, Rossier Architecture and Design, bringing together field experience, practical detailing, and mentorship to help architects become stronger partners to contractors and trades. Where to Learn More MentorDINOS website link: https://academy.mentordino.com/pages/mentordino-home-page MentorDINOSLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mentordino-llc/ Katelyn Rossier LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-rossier/ MentorDINOS Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mentorDINO Find out more about this episode's sponsor, Skillya: https://skill-ya.com/?utm_source=VIF%20Podcast Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Amanda Conger, Executive Director of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP), and the National Woods Board (NWB). With over 20 years in the woodworking and machinery world, Amanda has become one of the industry's most influential voices for small shops, education, and workforce development. From the challenges facing today’s cabinetmakers to the nationwide push for better woodworking programs in schools, Amanda brings clarity to the talent crisis many millwork shops face. Together, Jacob and Amanda explore how associations, schools, and shop owners can work together to build sustainable career pathways for the next generation. About Our Guest Amanda Conger began her career in marketing at Stiles Machinery, where she discovered a passion for industry-wide collaboration and association leadership. That curiosity led her into executive roles first with CMA, then ACSP, and finally the National Woods Board. Through these organizations, she supports small and mid-size shops with education, networking, best practices, and crucially—access to a trained future workforce. Where to Learn More https://www.cabinetmakers.org/https://closets.org/https://nationalwoodsboard.org/Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Bruno Calatayud, National Director at EFICAD, to talk about the development, evolution, and impact of SWOOD a SolidWorks-based CAD/CAM solution built specifically for the woodworking and millwork industry. Bruno shares the story of how SWOOD grew from an educational initiative in France into a global platform with clients in 50+ industry categories. From SolidWorks integration to machine-ready CAM output, SWOOD is giving custom millwork shops the tools to take full control of their workflows from design to machining. If you’ve ever wondered whether a fully integrated CAD/CAM solution is worth the switch bor whether your current software is holding your team back this episode offers a clear look into what’s possible. About Our Guest Bruno Calatayud is the National Director for North America at EFICAD, the developers behind SWOOD, a fully integrated CAD/CAM solution for woodworking built on SolidWorks. With a background in mechanical engineering, Bruno has spent over a decade training technical teams, working with international partners, and helping shops streamline complex production with 3D-driven automation. Based in Boston since 2019, he’s now leading SWOOD’s expansion across North America. Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond is joined by Ryan Randell, National Director at Elevated Finishing, to dive deep into one of the most overlooked, and most painful, parts of a shop’s workflow: finishing. From long cure times to inconsistent results, finishing can often feel like a mysterious “black art.” But Ryan brings clarity, process, and serious innovation to the conversation, introducing us to a game-changing solution: the SCHUBOX. Designed for real-world millwork and cabinetry shops, this compact, catalytic IR curing system slashes drying times, eliminates bottlenecks, and makes finishing predictable. Whether you're struggling with air-dry lag, overwhelmed by rework, or just tired of crowding your shop with drying racks, this episode offers insight into how smarter curing can transform production flow and profitability. About Our Guest Ryan Randell is the National Director at Elevated Finishing and a long-time expert in the world of finishing and coatings. His journey, from remodeling contractor roots to application engineering at Stiles Machinery, gave him hands-on insight into the real challenges millwork and cabinetry shops face daily. Now, he leads Elevated Finishing’s mission to bring European-style catalytic IR technology to the U.S. market through their signature product, the SCHUBOX. Where to Learn More https://www.elevatedfinishing.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevated-finishing/https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedFinishinghttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557506270777https://www.instagram.com/elevatedfinishing/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-randell-b086749b/Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this solo episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond steps out from behind the interview desk to tackle one of the most urgent problems in the millwork and construction industry, not the shortage of talent, but the shortage of training and mentorship. Drawing from his own unconventional path, from architecture school to engineering without prior cabinet-building experience, Jacob shares what it takes to create a true talent pipeline. This episode is a powerful call to action for millwork leaders, project managers, and shop owners who keep asking, “Where do I find good people?” but haven’t asked, “How am I helping create them?” If your shop is struggling with turnover, skill gaps, or a lack of promotable team members, this is required listening. Where to Learn More Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Matt Swatek, CEO of Microcap Solutions to discuss how millwork companies can future-proof their workforce through smarter recruiting, strategic HR practices, and proactive planning. About Our Guest Matt Swatek is the CEO of Microcap Solutions, a labor solutions and recruiting firm serving the millwork industry. His background includes leading HR and recruiting efforts at ISEC and USA Millwork, where he scaled teams, developed internal training processes, and built recruiting systems from scratch. Now, through Microcap, he helps millwork businesses develop smarter hiring strategies and fractional HR support tailored to their stage of growth. Where to Learn More Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Bruce Chezem, longtime Cabinet Vision consultant, shop owner, educator, and host of the Cabinet Vision Minute podcast. From his start in cabinetmaking as a young firefighter to running his own shop during the Great Recession and now helping hundreds of businesses optimize their software and workflows, Bruce has seen it all. Where to Learn More https://craftsmanengineering.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-chezem-draw/https://Patreon.com/PeelingbackCabinetVisionhttps://www.youtube.com/@aCVMinuteadmin@craftsmanengineering.comCraftsman Engineering CV Packages – Essential Cabinet Vision PackagesCreating and Documenting A Job in Cabinet Vision in 40 Steps | Craftsman Woodworks Engineering ServicesShare The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond reconnects with returning guest Adria Salvatore, Education Director at the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), to explore the education initiatives that are shaping the next generation of millwork professionals. Where to Learn More Adria Salvatore's info:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adria-salvatore-4b590610/AWI:www.awinet.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/architectural-woodwork-institute/posts/?feedView=allhttps://member.awinet.org/s/event/a1yUO000000s3c1YAA/2025-awi-annual-conventionhttps://awinet.org/education/Educationhttps://library.kccte.pittstate.edu/curriculum/299https://kccte.pittstate.edu/Skills USAhttps://www.skillsusa.org/https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19iVAz_0yWTkm6Cgh__xmpVih-wkWpnRXxHG_IY_so_g/edit?uspShare The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with brand strategist, author, and leadership coach Skot Waldron to unpack what effective leadership really means in today’s evolving millwork and construction industry. Where to Learn More http://www.skotwaldron.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/skotwaldron/Unlocked – A 52 Week Guide for the Intentional Leader: Skot's Book: Unlocked, a 52 Week Guide for the Intentional Leader. Unlocked with Skot Waldronhttps://apple.co/3ZCgTCBhttps://www.youtube.com/@skotwaldronhttps://www.talkadot.com/s/skotwShare The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Curtis Garrard, Continuous Improvement Manager at Stevens Industries, to unpack what continuous improvement actually looks like in a modern millwork operation, from manufacturing to project management and beyond. Curtis explains how CI isn’t just about fixing machines or tracking parts. It’s about aligning teams, reducing waste across departments, and building a culture that questions how things are done, so processes evolve alongside the business. Whether you’re a shop owner trying to reduce rework, or a PM drowning in inefficiencies, this episode lays out the mindset, tools, and cultural shifts needed to get real traction. About Our Guest Curtis Garrard is the Continuous Improvement Manager at Stevens Industries, where he leads cross-functional initiatives to optimize processes across the entire quote-to-cash cycle. With a background in manufacturing and automation, Curtis blends hands-on operations knowledge with a deep understanding of lean principles, digital tools, and people-focused leadership. He’s especially passionate about building systems that support sustainable growth and smarter work, not just faster output. Where to Learn More Curtis Garrard on LinkedIn Email Curtis curtisg@stevensind.comStevens Industries Website https://www.stevensind.com/Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Paul Koetke, founder of Koetke Consulting and a Smartsheet Platinum Partner, to explore how growing millwork companies can scale their operations, improve visibility, and reduce manual chaos—all without jumping straight into a massive ERP system. Whether you’re using Excel to schedule projects or relying on texts and spreadsheets to run your team, this episode shows how Smartsheet can bridge the gap between where you are and where you’re headed. With real-world examples from shops and field teams, Paul breaks down how to set up smart, flexible workflows that grow with your business. About Our Guest Paul Koetke is the founder of Koetke Consulting, a Smartsheet Platinum Partner focused on helping growing companies design smarter, leaner operations. A former Customer Success Manager at Smartsheet, Paul specializes in building custom solutions that streamline project management, resource planning, CRM workflows, and more, without the complexity of full-scale ERP systems. His team works with manufacturers, construction firms, and mid-size businesses to build flexible systems that support real-world Where to Learn More Koetke Consulting Website: https://www.koetkeconsulting.com Paul’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkoetke/ Smartsheet Website: https://www.smartsheet.com/ Watch Paul's previous Verify in Field Episode: https://duckworksmw.com/podcasts/the-power-of-smartsheet-streamlining-project-management-with-paul-koetke/?utm_source=Buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Kelly Victor-Burke, co-owner of Burke Architectural Millwork, and Mark Smith, longtime educator and now brand ambassador for Microvellum, to dive deep into a topic shaping the future of our industry: registered apprenticeships. From the challenges of finding and developing talent to creating a nationally recognized pathway for careers in woodworking and millwork, Kelly and Mark break down how the industry can solve its workforce crisis, one apprentice at a time. This episode isn’t just about attracting young talent. It’s about building a sustainable future for woodworking by creating formal systems that train, certify, and empower the next generation. About Our Guests Kelly Victor BurkeWoodwork Manufacturing Specialist Registered Apprenticeship ProgramMark SmithWhere to Learn More https://drive.google.com/file/d/1svq2QPs8pWhqzwdrTuRQ6GKVtv5ClDrw/view?usp=drive_linkhttps://forms.gle/igYy57HFT35RDH7R8Company Websites:http://www.burkemillwork.com/https://www.microvellum.com/Social Media & Professional Contacts:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-victor-burke-451aa35/https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksmitheducate/https://www.linkedin.com/company/burke-architectural-millwork/https://www.linkedin.com/company/microvellum/Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with returning guest Kevin Fassnacht, owner of Fine Point Cabinetry, to explore what it really looks like to level up from a successful one-man shop to running a growing business. Kevin shares the story of acquiring another millwork shop, taking on new overhead, new equipment, and a seasoned craftsman as part of his team, all to push his business to the next stage. This isn’t a highlight reel; it’s a raw look at the mindset shifts, financial bets, and operational changes needed to evolve from skilled craftsman to strategic business owner. If you’re a shop owner or millwork entrepreneur wondering “Should I scale up—or stay small?” this episode is packed with valuable firsthand insight. About Our Guest Kevin Fassnacht is the owner of Fine Point Cabinetry, based in Pennsylvania. Known for his meticulous approach to cabinetry and his authentic, behind-the-scenes presence on Instagram, Kevin has spent over a decade building a business that balanced craftsmanship and lifestyle. Now, with the acquisition of a larger shop, new high-end equipment, and an experienced team member, he’s navigating the next level of growth, turning a thriving solo operation into a true production shop. Resources & Where to Find Kevin https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-fassnacht-343594124/https://www.finepointcabinetry.com/https://www.instagram.com/fine_point_cabinetry/?hl=enShare The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with James Drury, Director of Training and Development at Master Millwork, to talk about the mindset, methods, and mission behind developing new talent in the millwork industry. From humble beginnings building concierge desks during hotel off-seasons to leading Microvellum training at the national level, James shares his journey through the trades—and how it’s shaped his approach to mentoring, process-building, and problem-solving in today’s millwork shops. Whether you’re trying to grow your team, modernize your onboarding, or attract younger talent, this episode is full of firsthand insights and actionable takeaways. About Our Guest James Drury is a seasoned millwork engineer, former Microvellum service provider, and current Director of Training & Development at Master Millwork. He’s built everything from restaurant bars to technical onboarding programs and has helped dozens of shops adopt Microvellum, improve training processes, and cultivate new talent. Today, James leads training initiatives that scale knowledge, promote mentorship, and align teams with the high standards required in custom commercial millwork. Where to Learn More https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdrury-mmw/https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastermillwork/https://www.mastermillwork.com/Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In Part 2 of this Verify Infield conversation, host Jacob Edmond and guest John Van Erem, Executive VP at Adams Group, dive deeper into the real-world strategies that separate high-profit millwork companies from the rest. This episode goes beyond definitions and digs into plant vs. non-plant produced work, install pitfalls, margin per hour, and the silent killer—slippage. If your shop’s profitability feels like a mystery at the end of every year, this one gives you the math, the mindset, and the metrics to make real change. About Our Guest John Van Erem is a financial strategist and operations expert at Adams Group. He’s also an instructor with AWI, where he teaches cost modeling and project management with a no-BS, results-first approach. John is passionate about helping millwork teams use real numbers—not guesses—to improve margin, productivity, and profitability across the board. Where to Learn More https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cvF34bmYwQ9qYi8Wq8Mq0Wgram-H-kKt/view?usp=sharinghttps://awinet.org/codbs/https://discoveradams.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnvanerem/ PodMatch PodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For Interviews Share The Love: If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast … Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!