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 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!

Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with returning guest John VanErem, Executive VP at Adams Group, to break down the financial fundamentals every millwork company should understand, but many overlook. This isn’t just another chat about spreadsheets. John brings real-world clarity to the concepts of revenue recognition, cost tracking, and contribution margin, using real data from the AWI Cost of Doing Business Survey. If you're a project manager, estimator, engineer—or just trying to understand how the money actually flows—this is the episode for you. About Our Guest John Van Erem is the Executive Vice President at Adams Group and an AWI instructor, known for his practical approach to millwork finance. With years of experience managing complex projects and leading financial analysis, John is passionate about helping millwork teams—from the shop floor to the C-suite—understand the numbers behind the work. Where to Learn More https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cvF34bmYwQ9qYi8Wq8Mq0Wgram-H-kKt/view?usp=sharinghttps://awinet.org/codbs/https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnvanerem/Final Thoughts If the math ain’t mathing at your shop, this episode will help you decode why and what you can do about it. Whether you're tracking hours, chasing change orders, or trying to justify a raise, understanding revenue and margin is critical to your success and your company's future. 📌 Stay tuned for Part 2: High-Profit Habits 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 talks with Dave Doran, the inventor of a game-changing Z clip system and the founder of Seven Degree Solutions. After more than 25 years in high-end millwork installation, Dave saw firsthand how much time and effort was wasted shimming wall panels by hand—and decided to do something about it. What began as a sketch in Bluebeam and a prototype in his garage has now become a patented system used by leading shops in the Bay Area and beyond. With a clever beveled clip and horseshoe shim combo, Dave’s innovation simplifies installation, saves time, and eliminates the frustration of misaligned panels. About Our Guest Dave Doran is a seasoned project manager and millwork installer with a deep background in architectural woodwork. He began his career as an apprentice with Design Workshops in the Bay Area and now works for a major general contractor managing large-scale projects—including OpenAI’s new headquarters in San Francisco. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience (and a family legacy in the trades), Dave developed the Seven Degree Z Clip System—a refined, field-tested solution for faster and more accurate panel installation. His mission? Make installation smarter and simpler for the next generation of tradespeople—including his own son, now a union apprentice. Where to Learn More Explore Seven Degree Solutions, watch demo videos, or request a free sample: Home - 7 Degree SolutionsConnect with Dave Doran on LinkedInFollow 7 Degree Solutions in LinkedInShare 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 the family team behind Rise Up Label—founder Brad Klingman and his daughters Kalli and Hannah—to explore how a simple but powerful solution is changing how cabinet and millwork shops manage labeling. With decades of experience and a heart for service, Brad shares the story of how Rise Up Label was born from a real need in the woodworking industry: finding labels that stick when they’re supposed to and come off clean every time. Alongside Kalli and Hannah, who are bringing modern marketing energy to the business, the Rise Up team is showing how a small family company can make a massive difference. About Our Guests Brad Klingman started in the paper and forms business in the 1990s, supplying everything from office products to labels. Over the years, he became a trusted solutions provider for cabinet shops and millwork companies needing better label performance—especially for wood surfaces that require clean removability for finishing. In 2019, Brad launched Rise Up Label, focusing exclusively on creating high-performance, residue-free labeling solutions for the woodworking industry. Today, with his daughters Kalli and Hannah leading marketing, customer engagement, and business development, Rise Up Label is expanding rapidly across North America and beyond—while staying true to their small business values of integrity, service, and relationship-building. Where to Learn More Explore Rise Up Label’s solutions, request samples, or connect directly: - Website: https://www.riseuplabel.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseupenterprise/ - Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557645572567 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riseuplabel/ - Tiktok: riseuplabel (@riseuplabels) | TikTok The Financial Philosophers - Lets Nerd Out We're Chris and Danny, two long-time college friends (and... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify 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 welcomes back guest Jonah Coleman for a third installment to discuss the significant news of Innergy's acquisition of Microvellum. The episode delves into the strategic and cultural alignment between the two companies, emphasizing their shared focus on the woodworking industry and software solutions. Jonah highlights how the acquisition will enable both companies to address industry challenges more effectively, introduce new technological advancements, and improve customer experiences. Key topics include the integration of Microvellum's extensive product library into Innergy's design software, shared technological benefits such as improved nesting algorithms, and long-term plans for innovation. The discussion also touches on the crucial role of education in the industry and how both companies aim to enhance training and support for their users. About Our Guest Jonah Coleman is the Head of Product at Innergy, a leading cloud-native ERP and design software company built specifically for the woodworking and millwork industries. With a background as an engineer, Jonah brings a unique perspective to product development—grounded in hands-on shop experience and visionary thinking. His passion for solving complex industry problems is evident in his work and his mission: to create raving fans by delivering smarter, faster solutions for millwork teams. Where to Learn More Explore the partnership, read the open forums, or request a demo of Innergy or Microvellum: - Jonah's first episode: https://duckworksmw.com/podcasts/jonah-coleman-part-1-of-2-millwork-engineering-department-structures/ - Jonah's second episode: https://duckworksmw.com/podcasts/jonah-coleman-part-2-of-2-innergys-new-design-software/ - Learn more about Innergy: innergy.com - Learn more about Microvellum: microvellum.com - Microvellum Forums: https://community.microvellum.com/portal/en/community/recent 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, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Negus Negesti, also known as the Millwork Drafter, to discuss his newly released book, 'The Freelancers Guide to Millwork Drafting.' Negus shares his extensive experience in the millwork industry, detailing his journey from a truck loader to an expert drafter with over 20 years of experience. The conversation explores the 'three pillars of drafting'—drafting the right thing, drafting the thing right, and drafting fast—and offers insights into how these principles apply to the millwork drafting process. Negus also discusses the importance and challenges of freelance drafting in the industry and shares his vision for the future, including advancements in technology like virtual reality and point cloud systems. Tune in to learn from Negus's rich experiences and valuable advice on succeeding in the competitive world of millwork drafting. About Our Guest Negus Negesti is a seasoned professional in the millwork industry with over two decades of experience. His career began in 2002 on the shop floor of a contract furniture company and evolved into a path that now includes national projects, training outsourcing teams, and writing The Freelancer’s Guide to Millwork Drafting. Based on the East Coast, Negus has worked for high-end millwork firms like Allen Architectural Millwork in New York, gaining fast-paced, high-pressure experience that shaped his understanding of the full project lifecycle. More from our Guest: Negus’s book, The Freelancer’s Guide to Millwork Drafting, is available now on Amazon and at themillworkdrafter.com. Whether you’re building your drafting team or just getting started in the industry, it’s a must-read roadmap from someone who’s done it all. Connect with Negus Online InstagramLinkedInShare 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! Welcome to another episode of Verify in Field, the Millwork podcast. In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Chris Brooks, the Division President at Wood Systems. Chris has had an intriguing journey from starting in the food and beverage industry to becoming a leader in the millwork sector. With experience spanning operations and project management, Chris has been instrumental in integrating two facilities at Wood Systems, bringing together different cultures and processes to operate as one cohesive unit. Join us as we dive into the unique challenges of merging multi-site operations, the importance of aligning team efforts around a shared set of goals, and the key role that people play in the success of our industry. Chris shares insights on managing customer relationships, adapting to ever-evolving technological advancements, and the critical importance of communication and trust in building successful projects. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone in the millwork industry. Let's dive in! About Our Guest Chris Brooks is a highly skilled professional known for his expertise in multi-site business integration and management. With a wealth of experience in leading complex projects, Chris excels at unifying diverse teams and processes to achieve cohesive operational success. His ability to navigate cultural differences within organizations and his strategic approach to aligning goals make him a valuable asset in any business setting. Chris is committed to fostering collaboration and driving efficiency across various operational environments. Listen to the episode What You’ll Learn 00:00 From Restaurants to Millwork Transition 03:52 From Operations to Leadership Transition 08:46 "Aligning Similarities, Addressing Differences" 09:56 Begin Projects with Process Integration 13:53 Streamlining Engineering and Production Processes 16:32 Optimizing Dual Assembly Line Operations 21:04 Collaborative Resource Management Strategies 24:26 Learn to Commit to Consistency 28:20 Millwork Industry's Future and Opportunities 29:13 Balancing Automation with Human Roles 33:14 Building Trust for Efficient Manufacturing 35:53 Inside Our Facility: Collaborative Insights 39:44 Tech Career Insights for Youth More from Chris Brooks: Brad Cairns – LinkedInStolbek Machines – LinkedInStolbek Machines – WebFollow Us On: AppleSpotifyYoutubeMore from DuckWorks Millwork Solut 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!