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Karen Koenig
Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]

WOOD 100 Honorees

10 Strategies for creating hot products: WOOD 100

Check out some of the strategies used by the 2017 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.  

WOOD 100 Honorees

6 Service strategies for obtaining & retaining customers: WOOD 100

Good customer service is a vital component to success. Today's wood products manufacturers must also work harder, smarter and faster than their competitors. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2017 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Market Leaders

Meet the 2017 Wood Industry Market Leaders

Meet the elite - the 2017 Wood Industry Market Leaders. They are: Elliot Germany, Panel Specialists Inc.; Kevin McCoy, National Office Furniture; Dan Tafoya, Tailored Living; Kelly Shotbolt, Arauco North America; Dave Bashor, Flexsteel Industries Inc.; John Gahm, Kitchen Kompact; and Kathryn Constantine, Brown Wood Inc.

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: John Gahm, Kitchen Kompact

  Like his grandfather and father, John Gahm always wanted to be a woodworker. Dwight Gahm purchased Kitchen Kompact in 1955, and John’s father Walt, and uncles Gordy and Phil, joined after college. “I followed in their footsteps and began working at Kitchen Kompact after I graduated from college,” said John.

Market Leaders

Wood Industry Market Leader: Elliot Germany, Panel Specialists Inc.

  A decorated veteran of the U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard with a background in I.T. and logistics, Elliot Germany’s first choice for a post-Army career was not in woodworking. “Having said that,” the president & CEO of Panel Specialists, Inc. (PSI) added, “I’m so glad it worked out this way and I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve been blessed with.”