NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa - Woodworking Network announces the honorees of its 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. This year marks the eighth annual awarding of the 40 Under 40, which celebrates the next generation of industry professionals who are making an impact on North American wood products manufacturing, design, sales, services and education.

Those selected have been recognized by their peers for their achievements and innovations in the categories of: productivity, profitability, social good, ingenuity, peer inspiration, product development, organizational leadership, or another area. Approximately 130 submissions were received and evaluated by a team of Woodworking Network editors.

“We are again proud to celebrate the commitment to excellence portrayed by some of the youngest, best, and brightest contributors to the woodworking industry in North America. This year’s team of honorees will join 282 alumni who have been recognized with this distinction in the past,” said Tim Fixmer, president and CEO of CCI Media, the parent of Woodworking Network.

"These professionals have navigated a difficult business climate and are the driving force of our industry,” said Harry Urban, publisher of FDMC and Woodworking Network. “We're proud of their accomplishments and salute their commitment to the industry, their communities, and to greater causes."

The 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 is sponsored by PaintLine.

Those named to this year's class are (in alphabetical order):

2023 honorees will be recognized at the Leadership Reception, to be held on July 24 in Las Vegas, the day prior to the AWFS Fair, and at the Executive Briefing Conference, Sept. 26-28, in Colorado Springs. Honorees also will be featured in the FDMC/October Leadership issue.

“Being chosen as a 40 Under 40 honoree carries far more than the distinction of industry recognition,” Fixmer said. “Membership in this elite group has several tangible benefits: In addition to recognition at the Leadership Reception in Las Vegas in July, each 2023 honoree will receive free admission to this year’s Executive Briefing Conference to be held at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in September. All 40 Under 40 alumni from prior years receive a 40 percent discount to each annual Executive Briefing Conference in recognition of their outstanding achievements. The lifelong networking opportunities to rub shoulders and exchange ideas with other honorees is a significant benefit to these great performers.”

“I'm looking forward to connecting with the Woodworking Network 40 U 40 Class of 2023 at the Leadership Reception and also at the EBC in September. Several 40 U 40 alumni will likely be at the reception again adding to the fun and networking opportunities,” Urban added. “It's great to meet with these young professionals who lead and drive innovation and inspiration. Their contributions to our industry will maintain its vitality and advancement.”

Plaques for the 2023 Woodworking Network 40 Under 40 are being provided by Epilog Laser.

Entries to this year's 40 Under 40 were solicited at WoodworkingNetwork.com through banner ads, email promotions and via social media. The 2023 class joins an elite group of honorees from 2022, 2021,  2020,  2019, 2018,  2017, and 2016.

For more information on the 40 Under 40 award program, contact Karen Koenig at [email protected].