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In this episode, our host Jacob Edmond sits down with Justin Berken, engineering manager at Schlaegle Design Build, to discuss valuable insights and experiences from his successful career in the millwork industry. Justin shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of confidence and persistence in pursuing opportunities. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities in the millwork industry, the evolving landscape of remote work, finding and nurturing young talent, and the exciting integration of AI tools. From his early interest in 3D design to his current role leading a diverse engineering team, Justin's career journey is a testament to the drive for continuous learning and growth. Join us as we explore Justin's experiences and wisdom in engineering success within the dynamic world of millwork.


0:00 Engineering Success: Insights from Schlaegle Design Build's Justin Berken
00:24 Welcome and Introduction to Today's Guest
01:38 Journey into Millwork: From Field Trips to Engineering Manager
03:31 First Steps in the Millwork Industry: Learning and Adapting
09:39 The Importance of a 3D Mindset in Millwork Engineering
11:00 Transitioning to USA Millwork: Learning and Leading
17:01 Embracing Remote Work and Talent Development in Millwork
24:49 The Future of Talent in the Millwork Industry
30:33 Mastering Remote Work: Tips and Strategies
32:55 The Importance of Visiting Work Sites
34:08 Balancing Remote and On-Site Work Dynamics
36:15 Innovative Approaches to Talent Development and Recruitment
39:54 Future Trends in the Industry: Software and AI
42:05 The Evergreen Skills of Engineering
43:14 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/engineering-success-insights-from-schlaegle-design-builds-justin-berken

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In this episode, Jacob Edmond, CEO of DuckWorks, shares his insights and observations on the current events and trends in the millwork industry. He discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by remote engineering and the evolving dynamics between skilled engineers and millwork companies. Jacob dives into the gap between remote engineering aspirations and the practical challenges faced by the industry, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the remote work dilemma. He encourages both engineers and millwork companies to adopt a more creative and collaborative mindset in navigating this new landscape. Join us as we explore this engaging discussion and gain valuable insights into the evolving world of millwork.

00:00 Industry News & Events
04:39 Self-guided training yields awesome results at DuckWorks.
08:09 Industry lacks formal training, remote work challenge.
09:39 Challenges in managing remote engineering talent.
13:42 Perception and risk are key in employment.
16:41 Using technology to close skill gap feasible.
20:50 Engineer self-reflection: communication, solution-oriented mindset, relationships.
23:40 Conclusion

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/distant-skills-close-quarters-navigating-the-remote-engineering-dilemma

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In this episode, we sit down with David Stasiukaitis, the CEO of Low Country Case and Millwork in North Charleston, South Carolina. As a second-generation leader in the family business, David shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities within the woodworking industry.
From the company's gradual leadership transition to navigating the rapidly evolving market, David discusses the need for continuous personal and professional growth, including the hiring of individuals from different generations to drive the business forward. We also explore the significance of establishing strong company culture, personal and team development, and the role of core values in driving growth.
Join us as we uncover the journey of Low Country Case and Millwork, from its market focus in Charleston to the strategies employed for team development and culture building. Discover how the company's commitment to community service and employee engagement has contributed to their significant growth and success. This episode offers invaluable insights into the woodworking industry's resilience, adaptability, and the vital role of people in driving its future.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/empowering-teams-cultivating-culture-lessons-from-david-stasiukaitis-in-millwork

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Welcome to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast! In today's episode, host Jacob Edmond sits down with special guest Bruce Poling, the director of the Joinery Business Podcast. Bruce shares his journey from running his own cabinetry business in Canada to becoming the founder of the Joinery Coach in Australia. He discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of maximizing machinery uptime in manufacturing, and the nine foundations that every business should focus on. The conversation delves into marketing strategies, the value of niching down, the future of joinery coaching, and much more. Join us as we gain valuable insights into the world of millwork and joinery from Bruce Poling’s wealth of experience and expertise.

00:00 Understanding the Core of Marketing
01:24 Introducing the Guest: Bruce Polling
02:42 Bruce's Journey in the Joinery Business
03:51 The Importance of Business Knowledge
05:38 The Turning Point: From Cabinet Making to Business Coaching
11:26 The Concept of GPS in Business
17:53 The Nine Foundations of a Successful Business
23:52 The Importance of Customer Experience
27:34 The Role of Efficient Manufacturing in Business
29:26 The Marketing Joint: A New Approach to Business Marketing
30:32 The Importance of Conscious Marketing
31:09 The Birth of the Marketing Joint
31:33 Understanding the True Essence of Marketing
32:37 The Difference Between Attracting and Hunting
33:28 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies
34:06 The Challenges of Implementing Marketing Strategies
34:45 The Success of the Marketing Joint
40:27 The Power of Niche Marketing
47:48 The Future of the Joinery Coach and the Marketing Joint
50:04 The Importance of Continuous Learning
50:27 The Role of Technology in Business
56:16 Conclusion: The Power of Community and Knowledge Sharing

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Welcome to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast! In this episode, our host Jacob Edmond sits down with David Fairbanks, President of Microvellum and an industry expert with a passion for education and an eye for technological advancements in the millwork industry. They delve into the challenges faced by millwork businesses, the changing landscape of the industry, and the vital role of leadership in successful technological implementation. David shares his journey from environmental engineering to joining Microvellum during a tumultuous period, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and the entrepreneurial nature of the millwork industry. Together, they explore the evolving demands of the industry and the misconceptions surrounding sales, providing valuable insights for both industry professionals and those aspiring to be part of the millwork world. Get ready for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the unique blend of craftsmanship and technology in the millwork industry.

00:00 Introduction
00:00 Entering the Millwork Industry
01:23 The Journey to Microvellum
02:32 The Challenges of a New Industry
04:07 The Transition from Engineering to Business
05:06 The Role of Software in Streamlining Business
06:46 The Path to Microvellum
07:39 The State of Microvellum Upon Arrival
10:52 The Transformation of Microvellum
14:08 The Role of Sales in Problem Solving
23:11 Advice for Early Career Professionals
29:25 The Importance of Embracing Change
29:49 Insights from the Millwork Industry
30:37 The Intersection of Craft and Technology
31:50 Challenges in the Millwork Industry
33:00 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Millwork Industry
34:56 The Struggle with Change and Innovation
35:48 The Role of Talent in Business Growth
40:10 The Importance of Leadership in Change Management
51:56 The Future of the Millwork Industry
56:52 Closing Thoughts

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/navigating-change-in-the-millwork-industry-with-microvellums-david-fairbanks

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In this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, our host Jacob Edmond is joined by Garen Ceva, the founder of Vesta 360, a revolutionary cloud-based software transforming the millwork industry. Together, they explore how Vesta 360 is reshaping the way millwork companies operate, from design and sales to seamless integration with other platforms. Garen shares insights into the development process, the software's features, and its potential impact on the industry. Join us as we delve into the intersection of technology and millwork, and learn how Vesta 360 is paving the way for innovation and efficiency.


00:00 Introduction to the Concept
01:27 Interview Begins: Meet the Founder of Vesta 360
02:13 Garin's Journey: From Production to Software
05:47 The Birth of Vesta 360
08:47 Understanding Vesta 360: A Powerful Tool for Designers
13:04 The Development Process of Vesta 360
17:58 Vesta 360: Serving the Residential Market
19:30 The Estimating Functionality of Vesta 360
21:50 Understanding Vesta 360: Startup and Configuration
22:00 Vesta 360: Catering to Manufacturing Shops and Independent Designers
23:29 The Integration Process with Microvellum and Cabinet Vision
25:21 The Workflow: From Design to Purchasing
26:32 Vesta 360 and Microvellum: Configuration and Translation
27:05 Material Request and Purchasing Process
27:45 Integration with ODU: A Powerful ERP
30:27 Sharing Designs with Clients: The Workflow
32:17 Usability and Learning Curve of Vesta 360
34:21 The Future of Vesta 360: Innovations and Developments
37:43 Industry Insights: Changes and Constants
42:08 Contacting Vesta 360: How to Reach Out

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/revolutionizing-millwork-through-cloud-based-software-with-garen-ceva

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Welcome to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast! In episode 42, host Jacob Edmond sits down with guest Matt Oberlies, a partner at Vogo Cabinets in Denver, to discuss their experiences with transitioning to new software, particularly Microvellum. Matt and Jacob dive into the challenges and successes of integrating Microvellum into their millwork processes, sharing valuable insights on navigating the complexities of transitioning to a new software and the benefits of leveraging formula-driven materials and customizing spec groups. Join us as we explore the intricacies of millwork software and the evolving landscape of the industry.

0:00 An Owner's Perspective on Streamlining Millwork Design and Production with Matt Oberlies
01:50 Journey into Millwork and Cabinet Making
05:12 Transition from General Contracting to Cabinet Making
10:47 Challenges and Benefits of the Transition
12:16 The Role of Connections and Experience in Business Growth
17:23 Transition to Microvellum Software
19:44 Challenges and Solutions in Software Transition
23:36 The Impact of Consultation on the Transition Process
31:58 Setting Up for Success: Streamlining User Workflow
32:38 The Power of Customization: DuckWorks's Journey
32:56 The Room Template: Decisions and Setups
33:48 The Challenges of Implementing Microvellum
35:28 The Game Changer: The Wizard
40:25 The User Experience: Transitioning and Benefits
51:59 The Future of Millwork Industry: Changes and Constants
56:55 Vortek Overview
01:01:35 Wrapping Up: Contact Information and Final Thoughts

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/an-owners-perspective-on-streamlining-millwork-design-and-production-with-matt-oberlies

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Welcome to "Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast" where we dive into the world of millwork and the latest innovations shaping the industry. In today's episode, we sit down with Jonathan Blackburn, the senior product evangelist at Vortek Spaces, a cutting-edge rendering software company. Join host Jacob Edmond as they explore how Vortek Spaces is revolutionizing the millwork industry with its user-friendly rendering solutions and the impact it's making on businesses worldwide. Find out how Vortek Spaces is pushing the boundaries of virtual design, streamlining the rendering process, and enhancing the customer experience. Stay tuned as we uncover the future developments and capabilities of Vortek Spaces in this insightful conversation.

00:00 Introduction to AI in Everyday Life
01:21 Welcoming the Guest: Jonathan Blackburn
02:38 Jonathan's Journey into Millwork and Vortek Spaces
05:55 The Evolution of Vortek Spaces
10:13 Jonathan's Role in Vortek Spaces
12:14 Understanding the Vortek Spaces Software
16:43 Workflow and Features of Vortek Spaces
21:05 Using Cabinet Vision and Vortek for Product Design
21:42 Client Interaction Workflows and Sales Strategies
22:50 The Power of Virtual Reality in Design
24:03 Adapting to Different Markets and Manufacturers
26:53 The Importance of Rendering Quality
29:58 Efficient Workflow and Design Changes
31:10 Success Stories and Customer Satisfaction
33:14 The Future of Vortek Spaces
36:34 Resources and Support for New Customers
38:02 Predictions for the Millwork Industry
41:34 Contacting Vortek Spaces

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/tinnovation-in-millwork-jonathan-blackburn-on-vortek-spaces-rendering-solutions

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In this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, we're joined by Hunter Hawley, a tech entrepreneur turned consultant, as he shares his fascinating journey from building a high school basketball stats tracking system to consulting for a millwork company. Hunter's background in technology and his innovative approach to problem-solving have allowed him to navigate and thrive in both the digital and traditional worlds. Tune in as we dive into the challenges and opportunities within the architectural millwork industry, the crucial role of technology and talent recruitment, and the delicate balance between preserving artisanal craftsmanship and embracing modernization. Join us for a compelling discussion that offers insights into the evolving landscape of millwork and the forward-thinking strategies needed for success.

0:00 - Introduction and Guest Background
02:29 - Guest's Journey into Tech and Startup
04:27 - Transition from Basketball to Tech
05:33 - Building a Business in Sports Analytics
07:14 - Challenges and Successes in the Startup Journey
15:14 - Selling the Business and Moving to Dallas
15:27 - Consulting for a Millwork Company
21:02 - Experiences and Observations in the Millwork Industry
23:34 - The Importance of Drawings in Millwork
24:27 - Implementing New Processes and Leadership
25:08 - The Tech Space and Employee Dynamics
26:20 - The Value of Experienced Craftspeople
26:59 - Challenges in Recruiting Young Talent
27:13 - The Impact of Aging Personnel and Talent
27:38 - The Difficulty of Scaling a Business
28:56 - The Need for Succession Planning
30:28 - The Role of Engineers in Millwork
32:39 - The Benefits of Outsourcing Digital Work
34:21 - The Impact of Outsourcing on Internal Processes
46:40 - The Future of the Millwork Industry
50:13 - The Constant Elements in the Millwork Industry

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/technology-basketball-and-millwork-a-candid-chat-with-hunter-hawley

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Welcome to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast. In this episode, host Jacob Edmond is joined by Smartsheet expert and consultant, Paul Koetke. Together, they dive into the powerful and interactive aspects of Smartsheet, discussing the benefits of using this platform for project management, resource management, and more. From the challenges of overwhelming email notifications to real-life examples of how businesses can effectively utilize Smartsheet, Jacob and Paul explore the versatility and potential of this popular tool. Join us as we uncover valuable insights and practical tips from their expertise in this engaging discussion.

00:00 Introduction to Smartsheet and AI
01:17 Guest Introduction: Paul Koetke from Koetke Consulting
02:15 Discussion on Smartsheet's Role in Different Industries
03:24 Understanding the Concept of Structured and Unstructured Work
04:49 Guest's Journey to Starting His Own Consulting Company
08:14 Defining Smartsheet as a Software
12:24 Common Challenges in Implementing Smartsheet
14:07 The Importance of Standardizing Information in Smartsheet
22:02 Discussion on the Use of Notifications in Smartsheet
26:03 Case Study: Implementing Smartsheet in a Mortgage Company
29:50 The Stress of Project Management
30:09 The Benefits of Smartsheet
30:44 Automating Processes with Smartsheet
31:53 The Impact of Real-Time Decision Making
33:50 Smartsheet for Large Enterprises
35:05 Smartsheet for Project Management
37:48 The Versatility of Smartsheet
42:04 Smartsheet for ERP Solutions
46:02 Smartsheet for Applicant Tracking and IT Ticketing
50:50 The Future of Project Management and Technology
53:37 The Constant in Project Management
58:06 Conclusion: The Importance of Change Management

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/the-power-of-smartsheet-streamlining-project-management-with-paul-koetke

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