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Welcome back to another episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Kelly Victor-Burke, joining us. Kelly is the founder of Burke Architectural Millwork and is here to share their journey of creating a registered apprenticeship program in the wood industry. 

Kelly will delve into the misconceptions and benefits surrounding apprenticeships, the collaboration with Schoolcraft Community College, the role of government involvement, and the amazing success story of their apprentice, Logan. We'll also explore the competencies and flexibility of the Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprenticeship, the funding opportunities available, and the inspiring ways in which apprenticeships are transforming careers in the millwork industry. So, let's get started and learn all about the power and potential of registered apprenticeships in the fascinating world of millwork.

Guest bio:
Kelly Victor-Burke is a highly experienced and passionate individual who dedicated 30 years of her life to higher education in the Detroit area. Despite her specialization in geography, tourism, and historic preservation, she became deeply interested in curriculum development and ensuring that students in various fields gained the necessary competence for their careers. This led to engaging discussions with her husband, who was an architectural woodworker.

Full episode blog post here:
https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/registered-apprenticeships-kelly-victor-burke

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Welcome to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dominic Rubino as our guest. Dominic is an expert in applying traction specifically to millwork, cabinetry, countertop, and closet companies. He takes us through the importance of developing employees within the company, investing in their growth, and the impact it has on overall business success. Dominic also shares insights on succession planning, strategic planning, and the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS). Join us as we dive deep into these key topics and learn from Dominic's wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.

About Our Guest:

Dominic Rubino, an experienced professional business coach and podcast host in the cabinet-making industry, has been helping business owners in the industry thrive for many years. In the year 2000, he obtained his first cabinetry client and embarked on a career dedicated to assisting cabinet makers, architecture professionals, mill workers, furniture makers, and others in the industry. Dominic's expertise and passion for supporting these businesses led him to host the popular podcast, Cabinet Maker Profit System, where he shares valuable insights and strategies for success. With his extensive background and knowledge, Dominic continues to make a significant impact on the lives and businesses of those in the cabinet-making field.

Full show notes:
https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/unlocking-millwork-business-growth-dominic-rubino

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Welcome back to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Doug Hague, CEO of AWI, to discuss his remarkable journey in the millwork industry. From starting as an intern to becoming an estimator, salesman, project manager, and AutoCAD draftsman, Doug's path is filled with valuable experiences and insights. Join us as we delve into topics such as the importance of investing in talent and nurturing passion, the future of the industry with innovative technology, the power of building a strong company culture, and the significance of sharing stories to inspire and support others. So, grab your headphones and let's dive in!

About Our Guest:

Doug Hague's journey to becoming the CEO of AWI is a unique and unexpected one. His passion for woodworking began at a young age, where he spent his time hammering nails and building things in his yard. Through his involvement in 4-H and high school shop class, he developed a strong foundation in woodworking skills. Doug's love for CAD and design also became apparent during his studies in college. It was during his interactions with customers outside of technology that he realized the importance of manual drafting skills and being able to convey ideas in the moment. After initially pursuing a chemistry major, Doug switched to becoming an industrial arts teacher and eventually found his calling as a Wood Tech major at Pittsburgh State University. This newfound passion made his studies enjoyable and he excelled in his courses. Doug's journey showcases the importance of finding one's true passion and pursuing it wholeheartedly.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/journey-to-success-doug-hague

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On this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, host Jacob Edmond is joined by special guest Doug McLean, an experienced professional in the millwork industry. Doug shares his insights on the customization options available in wall paneling using takeoff software, the importance of skilled mill workers, and the integration of technology like Bluebeam for collaborative markups and real-time collaboration. Get ready to dive into the world of architectural millwork and explore the potential of 3D design in this informative and engaging episode.

About Our Guest:

Doug McLean is a former construction worker who took a leap of faith and transitioned into the role of an estimator. Tired of the physical toll that his job was taking on his body, Doug decided to seize an opportunity that presented itself in his town. He joined the community as an estimator eight and a half years ago, leaving behind the painstaking work of crawling around and building drywalls. Doug's determination and willingness to embrace change have led him to where he is today, grateful for the chance to be part of a new community and excited to explore new opportunities.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/how-bluebeam-transforms-workflows-doug-mclean

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Dive into the intricate world of contract negotiations in the construction industry with Jacob Edmond and Chad Foster. This enlightening conversation sheds light on:

• Understanding Contracts:
• Chad Foster: "It's not just about the money. It's about understanding what you're agreeing to."
• Delve into the importance of comprehending every aspect of a contract, from monetary terms to potential risks.
• The Role of Attorneys:
• Chad Foster: "Bringing attorneys is not always the best thing... they're going to point out risk, everywhere."
• Discover the balance between involving legal counsel and expediting negotiations.
• Red Flags & Review Process:
• Chad Foster: "When is our completion time... I guess I'm drawing a blank now."
• Learn about the critical aspects to focus on during contract reviews and the evolution of the process.
• Industry's Changing Landscape:
• Chad Foster: "I see the age continue to get younger... Internships. Very critical."
• Explore the shift towards a younger demographic and the pivotal role of technology and training.
• Advice for Newbies:
• Chad Foster: "Talk through it internally... It's communication. It's one of the biggest things of success."
• Grasp the importance of internal discussions, understanding contracts, and seeking guidance.
• Embracing Change:
• Chad Foster: "The only constant we have in life is change."
• Reflect on the industry's evolution and the constants that remain.

Join Jacob and Chad for a deep dive into contract negotiations, offering valuable insights for professionals in the construction world.

Resources:

• Jacob Edmond: LinkedIn
• Chad Foster: LinkedIn

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The millwork industry is undergoing significant changes. In a candid conversation between Jacob Edmond and Sam Wall, they delve deep into the industry's future, sustainability, and the challenges faced by millworkers.

Guest bio:
Sam Wall started his career in the retail and building material industry, working at Ace Hardware and later at Home Depot. He then transitioned into the display division, where he excelled as a purchasing manager. Over time, Sam developed a passion for architectural millwork and joined USA Millwork. After the dissolution of USA Millwork, Sam ventured into sales and reached out to vendors for opportunities. He eventually connected with Wilson at the IWF show and has been with them since last October.

The Shift Towards Sustainability

• Sustainable Practices in Millwork: The industry is witnessing a growing emphasis on sustainability. Whether it's through FSC specs for lead certifications or manufacturers narrating their sustainable sourcing stories, the focus is clear.
• Wilsonart's Commitment: Leading the way, Wilsonart prides itself on its sustainability efforts. With more recyclable post-consumer content than any other laminate manufacturer, they are setting the benchmark for others to follow.

The Evolution of Products in Millwork

• Real Wood vs. Laminate: The industry is getting adept at making plastic laminate resemble real wood. This shift might reduce the heavy reliance on real wood veneer in the future.
• The Role of TFL: Thermally fused laminate (TFL) products, which are essentially melamine, offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative. With companies like Wilsonart producing both laminate and TFL in matching colors, the end product remains consistent in appearance.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Their Impact

• The Post-Pandemic Era: While the industry is slowly recovering from supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, the pricing of building materials might remain elevated for the foreseeable future.
• The Shift to Domestic Manufacturing: Due to various laws and import taxes, there's a potential shift towards more stateside manufacturing, benefiting the local economy.

The Role of Education in Millwork

• Understanding the Process: There's a need for better education within the millwork community. From understanding how a skyscraper's design flows from the owner to the architect and eventually to the shop, the entire process needs more transparency.
• Empowering Millworkers: Millworkers should see themselves as subject matter experts. This involves not just adhering to specs but also educating clients and suggesting better alternatives when necessary.

Looking Ahead: Predictions for the Next 5-10 Years

• Product Evolution: The end products might look and function the same, but the materials and processes used could undergo significant changes.
• Sustainability at the Forefront: With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, sustaina

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On this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, our guest Casey Schlaegle shares their journey in the millwork industry. We dive into the culture and background of Casey, whose father had a career in the industry. We explore the challenges millwork professionals face, including long hours and pressure to work extra. Casey also highlights their experience in the food and beverage industry, where they encountered poor treatment from managers. We discuss the relationship between millwork and architecture, addressing the communication gap and misconceptions. Casey offers valuable insights on creating a positive company culture and the importance of trust in the process. We also learn about Casey's path from architecture school to starting their own business. From struggling in the early years to bouncing back and doubling revenue, Casey shares their experiences and provides advice for success in the millwork industry.

Guest bio:

Casey Schlaegle grew up in a family immersed in the world of carpentry. When his father's business ended, Casey took it as an opportunity to start his own. After completing his architecture degree and working as an intern, he joined the carpenter's union and eventually started his own company in his basement. Over the past 12 years, Casey has grown his business, now employing 25 people and doubling revenue. He prioritizes creating a positive work culture and focuses on the growth and development of his employees. As the CEO, Casey works on the business more than in it, overseeing the company's operations and leading a team of direct reports.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/challenging-industry-norms

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On this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, our host Jacob Edmond is joined by guest Ezra Drissman to delve deep into the world of veneer in the woodworking industry. They cover a wide range of topics, including the different types of glue used in laminate shops, the importance of using a backer for stability, and the various techniques for matching veneer sheets. Ezra, who has over 12 years of experience selling veneer, shares his expertise and knowledge on its application and troubleshooting. They also discuss the misconceptions surrounding veneer, highlighting its use in high-quality furniture and its conservation benefits. Listeners will learn about the different cuts of veneer and how it is applied to substrates to create a stronger bond. Whether you're a weekend DIYer, a cabinet maker, or work in OEM and specialty shops, this episode has something for everyone interested in the world of veneer. So tune in and join us on this fascinating journey through the world of millwork and veneer.

Guest Bio:
Ezra Drissman stumbled into his career in the world of web content creation and marketing by chance. After getting married around 15-16 years ago, he realized the need to make a living and took a job with a startup company. Initially hired to write content for a website, he quickly found himself tasked with creating and marketing the actual websites as well. Despite lacking knowledge in this area, he tapped into his resourcefulness and relied on Google to learn HTML, even searching for simplified explanations like "HTML for children" when necessary.

This experience taught Ezra the value of being a self-learner, a skill that he would later apply to excel in his current field - selling Sheet Veneer. Despite not having a background in woodworking, Ezra approached his job as an extension to woodworkers, aiming to be an asset rather than pretending to be an expert in their craft. Recognizing that veneer is a niche and intricate product, he immersed himself in understanding its unique properties and characteristics. To ensure he didn't show up on day one completely clueless, Ezra researched "what is wood veneer" to gain a foundational knowledge.

With his authentic approach, dedication to learning, and appreciation for the intricacies of his product, Ezra Drissman has become a valuable resource in the veneer industry - assisting woodworkers and customers with his expertise and ensuring they receive the best solutions for their projects.

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On this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, our host Jacob Edmond is joined by Christian Smedberg, a marketing expert in the millwork industry. Christian shares his insights on the importance of marketing and sales collaboration, the need for accurate information for sales teams, and the challenges faced by the woodworking industry. He also discusses the impact of the pandemic on the industry and the shift towards digital marketing strategies. Tune in to learn more about the evolving landscape of millwork marketing and how companies can adapt to meet the changing consumer expectations.

Guest Bio:
Christian Smedberg found his passion for the woodworking industry while working in a manufacturing shop to pay off student debt during college. With no prior experience, he quickly fell in love with the process of creating something valuable from raw materials. Now, after around 20 years in the industry, Christian still adores every minute of it. Woodworking is not just a career but his true calling.

In this episode, listeners will learn:
1. The importance of understanding and solving the target audience's problems in marketing.
2. The need to have a clear purpose and goals in marketing.
3. The value of taking action and putting imperfect marketing strategies out there, rather than waiting for perfection.
4. The significance of having knowledgeable salespeople who understand product details and specifications.
5. The role of technology, such as mobile apps, in providing sales teams with accurate and accessible product information.
6. The importance of efficient marketing to enhance the sales team's job and improve customer experience.
7. The need for the woodworking industry to embrace technology and modern marketing methods.
8. The significance of understanding the audience and their buying journey in marketing for this industry.
9. The importance of collaboration between sales teams and operations to ensure accurate estimation and provide desired products.
10. The impact of the pandemic on the millwork industry and the shift towards digital marketing and video content.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/marketing-insights-from-an-industry-insider

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On this episode of Verify In Field Podcast, Jacob Edmond sits down with Mark Smith to discuss the misconceptions surrounding trades, specifically in the woodworking industry. Mark highlights the negative mindset surrounding working as a cabinet maker and emphasizes that the skills gap extends beyond entry-level labor. He believes that gaining hands-on experience in the trades is crucial for higher leadership positions.

Mark also shares his experience teaching at smaller and larger schools, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each. He talks about the importance of creating clear career paths and opportunities for individuals to move up from entry-level positions in both the education system and the industry.

The conversation delves into the disconnect between industry and education, and the need for both to change their approach in attracting younger talent. Mark shares his observations of older workers in the woodworking industry, and the decline of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools over the past 40 years.

They discuss the impact of the focus on college readiness and the decline of CTE programs, as well as the skills gap caused by retiring baby boomers. Mark also shares the success of his own program, which integrates computer integrated manufacturing and offers dual credit with a community college.

The episode concludes with a discussion on networking and marketing efforts to attract industry partnerships and job opportunities for students. Mark's program has received media coverage and attracted the interest of numerous companies looking to hire their students.

Be sure to tune in to this episode of Verify In Field Podcast to learn more about the misconceptions surrounding trades, the importance of hands-on experience, and the efforts being made to bridge the gap between industry and education.

Guest bio:
Mark Smith is a third-generation teacher, with both of his parents and several other family members being involved in education. Growing up, Mark was particularly inspired by his high school industrial arts teacher, John Hart, who was recognized as Teacher of the Year multiple times. Spending most of his senior year in Mr. Hart's lab, Mark developed a love for teaching. However, when it came time to choose a major in college, Mark was initially unsure of his path. It was his parents who suggested that he consider becoming a teacher, reminding him of his talent and passion for industrial arts. Taking their advice, Mark declared a major in education and, during his student teaching experience, he reaffirmed his decision. One aspect that surprised Mark about teaching was how deeply he cared for his students, something that he was not prepared for during his college years. Throughout his teaching career, Mark has remained dedicated to helping his students and making a difference in their lives.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/clear-career-paths

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