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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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On this episode of Verify In Field, we delve into the world of recruiting in the Millwork industry. Our special guest is Vicky Borkowski, a contingency recruiter specializing in project management, estimating, engineering, and drafting roles within the Millwork sector. Vicky shares insights into the unique challenges faced by Millwork companies when it comes to recruiting, given their reliance on outside recruiters due to a lack of HR personnel experienced in this niche industry. She also highlights the importance of social media engagement, suggesting that posting pictures from company events can be an easy and low-cost way to connect with potential candidates. Throughout the episode, Vicky emphasizes the need for companies to offer competitive salaries, benefits, and technological advancements to retain talent in the industry. She also advocates for the establishment of clear career development paths for engineers, without the requirement of becoming project managers. In terms of her recruitment approach, Vicky discusses the importance of collaboration and understanding the client's pain points. She emphasizes the need for full communication, transparency, and partnership from the clients to ensure a successful search. Vicky also shares her methods for reaching out to potential candidates, including mass emails, social media postings, and phone calls, emphasizing the value of phone conversations in effective recruitment. The conversation also touches upon the challenges faced by the Millwork industry, such as turnover and ownership changes, as well as the opportunities for young people to fill vacant roles. Vicky encourages the industry to be taken seriously as a career rather than just a job and emphasizes the need for companies to create career paths for employees rather than everyone aspiring to be entrepreneurs. The episode concludes with Vicky discussing the importance of job fit beyond just job descriptions and skill matches. She highlights the contrast between the old guard and the new guard in terms of leadership and management styles in the industry. Vicky also suggests that the industry should adapt to these changes and improve their online presence to attract and retain talent. Listeners who are interested in learning more about the Millwork industry or pursuing a career in this field can find valuable resources and mentorship opportunities through websites like AWI. Finally, Vicky urges companies in the industry to proactively recruit and retain talent by showcasing their company culture, people, and work environment through online presence and marketing. Don't miss this informative episode exploring the unique world of Millwork industry recruiting with our expert guest, Vicky Borkowski.

About Our Guest:

Vicky Borkowski is a sales professional with a background in the construction industry. She has held various management roles, both regional and national, for manufacturers in the construction sector. Her career often involved extensive travel, with Borkowski spending up to 80% of her time on the road. However, feeling burnt out, she wanted a change and was approached by a recruiter

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In Episode 12 of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, we host woodworking expert Adria Salvatore. Adria stresses the educational aspect of their woodworking event and its no-sales-pitch policy. They talk about the event's content, ranging from business management to woodworking techniques, and the evaluation process to maintain quality. The conversation extends to the importance of CNC technology in woodworking and the practical application of emerging technologies. Adria further highlights the networking opportunities the event offers and the extensive display of software, hardware, materials, and more. The episode concludes with Adria sharing their personal career journey and their passion for promoting the woodworking industry. Tune in to understand the woodworking event's impact and be inspired by Adria's expertise and passion for woodworking education and industry promotion.

Adria Salvatore has had a diverse career path that led her to her current role as the director of AWFS, an association focused on woodworking education and outreach. She initially started in the banking industry after completing her undergraduate degree in finance. However, she soon realized that the corporate world was not fulfilling for her. On a whim, Adria pursued a Master's in Marketing and began looking for opportunities to work with smaller, nonprofit organizations and directly impact people's lives.

In 2007, Adria stumbled upon a listing for a position as the education manager at AWFS, despite having no previous knowledge or experience in woodworking. She interviewed with the director, Nancy Fister, and immediately established a strong connection. Adria began running the Freshwood Student Woodworking Competition, a project she is extremely proud of. The competition brings together students from across North America, allowing them to showcase their woodworking projects and connect with industry professionals.

Due to her dedication and success with the Freshwood competition, Adria's role expanded over time. In 2017, when Nancy retired, she was asked to step into the director position. Currently, Adria oversees the Freshwood competition and the College of Woodworking Knowledge, which offers educational seminars. On the association side, she handles education outreach, public policy, membership, and aspects of marketing. Adria's passion for woodworking and her commitment to fostering talent and connections within the industry make her a valuable asset to AWFS.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/education-in-millwork

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On this episode of Verify In Field Podcast, Dustin Giffin shares his experience taking over a company that faced significant challenges during the 2010 recession. He talks about the importance of clear communication and conflict resolution in the workplace, as well as the need for a clear accountability chart. Giffin also discusses the significance of balancing sales and production in business, and developing a second level of leadership to ensure that the company can continue to perform well. In addition, he provides insights into the millwork industry and the importance of succession planning. Overall, Giffin shares his knowledge and experiences, offering helpful advice that can serve as a guide for listeners interested in improving their management skills and growing their business.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/succession-and-growth-family-millwork

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Join us for Episode 010 of our podcast, where we dive into the world of millwork estimating with the insightful Ben Hudachek. As the founder of BHS Estimating, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. In this episode, he shares invaluable insights on mastering millwork estimating, adopting a business mindset, and tapping into the untapped potential of the industry. Discover the keys to accurate estimating, strategic planning, and achieving profitability in the millwork trade. Tune in now and gain valuable tips to propel your millwork business to new heights.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/millwork-estimating-ben-hudachek

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In this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, join host Jacob Edmond as he engages in a captivating conversation with special guest Dan Parish, the CEO of Millworks By Design in Los Angeles. With a background as a skilled carpenter, Dan brings a wealth of experience in millwork to the table.

In this insightful episode, Dan shares his personal journey in the industry, from his early days as a carpenter to his current role as CEO. He delves into the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way, offering valuable lessons and perspectives for aspiring millwork professionals.

One of the key highlights of this episode is the discussion on Millworks By Design's exciting journey to establish an apprenticeship program. Dan reveals the motivation behind this initiative and sheds light on the company's vision for developing and nurturing the next generation of millwork craftsmen. Listeners will gain unique insights into the importance of apprenticeships in preserving and advancing the art of millwork.

Throughout the conversation, Jacob and Dan explore the intricacies of millwork craftsmanship, the evolving landscape of the industry, and the vital role that company culture plays in fostering growth and success. Listeners can expect to hear valuable advice and practical strategies for building a thriving millwork business while creating a supportive and empowering work environment.

If you're passionate about millwork, interested in the journey of a CEO in the industry, or curious about the transformative power of apprenticeships, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of millwork with Dan Parish and gain invaluable insights that can shape your own professional path in this remarkable trade.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/ep09-training-and-culture-in-millwork

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In Episode 008 of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, join host Jacob Edmond as he sits down with BIMTM's Jeff Drews and Alex Hanna to uncover the transformative power of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the millwork industry.

Discover the key role BIM plays in streamlining collaboration and optimizing workflows among different trades. Jeff and Alex shed light on how BIM's centralized platform fosters coordination, reduces errors, and boosts efficiency—a game-changer for millwork professionals.

Explore the practical applications of BIM, including the integration of millwork designs into existing models, saving time and effort. Gain insights into the importance of partnering with experienced BIM consultants, setting realistic goals, and gradually building a repeatable process for successful BIM implementation.

Tune in to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, Episode 008, to uncover the untapped potential of BIM in millwork and unleash new possibilities for your business.

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/the-power-of-bim-in-millwork

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In Episode 007 of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, we delve into the world of workplace safety with special guest Alec Kinslow, the CEO of Ascend Safety. Join us as we explore the innovative approaches and groundbreaking solutions Ascend Safety brings to the table, aiming to transform the way organizations approach safety protocols and mitigate risks.

Throughout the episode, Alec shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise, discussing the critical importance of safety culture in every workplace. He emphasizes the need for proactive measures and a comprehensive understanding of potential hazards, highlighting the role technology plays in revolutionizing safety practices. With a focus on millwork environments, Alec sheds light on the specific challenges and solutions unique to the industry, offering valuable insights for both millwork professionals and safety enthusiasts alike.

Discover how Ascend Safety is reshaping workplace safety by implementing advanced technologies, fostering a safety-conscious mindset, and empowering organizations to prioritize the well-being of their employees. Whether you're seeking inspiration for enhancing safety protocols or simply interested in the future of workplace safety, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating secure and thriving work environments.

www.duckworksmw.com/podcast/ep-07-millwork-safety

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Welcome to Episode 06 of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast! In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Jonathan Adams, Vice President of Bell Cabinetry, as our special guest. Join us as we delve into an important topic: the Millwork Skills Gap.

Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, sharing his insights and advice on recruiting skilled talent in the millwork industry. He highlights the challenges faced by companies when it comes to finding and retaining skilled individuals, and offers practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

Throughout the conversation, we explore various avenues for recruiting talent and discuss innovative approaches that companies can take to bridge the skills gap. Jonathan's expertise shines as he provides valuable perspectives on building a strong workforce and nurturing a culture of growth and development within millwork organizations.

If you're interested in the future of the millwork industry and want to learn effective strategies for addressing the skills gap, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Jonathan Adams share his thoughts, experience, and invaluable advice on recruiting and retaining skilled talent in the millwork industry. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion on Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast!

www.duckworksmw.com/podcast/ep-06-millwork-skills-gap 

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 In episode 005 of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, we welcome John Bostian, General Manager of Caseworx, a millwork company based in North Carolina. Our discussion centers around developing millwork managers, a topic that John has a wealth of experience in.

John shares his advice on how to identify potential managers, the importance of providing training and mentoring opportunities, and the qualities that make a successful millwork manager. He also shares some of the challenges that he has faced in his own company and how he has overcome them.

Whether you're a current manager looking to improve your skills or an aspiring manager looking for guidance, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice from an industry expert. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from John Bostian on Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast!

www.duckworksmw.com/podcast/ep-05-developing-managers-john-bostian

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