Shows
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastEducation & Associations: Amanda Conger on the Future of MillworkText us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Amanda Conger, Executive Director of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP), and the National Woods Board (NWB). With over 20 years in the woodworking and machinery world, Amanda has become one of the industry's most influential voices for small shops, education, and workforce development. From the challenges facing today’s cabinetmakers to the nationwide push for better woodworking prog...
2025-12-2430 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastInside the Digital Shop: Bruno Calatayud on Integrating CAD/CAMText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Bruno Calatayud, National Director at EFICAD, to talk about the development, evolution, and impact of SWOOD a SolidWorks-based CAD/CAM solution built specifically for the woodworking and millwork industry. Bruno shares the story of how SWOOD grew from an educational initiative in France into a global platform with clients in 50+ industry categories. From SolidWorks integration to machine-ready CAM output, SWOOD is giving custom millwork shops the tools to take f...
2025-12-1022 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastCuring the Bottleneck: Finishing Innovation with Ryan RandellText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond is joined by Ryan Randell, National Director at Elevated Finishing, to dive deep into one of the most overlooked, and most painful, parts of a shop’s workflow: finishing. From long cure times to inconsistent results, finishing can often feel like a mysterious “black art.” But Ryan brings clarity, process, and serious innovation to the conversation, introducing us to a game-changing solution: the SCHUBOX. Designed for real-world millwork and cabinetry shops, this compact, catalytic IR curing system slashes drying...
2025-11-2639 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastSolo Sessions with Jacob: Training and Mentorship in MillworkText us your feedback on the podcast!In this solo episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond steps out from behind the interview desk to tackle one of the most urgent problems in the millwork and construction industry, not the shortage of talent, but the shortage of training and mentorship. Drawing from his own unconventional path, from architecture school to engineering without prior cabinet-building experience, Jacob shares what it takes to create a true talent pipeline. This episode is a powerful call to action for millwork leaders, project managers, and s...
2025-11-1220 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastRecruiting That Works: Fixing the Labor Pipeline with Matt SwatekText us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Matt Swatek, CEO of Microcap Solutions to discuss how millwork companies can future-proof their workforce through smarter recruiting, strategic HR practices, and proactive planning. About Our Guest Matt Swatek is the CEO of Microcap Solutions, a labor solutions and recruiting firm serving the millwork industry. His background includes leading HR and recruiting efforts at ISEC and USA Millwork, where he scaled teams, developed internal training pro...
2025-10-2941 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastCabinet Vision Mastery: Bruce Chezem on Industry Innovation and EducationText us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Bruce Chezem, longtime Cabinet Vision consultant, shop owner, educator, and host of the Cabinet Vision Minute podcast. From his start in cabinetmaking as a young firefighter to running his own shop during the Great Recession and now helping hundreds of businesses optimize their software and workflows, Bruce has seen it all. Where to Learn MoreCompany Website: https://craftsmanengineering.com/Contact Bruce: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-chezem-draw/Patreon: htt...
2025-10-1545 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastEducation, Outreach & Opportunity with Adria SalvatoreText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond reconnects with returning guest Adria Salvatore, Education Director at the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), to explore the education initiatives that are shaping the next generation of millwork professionals. Where to Learn More Adria Salvatore's info:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adria-salvatore-4b590610/Email: adria@awinet.orgAWI:Website: www.awinet.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/architectural-woodwork-institute/posts/?feedView=allAWI National Convention: https://member.awinet.org...
2025-10-0140 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastFrom Expert to Leader: Rethinking Your Role with Skot WaldronText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with brand strategist, author, and leadership coach Skot Waldron to unpack what effective leadership really means in today’s evolving millwork and construction industry.Where to Learn More Skot's Website: http://www.skotwaldron.comSkot’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skotwaldron/Book: Unlocked – A 52 Week Guide for the Intentional LeaderFind it here: Skot's Book: Unlocked, a 52 Week Guide for the Intentional Leader. Podcast: Unlocked with Skot Waldron (available on all p...
2025-09-1749 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastEmpowering Change: Curtis Garrard on Solving Root Problems with Continuous ImprovementText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Curtis Garrard, Continuous Improvement Manager at Stevens Industries, to unpack what continuous improvement actually looks like in a modern millwork operation, from manufacturing to project management and beyond.Curtis explains how CI isn’t just about fixing machines or tracking parts. It’s about aligning teams, reducing waste across departments, and building a culture that questions how things are done, so processes evolve alongside the business.Whether you’re a s...
2025-09-0341 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastTools for Success: Navigating Digital Change with Paul KoetkeText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Paul Koetke, founder of Koetke Consulting and a Smartsheet Platinum Partner, to explore how growing millwork companies can scale their operations, improve visibility, and reduce manual chaos—all without jumping straight into a massive ERP system.Whether you’re using Excel to schedule projects or relying on texts and spreadsheets to run your team, this episode shows how Smartsheet can bridge the gap between where you are and where you’re headed. With real-world examples from s...
2025-08-2037 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastBuilding Experts: Apprenticeships & Workforce Development with Kelly and MarkText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Kelly Victor-Burke, co-owner of Burke Architectural Millwork, and Mark Smith, longtime educator and now brand ambassador for Microvellum, to dive deep into a topic shaping the future of our industry: registered apprenticeships.From the challenges of finding and developing talent to creating a nationally recognized pathway for careers in woodworking and millwork, Kelly and Mark break down how the industry can solve its workforce crisis...
2025-08-0653 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastScaling Up: Kevin Fassnacht's Leap from Solo Shop to Big LeaguesText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with returning guest Kevin Fassnacht, owner of Fine Point Cabinetry, to explore what it really looks like to level up from a successful one-man shop to running a growing business.Kevin shares the story of acquiring another millwork shop, taking on new overhead, new equipment, and a seasoned craftsman as part of his team, all to push his business to the next stage. This isn’t a highlight reel; it’s a ra...
2025-07-2336 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastShaping the Industry: James Drury on Training Tomorrow's CraftsmenText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with James Drury, Director of Training and Development at Master Millwork, to talk about the mindset, methods, and mission behind developing new talent in the millwork industry.From humble beginnings building concierge desks during hotel off-seasons to leading Microvellum training at the national level, James shares his journey through the trades—and how it’s shaped his approach to mentoring, process-building, and problem-solving in today’s millwork shops.Whether you’re...
2025-07-0945 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastIf the Math Ain’t Mathing Part 2: High-Profit HabitsText us your feedback on the podcast!In Part 2 of this Verify Infield conversation, host Jacob Edmond and guest John Van Erem, Executive VP at Adams Group, dive deeper into the real-world strategies that separate high-profit millwork companies from the rest.This episode goes beyond definitions and digs into plant vs. non-plant produced work, install pitfalls, margin per hour, and the silent killer—slippage. If your shop’s profitability feels like a mystery at the end of every year, this one give...
2025-06-2546 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastIf the Math Ain't Mathing Part 1 - Revenue, Cost and MarginText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with returning guest John VanErem, Executive VP at Adams Group, to break down the financial fundamentals every millwork company should understand, but many overlook.This isn’t just another chat about spreadsheets. John brings real-world clarity to the concepts of revenue recognition, cost tracking, and contribution margin, using real data from the AWI Cost of Doing Business Survey. If you're a project manager, estimator, engineer—or just trying to unde...
2025-06-1157 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastSimplifying the trades: Dave Doran's Seven Degree SolutionText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond talks with Dave Doran, the inventor of a game-changing Z clip system and the founder of Seven Degree Solutions. After more than 25 years in high-end millwork installation, Dave saw firsthand how much time and effort was wasted shimming wall panels by hand—and decided to do something about it.What began as a sketch in Bluebeam and a prototype in his garage has now become a patented system used by leading shops in the Bay Ar...
2025-05-2823 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastCrafting Success: The Family Formula Behind Rise Up LabelText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with the family team behind Rise Up Label—founder Brad Klingman and his daughters Kalli and Hannah—to explore how a simple but powerful solution is changing how cabinet and millwork shops manage labeling.With decades of experience and a heart for service, Brad shares the story of how Rise Up Label was born from a real need in the woodworking industry: finding labels that stick when they’re suppos...
2025-05-1447 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastInnovating together: Inside Innergy and Microvellum's Strategic AllianceText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of 'Verify in Field,' host Jacob Edmond welcomes back guest Jonah Coleman for a third installment to discuss the significant news of Innergy's acquisition of Microvellum. The episode delves into the strategic and cultural alignment between the two companies, emphasizing their shared focus on the woodworking industry and software solutions. Jonah highlights how the acquisition will enable both companies to address industry challenges more effectively, introduce new technological advancements, and improve customer experiences. Key topics include the integration of Microvellum's extensive product library into Innergy's design...
2025-04-3051 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastThe Art of Millwork Drafting: Insights from Negus NegestiText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Negus Negesti, also known as the Millwork Drafter, to discuss his newly released book, 'The Freelancers Guide to Millwork Drafting.' Negus shares his extensive experience in the millwork industry, detailing his journey from a truck loader to an expert drafter with over 20 years of experience. The conversation explores the 'three pillars of drafting'—drafting the right thing, drafting the thing right, and drafting fast—and offers insights into how these principles apply to the millwork drafting process. Negus also discusses the...
2025-04-1627 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastNavigating Marketing in the Construction Industry: Insights from Alt CMOText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify in Field, we delve into the world of fractional marketing tailored specifically for the construction industry. Our host, Jacob Edmond, is joined by experts from Alt CMO, Ryan Kovach, Chief Marketing Officer, and Perryn Olson, a fractional CMO for hire. Together, they explore the concept of fractional marketing, how it provides executive-level insights without the cost, and why specializing in the construction niche is crucial for impactful marketing. Discover how Alt CMO's expertise helps companies in the construction sector navigate the complexities of modern marketing...
2025-03-191h 05
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastCrafting the Future: ERP and Project Management in Woodworking with Norman FinkText us your feedback on the podcast!Welcome back to another episode of "Verify In Field," the podcast that delves into the millwork industry with expert insights and engaging interviews. In today's episode, our host Jacob Edmond sits down with Norm Fink, the global sales director at Crowsnest Software. With extensive experience in ERP solutions tailored specifically for the woodworking sector, Norm shares his journey from a family-run architectural woodworking business to pioneering software development that revolutionized project management in the industry. Discover the evolution of ERP systems, the unique features of Crowsnest Software, and how these...
2025-03-0544 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastThe Power of Simplicity: Unlocking Lean Benefits with Brad CairnsText us your feedback on the podcast! Welcome back to a brand new season of Verify in Field! In this exciting first episode of season two, our CEO and host Jacob Edmond sits down with Brad Cairns, a seasoned entrepreneur and fellow podcast host, who has made waves in the woodworking industry. Brad is the founder of multiple innovative ventures including Stolbeck Machines, My Door Factory, Quantum Lean, and Kaizenify. His journey is a testament to the power of innovation and problem-solving in business. Today, Brad shares how his lean journey started from his woodworking roots and e...
2025-02-1949 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastSeason Finale: A Year in Millwork & Tech Trends with Jacob EdmondText us your feedback on the podcast!Welcome to the year-end wrap-up episode of Verify in Field, the Millwork Podcast! Join Jacob Edmond as he takes a solo journey through the highlights and exciting plans that 2024 brought and what's coming up for 2025. As the podcast gears up for a new season debuting in February, Jacob provides insights on the recent innovations at Duckworks, particularly the launch of their much-anticipated Microvellum CAD template. This episode delves deep into the evolving landscape of the millwork industry, focusing on the transformative role of technology and AI, with examples like ChatGPT...
2024-12-1821 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastIndustry Solutions Unveiled: Doug Hague on AWI's Learning PlatformText us your feedback on the podcast!Jacob Edmond is joined by returning guest Doug Hague, CEO of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI). In this engaging discussion, Doug talks abo the critical need for patience and understanding in teaching and onboarding within the woodworking industry. Drawing parallels from sports, Doug emphasizes that excellence in a skill doesn't automatically make one a great teacher. He highlights the importance of holistic career development, encouraging young people to look beyond just financial rewards while considering diverse career paths.Doug explain about AWI's innovative "Industry Solutions" learning platform designed...
2024-10-161h 00
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastLarry Flock: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Custom CabinetryText us your feedback on the podcast!In today's episode, "VIF 071 - Larry Flock," our host Jacob Edmond sits down with Larry Flock, the owner and managing partner of Kitchen Gallery in Pittsburgh. They delve into the impressive history and evolution of Kitchen Gallery since Larry joined in 1987, transitioning from commercial projects to high-end custom residential cabinetry. Larry highlights pivotal technological investments like CNC routers and edge banders, and shares insights on how the accessibility of machinery has shifted the competitive landscape for small and large manufacturers alike.We'll explore Larry's experiences at key industry...
2024-10-0238 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastThe Journey of Flooring Takeoffs: An Interview with Joseph RichardsText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond interviews Joseph Richards, owner of Flooring Takeoffs, a company specializing in commercial flooring and tile estimating. Joseph's journey into the construction industry, his unique approach to providing value through expertise in quantity takeoffs, and the increasing role of AI in the industry are just some of the captivating topics discussed. From insights on building relationships and navigating challenges in new markets to the future of AI in construction, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of...
2024-08-2039 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastThe DuckWorks StoryText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, we're diving into the fascinating tale of Duckworth Millwork Solutions. Host Jacob Edmond gives us the inside scoop on how Duckworth came to be, from its humble beginnings to its impressive growth. Get ready to hear about Jacob's journey, the team's expansion into Bolivia, and the nitty-gritty of running a successful millwork company. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's verify in field!About Our Host:Jacob Edmond is a seasoned professional...
2024-08-0722 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastThe Future of Millwork: Technology and Trends with Geoffrey AtheyText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode, we delve into fascinating discussions with our guest Geoffrey Athey and host Jacob Edmond. Together, they unpack the challenges and opportunities in the millwork and wood industry, focusing on machinery, technology, and manufacturing operations. Tune in as we explore the impact of the current labor shortage, the influence of younger generations, and the intricacies of the millwork industry's future. Join us for a captivating and educational episode as we unravel the complexities of technology, industry progression, and the future of millwork.What you'll learn
2024-07-2457 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastBehind the Scenes of Wood Flooring with NWFA's Brett MillerText us your feedback on the podcast!In this episode, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Brett Miller, the Vice President of Technical Standards Training and Certification at the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), to dive into the world of wood flooring. With 33 years of industry experience under his belt, Brett shares insights into the standards, challenges, and installation methods within the wood flooring industry. Together, they explore topics ranging from wood flooring installation in multimillion-dollar penthouses to responsible harvesting practices. Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes details of wood flooring with an industry expert.
2024-07-1059 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastFrom Cluttered to Classy: Inside Closet Showrooms with Eric MarshallText us your feedback on the podcast!We've got Eric Marshall, a true industry legend, sharing his wisdom and experiences with host Jacob Edmond. They dive into the challenges of the commercial millwork industry, the differences between the closet and millwork mindsets, and the importance of understanding consumer needs. Eric's journey from building a million-dollar company to now traveling internationally to share his expertise, all while battling stage four cancer, is truly inspiring. Get ready to learn how to take your closet showroom from cluttered to classy with Eric Marshall's invaluable insights.00:00 Introduction and Guest...
2024-06-2936 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastFrom Cluttered to Classy: Inside Closet Showrooms with Eric MarshallHey there, millwork enthusiasts! Get ready for a compelling episode of "Verify in Field: The Millwork Podcast." We've got Eric Marshall, a true industry legend, sharing his wisdom and experiences with host Jacob Edmond. They dive into the challenges of the commercial millwork industry, the differences between the closet and millwork mindsets, and the importance of understanding consumer needs. Eric's journey from building a million-dollar company to now traveling internationally to share his expertise, all while battling stage four cancer, is truly inspiring. Get ready to learn how to take your closet showroom from cluttered to classy with E...
2024-06-2638 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastDoug McLean talks about Exploring Bluebeam's Potential in the Construction IndustryText us your feedback on the podcast!Welcome to another episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast. In this episode, our host Jacob Edmond is joined by Doug McLean, a senior estimator for Town Millwork, to explore the untapped potential of Bluebeam in the construction and architectural millwork industry. The conversation tackles the underutilization of software tools like Bluebeam, the emergence of 3D technology in design, and the need for experts to champion the use of software within organizations. Doug shares insights into the world of 3D PDFs, the impact of real-time revisions using Bluebeam Studio...
2024-06-1942 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastJustin Shaw on Strategic Growth in Construction Supply Industries.Text us your feedback on the podcast!Hey there, Millwork enthusiasts! In this episode, Justin Shaw and Jacob Edmond are breaking down all things strategic growth in construction supply industries. They'll be chatting about the nitty-gritty of prospect database building, the hurdles of changing client relationships, and the need to stay on top of industry shifts. Justin shares his 90-day growth engine program and gives us a peek into the future of the countertop and cabinet industry. They'll also be getting into the importance of niche targeting, the art of problem-solving versus price wars, and...
2024-06-1247 min
Verify In Field: The Millwork PodcastSolo Sessions with Jacob: Handling large projects efficiently when your drafting capacity is limitedText us your feedback on the podcast!In this solo episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast, host Jacob Edmond dives into the challenges of handling large submittals efficiently when facing limited drafting capacity. Drawing on his extensive experience in commercial millwork engineering management, Jacob shares valuable insights on understanding the obstacles, analyzing processes, client management, coordinating with general contractors, practical tips, and tools for scaling to manage big projects. From structuring file management to leveraging external partners, Jacob explores the key steps and strategies needed to overcome drafting bottlenecks and ensure successful project completion. Tune...
2024-05-2923 min