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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.org
• AWI:
  • Website: www.awinet.org
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/architectural-woodwork-institute/posts/?feedView=all
  • AWI National Convention: https://member.awinet.org/s/event/a1yUO000000s3c1YAA/2025-awi-annual-convention
  • AWI Education Programs: https://awinet.org/education/
• Education:
  • Free high school year 1 woodworking curriculum: https://library.kccte.pittstate.edu/curriculum/299
    • (this is intended for educator access only)
  • KCCTE Website: https://kccte.pittstate.edu/
• Skills USA
  • Skills USA Website: https://www.skillsusa.org/
  • State-level SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking Contest coordinators: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19iVAz_0yWTkm6Cgh__xmpVih-wkWpnRXxHG_IY_so_g/edit?usp

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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.com
• Skot’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skotwaldron/
• Book: Unlocked – A 52 Week Guide for the Intentional Leader
  • Find it here: Skot's Book: Unlocked, a 52 Week Guide for the Intentional Leader.
• Podcast: Unlocked with Skot Waldron (available on all platforms)
  • Apple Music: https://apple.co/3ZCgTCB
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@skotwaldron
• Review Skot’s trainings and talks: https://www.talkadot.com/s/skotw

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In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Curtis Garrand, 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 shop owner trying to reduce rework, or a PM drowning in inefficiencies, this episode lays out the mindset, tools, and cultural shifts needed to get real traction.

About Our Guest

Curtis Garrand is the Continuous Improvement Manager at Stevens Industries, where he leads cross-functional initiatives to optimize processes across the entire quote-to-cash cycle. With a background in manufacturing and automation, Curtis blends hands-on operations knowledge with a deep understanding of lean principles, digital tools, and people-focused leadership. He’s especially passionate about building systems that support sustainable growth and smarter work, not just faster output.

Where to Learn More

• Curtis Garrand on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtisgarrard/
• Email Curtis
  curtisg@stevensind.com
• Stevens Industries Website
  https://www.stevensind.com/

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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 shops and field teams, Paul breaks down how to set up smart, flexible workflows that grow with your business.

About Our Guest

Paul Koetke is the founder of Koetke Consulting, a Smartsheet Platinum Partner focused on helping growing companies design smarter, leaner operations. A former Customer Success Manager at Smartsheet, Paul specializes in building custom solutions that streamline project management, resource planning, CRM workflows, and more, without the complexity of full-scale ERP systems. His team works with manufacturers, construction firms, and mid-size businesses to build flexible systems that support real-world

Where to Learn More

Koetke Consulting Website: https://www.koetkeconsulting.com
Paul’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkoetke/
Smartsheet Website: https://www.smartsheet.com/

Watch Paul's previous Verify in Field Episode: https://duckworksmw.com/podcasts/the-power-of-smartsheet-streamlining-project-management-with-paul-koetke/?utm_source=Buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast

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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, one apprentice at a time.

This episode isn’t just about attracting young talent. It’s about building a sustainable future for woodworking by creating formal systems that train, certify, and empower the next generation.

About Our Guests

• Kelly Victor Burke is a co-owner of Burke Architectural Millwork in Michigan and a passionate workforce advocate. She led the creation of the nation’s first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program and was appointed by the U.S. Department of Labor as an official Apprenticeship Ambassador in 2022.
• Mark Smith is a career educator with over 30 years of experience teaching industrial technology and wood programs. A former national director for WoodLINKS USA, Mark is now a brand ambassador for Microvellum, where he continues to advocate for training and apprenticeship pathways in woodworking.

Where to Learn More

• Apprenticeship Background Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1svq2QPs8pWhqzwdrTuRQ6GKVtv5ClDrw/view?usp=drive_link
• Woodwork Installation Specialist Apprenticeship Survey: https://forms.gle/igYy57HFT35RDH7R8
• Company Websites:
  • http://www.burkemillwork.com/
  • https://www.microvellum.com/
• Social Media & Professional Contacts:
  • Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-victor-burke-451aa35/
  • Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksmitheducate/
  • Burke Architectural Millwork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burke-architectural-millwork/
  • Microvellum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microvellum/
  • Kelly’s Email: kelly@burkemillwork.com

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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 raw look at the mindset shifts, financial bets, and operational changes needed to evolve from skilled craftsman to strategic business owner.

If you’re a shop owner or millwork entrepreneur wondering “Should I scale up—or stay small?” this episode is packed with valuable firsthand insight.

About Our Guest

Kevin Fassnacht is the owner of Fine Point Cabinetry, based in Pennsylvania. Known for his meticulous approach to cabinetry and his authentic, behind-the-scenes presence on Instagram, Kevin has spent over a decade building a business that balanced craftsmanship and lifestyle. Now, with the acquisition of a larger shop, new high-end equipment, and an experienced team member, he’s navigating the next level of growth, turning a thriving solo operation into a true production shop.

Resources & Where to Find Kevin

• Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-fassnacht-343594124/
• Fine Point Cabinetry Website: https://www.finepointcabinetry.com/
• Fine Point Cabinetry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fine_point_cabinetry/?hl=en

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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 trying to grow your team, modernize your onboarding, or attract younger talent, this episode is full of firsthand insights and actionable takeaways.

About Our Guest

James Drury is a seasoned millwork engineer, former Microvellum service provider, and current Director of Training & Development at Master Millwork. He’s built everything from restaurant bars to technical onboarding programs and has helped dozens of shops adopt Microvellum, improve training processes, and cultivate new talent. Today, James leads training initiatives that scale knowledge, promote mentorship, and align teams with the high standards required in custom commercial millwork.

Where to Learn More

• Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdrury-mmw/
• Learn more about Master Millwork:
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastermillwork/
  • Website: https://www.mastermillwork.com/

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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 gives you the math, the mindset, and the metrics to make real change.

About Our Guest

John Van Erem is a financial strategist and operations expert at Adams Group. He’s also an instructor with AWI, where he teaches cost modeling and project management with a no-BS, results-first approach. John is passionate about helping millwork teams use real numbers—not guesses—to improve margin, productivity, and profitability across the board.

Where to Learn More

• Get the full PowerPoint presentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cvF34bmYwQ9qYi8Wq8Mq0Wgram-H-kKt/view?usp=sharing
• Find out more about the AWI Cost of Doing Business Survey: https://awinet.org/codbs/
• Learn more about Adams Group: https://discoveradams.com/
• Follow John on social media
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnvanerem/

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