Text 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 do...
Aug 06, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Text 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;...
Jul 23, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Text 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,...
Jul 09, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Text 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...
Jun 25, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Text 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...
Jun 11, 2025•57 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Text 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 leadin...
May 28, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Text 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 su...
May 14, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Text 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 effe...
Apr 30, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Text 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 draf...
Apr 16, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Text us your feedback on the podcast! Welcome to another episode of Verify in Field, the Millwork podcast. In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Chris Brooks, the Division President at Wood Systems. Chris has had an intriguing journey from starting in the food and beverage industry to becoming a leader in the millwork sector. With experience spanning operations and project management, Chris has been instrumental in integrating two facilities at Wood Systems, bringing together...
Apr 02, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Text 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 im...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Text 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 d...
Mar 05, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Text 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 bu...
Feb 19, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Text 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 evolvin...
Dec 18, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Text us your feedback on the podcast! Welcome back to "Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast." In this insightful episode, we're diving into the world of waste management and compaction with our expert guests, Fred Miller from Junk Crusher in Pittsburgh and Peyton Finical from Sasquatch Waste in Baton Rouge, LA. We'll explore the groundbreaking mobile trash compaction services offered by their companies and delve into how these services revolutionize the waste industry by maximizing space, reduc...
Nov 13, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this episode of Verify In Field, we dive into the future of sustainable home construction with our special guest, RJ Lange, the visionary founder of Lush. RJ shares his unique journey from the architectural millwork industry to creating Lush, a company reimagining how homes can be built sustainably and efficiently. We explore Lush’s pioneering use of the WikiHouse concept—an open-source housing design platform—and their innovative building kits made from ...
Oct 30, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Text 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 peo...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 72
Text 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 acce...
Oct 02, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Text us your feedback on the podcast! Join Gene Byce on Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast for an in-depth look at high-quality craftsmanship and innovative woodworking techniques. Discover Gene's expertise in creating custom furniture, unique wall humidors from Spanish cedar, and his meticulous approach to using solid brass hinges and other premium hardware. With 30 years of woodworking experience, hear about Gene's favorite projects, from intricate gaming tables to personalized cutting boar...
Sep 18, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Text us your feedback on the podcast! Join us in this episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast as we engage with Julia Lopez, CEO of Door Master of Houston. Listen in as she shares her inspiring journey, the challenges of running a family business, and her unique perspective on the woodworking industry. Gain valuable insights into transparent communication, networking, and overcoming challenges in the manufacturing sector. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation filled with practic...
Sep 04, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Text 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 chall...
Aug 20, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Text 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 fiel...
Aug 07, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Text 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 ...
Jul 24, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Text 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 i...
Jul 10, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Text us your feedback on the podcast! Today's episode of Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast is all about millwork estimating with Ben Hudachek from BH Estimating. We'll chat about hit rate optimization, winning bids with trust, and some insider tips for subcontractors on bid day. Get ready to level up your estimating game and make smarter bid decisions. Let's dive in and verify in field! Ben Hudachek has been providing estimating and consulting services for companies for many years. While the...
Jul 03, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Text 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 read...
Jun 29, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Text 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 or...
Jun 19, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 62
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 als...
Jun 12, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Text us your feedback on the podcast! In this special anniversary episode, we're celebrating one year of insightful conversations with millwork industry experts. Join us as we revisit some of the top moments from the past year, featuring engaging discussions on engineering, project management, new technologies, recruiting challenges, and more. We'll dive into the role of engineering as the de facto IT department in smaller workshops, where engineers navigate a wide range of software and drive ch...
Jun 05, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Text 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 bi...
May 29, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 59
