Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast

Text 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: https://Patreon.com/PeelingbackCabinetVisionA Cabinet Vision Minute:  https://www.youtube.com/@aCVMinuteEmail: admin@craftsmanengineering.comOther important Links: Essential Cabinet Vision Packages: Craftsman Engineering CV Packages – Essential Cabinet Vision PackagesA Useful Checklist: Creating and Documenting A Job in Cabinet Vision in 40 Steps | Craftsman Woodworks Engineering ServicesBlog: CraftsmanShare The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text 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/s/event/a1yUO000000s3c1YAA/2025-awi-annual-conventionAWI 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 USASkills 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=sharingShare The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text 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 platforms)Apple Music: https://apple.co/3ZCgTCBYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@skotwaldronReview Skot’s trainings and talks: https://www.talkadot.com/s/skotwaldronShare The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text 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 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 GuestCurtis Garrard 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 MoreCurtis Garrard on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtisgarrard/Email Curtis curtisg@stevensind.comStevens Industries Website https://www.stevensind.com/Share The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

Text 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 shops and field teams, Paul breaks down how to set up smart, flexible workflows that grow with your business.About Our GuestPaul 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-worldWhere to Learn MoreKoetke Consulting Website: https://www.koetkeconsulting.comPaul’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=podcastShare The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

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 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 GuestsKelly 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 MoreApprenticeship Background Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1svq2QPs8pWhqzwdrTuRQ6GKVtv5ClDrw/view?usp=drive_linkWoodwork Installation Specialist Apprenticeship Survey: https://forms.gle/igYy57HFT35RDH7R8Company 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.comShare The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

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; 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 GuestKevin 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 KevinKevin'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=enShare The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

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, 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 GuestJames 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 MoreConnect 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/Share The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

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 one gives you the math, the mindset, and the metrics to make real change.About Our GuestJohn 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 MoreGet the full PowerPoint presentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cvF34bmYwQ9qYi8Wq8Mq0Wgram-H-kKt/view?usp=sharingFind 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/Share The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!

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 a project manager, estimator, engineer—or just trying to understand how the money actually flows—this is the episode for you.About Our GuestJohn Van Erem is the Executive Vice President at Adams Group and an AWI instructor, known for his practical approach to millwork finance. With years of experience managing complex projects and leading financial analysis, John is passionate about helping millwork teams—from the shop floor to the C-suite—understand the numbers behind the work.Where to Learn MoreGet the full PowerPoint presentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cvF34bmYwQ9qYi8Wq8Mq0Wgram-H-kKt/view?usp=sharingFind 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/Final ThoughtsIf the math ain’t mathing at your shop, this episode will help you decode why and what you can do about it. Whether you're tracking hours, chasing change orders, or trying to justify a raise, understanding revenue and margin is critical to your success and your company's future.📌 Stay tuned for Part 2: High-Profit HabitsShare The Love:If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!