Advertise on podcast: Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast

Text us your feedback on the podcast! Introduction In this episode, host Jacob Edmond and DuckWorks managing director Nicolae Cespedes sit down with Santiago Solis, the instructor in charge of the Fab Lab at UPSA, the university in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Together, they talk about the Design Build Lab, a partnership between DuckWorks and UPSA that puts DuckWorks drafters and engineers in the shop alongside UPSA students to build what they draw. Santiago shares how the Fab Lab works, how his students responded to the program, and how the lab has already shaped UPSA's own curriculum. Along the way, the conversation covers why DuckWorks went looking for shop access in the first place, how each Build Squad is structured like a real project with a real client, why mistakes on the shop floor have become one of the most valuable parts of the program, and the gap between on-site cabinet building in Bolivia and the prefabricated, AWI standard work DuckWorks does for its clients. Whether you train drafters, teach design, or want to understand why shop experience matters for anyone drawing millwork, this conversation shows what happens when education and industry build together. About Our Guest Santiago Solis leads the Fab Lab at UPSA in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. He joined the university four years ago as a part-time professor teaching one or two subjects, moved into a full-time teaching role, and later joined the university's administration before taking charge of the Fab Lab. His own area is industrial design. The Fab Lab sits under FADU, UPSA's architecture and design school, while also working with the university's commercial side on supplies and machine maintenance. It is open to the whole university and is used most by students in engineering, industrial design, fashion design, graphic design, and architecture, with equipment that ranges from manual hand tools to 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC. In the Design Build Lab, Santiago supports the DuckWorks team with guidance on tools and machines, quality control, safety, and how to structure the training itself. Where to Learn More UPSA: https://www.upsa.edu.bo/ UPSA Industrial Design Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/difadu.upsa/ 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! Introduction  In this episode, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Volodymyr Hresko, co-founder and COO of Coxit, an engineer led AI and machine learning development shop that builds custom AI for document and drawing heavy workflows. Volodymyr walks through Coxit's path from software development into AI, how the company's work with Stevens Industries brought them into the millwork industry, and what they have learned from building CaseVBench, their benchmark for testing how well different AI models read architectural and casework drawings. They also get into how shop owners should think about choosing and switching between AI models, protecting sensitive project data, and where machine learning still beats general AI for high volume, repeatable tasks. Whether you are experimenting with AI for takeoffs or just trying to understand what is realistic today, this conversation lays out the tradeoffs clearly.  About Our Guest  Volodymyr Hresko is co-founder and COO of Coxit, an AI and machine learning development company he started with his co-founder Irina seven years ago. He holds a computer science degree and worked as a full stack software engineer before completing a master's degree in management and finance. Coxit's work began with C++ projects for radio companies in the United States, moved into Python development, then machine learning, and shifted into AI as the technology matured. Volodymyr and his team have spent the past several years applying that experience to manufacturing, starting with a machine learning project for Stevens Industries before the current AI boom and growing into a company that now spends the majority of its time on AI and machine learning work for manufacturers. He is based in Lisbon, Portugal, while Coxit's roughly 40 person team is anchored in Lviv, Ukraine, with additional staff working internationally.  Where to Learn More  Volodymyr's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vovgre/   Coxit Website: https://coxit.co/  https://coxit.co/industry/manufacturing/  CaseVBench: casevbench.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! Introduction In this episode, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Jesse Collins, Director of Marketing and Product Management at REHAU, to talk about how the company has grown from an edgeband manufacturer into a full decorative surfaces and cabinet door provider. Jesse shares her 17 year journey at REHAU, starting as an intern and working her way into leading both marketing and product strategy for the company's Millwork Solutions division. Together, they cover polymer technology, the REHAU Laser Edge and zero joint edgebanding, how European design trends get filtered for the North American market, sustainability, and how REHAU approaches marketing in an industry that still runs largely on word of mouth. Whether you manufacture cabinets, specify materials, or just want to understand what is changing in millwork products, this conversation is full of practical detail. About Our Guest Jesse Collins is the Director of Marketing and Product Management for REHAU's Millwork Solutions division. She grew up around the company, her mother worked at REHAU for 32 years, and Jesse started as an intern doing odd jobs while still in high school before taking on a more formal internship in college. She joined REHAU full time right out of college and has spent the past 17 years building her career there, starting on the edgeband side of the business in a marketing coordinator role and gradually taking on more responsibility across branding, communications, and product management. Two months before this conversation, she took over product management for REHAU's decorative surfaces and cabinet door materials, a move built on her deep product knowledge and her early hands on experience with the business. Where to Learn MoreWebsite: https://www.rehau.com/us-en/millwork Jesse's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-collins-9144b96a/ REHAU's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rehauinterior/posts/?feedView=all REHAU's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rehauinterior/ REHAU's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehau.interiors.na/ REHAU Laser Edge: https://www.rehau.com/us-en/millwork/edging/zero-joint REHAU Edgeband: https://www.rehau.com/us-en/millwork/edging REHAU Interior Surfaces: https://www.rehau.com/us-en/millwork/surfaces 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, host Jacob Edmond breaks down his takeaways from IWF 2026 in Atlanta, covering the wave of software consolidation reshaping the millwork industry alongside a surprising surge of grassroots innovation happening at the same time. From the acquisitions reshaping Microvellum, EMOS, and Cabinet Vision to the rise of AI tools putting software development directly into shop owners hands, Jacob shares what he saw on the show floor, who is disrupting the market, and why this moment feels different from anything the industry has seen before. Whether you run a shop, specify software, or just want to know where millwork technology is headed next, this episode is packed with insight straight from the ground. Where to Learn MoreGrainwork: https://grainwork.io/ Phill Anton Consulting: https://www.phillanton.com/ Production Mirror: https://productionmirror.com/ Millwork Suite: https://www.millworksuite.com/ AWI National (2026 Annual Convention): https://awinet.org/mc-events/2026-awi-annual-convention/ CMA (Cabinet Makers Association): https://www.cabinetmakers.org/ IWF West: https://iwfwest.com/ Final ThoughtsIWF 2026 showed two trends unfolding side by side. The big software players are consolidating into a handful of dominant ecosystems, while individual shop owners and consultants are using AI to build their own solutions faster and cheaper than ever before. Jacob's biggest takeaway is that this tension, between roll ups at the top and grassroots innovation on the ground, is what will define where millwork technology goes next. 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! There won't be a new episode of Verify In Field this week as we take a short break. We'll be back on September 16 with a special episode featuring conversations and insights from IWF. We can't wait to share what we brought back from one of the biggest events in the millwork industry. See you soon! 👋 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, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Brian Milburn, Vice President of Operations at Modular Millwork and founder of Praxon, a field operations software platform built specifically for the millwork industry. Having spent nearly three decades working his way from the shop floor to executive leadership, Brian shares how firsthand experience with installation, engineering, and operations inspired him to solve one of the industry's biggest challenges, managing what happens after the product leaves the shop.  Together, they discuss Brian's journey through commercial and residential millwork, the lessons he learned leading manufacturing teams, the realities of field operations, and how artificial intelligence helped him build software designed by millwork professionals, for millwork professionals. If you've ever struggled with field communication, documentation, scheduling, or protecting project profitability, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who has lived those challenges firsthand.   Where to Learn More  Modular Millwork https://www.modularmillwork.com/   Connect with Brian Milburn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-milburn-55613ab1/  Modular Millwork on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/modularmillwork/   Praxon https://praxonops.com  Praxon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/praxon/   Contact Brian [email protected]    About Our Guest  Brian Milburn is the Vice President of Operations at Modular Millwork and the founder of Praxon, a field operations platform created to improve communication, documentation, scheduling, and accountability for millwork installation teams.  Raised in the woodworking industry by a cabinet maker, Brian began working in a millwork shop as a teenager and has spent nearly thirty years learning every aspect of the business, from building cabinets and running CNC equipment to engineering, estimating, production management, and executive leadership.  Throughout his career, Brian has helped lead both residential and commercial millwork companies, implementing operational improvements while developing a passion for engineering systems and technology. His latest venture, Praxon, was born directly from years of experiencing the challenges that millwork companies face every day in the field. His mission is simple, provide contractors with better tools to protect their projects, improve communication, and help the industry become more efficient.   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, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Ben Dipzinski, President of Höcker North America, better known throughout the woodworking industry as The Dust Guy. From discovering his passion in a high school wood shop class to becoming one of North America's leading experts in industrial dust collection, Ben shares the experiences that shaped both his career and his leadership philosophy.  Together, they discuss what separates great woodworking companies from average ones, why proper dust collection is about much more than keeping a shop clean, how European engineering has influenced modern manufacturing, and why mentoring the next generation is one of the industry's biggest responsibilities. If you've ever wondered how expertise is built, or why continuous improvement still matters in today's manufacturing world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.    About Our Guest  Ben Dipzinski is the President of Höcker North America and is widely recognized throughout the woodworking industry as The Dust Guy. His career spans more than three decades across quality assurance, product development, machinery sales, industrial engineering, and dust collection system design.  After working with companies including Karona Door, Hackman Furniture, Stiles Machinery, and Miller Veneer, Ben introduced Höcker's European dust collection technology to North America, helping manufacturers improve safety, energy efficiency, and production performance.  Beyond engineering, Ben is passionate about mentorship, workforce development, and helping woodworking businesses build stronger teams. His dedication to continuous learning and technical excellence has earned him a reputation as one of the industry's leading voices in industrial dust collection.  Where to Learn More  🌐 Höcker North America https://hockeramerica.com/  🛠️ Dust Collection Solutions https://hockeramerica.com/products/dust-collection/  👤 Connect with Ben Dipzinski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-dipzinski-57114a5/  🏢 Höcker North America on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/hocker-north-america/    Connect with Ben during IWF 2026 in their booth A10315: Hocker North America, LLC | IWF Atlanta 2026 Exhibitor  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, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Adam Kessler, Design Engineer at SPM Design and former Education Manager at AWFS, to explore what it really means to engineer one of a kind projects. From custom millwork and themed conference rooms to waterfalls, sculptures, 3D printed components and immersive installations, Adam shares how creativity and engineering come together to solve problems that have no standard solution.  Drawing from a career that spans furniture design, project management, education and manufacturing, Adam discusses why hands on experience matters, how emerging technologies like 3D printing are changing the industry, and what the next generation of millwork professionals needs to succeed. Whether you are an engineer, designer, student or shop owner, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on problem solving, innovation and continuous learning.   About Our Guest  Adam Kessler is a Design Engineer at SPM Design, where he works on highly customized architectural and experiential projects that blend engineering with creative design. Before joining SPM Design, Adam served as Education Manager at AWFS, leading the Fresh Wood student competition and helping connect the next generation of woodworkers with the industry. He holds a degree in Furniture Design and brings experience in estimating, project management, product development and engineering. His passion for learning and tackling unique challenges has made him a respected voice in custom manufacturing and workforce development.  Where to Learn More  Adam Kessler on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kessler-583b8a122/  AWFS Fair https://awfsfair.org/  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, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Jeff Richard, Millwork Engineer at Dovetail Wood and Metal, Executive Secretary of the Texas AWI Chapter, and Technical Chair for Cabinetmaking at Texas SkillsUSA.  Jeff shares his journey from studying mechanical engineering technology to discovering millwork almost by accident. What started in a residential cabinet shop in Oregon eventually led him into commercial millwork, engineering leadership, CNC manufacturing, and industry volunteer work. Along the way, he discovered that great engineers are not defined by their degrees, but by their willingness to learn, solve problems, and help others grow.  Together, Jacob and Jeff discuss engineering education, commercial millwork, remote engineering, manufacturing processes, SkillsUSA, AWI, and why investing in the next generation is one of the most rewarding parts of a career.  About Our Guest  Jeff Richard is a Millwork Engineer at Dovetail Wood and Metal with nearly two decades of experience in residential and commercial millwork. His background spans drafting, estimating, project management, CNC programming, Cabinet Vision, Microvellum, AutoCAD, and manufacturing engineering.  Outside of his day job, Jeff serves as Executive Secretary of the Texas AWI Chapter and Technical Chair for Cabinetmaking at Texas SkillsUSA, where he helps develop future talent entering the woodworking and millwork industries.  His passion for teaching, mentoring, and continuous learning has made him a respected voice within the industry.  Where to Learn More  Dovetail Wood and Metal https://www.dovetailwoodandmetal.com/  Texas AWI Chapter https://texasawi.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-awi   SkillsUSA Texas https://www.skillsusatx.org/  Architectural Woodwork Institute https://www.awinet.org/  Listen to more Verify In Field episodes https://verifyinfield.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, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Phil Anton of Phil Anton Consulting to explore the evolution of CNC, Mosaic software, and the future of AI in custom cabinet manufacturing. From cold calling cabinet shops to becoming one of the most trusted voices in the Mosaic community, Phil shares the journey that shaped his expertise.  Phil walks through his early years in high end architectural millwork, learning woodworking from the ground up, and eventually diving deep into CNC programming using Fusion 360. What began as shop floor experience turned into an obsession with process refinement, troubleshooting, and eliminating production pain points.  Today, Phil specializes in Mosaic consulting, CNC optimization, MDF door libraries, and now AI driven product development. This conversation dives into the realities of implementing CNC for the first time, the power of community in Mosaic, and why AI will not replace custom cabinet shops but will radically reshape how they operate.  If you are a shop owner, drafter, CNC operator, or software power user, this episode offers insight into where the industry is headed and how to position yourself for what is coming next.  About Our Guest  Phil Anton is the founder of Phil Anton Consulting and a leading consultant in the Mosaic software ecosystem. His background includes years of hands on experience in high end architectural millwork shops, where he developed deep expertise in CNC machining, parametric design, and production troubleshooting.  Phil transitioned from running CNC machines and managing production to consulting full time, helping cabinet shops refine their workflows, improve their libraries, and eliminate costly bottlenecks. He is also a product developer, building specialized MDF door libraries, closet systems, and AI powered tools designed to integrate with Mosaic.  Through his training, consulting, and software tools, Phil focuses on one goal, helping shops reduce pain, increase efficiency, and make more money.    Where to Learn More  Explore Phil’s training, products, and consulting services:  Phil Anton Consulting https://philanton.com  Phill Anton´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phill-anton-663816a3/ Phill Anton Consulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phill-anton-consulting/   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 continues the conversation with Chris McClelland, Principal of Parliament Millwork, diving deep into CNC adoption, millwork software, and what it really takes to modernize a shop.  Chris shares the realities of moving from panel saw production to CNC manufacturing, and how that shift unlocked the time and capacity required to scale properly. He walks through his journey from eCabinets to Mozaik, the frustrations of software limitations, and the discipline required to truly learn a platform rather than fight it.  Together, Jacob and Chris unpack one of the most debated topics in millwork today, Mozaik versus Microvellum versus Cabinet Vision. Instead of marketing language, they discuss workflow, community support, user base differences, CAD first versus library first systems, and the practical implications for growing shops.  Chris explains how investing in a CNC was not just about automation, but about buying back time. He reflects on the importance of structured learning, including the Cadmate training path, and how understanding parameters and hierarchy changed how his shop operates.  This episode is not just about software. It is about mindset. It is about committing to modernization and accepting that growth requires discomfort.  About Our Guest  Chris McClelland is the Principal of Parliament Millwork, a dedicated millwork shop serving the Ottawa market.  After transitioning from general contracting into full scale manufacturing, Chris invested in a Thermwood CNC and evolved his workflow from entry level CAM solutions to a fully customized Mozaik library. His approach blends entrepreneurial risk tolerance with disciplined systems building.  Today, he focuses on production efficiency, parameter driven design, and building a shop that can scale intentionally.    Where To Learn More   Parliament Millwork  https://parliamentmillwork.com    Parliament Milwork´s Instagram: @parliamentmillwork    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! Betting on Yourself in the Millwork Industry  In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Chris McClelland, Principal of Parliament Millwork, to explore the unconventional journey that led him from touring indie rock musician to running a modern millwork shop in Ottawa. Chris shares how growing up in his dad’s woodshop sparked his early love for tools, how he built his first painting and renovation business straight out of high school, and how he learned new trades the way many entrepreneurs do, by saying yes first and figuring it out later. From swapping his first light fixture after a weekend of YouTube research, to touring the world in a signed band, to walking out of a commercial construction job after writing his resignation letter on the spot, Chris’ story is about calculated risk, momentum, and knowing when to bet on yourself. The turning point came when he saw how powerful drawings and visualization were in high level commercial projects. That realization pushed him deeper into millwork, where he applied his signature formula, do a job, buy a tool, repeat. What started as small built ins and IKEA installs eventually turned into a full commercial shop, a 5,000 square foot facility, and a complete restart across the country. This episode dives into creativity, business, risk tolerance, and what it really means to build something from the ground up. About Our Guest Chris McClelland is the Principal of Parliament Millwork, a modern millwork shop based in the Ottawa Gatineau region. His background spans residential renovations, commercial construction, music touring, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. Before founding Parliament Millwork, Chris ran his own renovation company in Vancouver, worked on high end commercial projects, and spent much of his twenties touring internationally in an indie rock band. His hands on mindset, willingness to learn quickly, and comfort with risk have shaped his approach to business and millwork. Today, he leads a growing shop focused on process, tooling, visualization, and delivering high quality millwork at scale. Where To Learn More Parliament Millwork  https://parliamentmillwork.com  Parliament Milwork´s Instagram: @parliamentmillwork  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, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Weston Peters, second generation steward of Peters Cabinetry, a custom cabinet shop based in Ohio. Weston shares his journey from growing up in his father’s shop to stepping into leadership and helping modernize the business through systems, automation, and strategic thinking. With nearly two decades in the trade, Weston reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped both his career and the direction of the company. From investing in CNC technology to outsourcing installs and redefining their product offerings, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to evolve a family business while honoring craftsmanship. Together, they explore topics such as automation versus tradition, empowering teams, process driven growth, and building a company that is sustainable without losing its identity. Join us as we explore the mindset behind scaling a small shop with intention and clarity. About Our Guest Weston Peters is the second generation leader of Peters Cabinetry, a custom cabinet and millwork shop serving residential clients in Ohio. After gaining experience in construction and other trades, Weston returned to the family business in his early twenties with a vision to build systems, adopt technology, and grow strategically. Over the past 18 years, he has helped expand the company’s capabilities through CNC integration, process development, outsourcing partnerships, and team empowerment. Weston is passionate about improving shop systems, developing skilled craftsmen, and helping the next generation see opportunity in the trades. His leadership blends respect for craftsmanship with a forward thinking approach to business. Where to Learn More Peters Cabinetry  https://peterscabinetry.com Connect with Weston Peters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weston-peters-29023b52/  Weston´s Blog: https://www.peterscabinetry.com/blog/before-you-buy-a-cnc https://www.peterscabinetry.com/custom-select   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 solo episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond reflects on the first ever Engineering Summit at AWI Spring Leadership in Las Vegas. What started as an idea to fill a long standing gap in the industry quickly turned into a record setting event with more than 200 attendees focused on one topic that has long been overlooked at conferences: Engineering. Jacob shares where the idea came from, why engineering has historically been left out of industry conversations, and how this summit became a turning point for both AWI and the millwork community. More than just an event recap, this episode dives into the deeper issue facing shops across the country. Engineering is the bottleneck, and most companies are still trying to figure out how to solve it. About This Episode Unlike a typical interview format, this is a transparent and reflective solo session. Jacob walks through the inspiration behind the summit, the planning process, the speakers who helped bring it to life, and the unexpected lessons that came out of it. From engineering throughput and training challenges to AI adoption and leadership evolution, this conversation offers a candid look at where the industry stands and where it needs to go. Where to Learn More AWI National Website: https://awinet.org/   Verify in Field Podcast: https://vifpodcast.com/ Jacob´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobedmond/  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 Tovi Spero, Education Director at the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS), to explore the critical role of education in shaping the future of the woodworking and millwork industries. With a career rooted in teaching and technical education, Tovi shares how his journey from high school STEM instructor to industry advocate has positioned him at the forefront of workforce development. Together, they discuss the growing talent shortage, the importance of early exposure to manufacturing careers, and how initiatives such as student competitions, CAD design programs, and partnerships with organizations like SkillsUSA are helping to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. This episode offers valuable insights for shop owners, educators, and industry leaders who want to ensure the long-term success of the wood manufacturing sector.   About Our Guest Tovi Spero is the Education Director at the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) and a lifelong educator dedicated to advancing career and technical education. His professional journey began as a high school STEM teacher, where he developed a passion for hands-on learning and student mentorship. At AWFS, Tovi leads educational outreach initiatives, organizes the education conference at the AWFS Fair, supports the Fresh Wood student competition, and facilitates public policy advocacy for the woodworking industry. He also collaborates with organizations such as SkillsUSA to connect students with real-world career opportunities. Through his work, Tovi is committed to strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring the continued growth of the wood manufacturing industry. Where to Learn More AWFS Website: https://www.awfs.org AWFS Fair: https://www.awfsfair.org SkillsUSA: https://www.skillsusa.org Design-it-Digital student CAD competition:  https://subscribepage.io/design-it-digital-2026Connect with Tovi in LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tovi-spero-physics/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!