My Top Takeaways from the 2022 Executive Briefing Conference

Last week I had the good fortune to share the stage with four outstanding industry leaders at the Executive Briefing Conference hosted by Woodworking Network : Jarod Brames , Director of Sustainability for OFS Brands; Gary LeBlanc , Director of Major Kitchen Accounts for Quincaillerie Richelieu Ltée/Richelieu Hardware Ltd ; Andrew (Andy) O'Hare , President of the Composite Panel Association ; and Nathan T. Klomp , Director of Business Development for MJB Wood Group . Of course that conversation produced one of my top takeaways from EBC.

1. The?Material Impacts on Sustainability Strategies and ESG Leadership?panel discussion revealed new ways to address sustainability challenges in the industry. So why do sustainability and ESG matter in business? Because customers and consumers like to know that companies care, even if they don’t have all the answers. And investors care about vulnerabilities in the market. Companies are less likely to have a PR scandal when they are aware of ESG.
2. The?Materials purchase Intention Survey Results?showed some confusion about which materials solutions should be used and where; along with a lack of understanding of newer materials and material combinations. What a great opportunity to educate your sales teams so they can keep customers informed and up to date!?I can help with that.
3. Several?manufacturers were delighted to learn of the?Climate Positive story?behind the wood-based products they’re already using.
4. Montbleau & Associates , an architectural millwork company, shared?what it takes to design and create interiors for corporate clients like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Uber.?Hint: Attention to detail, down to the millimeter.
5. Luke Elias from the Muskoka Cabinet Company Inc. says it’s time to embrace Industry 5.0, because automation is already here.?The next generation of advanced RFID in material handling is improving efficiencies and addressing labor shortages.

Thanks again to Woodworking Network?for hosting this valuable networking opportunity, full of relevant content, in such a beautiful setting. If you weren’t able to attend or missed any sessions, you can still purchase a digital conference pass from Woodworking Network?here.

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