Howard Lake, MN: Honorees of the annual 2018 Wood Industry 40 Under 40 have been announced by Woodworking Network. Among the chosen candidates is Dura Supreme Cabinetry’s own Manufacturing Engineer Manager, Eric Schwarzkopf. Woodworking Network describes Schwarzkopf as “a person who leads by example.”
40 Under 40 celebrates the next generation of industry professionals who are making an impact on wood products manufacturing in North America. Those selected are considered innovators, achievers – and even disruptors – who demonstrate excellence in the categories of productivity, profitability, social good, ingenuity, peer inspiration, product development, organizational leadership, or another facet of the wood industry.
Schwarzkopf rose quickly through the ranks at the cabinetry manufacturer, including several promotions while in the engineering department, a stint in production management. In 2016 he became the youngest person in the company’s history to be given the title of engineering manager. “Dura Supreme is one of the most efficient and profitable cabinet manufacturers in the U.S. and Eric has played a key role in getting them there,” says his nominator. “He is all about his team and gives all the credit for the success of his project engineers, who consistently complete projects under budget and on time.”
“Woodworking Network is proud to be associated with this year’s 40 under 40 honorees,” explained Tim Fixmer, CEO of CCI Media, the parent of Woodworking Network. “This is a program that is critical for the future of the industry. We were overwhelmed with nominations so the process to narrow down the list was harder than ever. We congratulate all of those nominated and look forward to meeting the honorees personally.”
Honorees will be recognized at the Leadership Reception on Aug. 21, 2018, the evening before IWF, the International Woodworking Fair, in Atlanta, GA. The 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 is sponsored by the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA®).