Expressions In Woodcraft Fall 2024 by Expressions In Woodcraft

Contents... 8 New brand; same mission: Furniture guild rebrands itself

12 The Edge of Affordability — Housing Update 20 Style and Design updates to attract new buyers continue

32 “Yes, we can do that” 38 SPECIAL: Preview Showcase Section 66 Index of Advertisers

FEATURED

12 ON THE COVER: The Avocet Dining Collection is a stunning reminder that furniture manufacturers in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District continue to introduce sleek, stylish modern designs. The “Avocet” collection is a collaboration between Y&M Chair, and Kidron Table. The table features thick an-

gled legs,and the chairs deﬁnitely channel MidCentury Modern. Stunning! —See pages 15 and 25

2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

From The Publisher...

elcome to a special edition of Expressions In Woodcraft. Volume 13 | Number Four 2024

Jerry Klingerman: Owner, Publisher Karen Yoder: Publication Coordinator/ Graphic Artist Meredith Klingerman: Assistant Editor Published by: Dutch Country Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 248 Fredericksburg, OH 44627 Phone 330-275-8097 Fax: 888-892-0728 Send inquiries to: editor@eiwmagazine.com

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This publication and its contents are copyright 2024, Dutch Country Publishing, LLC. Individual copyrighted items, trademarks, etc. contained within are the property of their copyright holders. No part of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed by any means without the expressed, written authorization of the publisher.

This is our Second Annual “Preview Showcase” issue. We have all of our regular content, but for this issue, we forgo the “Spotlight on featured Designs” section, in favor of a special reference section in the back half of the magazine. We’re hopeful that you ﬁnd this useful, as you page through and get a bit more of a closeup picture of our furniture manufacturing clients. Poster update: In our last issue we introduced our very own fullsized poster that details the various steps in producing Amish-built furniture. This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and we encourage you to give serious consideration to ordering a copy or two. There’s an old saying in the sales world that goes, “A confused mind always says no.” Well, this poster should help your customers better understand just how “local” the process of building hardwood furniture is. Everything we can do the help potential customers become familiar with the details of this industry helps. There is a mountain of data to back up the fact that the two most-powerful buying

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generations (Millennials and Gen Z) are keenly focused on supporting small, locally owned businesses. Our poster illustrates the fact that, not only are the builders themselves small and local , but also the numerous support businesses are, too. In short, when your customers purchase furniture from this area, they are helping to support hundreds of local businesses, and thousands of jobs — from companies that average about ﬁve employees. The poster is now in stock, and ready for immediate delivery. (See page 28 for details.) Finally, be sure to check out our lead story on page 8. The Ohio Hardwood Furniture Guild is now the “Ohio Furniture Guild.” This rebranding is reﬂective of a number of things, but mostly it’s a recognition of the fact that numerous Poly lumber manufacturers have joined the ranks furniture builders in this region. P.S. Stay tuned: In our next issue we’ll have a special feature about these new products and builders! Until then, stay warm, enjoy the Holidays and, as always, thanks for reading!

Ohio Hardwood Furniture Guild introduces new, all-inclusive brand

Same Mission; New Brand

t’s been 16 years since a group of furniture manufacturers in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District first sat down to discuss how they could work together on issues that were common among them, and that would benefit the local industry at large. A big part of the original discussions at that time was how to compete against the cheap imported furniture that was flooding the market. The nation was in the grips of a recession, and the housing market was collapsing in a way that it hadn’t since the Great Depression. (Indeed, in the wake of these events, we have come to call that era “The Great Recession.”) The handful of builders who gathered wanted to explore how, even though they were competitors, they could work together to benefit everyone involved in the industry. As Ohio Furniture Guild Director Kendrick Mullet stated, “Hasn’t that always been the beauty of who we are? A group of competitors and collaborators who understand that a rising tide lifts all boats.” The result of those early discussions was the “Ohio Hardwood Furniture Guild.” The OHFG was involved in a number of activites, but for years, the most visible of those has been the Ohio Furniture Market. Held annually, the Market has become the single biggest marketing event in which most local builders take part. So much has happened since those days! The industry has grown, matured, and various businesses in the region have opened and closed or been bought and sold. Sons have taken the reins from fathers, and builders who once were employed in wood shops have struck out on their own. What 8

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hasn’t changed, though, is the dedication to building high-quality hardwood furniture — well...that’s not entirely accurate! We don’t mean the quality isn’t good; it’s better than ever before. But in addition to “hardwood” we now have to add a number of things to the list of products created in this area. Sixteen years ago, for example, we were only just beginning to hear about polyurethane lumber, built from recycled plastic, and how it could be crafted into into sturdy, durable, weather-resistant outdoor furiture. A handful of craftsmen were building poly furniture, but in recent years, that number has exploded. “Hardwood” brings to mind tables, chairs, dressers, etc. But in the years since the guild was founded, numerous new businesses that are related to the hardwood furniture market — but also distinctively diffferent — have entered the markeplace. With all that in mind, the guild realized that it needed to embrace not only the new products, but also the people who create them. As a result, after a year of discussions, the newly branded “Ohio Furniture Guild” recently was intoduced to the membership. At a meeting held at Keim Lumber in Charm, OH, Mullet and others outlined the numerous reasons and thinking behind the change. “New opportunities are before us,” Mullet said, “and with the momentum we’re riding we are ready to envision the next era of the Hardwood Furniture Guild.” He continued, “ While many of the furniture builders in this community specialize in high quality hardwood furniture, we have a growing number of

Director Kendrick Mullet addresses the membership as he announces the rebranding of the organization from “Ohio Hardwood Furniture Guild” to Ohio Furniture Guild.”

companies making outdoor furniture, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and other related items. We also wanted to make it clear where the furniture is being made, and that is the state of Ohio.” Mullet also acknowledge the many businesses that are part of the industry, even though they might not necessarily build furniturre. “We are supported by finish shops, suppliers, marketers, designers and other area businesses” all of which add to the industry’s growth. One thing that hasn’t changed is the guild’s mission to spread the word about the local industry. While the original organizers’ chief concerns might have been competing against imports, today the OFG is committed to expanding the national market for these products, and growing attendance at the

annual Ohio Furniture Market. Mullet broke down a good bit of the attendance data from the most-recent market, reporting that 1,000+ buyers took part in the two-day event, and outlined the OFG’s plans for the future growth of the market, and industry. (Hint: There’s big news coming for the Market!) While there’s a good bit of talk of the future, Mullet is cognizant of the industry’s roots. “We want to stay committed to our values, and what brought us here,” he said. “We also want to keep growing. These past few years we faced unique challenges, but they’ve only made us stronger.” As part of our coverage on the 2025 Ohio Furniture Market (April 1-2, 2025 in Mt. Hope, OH), Expressions In Woodcraft will have more on this development in our next issue. 2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

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he other shoe has dropped. Now that the election is over, most American’s eyes are naturally turning to the economy. Will the new administration be able to keep inflation in check (it’s currently running at 2.6 % annually; down from a peak of 9.1%. in June 2022), and bring down prices on food and energy? Obviously it’s too early to tell, but one key economic factor that anyone remotely tied to the housing market is watching (that’s ostensibly everyone reading this) is home mortgage interest rates. In early 2022 rates began a steady climb that saw the average 30-year rate go from a low of 2.79 percent in January of 2020, to a high of 7.79% in October 2023. Just a year later,rates had fallen a bit to 6.08%, but at this writing, the USA average for a 30-year mortgage has climbed back to 6.79 percent. Now, in some cases this is one of those “Your Mileage May Vary,” situations because a number of factors go into the actual rate that people pay, but this is an average. On the whole, when Mr. or Miss America sit down with their local banker or mortgage broker, they can expect to pay about 6.8% interest on their 30-year loan. At this writing, the average cost of a single-family home varies, according to whatever source you use or trust. Zillow, the nation’s largest homes-for-sale website, puts the average price at $385,000. The

Motley Fool puts it a good bit higher, at $420,000 and cites the Federal Reserve Bank as its source. Fair enough. For the sake of this article, we’ll put the US average at $400,000. Now let’s look at how a point or two on interest rates makes a difference on the payment: Now, no one expects rates to go back to their 2020 levels, at least not within the next year. But any downward movement is a step toward affordability. When you’re a potential firsttime buyer, one or two points on a mortgage can make the difference between being a homeowner, or staying a renter. But mortgage rates aren’t the only factor that affect affordability. Certainly it’s the key, but it’s not the only component. For the 76 million Americans who now live in properties and neighborhoods with homeowners’ associations, those costs are on the rise as well. Wall Street Journal Personal Finance reporter Veronica Dagher reports that nearly one-third of all American home and condo owners are now part of an HOA. In Florida, she reports, that number rises to almost one-half. Across the board, and especially in Florida, HOA fees are on the rise; sometimes sharply. Jessica Hartogs, Editor at LinkedIn News, reports

Pent-up demand looms large

The Edge of Affordability

Continued on page 14 12

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Pent-up demand

come in at nine percent, while an impressive 69 Continued from page 12 percent of current homeowners pay cash for their next home.) that HOA fees rose approx. six percent in 2024, But even if you pay cash, you can add taxes, “And as much as 15% in parts of Florida.” Indeed, insurance (also very much on the rise) and, as we’ve seen numerous reports that HOA fees in parts noted, HOA fees to your overall costs. of Florida are skyrocketing. The bottom line is, any downward trend in the All of this to say that, the actual cost of home rate the ownership Federal goes Reserve beyond the Bank mortgage charges is interest going to rate. trickle Believe it down to or not, a While no one expects mortgage interest rates to plummet immediately, here we see the difference lower fairly a point or two can make. home significant mortgage percentage interest rates, and there are solid reasons to be of homes are purchased in cash. In April 2020 the optimistic that will happen in the months and years percentage of buyers paying in cash peaked at 38.8 ahead. percent nationally, but it’s still holding steady at —Jerry Klingerman, Publisher approx.. 32 percent nationwide. (First-time buyers

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2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

Did you miss autumn in Ohio’s Amish Country? Again?! Oh my... Holmes County Ohio is one of the best places in the world to enjoy autumn’s splendor. Seriously! If you don’t believe us, how about National Geographic magazine? The venerable publication once listed Holmes County/Ohio’s Amish Country as the #3 destination in the world to enjoy fall colors, commenting, “In the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, maple, oak, and the iconic state tree, the buckeye, hang over narrow roads that meander through wavy fields of corn. Drive under the boughs of bright reds and yellows, sharing the road with horse-drawn car-

riages of the Old Order Amish and stopping at roadside farm stands along the way.” OK, so you missed it this year, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year! And if you’ve never purchased beautiful hardwood furniture from Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District, well, you’re missing out there, too! This is a place like no other, and until/unless you experience it yourself, you won’t know what you’re missing. We promise, you’ll enjoy the geography, the people and the beautiful high-quality furniture. P.S. Your customers are sure to love the furniture, too! Here are three great reason to visit Ohio’s Amish Country:

1. The People Our Amish friends would be the first to tell you that they are people, just like everyone else. And that’s true; the Amish just choose to live differently than the rest of the “English” world. But doing business here is different. This is still a place where people take you at your word, and a great deal of business is done on a handshake and promise. Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to chat with numerous buyers who come into this area from around the country, and they almost invariably say the same thing: Ohio’s Amish Country is their favorite place to do business. Countless retail furniture store owners have made lasting friendships while doing business here. They admire the people, the quality of the products they build and they particularly admire the practical, fair, “no gimmicks” way that best describes how business is done here. Many retailers plan vacations around their buying trips and look forward with great anticipation to their next trip to Ohio’s Amish Country furniture district. There are a lot of lodging options here, from high-end hotels, to cabins, Airbnbs and everything inbetween.

2. The Product The area bounded roughly by Holmes, Wayne, Tuscarawas, Coshocton, Ashland, Knox and Stark counties is what we generally refer to as Ohio’s Amish Country. Within this region — centered in Holmes and Wayne counties — lies the largest hardwood furniture producing district in the USA. Over the last 35 years the craftsmen in this region have slowly, carefully built an industry, and a brand, that has become quite literally synonymous with quality. The reputation was earned by a strong attention to detail and a dedication to providing a high-quality product. In recent years these same craftsmen have worked tirelessly to go beyond their roots, and introduce dozens of updated, contemporary designs, new finishes and furniture styles that speak not just to the original Baby Boomer clientele, but also to new generations, who demand style as well as quality.

3. The Area Scenes like the one shown here are around nearly every bend of the township and county roads in the heart of Amish Country. Rolling hills, well-kept farmsteads and beautiful scenery are the reason that National Geographic magazine named Holmes County, Ohio the third-best place in the world to experience autumn. We couldn’t agree more, and would add only that it’s a beautiful place year round. Some things truly are as advertised. The scenery here does not disappoint, and the small towns and villages are a joy to explore — as is the impressive Rails-ToTrails pathway that runs through the heart of Amish Country, and well beyond.

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2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

Style and Design updates to attract new buyers continue

Those choices — compared to today — were very magine you could turn back the hands of time limited. 30 years and travel down the back roads of To be fair, though, the choices available were Ohio’s Amish Country. What you would disvery much in line with decorating styles reflective cover is this: A number of “cottage” furniture-makof that era. For example, many homes still were ing shops springing up throughout the countryside. being built with formal dining rooms. And a formal These one- and two-person shops would be dining room almost always required formal-looking unassuming enterprises with a limited number of furniture. For example, a Cherry set with Queen furniture styles and colors from which to choose. Anne legs, stained dark. Those rooms have long The most popular wood choice would be oak, finsince given way to the Great Room concept, and ished in a light or medium stain, allowing the the formal looks have almost disappeared with wood grain to be very visible. them. The quality would be remarkable, and you very If you watch any of the popular homelikely would work directly with the craftsman to eidesign/makeover shows, one of the very first things ther select a piece from his standard offerings, or they often do is knock out walls that were for those custom-design something for your home. formal spaces, and create a much more open look. That was then. This is now. Times change, and The first consumers who frequented the back consumer preferences and tastes most definitely roads and visited the smaller shops are not the core change along with them. of today’s buying public. Consider this: A Baby Virtually all of the businesspeople who served Boomer couple who were in their early- to midthose first customers have retired and handed over 40s in 1990 (the threshold of the Amish furniture the reins of their businesses to the next generation. Continued on page 23 One other important distinction would be this: Those shops long ago stopped doing retail, and “graduated” into wholesale-only operations. There are exceptions, but the vast majority of Amish furniture manufacturers who began with a direct-to-consumer business model became wholesaleonly operations a long time ago. The customers have changed, too. The first generation of consumers to discover Amish-built furniture in Ohio were so impressed with the quality that they gave little thought Designed to attract buyers who want something other than a traditional design, the Odessa Collection, now offered by Brookside Wood Products, features a unique to design styles, colors and finishes. rectangle design that is carried throughout the entire collection. 20

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2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4

Styles, designs updated Continued from page 20 boom) is now in their 70s! For the most part, they are done furnishing their larger homes and a great many of them have downsized and moved to condos or retirement communities. If those first consumers were age 45, 50 or older, it’s a pretty good bet they are no longer big-ticket furniture purchasers. Demographically, we know that by the time people reach their mid-60s, “They’re pretty much done,” buying furniture said a local furniture manufacturer, who also has retail experience (and asked to remain anonymous). It’s true that some might be outfitting a condo, or maybe treating themselves a bit now that the kids are gone, but for the most part, “They are just filling in a few blanks spaces” in their homes, and are not “whole-house” shoppers. There are exceptions of course, but this is generally the case. “People get to that certain age where the kids are gone, expenses are lower,

they’ve got more spendable cash and maybe they are looking to upgrade a piece here or there. But we don’t really see them filling whole houses like we see with younger buyers.” The point is, just as consumers “age in” to buying high-quality furniture, the first generation of Amish-built furniture buyers have aged out. Yes; they might buy a small dinette set for their condo, and maybe a new TV stand to go with the flat screen, but that’s about it. Those early buyers have been replaced by newer, younger consumers who are far more familiar with the Amish “brand,” than their parents or grandparents were, so they expect quality. But that’s not where it ends. Today’s buyers also demand that any furniture they purchase fit in with the décor of their homes. Of course, we’re talking about Millennials, and now even Gen Z! And whereas we used to talk about them reaching their 30s, the fact is that the leading edge of that demographic group/generation Continued on page 24

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Updates Continued from page 23 are now in their early 40s. It’s true. The very first members of what are considered Millennials were born in 1980, and are 44-ish. What this means is, they are settled in their careers, relationships and homes. According to CNBC, Millennials: • Are behind where Gen X was at this age, due to coming of age during the Great Recession and student debt. • But they own homes and have children and need to make sure their finances are in order and in line with long-term life and wealth goals. But as the Millennials age, Gen Z is right behind them. Born beginning in the mid-1990s, Gen Z accounts for 25 percent of the US population, and the leading edge soon will turn that magical age: 30. More and more Millennials have aged into their power buying years, to be sure, but it won’t be long until we’re talking almost exclusively about Gen Z.

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To be sure, Millennials didn’t all get married and flock to the suburbs, but wherever they settle, they still need furniture, and the older they get (and more money they make) they appreciate the highquality items that money can buy. This includes Amish-built furniture, and far less of the presswood and (dare we say) bolt-together furniture that got them through their early years of adulthood. Again, data backs that up: A student loan company called “Earnest” conducted a very interesting survey that reveals people stop buying cheap furniture around age 34. Expressions In Woodcraft has written about the “aging in” process many times, but now we have data to back it up. In addition to, the Earnest survey reveled that “IKEA is the only store whose peak customer age is below 30.” It’s fair to expect that, as Gen Z approaches their mid-30s, they, too (like prior generations) will tire of cheap products, and begin shopping for quality. With Millennials safely in their power buying years, and Gen Z approaching them, it bodes well for retailers who stock high-quality furniture — these are two very large generations, and will dominate big-ticket purchases for a Long time. If it’s one thing we can say about Millennials, it is this: They have changed so many things about shopping in general as they came of age, and they definitely have their own style. Amish furniture manufacturers have responded to their style with an almost endless stream of new furniture designs, a wide variety of stain options and custom multistep finishes to speaks to the style of this younger — but aging and maturing — generation. Compared to just 10 or 15 years ago, “The lineup has changed almost completely,” said our local manufacturer. And as time progresses, it continues to change. Instead of a limited number of traditional wood and stain choices, today you’ll find retailers with shelves full of catalogues showcasing an almost limitless variety of designs and color choices, from the very classic, to the very contemporary, including a wide variety of stain options and custom multi-step finishes. Continued on page 63

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Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4

2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

ere at Expressions In Woodcraft, we’ve always tried to emphasize the “local” factor when it comes to the Amish-built furniture industry. One would be hard-pressed to identify an industry that creates and sustains so many jobs, of all kinds, than here in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District. We know it; you probably know it, but do your customers? This question always has been important, because people want to support small businesses, as well as American-made products. We’ve talked about this many times over our 12-year history. But now that we’re also squarely targeting Millennials and Gen Z, this is more important than ever. Virtually every market study, info source, etc. shows that both of these demographic groups value small businesses (as well as other key factors that we can demonstrate in this industry). In order to help our friends on the retail side of things, we’re introducing a sales aid that we believe you’ll will find useful: A 24 x 36 infographic-style poster that visually demonstrates the steps along the way of creating Amish-built furniture — and the adjacent service providers involved along the way. Credit USA Today newspaper with pioneering the infographic. It was derided when first introduced by the publication that critics first derided as “McPaper,” but the simple graphics, combined with tidbits of information, quickly caught hold, and, in the ensuing 42 years since its introduction, have become a widely used vehicle to share information. We’re presenting a small version of the poster here, but you can get a copy of the fullsize version to display in your store. Why are we doing this? The newest genera-

tions of buyers will identify with this type of approach to sharing information. They’ve seen infographics their whole lives, and are used to this format. We believe that helping them understand the “cottage industry” characteristics of Amish-built furniture will make them more likely to purchase this furniture over “bolt-together” brands and other imports. In addition to that, the more people understand what they’re buying, where it comes from and how it’s made, they become much more likely to purchase the item in question. There’s an old saying in marketing that goes, “A confused mind always says no.” Education is the key to eliminating that confusion. That is, if people don’t understand why Amish-built furniture costs more than the imports/bolt-together brands, they won’t be able to justify the price. On the other hand, if they understand what really goes into these products, statistically they are far more likely to say “yes.” Finally, there is this: People will always pay extra if the perceived value/quality is there. In down markets and in good times, quality always sells. We hope this poster helps your clients understand better the quality and value of Amish-built furniture. Single copies of the poster are available for $14.95 each, plus $5 shipping (total $19.95). To order please visit our website at: www.expressionsinwoodcraft.com; email us at editor@eiwmagazine.com, or call 330-2758097. >>>Shown here at approx. 1/2 scale, the full poster measures 24” x 36”

Expressions introduces exciting new marketing aid

Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4

Now in stock and ready to go!

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Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4

2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

Customization still rules the day

“Yes, we can do that” Social Media can be an…interesting…place, especially where Amish-built furniture is concerned. I’ve had many experiences with consumers who don’t understand the customizable nature of Amishbuilt furniture. A lot of them have been in person, but now some take place online. There are numerous places where people comment on products built in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District, and I’ve seen plenty of comments along the lines of, “Oh that’s a beautiful table, but I don’t think it will fit in my dining room.” Sometimes I comment, and sometimes others offer helpful tips, but the bottom line is that we still have lots of work to do! We still need to let consumers know that virtually anything they purchase here can be customized. Credit the madeto-order nature of the products (which actually are reflective of the “Just In Time” manufacturing method). It bears repeating for one simple reason: We live in a “Big Box” world where people are now used to online ordering where you click buttons, drop-down menus, etc. and choose from what’s offered — and those are your only choices. (Right, and above right) Although the wide slats in the back make these chairs relatively similar in design, you can see from the stain and upholstery choices that they are markedly different in appearance. The lighter colors speak to a less-formal look, while the darker finish speaks to a more-formal look. Guiding customers through these choices helps them create a look that is uniquely theirs. 32

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When people begin to realize that Amish-built furniture can be customized, either a little or a lot, many times they are genuinely surprised. But honestly, that’s one of our biggest (if not the biggest) selling points: having something built specifically for you, and not plucked out of a warehouse somewhere. It is a rather unique experience today. Think of it this way: I like to use examples that correlate to the auto industry. Do you remember Continued on page 65

2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4

2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4

2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

Welcome... To our “Second Annual Preview Showcase” section. In this special edition of Expressions In Woodcraft we gave our supporters the opportunity to tell you a little more about their business. We hope you enjoy reading these pages as much as we had putting them together. Enjoy! For additional copies, or to be included in the next one, please contact us at: Editor@eiwmagazine.com 330-275-8097 Fax: 888-892-0728

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Styles and designs Continued from page 24 Rustic wood choices, multi-step finishes that included painted looks and/or glazes and designs that celebrate contemporary looks are in wide production today. Whereas 10 years ago these features may have been considered daring and edgy, today they are more and more the norm. New hardware and stain combinations have made a big difference in the overall look and almost completely displaced more traditional looks. One recent surprise, according to our visits with local manufacturers, is that traditional, lighter-colored oak pieces are on the comeback! “It’s nothing compared to what it used to be,” but the fact that sales of those choices are on the rise is interesting to note, and we’ll definitely keep an eye on that. Remember, Millennials have now been the number one buyers of furniture for nearly 10 years now. When you combine that fact with the “Ikea ageout” factor, and the maturing of the Gen Z genera-

tion, it’s easy to see that the Amish-built furniture marketplace is well-positioned to offer all of those younger folks the high-quality, durable furniture they seek. Finally, don’t forget that Amish-built furniture pushes other important hot buttons for Millennials and Z-ers: It’s American-made, sourced from small businesses and constructed with a renewable resource. (Reclaimed woods resonate strongly with this crowd, too.) The good news for consumers is, there’s much more variety, more choices and they can rest assured assurance that no matter how their home is decorated, they’ll be able to work with the retailer of their choice to find Amish-built furniture to match their homes, and their tastes. “It’s very consumer-driven, very demand-driven. We used to say, ‘here are your choices.’ These days, they tell us what they want, and it’s up to us to build it.”

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Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4

Customization Continued from page 32 when you would “order” a car? That is, you would go to your local car dealership, look at the models you liked and then sit down with a salesperson to order your exact car from the factory. It was kind of exciting for the dealer to call and tell you that they’d scheduled a build date and then, the big day when your car arrived on the lot. Those days are long gone! Today, you start online, find a vehicle you like and then maybe go to a dealership to see if they have something close to what you want. Sometimes you find it, and sometimes you don’t, but most people end up choosing from what’s in stock. These days you can even have the vehicle delivered right to your door! Well, here in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District, it’s still a “custom” world. The vast majority of furniture is built on a made-to-order basis with the customer’s specific wood, stain and hardware

choices. Custom dimensions also are very common, and it’s also easy to have a specific piece of furniture made from “the ground up” based on customers’ ideas or drawings. The best news is, those choices normally do not affect lead time (six to 12 weeks depending upon seasonal demand). When you add everything up — quality, durability, value and customization — Amish-built furniture truly stand out from the Big Box choices. Bottom line: When customers are made aware of these selling points, and that your store is a direct link to the manufacturer, closing a sale often becomes much easier. Sometimes, those of us who are closest to the industry forget these small but important details. Consumers who truly understand what they’re buying are much more likely to say yes. — Jerry Klingerman, Publisher

2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

INDEX Of Advertisers

Business Name A&L Furniture OHIO Amco Outdoor Lawn Furniture AnnDrew Enterprises Ashery Oak Buckeye Rockers Country Comfort Woodworking Countryside Tables Criswell Furniture Deer Valley Woodworking Dutch Valley Woodcraft Ebony Woodworking Emerson Woodcraft Farmside Furniture Farmside Wood Farmstead Acres

Address 8286 SR 241 3248 CR 200 3470-B St. Rte 39 8959 TR 652 1624 CR 600 10683 Massillon Rd. 8373 TR 652 8139 Criswell Rd. 32441 CR 12 5833 TR 610 6470 TR 603 11604 Emerson Rd. 8418 TR 654 11833 Harrison Rd 9106 CR 201

City Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Millersburg Fredericksburg Baltic Fredericksburg Millersburg Fredericksburg Fresno Fredericksburg Millersburg Apple Creek Fredericksburg Apple Creek Fredericksburg

State OH OH OH OH Oh OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH

ZIP 44627 44627 44654 44627 43804 44627 44654 44627 43824 44627 44654 44606 44627 44606 44627

Phone 330-674-5725 330-473-0923 330-893-4280 330-946-2600 330-897-2193 330-964-3664 330-359-5089 330-695-2082 740-622-1386 330-466-8321 330-279-2102 330-778-4213 x1 330-359-0381 330-695-5100 330-695-2089

Fax Ad on Page 330-674-0341 64 330-698-3200 64 330-893-4281 14 330-946-6100 27 330-897-2197 68 330-698-3200 27 330-359-0678 10 330-695-2083 26 740-622-0677 19 330-698-3200 18 844-415-1713 21 330-682-0740 69 212-591-6227 13 330-695-2027 4 330-695-2189 3

Finishing Designs 6455 TR 351 Five Star Tables 9652 Harrison Rd. Flat Ridge Furniture 4500 TR 119 Fredericksburg Finishing 8600 CR 201 Fredericksburg Furniture 3636 Harrison Rd Frog Pond Furniture 8300 TR 652 Gable Valley Wrought Iron 13613 Burkhart Rd. Gliders By Miller 9111 TR 659 Hermie’s Table Shop 8977 TR 652 Hickory Lane Woodworking 5884 TR 608 Hidden Hollow Wood and Upholstery 9165 TR 656 Hillside Chair 8413 TR 652 Horseshoe Bend Chair 6169 S. Kansas Rd.

Millersburg Apple Creek Millersburg Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Millersburg Orrville Dundee Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Millersburg Apple Creek

OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH

44654 44606 44654 44627 44627 44654 44667 44624 44627 44627 44654 44654 44606

330-600-8315 330-695-2150 330-893-3474 330-473-3216 330-231-2517 330-987-3942 330-466-0240 330-359-0151 330-946-2700 330-231-7143 NA 330-359-5991 330-521-4522

330-695-3200 330-695-2038 330-698-3200 330-698-3200 330-695-5610 330-845-5160 330-516-1630 330-359-2080 330-682-0740 330-682-0740 330-698-3200 330-359-5997 330-682-0740

11606 Emerson Rd. Apple Creek 5633 S. Kansas Rd. Apple Creek 2726 TR 128 Millersburg 6110 S. Kansas Rd. Apple Creek 7969 TR 662 Dundee 208 N. Carr Rd. Orrville 4842 TR 613 Fredericksburg 6 W. Jackson St. Millersburg 9210 SR 241 Fredericksburg 4929 TR 356 Millersburg 7108 TR 569 Fredericksburg 543 SR 95 Loudonville 6464 Harrison Rd. Fredericksburg 13070 Nisley Rd. Fredericksburg 3552 CR 160 Millersburg 13155 Salt Creek Rd. Fredericksburg 8261 Winklepleck Rd Dundee 6274 CR 77 Millersburg 12022 CR 20 Middlebury 2853 CR 200 Dundee 8237 Nonpariel Rd Fredericksburg 8618 CR 201 Fredericksburg 9025 Criswell Rd. Fredericksburg 13776 Arnold Rd. Dalton 10861 Lautenschlager Rd. Apple Creek

OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH IN OH OH OH OH OH OH

44606 44606 44654 44606 44624 44667 44627 44654 44627 44654 44627 44842-9611 44627 44627 44654 44627 44624 44654 46540 44624 44627 44627 44627 44618 44606

330-778-4213 x2 330-464-2329 330-674-2500 330-698-0370 330-359-6109 NA 330-231-3888 330-231+5125 NA 330-893-3729 330-695-2478 419-368-3165 330-241-7802 NA 330-763-1829 NA 330-852-1125 330 893 2587 574-825-4692 330-403-4479 330-601-6603 330-439-3565 330-695-2792 330-641-1740 330-464-3432

330-682-0740 15 330-698-3200 11 330-674-2595 21 330-698-3200 19 330-359-6208 7 NA 65 234-301-9098 13 NA 2 330-698-3200 36 330-893-0729 23 330-473-1359 Back Cover 419-368-3166 30 330-695-2189 30 NA 15 330-698-3200 33 330-359-2116 15 330-852-1126 34 NA 37 574-825-4592 31 330-698-3200 33 330-698-3200 22 330-695-2189 70 330-682-0740 25 330-698-3200 25 330-828-0886 26

Kidron Tables Kountry Knob Tables Maple Hill Woodworking Meadow Wood Furniture Millwood Wholesale Northend Woodcraft Oakland Wood Ohio Furniture Guild Pioneer Woodworking, LLC Quad M Rustics Quality Fabrications Quality Wood Products Ridge View Woodcraft RT Wood Products Rustic Barrel Design Salt Creek Bedding Schlabach Finishing Shady Lawn Oak Superior Woodcrafts Timberside Woodworking Troy Lane Woodcraft Wengerd Wood Products Woodside Poly Y&M Chair Y&T Woodcraft

Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4

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2024 Issue 4 | Expressions in Woodcraft

Expressions in Woodcraft | 2024 Issue 4