Making the Transition From Reader to Buyer — See page 6
Spring | 2019
Contents FEATURED
6 Transitioning from Reader to Buyer 14 The Enduring Power of Oak 18 Spotlight on Featured designs 34 Top Cities For New College Graduates Identified ON THE COVER:
Y&T Woodcraft shows us that sometimes, all it takes is splash of color and a fresh approach to hardware choices to give a collection a look that makes buyers turn their head. The Urban Office Collection, shown here in Brown Maple and finished in OCS 118, combines an elegant design with a contemporary finish that is sure to please.
See ad on page 10
37 Furniture Manufacturers Come in All Sizes 40 Spotlight on Transportation 44 Index of advertisers
Volume 6 | Number Four | Spring 2019 Published by: Dutch Country Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 248 • Fredericksburg, OH 44627 Phone 3302758097 | Fax 3304394231 send inquiries to: editor@eiwmagazine.com facebook.com/eiwmagazine
This publication and its contents are copyright 2019, 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.
THE TEAM: Jerry Klingerman: Owner, Publisher Andrew Miller: Account Executive Karen Yoder: Graphic Artist/Production Asst. Meredith Klingerman: Editorial Assistant
Publisher’s Message ur company recently introduced a new publication in our local market. (It’s a lifestyle publication, unrelated to this magazine.) One of the comments we received about the first issue was this: “Do you know how good it felt to actually hold a magazine in my hands and read it?”
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almost a decade now. We recently met with the executive team from one of the largest remaining independent presses in the country, and their “wall of fame” displaying the specialty publications they print was incredible. They are optimistic about the overall future of print publishing, and so are we.
The point the reader was making is that so many aspects of our life have gone digital, that its becoming rare to encounter a physical printed publication. To a certain extent, that’s true. It’s no secret that daily newspapers have been struggling for some time now, and continue to do so. In fact, as we were getting ready to go to press, New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet made a bold prediction: “Most local newspapers are going to die in the next five years.”
It’s not that the desire for good information has changed — it hasn’t. The problem for some publications is, the delivery method has changed dramatically.
He explained that, “Their economic model is gone. I think most local newspapers in America are going to die in the next five years, except for the ones that have been bought by a local billionaire.” Honestly, I’ve been saying the same thing for a long time. As painful as it is to watch, the business model of the daily newspaper has changed dramatically, and most news organizations long ago missed the opportunity to properly monetize web-based content. So, we’ve been seeing shrinking ad revenues, disappearing subscriber bases and physically much smaller publications for some time now, and that trend will continue. That’s the bad news. The good news is, specialty publishing is alive and well, and growing. Community-based weekly newspapers (“shopper” style papers) are doing very well and growing. Specialty publications such as the one you’re reading right now are enjoying solid growth as well. “Niche” publications of all stripes, covering an amazing ray of business and personal interests have been cropping up for
We’ve shared all this with you to share this: Expressions In Woodcraft is working hard to balance the digital world vs. the print world. From our very first days of publishing this magazine we have received almost unanimously positive feedback, and we appreciate the support our readers and friends in the furniture manufacturing community have shown us. But we also realize that change is a part of life, and we’re trying to respond to the monumental shift to “all things digital” as best we can, while staying true to our print-based roots. In our last issue we ran a large ad promoting our new file download service (it’s repeated in this issue). With this issue, we’re announcing that the entire magazine will now be available to read and download digitally via our Facebook page. We’re working with the largest service provider of their kind in the USA to make this service available, and we’re hopeful our readers find it a valuable service. We always welcome your comments and feedback, so if you have more suggestions as to how we can better serve you, please feel free to let us know. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your summer! —G.R. Klingerman, Publisher
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Making the leap from reader to buyer Editor’s note: Over the years we’ve discussed many aspects of doing business here in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District: The products, the people and the location itself. But it’s been some time since we took an in-depth look at making the transition from simply reading about Amish-built furniture to actually becoming a buyer. Here’s an updated look at that process.
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his magazine reaches more than 15,000 retail furniture stores across the USA. Naturally, not all of those stores currently purchase furniture here in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District, but our goal is to turn as many readers into buyers as possible. So if you’ve read our magazine, done some homework and perhaps talked with colleagues in the retail furniture industry and you’re ready to take the plunge and start buying products from Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District you might be asking yourself, “Where do I start?” 6
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Good question! Although it’s possible to begin buying Amish-built furniture without traveling here, most first-time buyers choose to take a few days, visit some local shops and establish business relationships personally. (A great way to do that, of course, is to attend one or both of the semi-annual hardwood furniture shows held here in the spring and fall. More on that in a minute.) But if you choose to begin long-distance, that’s OK, too. After carefully reviewing ads from possible vendors, we suggest that you contact the manufacturers of your choice for a catalogue. A growing number of our advertisers have made their catalogues, price lists and images available through our web portal (see page 42) so you actually can begin evaluating product offerings anytime. Different manufacturers in Ohio’s Amish Country use different communication methods (based on standards put in place by their individual church districts). Sometimes, getting a catalogue is as easy as picking up the
phone and requesting one. Other times, you might have to send a fax, either to the manufacturer’s fax line, or to a “central” fax number operated by a local company that delivers faxes to and from Amish furniture manufacturers. (Hint: if you see the fax number 330-6983200 listed in an ad, that is the number for “the fax route.” Be sure to indicate whom the fax is intended for). Some manufacturers do have their own websites, often operated by a third party, or a marketing agency. Most recently a new service that has gained widespread acceptance and popularity is a “web portal” service that allows the end user to provide basic registration information that allows them access to a number of manufacturers’ marketing materials, which they can then download instantly. (Expressions In Woodcraft now operates such a portal. See page 42 for details.) This is not an individual website for each manufacturer, rather it is like an electronic catalogue where a number of furniture manufacturers have their materials stored for easy access by retailers. The web portal service has mostly eliminated the need for manufacturers to produce CDs and DVDs of their products. The newest generations of laptop computers (and even some desktop models) don’t even include CD/DVD drives because that technology — in just 10 years’ time — has gone from cutting edge to outdated. That’s not to say that manufacturers don’t still have CDs or DVDs available at all. Some do. But the web portal option is much easier and convenient for literally everyone involved in the process, from the photographers and service providers who create images and catalogues to the retail store end users. Web-based marketing of Amish-built furniture definitely has overcome a few bumps in the road. Some of the earliest entrepreneurs who attempted to sell Amishbuilt furniture via the Internet did not have a physical presence. To say that caused problems in the community would be an understatement, and it caused uncomfortable growing pains in the industry, sometimes putting manufacturers in an awkward position between the “newbie” retailers and their longtime established buyers. (It’s worth pointing out that very, very few of those first Internet pioneers are still around. Most lacked basic business experience and were simply looking to make quick money)
Because of this, some furniture manufacturers were careful about providing images of their products. But times have changed were that is concerned, too. Whereas in the past many bricks-and-mortar stores did not have a web presence, today virtually all of them do. Add in Social Media marketing, and it’s easy to see that access to high-quality images for web-based marketing efforts is now the rule, rather than the exception. In some cases, you may have to mail a letter to request a manufacturer’s catalogue. There still are furniture producers here in Ohio’s Amish Country that do not advertise a phone or fax number or use any kind of web-based tools. In addition to the delivery methods, the catalogues themselves vary too. For many years the standard has been loose-leaf pages placed in a 3-ring binder, and that’s probably still true, for the most part. Binder-style catalogues are easy for the manufacturers to update, and easy for the retailers to keep on hand in their store. Today, some manufacturers now publish sophisticated stand-alone bound catalogues that feature stylish layouts, full-room scenes and dozens, or even hundreds, of pages. Changing times; changing methods As marketing needs for Amish furniture manufacturers have grown and changed over the years, and the need for more-complex marketing materials has increased, local designers and photographers have had to up their game as well. Where once only a few individuals provided such services, now there are a number of individuals and full-service marketing agencies and commercial printers that work almost exclusively in the local hardwood furniture industry. Local photographers have become quite enterprising in adapting to the needs of their Amish clientele. Most are capable of providing a “studio to go” experience for their clients, where they set up a temporary photo studio right in the client’s shop. Backdrops, lighting, etc. are used to create the best images possible. There also are full-blown professional-level studios where manufacturers can take their items to be photographed, but this involves transportation, a fair amount of manpower, time away from the shop for the owner/manager and everyone involved. So, many small- to medium-sized shops often choose photogra-
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Reader to Buyer — Continued from page 7
Furniture District. Here, you’ll get the chance to see and experience a wide variety of products from local phers who can set up on-site at their workshop. manufacturers in a trade-show-style setting. It’s a great One-click markups way to meet the craftsmen, and begin building business Price lists have gone digital as well. Most manufacties. turers now work with computer-based service providers The shows feature dozens of craftsmen, many of to produce electronic spreadsheets that allow retailers whom view this not only as an opportunity to meet to instantly configure markups across an entire product prospective new clients, but also as an opportunity to line by changing the percentage in just one cell. Spemeet and talk with clients whom they either never have cialized computers built exclusively for Amish clientele met, or only see once a year. also have spreadsheet capabilities, allowing them to deIf you can’t make it to a show, or even if you do, you sign and maintain their own spreadsheets. should know that virtually every local furniture manuWhile electronic tools now are in widespread use, facturer welcomes clients to visit their shop. Whether not all manufacturers can use them. Again, based on you call, fax, e-mail or write to make an appointment what their local church district permits, some manufac— or just stop by — the shop owners and managers are turers still use no electronic or web-based technology. eager to meet, talk with and get to know new buyers. And some manufacturers are permitted only to use What will you discover once you’re here? Perhaps drawings (as opone thing you’ll posed to photonotice is that difgraphs) to depict ferent manufacturtheir products. The ers take different more you become approaches to profamiliar with manducing furniture. ufacturers here in Perhaps the best Ohio’s Amish analogy is to comCountry, the more pare furniture proyou’ll understand duction to making the wide variance a jigsaw puzzle. in practices. It’s That is, there are important to unmany ways to apderstand that the proach putting toAmish take these gether a puzzle, things all in stride, and when producand while they ac- A great gauge for what’s popular in current furniture trends is to visit one of the cept that the out- many local finish shops. The finish shops are a central point for shipping and receiv- ing furniture, there’s more than side world might ing from many local manufacturers. one way to get not understand from raw materials to finished product. some aspects of their culture, they appreciate it if the Here’s a quick, basic rundown of the production English respect their ways. process: One of the most important components in Making the visit hardwood furniture is glued-up panels that are made by You definitely can begin doing business here without taking wood strips of varying width, gluing them at the visiting in person. But if you’ve decided to pack a bag seams and then clamping them together to create panand head to Ohio, we can offer some guidance there, els. The resulting panels are far stronger than tree-width as well. boards, and are one of the key building blocks in hardAs mentioned earlier, the best advice we can make is wood furniture production. Some manufacturers follow to plan your visit around one of the two annual wholesale furniture shows held here in Ohio’s Amish Country Continued on page 12 8
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Reader to Buyer — Continued from page 8 a complete, turn-key method, sourcing their own timber, having it milled, then dried, then brought to their shop where they make their own panels and then build the furniture. Other manufacturers might purchase their panels, and other components, from any of a number of local suppliers, and then craft the furniture out of those parts. Chairs, panels, drawer fronts, drawer boxes, doors and table legs/turnings are examples of products or components that a manufacturer may source locally, rather than make from scratch. Chairs are a specialty item, and you’ll actually find that even if a manufacturer makes all of their tables in house, it’s highly unlikely that they make the chairs, too. The finished product Finishing, the final step in production, is done either in house or at a nearby finish shop. More and more, manufacturers are outsourcing their finishing to nearby shops that only do finishing. We’ve seen this trend for at least the last five years. This allows the manufacturers to repurpose the finish area in their shops to add production space, and increase productivity of their core product by having another supplier do the finishing, rather than training their own employees to perform this task. Another advantage to having a third-party vendor perform the finishing work is, it keeps storage and warehousing needs to a minimum. Once an item is sent to a finish shop, it rarely (if ever) returns to the manufacturer’s shop. Rather, it is picked up by the buyer where it’s finished. Here’s a fun tip: If you want to see what the current popular styles, designs, etc. in the furniture industry are, go to a finish shop! It’s fun and instructional and you might get your own ideas about what you want to feature on your showroom floor. Small, medium or large On page 36 of this issue we feature an article that talks about shopping as an “experience.” Well, you can tailor your buying experience in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District, too. The manufacturers here range from small, one- or two-person shops to medium-sized shops, to large enterprises with dozens of employees and thousands of square feet of manufacturing space. Just as the furniture production methods vary, so does the size of the manufacturers themselves. The majority 12
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are staffed only by the owner and perhaps three or four employees (or sons). In fact, 75 percent of local furniture manufacturers have five or fewer employees, including the owner. Other might have a handful of employees, and still others may have 10 or more, while the very largest have dozens. It’s different here By far, though, we believe what you’ll notice the most is the friendly, welcoming attitude you’ll experience in our furniture community. The manufacturers are eager to get to know their clients, and it’s not uncommon to spend a fair amount of time visiting before talk turns to business. We’re not trying to paint an idyllic picture, but in many ways business really is done differently here. One additional aspect you’re sure to enjoy is the ability to work directly with the craftsmen to suggest design tweaks, customizations or perhaps even to come up with an entirely new piece. We know of no other industry where you can walk into the production facility and work directly with the leadership to suggest or make changes in a product. Time-tested relationships Over time you’ll develop your own list of preferred manufacturers – and very likely develop friendships as well. We’ve talked to many retailers who plan vacations around shows and/or buying trips, and visit with their manufacturing clients much the same way they would an old friend. Simply put, “It’s different here.” We think you’ll find doing business here in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District a very refreshing change of pace: We believe that high-quality products, beautiful countryside and friendly people are a combination you’ll enjoy for many years to come. A final note: If you do make a trip to Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District, and plan to stay for a few days, you’ll find lodging choices as wide and varied as manufacturing choices. Lodging establishments in Holmes and surrounding counties range from brandnew full-service hotels to smaller venues, B&Bs, guest houses, cabins and campgrounds. Ohio’s Amish Country may not offer the night life of the big cities, but our food and lodging selections are sure to please! In addition, the area is easily accessible from major highways and less than an hour from the Akron-Canton Airport.
The Enduring Power of Oak We often discuss wood species choices in this publication, and over the years have taken an in-depth look at a number of hardwoods, from Hickory to Brown Maple, Elm and just about everything in between. Lately, we’ve talked a great deal about distressed and reclaimed woods — and certainly those choices show no signs of fading in popularity. But occasionally, we overlook the “gold standard” of hardwood furniture; the wood species that dominates the market and is the species to which many others are compared: Oak. Or, more accurately, American Red Oak. Oak and Cherry were the “go to” wood species when the Amish-built furniture industry 14
began to experience rapid growth approximately 30 years ago, and the Baby Boomer buyers who helped spur that growth were perfectly happy to buy Oak furniture in traditional styles and colors. Truth be told, the industry was built on the back of these traditional styles and colors. And despite the wide variety of wood species available, furniture manufactures in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District report that “regular” Red Oak is still one of the most-requested wood species. Consider everything Oak has going for it: It’s affordable, durable and the look is easily customized.
which many other wood species are compared. Pricewise, it’s the baseline, or “entry-level” hardwood species. In fact, prices for furniture crafted of premium species often are expressed as a percentage of oak. For example, we often say that Cherry is priced 35 to 40 percent above regular oak. Simply put, standard Red Oak is the most affordable of the hardwoods used in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District. That’s not a bad thing! We often discuss selling the quality of Amish-built hardwood furniture, but the fact is, there still are plenty of price-driven shoppers out there, and Oak is an excellent, attractive choice.
Affordable Red Oak is the standard to
Attractive Speaking of attractive, Oak is
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just that: it’s a beautiful wood species with a pronounced grain and that is attractive to many people. When finished in any number of the standard stain colors available, Oak has a grain that “pops” like few other species and you actually can feel the grain in addition to seeing it. One of the most-popular stain is OCS 113 Michaels Cherry, which gives it a deep, rich look while very much accenting the grain. But even when finished in a dark color like Ebony or Espresso, the grain still comes through, which is a feature many buyers are drawn to.
The look itself also is a definite factor. Only Elm comes close to the look of QSWO. It’s attractive, unique and buyers like the idea that in addition to their furniture being constructed on a made-toorder basis, no two pieces made of QSWO will look exactly alike (It’s true that sometimes can be both a blessing and a curse, but properly educated customers will understand that what they saw in your showroom or catalogue will not appear exactly the same as what they receive, and will have its own unique look within that grain pattern). In terms of affordability, manufacturers now offer Rustic or Character QSWO — which falls in very closely to, or sometimes
is the same, as regular Red Oak. Many of today’s consumers love the idea of seeing the flaws or “character” of natural wood, and that extends to Rustic QSWO. So when they learn they can have such a piece at “regular” Oak pricing, that can be a very attractive option. It’s easy to get excited about the wide variety of wood choices on the market today, but sometimes, only the classics will do. Oak, in any number of configurations, has proven time and time again to be a durable classic.
Quarter-Sawn White Oak: A step up For buyers who want a more exotic look, there’s Quarter-Sawn White Oak (QSWO). The “Tiger Stripe” look of QSWO is appealing on several levels. First, a lot of people recognize it from antique furniture, perhaps owned by relatives. Memory is a very powerful emotional trigger, and QSWO can easily remind buyers on your showroom floor of Great-grandma’s antique bedroom set. That alone can push some buyers to choose QSWO when order Shown in Quarter-Sawn White Oak, the Post Mission Bedroom Collection from Barkman Furnitheir furniture. ture is an excellent example of why Oak retains its popularity. Spring 2019 | Expressions in Woodcraft
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<<<A gently rounded top combined with wide, curved slats are the distinc tive characteristics of the Oregon Chair from Hickory Lane Woodworking. Add gently curved rear legs and a scooped seat for added comfort, for a chair that goes with almost any dining table. — See ad on page 17
Spotlight on FEATURED DESIGNS
<<<What could be more relaxing that a nice fire while you enjoy a quiet evening and a movie? Ashery Oak presents a beau tiful traditionalstyle TV stand that has a plankstyle top and burnished/dis tressed features on the edges and doors. It’s the perfect look that also has plenty of room for components and storage. — See ad on page 32
>>>The Beach House Buffet from Quality Wood Products takes its cues from those light, airy New England coastal cottages where eclectic style is mixed with func tional practicality. Here, the functional baskets combine well with the twotone wood/stain finish. — See ad on page 2
>>>Where space is a premium, but you still want to add a little Rus tic/Industrial style con sider the #1468 SL Trolley mirror/jewelry cabinet from Meadow Wood Furniture. The door slides horizontally on the hardware, al lowing for placement in tight spaces, while also offering high style. — See ad on page 33
<<<Deer Valley Woodworking takes a bold step forward by combining Rustic, Live Edge and Industrial styling all in one piece with the Timber Creek Bed. The platformstyle bed uses bold posts to show the live edge headboard that is supported with industrialstyle hard ware. Shown in Reclaimed Oak, Live Edge Maple and OCS Natural 112 stain. — See ad on page 20
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>>> New from Hermie’s table Shop is the Conestoga table. This exciting new design features a top that looks as though it is perched on an oldfash ioned wagon wheel and axle, and then a pedestal. A twotone wood/stain combination com pletes this stylish offering. —See ad on page 16
>>>The #9102 Christy II Arm Chair and #9101 Christy II Side Chair from Country Comfort offer the ultimate in comfort, now available with fabric or leather backs. Shown in QSWO and Dark Knight FC19093 stain. Our pre ferred samples to use are Buckeye Fabrics. —See ad on page 33
Spotlight on FEATURED DESIGNS
^^^Kidron Woodcraft pres ents a stunning new product for bedroom organization with the Timberline Wardrobe. Doors that slide on barndoor hardware reveal multiple storage options for clothes, shoes, etc. The rough sawn barn wood look is sure to gain lots of attention on your showroom floor. —See ad on page 3
^^^This threedrawer nightstand is just one piece of the beautiful new Tremont Bedroom Collection from Briarwood. The nightstand, along with all cases, features ornately detailed feet along with outsetstyled top corners (see inset). A definite showroom stopper! — See ad on page 47
^^^The Studio dining group from Barkman Furniture features a steel base powder coated with a 1” top. Lower style, yet comfortable ladder back chairs complement this set as a more contemporary style. — See ad on pages 24‐25 Spring 2019 | Expressions in Woodcraft
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>>>With definite influences from the MidCentury Modern era, Timberside Woodworking presents the #3207 Tel evision Stand. the doors and drawers fit flush against the top and bottom mak ing for a clean, stylish look, all sitting atop angled legs. There is lots of storage here as well, and room for almost any size TV. —See ad on page 21
Spotlight on FEATURED DESIGNS
Featuring eyecatching dual wide slats that curve gently, the Stowan Chair from Shady Lawn Oak is the perfect combination of style and function, and can easily be combined with almost any complementary table. —See ad on page 39
^^^ The Milltown Collection from Dutch Valley Woodcraft is an excellent opportunity for those who want to carry the popular rustic look into an office space. Shown in Rustic Brown Maple with a low sheen finish. — See ad on page 29 <<< Shown here is an additional option for the versatile Estella Collection from Miller Bedrooms. While the base shown is similar to what is featured on page 11, the headboard here offers a stylish yet more traditional look. Shown in Marble Gray finish with Ebony high lights. — See ad on page 11
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The Shreveport Chairs from Wengerd Wood Products are an excellent choice where customers are looking for a combination of styles: A tapered ladderback de sign, rubthrough finish, tradi tional and modern styling and leathercovered seat make this model a great choice to pair with almost any table. —See ad on page 38
^^^Ashery Woodworking has just added an exciting new set of desks! The Student Desk, is available in most of their styles. Shown here in “Dutch Style” in RQSWO and OCS #117 stain. Simple but stylish, it’s the perfect
in the NP 197 glider series from Miller Cabinet Shop. Available in four wood species, this curvy, comfortable chair beckons you to relax after a long day! —See ad on page 37
Spotlight on FEATURED DESIGNS
choice where you need good storage and a nice large surface all in a smaller footprint. The flared legs offer a nice dash of style in a studentsized desk. —See ad on page 16
>>>Swivel, rock and recline
>>>The Austin Vine collection from Na‐ ture View Furniture showcases a 48" round table with 2 leaves on the “Vine Pedestal” base. Shown here in QuarterSawn White Oak in #117 Asbury finish, the table top is a sturdy 1” thick. Pair this table with the Austin Side Chair, and you’ve got a winning combination for any dining space. —See ad on page 9
^^^ With the Urban Office Collection Y&T Woodcraft shows that office furniture doesn’t have to be bor ing! The set features large hardware on the doors and drawers, inset panels on the desk and numerous other styling features that will make it a favorite for years to come. Brown Maple finished in OCS 118. —See ad on page 10 Spring 2019 | Expressions in Woodcraft
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Spotlight on FEATURED DESIGNS
>>>Harken back to a simpler time when furniture was both sturdy and functional with the Settler’s Table from Kidron Tables. Handcrafted from select re claimed barnwood, this set shows all the unique character istics of the wood, meaning no two pieces are exactly alike. — See ad on page 43
^^^The Mission Swivel Glider (MSPG247SL), made by Buckeye Rockers, is shown in our best selling combination: Quarter Sawn White Oak with OCS117 Asbury stain and Saloon Texas leather. We use indus trial grade bearings for a smoother swivel and glide. —See ad on page 39
>>>The Arlington Buffet from Brookside Wood Products fea tures flush doors and drawers, rectangle seedy glass doors in top, rectangle reversed panel doors in the base as well as re served panel slides. This stylish, traditional buffet/server also has LED lights with a touch switch, successfully combining a timeless look with modern features. —See ad on page 17
(Below) The Silverton Dining Collection from Emerson Woodcraft is crafted entirely of re claimed barnwood. The solidtop plankstyle table is highlighted by large, sturdy legs and the chairs have large, curved slats and a comfortable scooped seat. —See ad on page 28
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^^^The 1800 Mission recliner by Quality Fabrications, combines the beauty of QuarterSawn White Oak with the comfort of a re cliner, all in the perennial favorite Mission style. Avail able in a wide variety of styles and finished, this sturdy, comfortable chair is at home in any room set ting. —See ad on page 29
Dining Solutions by Farmstead Acres presents a beautiful combination of design, style and finish with the Aurora Chair. Two wide, curved slats pro vide comfort for the back, while the seat, shown in a contrasting finish, is scooped for maximum comfort. The look is com pleted with legs that are slightly tapered. —See ad on page 38
^^^Featuring wide, curved slats in the back and both straight and tapered legs, the Avon Collection from Hillside Chair also has a scooped seat, all of which provides maximum comfort in a very versatile, stylish design. —See ad on page 11 Spring 2019 | Expressions in Woodcraft 27
Spotlight on FEATURED DESIGNS
>>>The Tony Chair by Oakland Wood is the ultimate choice for those who want to bring the look of the great outdoors indoors! A comfortable padded seat com bines with a gently curved back and a wilderness scene to create a unique look that is like no other. This model is very popular in cabin stores and other retail settings that get a lot of log cabin own ers and outdoor enthusiasts. —See ad on page 43
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Spotlight on FEATURED DESIGNS
Urban Barnwood Furniture creates a wide variety of styles and de signs from repurposed pioneerera barns. Whether your tastes tend toward the classic farmhouse style shown below in the Brighthouse Dining Collection, or the Rustic/Industrial look featured in the Kings Bridge Bar Table (right) they are sure to have a design that will be a favorite with your customers. —See ad on page 46
<<<What’s hot at Sunrise Furniture? Drop leaf tables! They are popular and practical in places where space is at a premium, but style is still a must. This model features two shelves in the center and sturdy, bold legs that sit atop stylish tapered feet. —See ad on page 13
>>> The Carr Chair from Horseshoe Bend Chair combines a solid, sturdy design with large flared slats and rear legs that gently taper in the back to create a functional, comfortable design that will please for many years to come. A scooped seat means you can relax and enjoy long meals with family and friends in comfort. —See ad on page 45
The Bristol table from Ruffsawn features a 4” built up top with Her ringbone Pattern made from solid Wormy Maple and Plywood fea tured with Hedgehog Base. This col lection is shown in a ‘Tri Grey’ finish, on a rough sawn surface, multi coated with a low sheen conversion varnish. 42" W x 120" L x 30" H + 2 18” end leaves. Available in various sizes. —See ad on back cover
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Top places for new college grads identified
“Go west?” Not so much... As we write this, two American traditions are in full swing for the year: graduation and home-buying season. And while those two events are not necessarily related, we’ve seen some interesting information about both that begs some comparisons.
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here’s good news on both fronts. According to data released by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, this year’s newly-degreed grads will enjoy the most robust job market in nearly a decade. Data reveals that employers are planning to hire 11 percent more new employees than in 2018. Salaries are up, too. Not surprisingly, Science, Technology Engineering and Math or “STEM” degree-holders will command the highest salaries compared with their classmates, with new engineers garnering salaries of almost $70,000 a year (nationwide average). Hiring numbers and salaries both are up year-over-year, and 2019 marks the first year that new hiring numbers have exceeded 10 percent since 2011. So where should all those new graduates head? The National Association of Realtors has a few ideas. According to Realtor.com, the key is to find a city that not only offers the opportunities of a thriving economy but also affordability, livability and a thriving social scene (remember, these are people who were born after 1996, so dating, restaurants and nightlife are important considerations). “As graduates consider where they should move 34
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for that first job, they need to consider if that place has a good level of real affordability,” says Ali Wolf, director of economic research for Meyers Research, a real estate and construction data firm. “And more and more, that may well mean passing on ultrapricey cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in favor of smaller cities that offer a primo combination of diversified career growth and achievable lifestyles.” Realtor.com chose its top 10 destinations from the following criteria: • Unemployment rates • Median income for households aged 25 to 34; incomes for residents with a bachelor’s degree • Five-year wage growth • Percentage of college grads, percentage of singles • Median one-bedroom apartment rents • Median home prices • Housing affordability (median mortgage vs. take-home pay, for 25- to 34-year-olds) • Number of venues for nightlife, bars, gyms, karaoke, sports bars, and social clubs Those are interesting considerations and perhaps a departure from advice given to previous generations, who flocked to places like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. It’s safe to say that the organization took a very close look not just at salaries, but how far those salaries go, as well as other lifestyle criteria. It’s also important to consider that the current generation of graduates is more willing than any other in previous memory to live in urban areas where they live, work and play all within close proximity to each other. As we’ve reported in previous issues, there are big numbers out there: the U.S. Department of Ed-
ucation says, “At 3.9 million strong, the 2019 class will be the second-largest (college) graduating class ever.” On the heels of this information comes the news that the US housing market is very strong indeed. Mortgage rates are down, unemployment numbers are way down and it’s still a seller’s market in many US cities. That means when properties do become available, buyers aren’t waiting, and aren’t dickering, they’re making full-price offers. Where those things are happening might surprise you but, again, first-tier cities in some part of the country — places where “affordable” average housing long ago surpassed $500,000 — are rapidly dropping off the list. Now, there are multiple information sources out there and sometimes the data conflicts. But our research indicates one prevalent trend: Second-tier cities, particularly in the Midwest, are hot. Red hot. Places like Grand Rapids Michigan (also known as
Beer City USA due to the number of craft breweries), Columbus, OH, (which was named the #1 hottest real estate market in the USA earlier this year), and even Pittsburgh, PA, which wethered the Great Recession as good as or better than any city in the USA, are showing up on lots of lists of places where young people are landing. What’s the attraction? In sum, its cheaper housing, good jobs and entertainment. Portland Maine, which also is popping up on those “hot” lists, is a prime example of a smaller city that offers downtown living in trendy neighborhoods along with first class dining venues. With a population of under 70,000, Portland was named the top food destination in the USA in 2018. We know that today’s younger people are more willing than ever before to live and work downtown, but, as Lance Lambert of Realtor.com writes, Continued on page 41 Spring 2019 | Expressions in Woodcraft
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Small, Medium or Large:
Furniture manufacturers come in all sizes
A
lmost the entire retail world has shifted from wholesale furniture buyers can, too. We have very product-based marketing to “experiencesmall manufacturing operations, where it’s just the based” marketing, so we thought it might be interowner/craftsman running the entire business and esting to discuss the buying experience here in building the furniture, and we also have mediumOhio’s Amish Country Furniture District. sized, larger and very large operations as well. First, if you’ve never been here, may we ask why It’s difficult to say what the “typical” manufacnot? Combined, this region represents the largest turer profile is because of the wide variety in spehardwood furniture manufacturing cialized product offerings, the district in the United States. Yes; you owner’s business goals and The eight-county region read that right. While many people other factors. But a fair “guesstipoint to the High Point, NC region mate” might be that you can exwe refer to as “Ohio’s as the largest overall furniture proAmish Country Furniture pect to find one to four ducer — which is accurate – they employees working alongside District” produces more may not realize that the eightthe owner at many, if not most, county region we refer to as “Ohio’s hardwood furniture than local plants. Amish Country Furniture District” But in many ways, that’s anywhere in the country. produces more hardwood furniture where the baseline comparisons than anywhere in the country. (That end. We can list many shops includes plain communities and their respective that have eight to12 employees or more. furniture manufacturers in Pennsylvania, Indiana It may even surprise some people to learn this, Illinois, etc. Ohio is the largest of those as well.) but a handful of furniture manufacturers in this reWe sincerely believe the quality of the products gion have gone well beyond their initial “lone produced here is unmatched, and no matter how craftsman” beginnings and experienced significant simply or small this industry may have started, it growth, in terms of square footage of manufacturhas grown to its current levels because of the qualing space, product offerings, number of employees, ity of the products. The hardwood furniture in Ohio etc. Some of these shops have 30 employees or experienced significant growth beginning in the more, thousands of square feet of space under roof early 1990s, and today has grown to include nearly and a large volume of product offerings. 500 manufacturers and an untold number of reIt’s not just the size of the manufacturers that lated and dependent businesses. varies. In very recent years some manufacturers But all that being said, this region also is unique have dramatically changed their marketing and because there is such a wide variety of furniture communication methods to include full-time manmanufacturers. It’s not a “one size fits all” industry ufacturers reps who travel the country, permanent and if you do business here you can do so with presence in various showcases and, yes, sophistismall, medium or large furniture producers. cated online tools such as full-featured websites, So, just as today’s retail consumers have moved instant catalog downloads, e-mail, etc. beyond simply “shopping” into experiencing, Anecdotally, we’re seeing more and more manu36
Expressions in Woodcraft | Spring 2019
facturers use e-mail (which may or may not be advertised) than ever before. Understand, however, that as quickly as we say that we also must mention that there still are numerous manufacturers who rely solely on a combination of telephone, voicemail and fax — or even US Mail as their only communication methods. Perhaps that is one of the best indicators of the overall point we’re trying to make: There is a wide variety of furniture manufacturers and business practices here in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District. Manufacturers know that the “English” world relies more and more on instant,
immediate communications, and they have tried hard to respond. But not all businesses here can do that, and it’s safe to say that virtually all of them try had to balance cultural and religious constraints with the need to stay current with what the outside world wants and needs. What this means for buyers just becoming familiar with this area is, you can customize your own buying experience to meet your exact needs. You can seek out smaller shops that tend to specialize in one or two product offerings (case goods or beds, for example) and build your own network of suppliers over time. Countless retailers have done
just that over the years, with great success. If your time constraints and inventory needs merit, or if you prefer more of a one-stop-shopping kind of experience, you can easily seek out mid-size and larger operations that meet those needs as well. What it all boils down to is this: small, medium and large retailers can easily find manufacturers small, medium and large to do business with here in Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District. Your personal buying experience awaits!
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Spotlight on Transportation “Your Furniture Connection in Amish Country” AnnDrew Enterprises, Inc. is a family owned and operated fullservice Amish Furniture Wholesale, Warehousing and Logistics Company. We offer warehousing and shipping of your orders to your stores, as well as wholesale distribution for many of the local Amish Country builders. — See ad on page 28
For 15 years Sterling Transfer has been providing furniture delivery and warehousing services to furniture manufacturers in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country. We offer nationwide logistics services, a climate-controlled warehouse and expert packaging to help ensure damage-free shipments. — See ad on page 10
PackShip USA provides a wide range of specialized services within the supply chain industry: PackShip Furniture Direct provides pick-up and delivery of custom-designed furniture from builder shops to retail showrooms, plus residential curbside and white glove delivery; PackShip Logistics offers non-contractual 3rd party logistics solutions, less-than-truckload, truckload, air freight and international freight management; PackShip Warehouse & Fulfillment provides storage, consolidation and order fulfillment; and PackShip Custom Solutions produces custom packaging and crates for commercial and retail clients. — See ad on page 45 40
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Best markets for new grads Continued
can target people by an astounding number of crifrom page 35 teria. Whoever you want to target, they can do it,” said Expressions In Woodcraft publisher Jerry “They don't want to go to the middle of nowhere Klingerman. just because it's cheap. And they aren't necessarily Even traditional direct mail has never been more settling down to accommodate growing families accurate or easy to do. “Within 15 minutes at yet, as the median age for a first-time parent was places like InfoUSA.com anyone who is computer 26 in 2016 — up from 23 in 1994. They wants jobs savvy can build an impressive, detailed, targeted and fun. Stability and nightlife. Affordability and mailing list,” that can be downloaded instantly.” culture. And they don't mind taking on a fixerYears ago such lists took time to build, required diupper or a less traditional neighborhood to make it rect phone contact with a list company and — perhappen.” haps most important — were delivered on A strong housing market is always good news for pressure-sensitive labels for one-time use. the furniture industry, of course. People who move, “Today, you build a list, buy it once and it’s yours or move up, spend big money on new home furto do with what you want.” For a small extra nishings — especially if they’re living in apartcharge per name, you also can get permissionments, condos and lofts as friendly e-mail addresses, so opposed to the traditional subyou can launch a multi-tiered urban single-family home on According to Realtor.com/The campaign.” Add in some tar¼-acre. Money that isn’t spent National Association of Realtors, geted Facebook advertising on lawnmowers, landscaping the Top 10 Places for New Coland you have all the tools you and other outdoor-related pur- lege Graduates to live and work need to reach those young chases can be channeled inare: buyers with fresh degrees in side toward upgraded 1. Madison, WI downtown condos. furnishings. 2. Austin, TX Young people and new 3. Columbus, OH Tapping the pool of young movers are going to buy new 4. Harrisburg, PA movers furniture. That’s a given. If they 5. Grand Rapids, MI Admittedly, younger buyers understand the long-term ben6. Nashville, TN aren’t always drawn to higherefits of purchasing high-quality 7. Pittsburgh, PA quality furnishings, but why Amish-built furniture vs. im8. St. Louis, MO not? Why wouldn’t retailers ports or trendy bolt-together 9. Denver, CO want to target a young engifurniture, it’s possible that 10. Portland, ME neer making 70K and living in smaller retailers could capture a near-in loft in Pittsburgh? some of the market they otherMicro-marketing has made targeting people easier wise might not have. than any other time in modern history, and whether it’s choosing demographics on Social Media or simply buying a mailing list of new movers, it’s actually quite easy to put your name in front of people who are in the market for new home furnishings. Even though “There’s a lot of concern about online privacy today, the fact is that Facebook alone Spring 2019 | Expressions in Woodcraft
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Photos. Catalogues. Price Lists. FREE instant, 24-hour access to everything you need for dozens of furniture manufacturers. www.FurnitureBuilders.org A service of Expressions In Woodcraft Magazine
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INDEX Of Advertisers
Business Name
Address
City
State
ZIP
Phone
Fax
Ad on page
A&L Furniture
8286 St. Rte. 241
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
330-674-5725
330-674-0341
28
AnnDrew Enterprises
3470-B St. Rte 39
Millersburg
OH
44654
330-893-4280
330-893-4281
28
Ashery Oak
8959 TR 652
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-682-0740
32
Ashery Woodworking
9247 SR 241
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-698-3200
16
Barkman Furniture
2550 TR 121
Millersburg
OH
44654
330-893-2520
330-893-2522
24, 25
Breezeway Upholstery
9431 CR 216
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-698-3200
20
Briarwood
8444 TR 652
Millersburg
OH
44654
330-359-5161
330-359-0457
47
Brookside Wood Products
11212 Ely Rd.
Orrville
OH
44667
330-749-3758
330-682-8732
17
Buckeye Rockers
2714 TR 151
Millersburg
OH
44654
330-893-3929
330-893-2772
39
Country Comfort Woodworking
10683 Massillon Rd.
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-698-3200
33
Deer Valley Woodworking
32441 CR 12
Fresno
OH
43824
740-622-1386
330-698-3200
20
Dining Solutions By Farmstead Acres 9106 CR 201
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-695-2189
38
Dutch Valley Woodcraft
5833 TR 610
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
330-698-3200
330-674-2462
29
Emerson Woodcraft
11604 Emerson Rd.
Apple Creek
OH
44606
NA
330-698-3200
28
Fredericksburg Finishing
8600 CR 201
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
330-473-3216
NA
21
Hermies Table Shop
10683 Massillon Rd.
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-682-0740
16
Hickory Lane Woodworking
5884 TR 608
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-682-0740
17
Hidden Hollow Wood and Upholstery9165 TR 656
Fredericksburg
OH
44654
NA
330-698-3200
32
Hillside Chair LLC
8413 TR 652
Millersburg
OH
44654
330-359-5991
330-359-5997
11
Horseshoe Bend Chair
1009 S. Carr Rd.
Orrville
OH
44667
NA
330-698-3200
45
Kidron Tables
11600 Emerson rd.
Apple Creek
OH
44606
NA
330-698-3200
43
Kidron Woodcraft
5373 S. Kansas Rd.
Apple Creek
OH
44606
330-698-5504
330-698-3200
3
Meadow Wood Furniture
6110 S. Kansas Rd.
Apple Creek
OH
44606
NA
330-698-3200
33
Miller Bedrooms
7000 TR 652
Millersburg
OH
44654
330-359-6351
330-359-0823
11
Miller Cabinet Shop
9111 TR 659
Dundee
OH
44624
330-359-0151
330-359-2080
37
Nature View Furniture
10675 Mt. Hope Road
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-698-3200
9
Oakland Wood, Ltd.
4842 TR 613
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
NA
330-698-3200
43
Packship USA
1347 N. Main Street
Orrville
OH
44667
330-684-0057
330-682-7447
45
Quality Fabrications
7108 TR 569
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
330-695-2478
330-473-1359
29
Quality Wood Products
543 SR 95
Loudonville
OH
44842
419-368-3165
419-368-3166
2
Ruffsawn
8261 Winklepleck Rd. NW
Dundee
OH
44624
877-829-4507
877-838-2917
Back Page
Shady Hill Holz
2543 TR 121
Millersburg
OH
44654
330-893-3506
330-893-1614
21
Shady Lawn Oak
6274 CR 77
Millersburg
OH
44654
NA
NA
39
Sterling Transfer
6091 CR 207
Millersburg
OH
44654
330-674-0954
330-674-0949
10
Sunrise Furniture
12597 Harrison Rd.
Apple Creek
OH
44606
NA
330-698-3200
13
Timberside Woodworking
2853 CR 200
Dundee
OH
44624
NA
330-403-4479
21
Troy Lane Woodcraft
4229 E. Messner Rd.
Wooster
OH
44691
NA
330-695-2189
20
Urban Barnwood Furniture
2273 TR 406
Sugarcreek
OH
44681
330-893-1322
330-893-4139
46
Wengerd Wood Products
8618 CR 201
Fredericksburg
OH
44627
330-439-3565
NA
38
Y&T Woodcraft
10861 Laughtenschlager Rd. Apple Creek
OH
44606
330-464-3432
330-828-0886
10
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