Journey takes Pet Parlor to KBIS Wood

The Mission of the Wood uMode Digest is
to report relevant, interesting and timely
information to its employees and their families.
Winter/Spring 2015
Wood-Mode Emphasizes
The Material Connection
In Spring Introductions
Wood-Mode launched a large and impressive array of products at the
2015 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in January. “The design
strategy,” says John Troxell, Director of Design, “was to emphasize an
unexpected mix of design styles through color, materials, finishes, and
overall aesthetics.” Wood-Mode also
showcased traditional, transitional and
contemporary designs in its booth.
“In addition, we introduced a wide
range of new cabinetry options with
convenient storage systems and unique
organizers.”
Butler’s bar
With a furniture-quality finish
and time-honored design elements,
this butler’s bar in Alexandria Raised
(bases) and Recessed (walls) cabinetry
with Vintage Putty on maple provide
traditional design at its finest. The
new convenience options include toolfree adjustable rollout shelves, a walnut
cutlery and utensil storage system, the
one-inch wide gothic option, mullions,
and a walnut, deep drawer organizer
for wine and container storage.
Entertainment center
A statement-piece entertainment
center in Toulon Recessed with the
Tavern finish on cherry features a new
floating cabinet hardware system, in
addition to cherry, tool-free adjustable
rollout shelves.
Coffee station and wine bar
This modern take on a coffee
station and wine bar in walnut
combines sleek Vanguard Backpainted
Glass in Gloss Black, with Linear
Recessed cabinetry in the rubbed
Potomac finish. Among the featured
new products are lateral bi-pass doors,
chrome and white pull-out pantries,
touch-activated drawers, Legra box
drawers, and walnut interiors.
Journey takes
Pet Parlor to KBIS
The Pet Parlor journey began as a concept that
was launched in the fall of 2014. While the name
may conjure up images of entire rooms dedicated
to pampering the family shih-tzu, this concept
relies more on functional additions to a utility or
mud room designed with the pet in mind.
The first step was to design a display that
would be photographed for promotional use.
It featured Brookhaven maple cabinetry—
Coronado Recessed in Vintage Dover Cliffs,
with the Vintage Navy finish on the island; and
a locker area in Pasadena Recessed with the
Ginger/black glaze.
Although this space had plenty of amenities
devoted to pampering four-legged family
members, it doubled as a laundry room, giving
many of the design details a dual purpose, adding
both value and convenience. A few of the petfriendly options include:
•Built-in pet fountain with faucet system
•Custom hideaway dog dish drawer
with adjacent food storage bins
•Apothecary drawers for smaller toys
and grooming tools
•Integrated lockers for leash, collar
and clothing storage
•Extra large sink for bathing and grooming
Video comes next
The next step was the decision to produce
a concept video for Pet Parlor. What better way
to demonstrate its innovative features than with
Continues on page 5
1
United Way Campaign
Prizes Awarded
Each year Wood-Mode’s United Way
Campaign reaches its conclusion when
the Company and United Way incentives
are drawn and awarded. Unfortunately,
no Wood-Mode employee won any of the
United Way sponsored prizes, but there
were plenty of “in-house” incentives to
go around. Pictured with Robert are Lori
Dorman (B-3 White Sanding) and Jerry
Barben (Purchasing) who drew the winners
for the 20 paid days-off, 20 garments, and
60 parking places.
Congratulations
2014 LSV Graduate!
Local Artist Debuts for 2014 Holiday Card
Michael Roush, a local artist from Sunbury, was chosen
as the artist to paint the 2014 Wood-Mode Holiday
Card. John Troxell, our Director of Design, became
familiar with Michael’s work through their membership
in the Susquehanna Art Society. While setting up for
an art show, John noticed that a number of Michael’s
paintings had won awards and, in turn, encouraged
him to consider painting our holiday card. Michael
enthusiastically agreed to undertake the project and a
new partnership between Wood-Mode and a local artist was born.
The Zion Stone Church in Augustaville was chosen as the setting for
the 2014 Holiday Card. The church, which has stood for more than two
centuries, was named to the National Register of Historic Places, being
cited as “an excellent example of German design and craftsmanship.”
In order to become familiar with the setting and the church, Michael visited the
site and took pictures from every angle and drew several sketches. After the site visits, he
returned to his studio and used acrylics as the medium to create the beautiful painting as
seen on our card. The only part of the scenery Michael did not observe during site visits
was the wintry portion, which he was able to add using his artistic interpretation. Michael
says, “During our visits we were given a tour of the interior of the building, which was
amazing and has maintained the same appearance as the day it was last used as a church.”
Michael’s formal career as an artist began with a BS degree in Art Education from
Kutztown University in 1957, and his teaching career began that same year. He taught art
for 39 years in the Shikellamy School District before retiring in 1996. Michael maintains
a studio in his home in Sunbury where he continues to pursue his interests in the arts and
photography. His concentration in art involves almost everything, but his preference is
drawing or painting landscapes using acrylics and watercolors. When Michael is not in
his Sunbury studio he is more than likely spending the winters in Florida or traveling
the world.
Wood-Mode has
2014 Student young americans
participated in
the Leadership
Susquehanna
Valley Program
from its
inception and
maintains an
extensive roster
of graduates.
Our representative from the LSV Class of
2014 is Bob Leitzel (HR Leader). Looking
Morgan Goodling and
Jessica Portzline and her
Janelle Arbogast and her
back at his experience with LSV, Bob states,
her mother, Annette
parents, Franklin and Melissa father, David
“LSV is a great program. The program days
The Young Americans Program coordinated by the Greater Susquehanna of Commerce
dealing with local manufacturing, tourism,
recognizes area high school seniors for academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and
regional government, agriculture, and more
community service. Wood-Mode contributes to the success and recognition of the Young
enabled me to learn how everything is tied
Americans by serving as the Premiere Sponsor for the year-end recognition banquet.
together to complete the big picture that
We are proud to announce that children of three of our employees were
is the Susquehanna Valley. I would like to
recognized at the banquet as Young Americans for 2014. These students were Morgan
thank Wood-Mode for the opportunity to
Goodling (Midd-West High School), daughter of Annette (Executive Secretary) and
participate in the program.”
Russell Goodling; Jessica Portzline (Selinsgrove High School), daughter of Franklin
The Mission of LSV is to provide
(Institutional Wrapping) and Melissa Portzline; and Janelle Arbogast (Midd-West High
education and programming to strengthen the
School), daughter of David (Special Assembly) and Sabrina Arbogast. We extend belated
skill sets for emerging and established leaders
congratulations to our 2014 Young Americans and their families!
in the Susquehanna Valley region.
2
Hunters Compete for ‘Big Buck’
Spring 2015 is here, bringing with it new seasons of
outdoor hunting and fishing. Before we get ahead of
ourselves regarding new “fish” stories, we need to look back
and report on the results of the 2014 fall archery and rifle
deer season “Big Buck” contests.
Archery season winners
For archery season, a record
74 hunters had signed up to
put their hunting prowess
against their coworkers. A total
of nine deer were shot to be
entered into the contest. The
first five places were recognized
as winners and received
Big Buck Contest Winner
both cash and prizes. Wayne
Wayne Sechrist displays his
Sechrist (Receiving/Inventory
winning rack for the Archery
Asst. Area Leader) took home
Division.
1st place honors with a score
of 140 5/8 and was given a free mount donated by Jeff
Weader and $200 cash. The remaining places, scores, and
prizes were as follows; (2nd) Dana Fisher (Moulder) with
113.25, a deer call/t-shirt and $95; (3rd) Dale Barge (Finish
Maintenance) with 112.75, a sweatshirt and $50; (4th) Brian
Yetter (Tagliabue) with 106.875, a deer call and $25; (5th)
Marc Hoover (Cefla Finish Line) with 103.125, a $10 gift
certificate and $10 cash.
Better Late Than Never
The Digest needs to apologize for a number of stories that were not a part
of the publication at the time of their occurrence. These “belated” stories
involve sports competitions between Wood-Mode employees, recognition of
employees, and employee children’s accomplishments.
2014 Golf Tournament
Even though the 2015
Wood-Mode Open
is soon upon us, the
2014 winners deserve
their moment in the
“sun,” recognizing
their achievement
on the links in 2014.
Besting 19 other
fivesomes and taking
1st Place with a score of 73 was the team of (from l.) Stanley Tanner
(Wide-Belt Sander), Scott Sheesley (“A-2” Area Leader), Don Zechman
(Misc. Wood Start), and James Frank (Assemble Fillers).
2014 Quoits Champions
Quoits had been a staple of the annual Company picnic for most of
its history but had not been held in recent years. Through the efforts
of Brian Sampsell and Dale Shirk it was again a part of the fabric of
the picnic. The quoits champions also deserve recognition for their
ability to toss the discs nearest the pin.
Rifle season winners
The rifle “Big Buck” contest
included 33 hunters who
downed a total of four deer
to be judged. First place went
to Amos Kerstetter (Nordic
Pre-Sand) whose 6-point buck
scored a total of 64.50 points.
For his efforts, Amos received a
half-price mount and $140 cash. Amos Kerstetter proudly poses
with sons Coy (l.) and Chase
The remaining places, scores,
nd
and prizes included: (2 ) Dale and his winning mount in
Shirk (Burn-In/Touch-Up) with the Rifle Division of the Big
Buck Contests.
62, a sweatshirt and $25; (3rd)
Joe Herman (Hardware Utility) with 56.50, a deer call;
(4th) Donald Shirk (White Wood Lay-Up) with a 3-pointer,
a $10 gift certificate.
Thanks to Troy Kratzer (Frameless Hardware) for
coordinating both events again. He asked the Digest
to thank each of these prize contributors: Jeff Weader
(Moulder)—the free and half-price mounts, Terry Kratzer
(Sample Shop)—Final Flight deer calls and t-shirts, Terry
Kelley’s Print Shop (Mailroom)—hooded sweatshirts, Sam
Sweigart (Grounds Maintenance)—deer call, and finally
Robert Moyer (Framed Assembly)—gun shop gift certificates.
On a final note, Troy mentioned that all items like those
given as prizes are available for purchase…just look him up
in the Frameless Hardware area.
The team of Dale Shirk (Frameless
Wrapping) (l.) and Brian Sampsell
(Burn-In/Touch-Up) took 1st Place
in the quoits tournament.
Taking 2nd Place were Sherwood
Howard (MFL Maintenance)
(l.) and Keri Hornberger (Finish
Equipment Tech).
300 Game Rolled by Danielle Herman
Danielle Herman,
13-year old daughter
of Jeff Herman
(Finish Parts Repair),
recently bowled a
perfect 300 game.
Danielle performed
her amazing feat at the Strike Zone in Sunbury while competing at
the 2015 Pro-Am Scholarship Tournament. In addition to the perfect
game, she also took 1st Place in the tournament. Danielle has been
bowling since she was six years old and has also won a number of
scholarships in tournaments at her young age. Congratulations to
Danielle on all her bowling exploits.
3
KBIS
HOSPITALITY
RECEPTION
VIGNETTES
At the Company’s KBIS 2015 Hospitality Reception—an invitation-only event—industry
professionals, including sales representatives, dealers, designers, and the media, previewed ten
vignettes featuring a host of Wood-Mode’s newest door styles, interior options, and materials.
Many will be introduced this spring while others are scheduled to be released this summer.
Wood-Mode
Design Group 84
This classic butler’s
pantry with the Toulon
Raised door style provides
Old World charm with
leaded glass and angular
details. The warmth of
walnut in a new finish—
Matte Potomac—contrasts
with Vintage Silver Pine
interiors. New features include walnut veneer removable partitions;
Fineline wood cutlery and deep drawer organizational options;
adjustable, lateral, stainless rod inserts, and roll-out drawers with
tool-free adjustable mounting strips.
Wood-Mode
Design Group 42
The Yardley door
style—Raised for the
cabinetry and Recessed
for the columns—with
a Nordic White finish
features contrasting
Classic walnut interiors.
Beveled glass inserts
and mullion doors
on the wall cabinets
framed by a dramatic
arch, and Natural walnut wainscoting with antique mirrors in the
backsplash all add visual interest to this distinctive bar display. New
features include a chrome and white Tandem Chef ’s Pantry; roll-out
drawers with tool-free adjustable mounting strips; Fineline walnut
cutlery and organizational options, adjustable, lateral, stainless rod
drawer inserts; walnut veneer removable drawer partitions; and the
Fineline walnut peg board insert.
Brookhaven I & II
Deer Park
Two new
door styles—Deer
Park Raised (BH I)
and Joliet Raised
(BH II)—have the
new Vintage Slivered
Almond finish on
maple. Polished
nickel hardware
creates a bit of
Hollywood glamour.
New features include
arched wainscot panels with applied molding and lock-miter side
returns; roll-out deep drawers with tool-free adjustable mounting strips;
and wood drawer obstruction cutout at the sink.
4
Nova
The new Nova
Recessed door style (BH I)
features the optional
5-piece drawer head.
The cherry base and tall
cabinets are finished in
Java, and the maple wall
cabinets in Designer
Opaque Deep Ice.
Recessed LED lighting
accents the shelves and wall cabinets. New features include Legrabox
Orion Gray drawers with white bottoms and backs; tool-free adjustable
Legrabox interior drawers; and Legrabox interior accessories.
Soho
The new Soho Recessed
door style (BH I) with its
Twilight finish on quartersawn
red oak contrasts with a white
vanity top. A raised beaded
moulding around the recessed
center panel adds a distinctive
flair to this streamlined look
that features new maple veneer
drawer dividers.
Greenwich
The new Greenwich
Recessed door style (BH I
& II) features a simple
design with the optional
5-piece drawer head
and the new Designer
Opaque Platinum finish
on MDF. New features
include the Fineline
wood cutlery and deep
drawer organization
options; the Fineline
birch pegboard drawer
insert; maple veneer adjustable partitions; and roll-out drawers with
tool-free adjustable mounting strips.
Westchester
Westchester Recessed
(BH I) with the 5-piece
optional drawer head
features a flat ledge
interior detail in maple
with the Harbor Mist/
light glaze finish.
Minimal detail is incorporated for a more transitional look. New
features include a Fineline birch peg board insert and maple veneer
drawer dividers.
Latest Design Theme Additions
Oceanside
Wood-Mode’s latest addition to Contemporary Expressions is the Oceanside
Design Theme. Dual maple islands feature the Linear Recessed door style in
Aqua Shade from the Designer Opaque finishes. Each island has contrasting
countertops—in reclaimed Saxon wood and the other in ultra-thin porcelain.
With unobstructed views and an open floor plan, there are no wall
cabinets but no shortage of storage. Among the many purposeful storage
solutions are a patented glass storage system unique to Wood-Mode that
prevents glasses from bumping against each other; an electrically-powered
system that allows cabinet doors to open and close with just a light touch;
adjustable dish storage units that can be taken directly to the table; and
a modular system of movable pegs to customize dinnerware storage. In
addition, a full height storage wall of Vanguard Backpainted Glass in Bronze
adds a host of other storage options, including a full-height pull-out pantry.
Embassy Row
Beautifully detailed cabinetry and abundant storage unite in this Embassy
Row kitchen, the newest Design Theme in American Classics. Wood-Mode’s
Alexandria Raised and Recessed door styles are featured in maple with
a Putty finish from the Designer Opaque collection. It provides a warm
alternative to white, while the pantry cabinetry is finished in Vintage Putty,
also on maple. The contrasting center island that accommodates a variety
of convenience storage features shows the Classic finish on walnut.
Entertaining is made easy with two dishwashers, multiple sinks, and a
butler’s pantry. It features built-in linen racks, vertical bi-pass doors, and
an easy-to-use LeMans unit means that every sauté and saucepan is easily
accessible.
Journey takes Pet Parlor to KBIS
Continued from page 1
live pets, which led to the next few steps—establishing a
partnership with Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) and
casting SSD Midge, a three-year-old yellow Labrador.
“Casting a service dog was a great experience,” says Jeff
Wolfe, Director of Marketing. “She was highly trained,
which made production much easier, and we were glad to
bring awareness to this very worthy program.”
Next step in the journey
When the design team decided to incorporate the Pet
Parlor into Wood-Mode’s booth at the Kitchen & Bath
Industry Show (KBIS) in January, the display underwent
a transition. “Rather than recreate the entire display,” says
Design Director John Troxell, “we just wanted to capture
the feel of it, so it became a smaller space while maintaining
the pet-friendly options.” In addition, the wall cabinets
were changed to Brookhaven’s Presidio. “We had not shown
Presidio before and the Pet Parlor display would be the only
area where we could show Brookhaven cabinetry. Presidio
and Coronado are essentially the same door—one is an
overlay and the other an inset door.”
Dogs again called into action
When show time arrived, two adult service dogs and
two puppies (in training) were called to duty. On all three
days of the show, attendees could see first-hand the result
of the training the dogs receive as they are prepared to work
with individuals who have various emotional and physical
disabilities. The dogs showed how they could retrieve items,
open drawers, and generally negotiate situations such as
large crowds of people. Their professional handlers and SSD
volunteers answered questions about the dogs, the program,
and the children and adults they serve.
Although the booth may have been one of the more
unusual at the show, it not only provided a wonderful
opportunity to build awareness for SSD, but also financial
support for the organization through the #KBIS Selfie social
media program. Wood-Mode donated $5 for each person
who posted a selfie with the dogs at the show using the
#KBIS selfie hashtag and @woodmode on social media. A
total of 275 selfies—33% of all selfies posted to social media
as part of the program—were of show goers with the pups.
Turn the page to see where you can see this video plus other
new Wood-Mode videos.
Susquehanna Service Dogs is a program of Keystone Human
Services that raises and trains service dogs to assist children
and adults with disabilities to become more independent.
Since its founding in 1993, the organization has placed over
230 service dogs with individuals with disabilities throughout
Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.
SSD announced the birth of eight new puppies on December
14, 2014. As part of the ongoing partnership, SSD bestowed
the honor of naming the new litter to Wood-Mode. Keeping
with the theme of luxury, the Wood-Mode litter includes:
Hermes, Coco, Dolce, Tiffany, Royce, Louis, Coach, and
Marcus.
5
1,000 Touches Headlines Wood-Mode’s New Video
“While there are
many great stories
to be told about a
cabinet’s journey
through the WoodMode facility,” says
Director of Marketing
Jeff Wolfe, “the new
1,000 Touches video
focuses on the human
touch and skilled craftsmanship that goes into every cabinet from
raw lumber to final inspection.” The purpose of the video is to
highlight the quality employees and the time-honored techniques
they infuse in every detail throughout the cabinet’s journey.
The three-minute video features a number of employees explaining
different steps in the manufacturing process to give viewers a
glimpse of the scale, customization, and the artisan side of custom
cabinetry.
Here’s where you can see the new 1,000 Touches video:
• Wood-Mode’s consumer website—www.woodmode.com—
click on Design Inspirations, then on Video Inspirations on the
drop-down menu.
• Social Media— Facebook.com/woodmode,
Twitter.com/woodmode,
Houzz.com/pro/woodmode
• YouTube—go to YouTube.com/channels and search for
Wood-Mode.
Look for these other new videos: Party of Two—a two-minute video featuring the Oceanside Design Theme; Pet Parlor—a 90-second
video on custom cabinets with your pet in mind; The Dinner Party— a 90-second video featuring the Embassy Row Design Theme.
Wood-Mode Lifestyle Design Center
Celebrates Grand Opening in LuxeHome
at Merchandise Mart in Chicago
Wood-Mode recently
celebrated the opening of
the first-ever Wood-Mode
Lifestyle Design Center
in Chicago’s historic
Merchandise Mart. The
Lifestyle Design Center
is located in LuxeHome
that features more than
115,000 square feet of
showroom space, and hosts
the world’s largest collection of premier boutiques for luxury home
building and renovation from the most recognized and respected
manufacturers worldwide.
For many years Wood-Mode had a presence at The
Merchandise Mart through one of the largest dealers in the
nation—Smartrooms, part of the Lee Lumber Spaces & Views
family. Recently, Lee Lumber relocated Smartrooms to Lincoln
Avenue in Chicago, creating a strategic opportunity for WoodMode to open its first ever Lifestyle Design Center, not only for
the Chicago area dealers to use in their sales and marketing efforts,
but also beyond for all dealers, designers, architects, builders, and
trade professionals.
The Lifestyle Design Center’s prime first-floor location
showcases Wood-Mode’s latest products with styles ranging from
traditional to transitional and contemporary for the kitchen, bath,
and any room of the home. Visitors first see a prominent entry
display featuring Oceanside and Embassy Row, two of WoodMode’s newest Lifestyle Design Themes.
“Wood-Mode continues its long-standing tradition,”
says Brooks Gronlund, Wood-Mode President and COO, “of
supporting our national network of independent dealers and
showrooms by developing this space as a hub for cabinetry design
in the Chicago market and beyond.”
6
Training Schools Graduate 21
August (from l.)
Sara Mello, Julie
Piesz Interiors,
Inc., Rockwood,
MI; Marianne
White, WoodMode Instructor;
Stephen Ryan,
Marine Home Center, Nantucket, MA; Veronique Babin and Debra
Venner, Grolle Cabinetry, Montreal, PQ; Al Cukaj, A & E Cabinets,
Inc., Beacon, NY.
September (from l.)
John Nelson,
NDA Kitchen Co.,
Nesconset, NY;
Myra Kohler,
American Home
Interiors, Elkton,
MD; Patricia
Westgate, Northscape Design, Sunapee, NH; Marianne White, WoodMode Instructor; Whitney Burch, Custom Kitchens by Design, La Plata,
MD; Gina Porcelli, Rhinebeck Kitchen & Bath, Rhinebeck, NY.
October (from l.) Marianne Clifford, Paul Perry Kitchens, Glenville, NY;
Ned Walsh, Kitchen Source, Dallas, TX; Scott Smiley and Matthew
Keith, Linn’s Prestige Kitchens, Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Amanda Forrest,
LifeStyles Kitchen & Design, Roswell, NM; Steve Babula, Linn’s
Prestige Kitchens, Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Kylie Griffin, Garlocks Design
Center, Alexandria Bay, NY; Tony Arnold, Kitchen Source, Dallas,
TX; Nancy Heilman, B & N Design Group, Emigsville, PA; Debbie
Seavey, Petersen Kitchens & Designs, Bryn Mawr, PA; Samantha Blood,
Belknap Lumber, Binghamton, NY.
WELLNESS PROGRAM UPDATE
Dealers Learn ‘How It’s Done’
Couch-to-5k—August 18 to September 27
• 217 employees registered, with 208 participants completing the
training for a $10 Walmart gift card, and 12 participating in an
actual 5k event for an additional $25 Walmart gift card.
FREE onsite biometric screenings—October
• 335 employees received their biometrics at Wood-Mode’s onsite
screening, and an additional 65 received the screening at their
doctors for a total of 400.
Health Risk Assessments
• For the first time, all participating employees used the HRA from
Geisinger Health Plan (GHP). From November through January,
300 completed either the online or paper version. Qualifying
employees covered under a Wood-Mode health insurance plan will
each receive a $150 gift card and opt-outs, a $75 gift card.
Turkey Trot—October 13-November 23
• 333 employees registered, with 318 qualifying for a $10 Walmart
gift card.
Maintain Campaign—November 24-January 5, 2015
• 281 employees weighed in before Thanksgiving. Of that number,
144 were successful by not gaining any weight over the holidays
and each received a $10 Walmart gift card.
• New this year was an additional $50 gift card to those who didn’t
gain more than three pounds over the past year. Of the 253
participants, 211 qualified for this additional gift card.
On-site seasonal flu shots
• 181 employees received their free seasonal flu shots at Wood-Mode’s
onsite clinic.
In an effort to continually
improve the relationship
and product understanding
among the factory, dealers,
reps, and customers,
Wood-Mode recently
introduced the handglazing process as a regular
part of the introductory
training school curriculum.
Students participate in the
glazing process on sample
doors and deal with the
same issues as our factory
employees do on a daily
basis.
The idea of “on-the-job
training” for the glazing
process was conceived
as a way to inform
field employees of the
difficulties, tedium, artistic
requirement, time issues,
extended training time, etc.,
involved with the Cottage
and Heirloom product.
This type of instruction
provides the most direct
form of process education.
Plant employee
Brenda Sausser (Cottage/
Heirloom Area Leader) was
selected to give participants
instructions on the methods
and material required to
properly glaze cabinet parts.
Her instructions include
exposure to the color
standards, rag use, amount of glaze in the rag/paint brush, and
pressure required to apply and remove the glaze in order to meet
the standards on the departmental color chips that demonstrate
the mid-range of acceptable color.
Brenda reported comments from the students such as:
“impressed how difficult it is to stay within the range of the
standard,” “the process is a whole lot harder than it looks because
the employees make it look so easy,” “never realized the amount of
detail required to glaze a door,” and “takes an artist’s special talent
to glaze the doors.”
The ultimate goal of the exercise is to enable our dealers to
give their customers a better understanding of the complexity
of the product as it relates to finish variation and price point. In
addition to the expanded sales knowledge the participants receive,
their doors are graded against the standard, and finally used as
mounts for the certificates designating their completion of the
Wood-Mode Training School. The completed doors give the
students a permanent reminder of the scope of the craftsmanship
that goes into each and every Wood-Mode cabinet.
Employees Compete For Chili
‘Braggin’ Rights’
Judges (from l.) Dennis Buck, Roger
Clotfelter, and Arden Landis sample
each of the contest chilies.
Winner Malinda Shirk (c.) is
flanked by 2nd Place Chris Weaver
and 3rd Place Connie Norman.
Throughout the years, many
departments and employees have
competed against each other in a
number of friendly ways. Recently,
Area Leader Chris Weaver and his
employees (Dept. 2334 Berkmann/
Cefla) added an inter-department
Chili Cook-Off to our litany of
Company competitions. Malinda
Shirk (Load/Wipe-Off Cefla)
solicited volunteers from within
the department to cook the chili.
Seven employees entered their
chili in the contest and the others
brought in all necessary sides and
dishes to have a real chili tasting
party.
After comparing the flavors
and textures, the judges selected
the winners. Although there were
no prizes or trophies awarded,
Malinda as the winner now has
chili “braggin’ rights” for a whole
year or until the next cook-off.
7
One Second Street
P.O. Box 250
Kreamer, PA 17833-0250
The mission of
Wood Mode is to work
together to continually
improve the quality
of our cabinetry
products, service,
and support in order
to meet or exceed
customer expectations.
u
Wood Mode
Digest
u
Alice Herrold and Eric Rowe, Editors
If you have news for the Digest, please
email Alice at akherrold@verizon.net
or call Eric at Ext. 204.
RETIREES
A total of 15 employees recently retired with their years of service totaling nearly 419 years, or
an average of an amazing 27 years. The Wood-Mode organization sends it appreciation for their
contributions and wishes them health and happiness as they “adjust” to their new lives and schedules.
8
Jeffrey M. Hoffman
Hired 4/26/1976
Retired 1/5/2015
Lumberyard
John R. Butcosk
Hired 5/8/1991
Retired 3/20/2015
Main Line—
Bottom Track
Daniel R. “Barney”
Walter
Hired 1/13/1971
Retired 4/3/2015
Shipping
Dorothy M. Furgison
Hired 5/10/1999
Retired 1/16/2015
B-3 Annex
Roger L. Shambach
Hired 11/15/1976
Retired 3/20/2015
Area Leader
Darliss J. Herman
Hired 4/5/1999
Retired 4/17/2015
Day Shift Clean-up
Karen J. Kratzer
Hired 12/7/1998
Retired 2/27/2015
Office—MOP
Gary P. Berger
Hired 7/29/1968
Retired 3/27/2015
Area Leader
Mervin W. Leitzel
Hired 2/22/1983
Retired 4/17/2015
Frameless Assembly
Line 1
Dennis C. Kuhns
Hired 6/16/1986
Retired 2/27/2015
Office—MOP
Robert E. “Bobby”
Wagner
Hired 5/17/1999
Retired 4/2/2015
Opaque Sanding
Vickie L. Mitchell
Hired 3/13/2000
Retired 4/17/2015
Office—Information
Systems
Gary E. Schrader
Hired 7/24/1972
Retired 3/6/2015
Production Machine
Technician
Kenneth A. Shaffer
Hired 1/7/1977
Retired 4/3/2015
Shipping
Ruby A. Watts
Hired 8/5/1998
Retired 4/17/2015
Assembly—Frameless
Banding
In Memoriam
Members of the Wood-Mode family were
saddened by the deaths of five retirees since the
last issue of the Digest. The Company sends its
deepest sympathies to their families.
Terry L. Gemberling died on January 8. He
was hired on June 5, 1975, and retired on
July 27, 2007.
Gary L. Loss died on January 13. He was
hired on September 14, 1973, and retired on
April 30, 2010.
Charles R. Straub died on March 30. He
started working for the Company on August
26, 1965, and retired on March 27, 1998.
Dale E. Reich died on April 3. He joined
the Company on May 21, 1984, and retired
on January 11, 2002.
Byron E. Rebuck died on April 10. He
was hired on July 21, 1969, and retired on
August 4, 1989.
GUN CABINET
WINNERS
November 2014
David A. Tittle
MDF Prepare/Inspect
December 2014
Steve A. Landis
Truck Driver to
Shipping