Our Product Managers ...The People behind EX-FACTORY:
|
 |
|
Juergen
Schumacher
Juergen began his career in the woodworking industry in Germany. Since then he
has gained (25) uninterrupted years of experience in Europe, Canada and the
United States.
He is EX‑FACTORY's CEO and the driving force behind the company's success and
unique market position. Throughout the industry he is well known for his
innovative marketing approaches. Juergen personally knows most of the several
hundred dealers and distributors involved in the sale and service of
woodworking machinery throughout the USA and Canada, and it seems that nearly
everybody knows him!
Over the years he has developed a particularly strong
background and product knowledge in panel processing equipment. His overall
vast knowledge of Woodworking Machinery makes him one of the most called-on
advisors.
|
|
Tom Van Der Vaart
Tom was raised in Wisconsin and received his formal education at the University
of Minnesota in Machine Design and Mechanical Engineering. He started his
career in the Woodworking Industry with TIMESAVERS and never lost his fondness
for Sanders. During his (23) years in the industry he has traveled extensively
and worked "hands on" with hundreds of woodworking manufacturers on
technical solutions for applications. There is little he has not seen.
His specialties are: Presses (Hot, Multiple, Membrane, Vacuum, and
Embossing), Wide Belt Sanders, Veneer Processing Equipment, and Tenoners.
|
|
Phil Ashley
Phil, a native of North Carolina, graduated from the University of North
Carolina at Asheville with a BA in Chemistry. For several years he put his
degree to work with positions in the pharmaceutical industry, before deciding
to change the course of his career. He joined our sales team as a
"rookie" and has taken to the woodworking machinery industry like a
duck to water. He loves the interaction of machinery and sales. Quick to
understand, he is putting the customer's needs first - listening and offering
quality equipment for the application at the right price.
You'll be talking to Phil if you're looking for:
Antique Machines, Baling & Bagging Eqmt., and
Profile & Moulding Sanders.
In addition,
Phil's also the "FactoryNew" Manager of our
SUPERSTORE website for New Woodworking Equipment only: :
www.FactoryNew.com.
|
|
Gordon Waite
Gordon was born and raised in Western Massachusetts. Later, he lived in Spain
and Germany. In Germany he completed a 3-year technical college program,
earning a technicians degree, while participating in a co-op program for a
large German manufacturer of auto electric components.
Returning to the States in 1985, he continued his education at the University
of S. Mississippi, earning a BA in Journalism, Minor in Marketing & Foreign
Languages. Gordon is fluent in German and Spanish. His start in the woodworking
industry began in Charlotte, NC, working for (4) years as a technical service
coordinator & parts manager for HOLZ‑HER.
Edgebanders, Vertical Panel Saws, and Manual Routers are a natural for Gordon,
in addition to: Dowel Making & Cutting equipment. Please contact him;
your needs are his priority.
|
|
Jeff Terrill
Jeff's decades in the woodworking machinery industry began in 1967 in
Portland, Oregon. In 1969 he joined a local machinery dealer, became their
sales manager. In 1982 he founded his own woodworking machinery dealership and
company importing German Moulders for nationwide distribution. After (2) years
in his new business, Jeff turned most of his attention to the millwork and
remanufacturing industry. He worked closely with machinery manufacturers in the
US and Europe on equipment improvements and implementing new technologies. This
focus and many years of experience made Jeff a well-known authority for
Optimizing Cutoff Saws, Finger Jointers, Radio Frequency Gluers, Clamp
Carriers, Material Handling and also Trim, Bore, Shape, Insert/Chuck equipment.
With innate problem solving ability, a clear understanding of the
remanufacturing industry and years of hands-on experience, Jeff can be a
valuable resource to your operation. Please call him today.
|
|
Bill Oberg
Bill started his CNC Router sales career in 1984 with a manufacturer’s rep.
firm in the Akron, Ohio area. Five years later, a new relationship with a CNC
Router company required his employer to develop a technical department. He took
advantage of the opportunity to expand his knowledge as Manager of Technical
Services. He installed and repaired machines, trained customers how to run
them, and performed numerous customer demonstrations in wood and plastics using
the latest CAD/CAM software.
In 1992, the same Router company helped Bill start his own firm, CUTTING EDGE
SYSTEMS, in Chicago, IL. Over the next seven years, his company sold and
installed about eighty CNC Routing Systems. Many of those were 5-axis machines
for trimming formed plastic parts and for cutting patterns.
Bill brings strong application and technical skills to the task of helping you
find the perfect CNC Router and Laser Cutting & Engraving Equipment for your
processes.
|
|
Jim Taggart
Jim was born and raised in Eastern Michigan. He has over 15 years experience in
the Woodworking Industry, serving the last 6 years with BIESSE AMERICA as a
Regional Sales Manager.
During his years with a manufacturer, Jim has acquired an extensive background
with Panel Processing Equipment. Please call Jim for proper guidance in the
selection of your machinery.
He is available for Boring Machines (CNC Point-to-Point and Feed Through), Case
& Feed Through Clamps, Glue and Dowel Inserters, and Material Conveyors &
Carts.
|
|
Jim Owen
Jim was born and raised in Kannapolis, NC, and graduated with a Bachelor's
degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Opting
to stay In the middle of the NC textile manufacturing area, Jim entered sales
for Textile/Air Pollution control equipment.
During this time, Jim also was involved with the construction of several
vacation "spec houses" and on many occasions performed as the General
contractor. When the NC textile market contracted, Jim turned his sales focus
to the wood industry. His specialty was chipping machinery used in the lumber
and pulp/paper industries. In the process, Jim acquired a high level of
expertise regarding lumber and composite.
Jim has demonstrated his true sales interest is in finding good value for his
customers and establishing long-lasting relationships that reach beyond "just
business." When you're in the market for Boilers & Dry Kilns, Boring Misc. -
Horizontal & Vertical, Louver & Shutter Eqmt., Material Lift - Scissor & Hoist,
Nailing Machines, or Truss Equipment, profit
from Jim's ability to identify the ways you can make the best purchase decision
for your operation.
|
|
Ron Varda
Ron was raised in Terre Haute, joined the military service, and afterwards
graduated from Indiana State University. Since that time, Ron has been in
Finishing Equipment sales for (30) years. He has sold every kind of finishing
application equipment from conventional coatings spray, roll coat, vacuum
coating, to powder UV and everything in-between.
During the course of his career, Ron has worked for GRACO INC as district sales
manger for Indiana and Kentucky and from there to distributor sales. He later
joined RHODES SYSTEMS for conventional finishing sales and for the last (8)
years has been the President of GIARDINA FINISHING SYSTEMS USA for UV flat link
finishing.
Benefit from Ron's years of working with the smallest-to-largest manufacturers
of furniture in the world. When you want to achieve the greatest success in
manufacturing and benefit from years of extensive experience in woodwork
finishing, talk to Ron. You'll find out that his eagerness to assist and your
finishing equipment requirements are a winning combination.
|
|
Bob Bullin
Bob, a native of North Carolina, earned his Bachelor's degree in Lumber
Technology from Haywood College in Waynesville, NC.Today, he brings 30 plus
years in the woodworking industry to EX‑FACTORY.
His early career years were in production and management for high volume, high
end traditional furniture manufacturers. In the mid 1980s, he joined
QUATTROTECH which later became BIESSE AMERICA. This career change into
machinery sales and engineering projects covered the next two decades and
introduced Bob to woodworking companies throughout the USA, parts of Canada,
Mexico and Europe.
At EX-FACTORY, Bob is eager to share with you his product and system-wide
equipment knowledge whether it is for CNC Horizontal Panels Saws, Angular
Plants, Material Handing, Laminated Beam Truss Equipment, or any high volume
wood manufacturing process.
|
 |
Lisa Whitehead
Born and raised in Alabama, Lisa's career opportunity began as a NEXTEL sales representative.
Following her first experience in sales, she entered the woodworking industry by joining WOODQUIP magazine's advertising sales group. In the process and over the course of a few years, she became familiar with a large cross-section of manufacturers and distributors of new and used woodworking equipment, product and services.
At EX-FACTORY, Lisa is a member of our FactoryNew division, which focuses on "New" woodworking equipment. Her commitment is to provide FactoryNew customers with unbeatable customer service, in addition to savings in both time and money. When New Woodworking Machinery is your objective, contact Lisa for a level of first-rate customer service that makes your purchasing experience efficient and pleasant.
|
 |
Doug Huizenga
Born into a family of Woodworking Equipment manufacturing and sales professionals in Michigan, it's no surprise that Doug has been involved in the Woodworking Industry for over 20 years. Setting a priority to obtain a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Economics from CALVIN COLLEGE, Grand Rapids, MI, he was later appointed VP of Manufacturing at LAMINATIONS INC, a high volume laminating and fabricating facility in Michigan, where he worked for 12 years. This hands-on practical experience provided him with a thorough understanding of panel processing machinery.
In the mid-1990s Doug decided to relocate to Charlotte, NC. Maintaining his affinity for Woodworking Equipment Sales, he first joined EX-FACTORY as Product Manager of CNC Routers, then started his own company, MACHINERY MASTERS.
After eight years in the South, Doug decided to return to Michigan as Branch Manager of EX-FACTORY's 60,000 square foot machinery Warehouse and CNC Rebuilding Center where he continues to serve woodworking equipment customers in sales, warehousing, and CNC & woodworking machinery reconditioning.
|
 |
Mark Green
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Mark earned his BA in Business Management from San Antonio College in Texas. He chose a career path in the primary and secondary wood products market, starting as a lumber grader and graduating to sawmill owner. In 1990 he received the "Small Businessman of the Year Award” from the local Chamber of Commerce.
The Weinig Group in North Carolina offered Mark the opportunity of a career change to woodworking machinery. There he coordinated complex “application-based” solid wood machine sales.
After 13 years with Weinig, Mark is a strong addition to the EX FACTORY Team. Please contact Mark and tap into his in-depth knowledge of solid woodworking processes, notably in the areas of Moulders, Rip Saws, Profile Grinders, Finger Jointers, Material Handling, as well as Crosscut and Rip Optimization Systems.
|
 |
Sharon Chisholm
A North Carolina native, Sharon moved to Charlotte over a decade ago to continue her education at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She later pursued opportunities in Customer Service, Sales Assistant, as well as Office Manager of a small manufacturing company. When joining our team, Sharon started as our receptionist and progressed to sales support of our Product Management team.
During her EX-FACTORY years "behind the scenes", Sharon gained knowledge of the woodworking industry and woodworkers. She continues her growth as a FactoryNew team member in Sales & Administration. With her positive attitude and eagerness to learn, Sharon will ensure that your experience with EX-FACTORY is a successful and pleasant one.
|
 |
Meg Huizenga
Born and raised in New Jersey, Meg moved to Michigan to attend Calvin College, Grand Rapids. She had the opportunity to learn about, work in and understand the woodworking industry from her family's LAMINATIONS INC. company in Holland, MI. For a "change", she moved to the Southeast with her own family and worked in the textile industry in Administrative and Customer Service positions.
A few years later, Meg realized her skills, abilities and talents were better utilized in Woodworking. She started her own business from scratch, Carolina Closet Collections. Working closely with a woodworking manufacturer, she was able to develop a unique closet line in which she marketed, sold, designed, fabricated, and installed custom closet systems in North Carolina.
After a few years, Meg's strong ties with the Midwest brought her back "home". She joined EX-FACTORY's "Sales, Reconditioning and Warehousing" facility in Zeeland, Michigan, where she has the best of all worlds: Residence in the area of her choice and a career in the woodworking industry which encompasses sales and "hands-on" responsibilities.
When you're interested in unbeatable customer service and dedication contact Meg!
|
 |
Marc Tremblay
Native of Quebec, Marc has worked up the ladder from warehouse supervisor to purchasing agent for the industrial cleaning industry and teacher of computer skills at a business college. The ladder extended to the Woodworking Industry for several years with the sale and purchase of equipment. The next "rung" brought Marc to appraising woodworking equipment, a "natural" for him.
During the transition to Appraising, Marc has attained membership in good standing with the Canadian Personal Property Appraiser Group (CPPAG) and the Uniformed Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). He is in the process of adding the Accredited Equipment Appraiser (AEA) and Association of Machinery and Equipment Appraisers (AMEA) designations. In his "spare" time that is becoming increasingly valuable, he finds time to be the head coach of the local high school football program.
Large lots or small, when you must know what your woodworking equipment is worth, contact Marc for straight and accredited answers!
|
 |
Dan Wolters
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dan prepared himself for the woodworking industry by completing a furniture manufacturing training program. He joined the John Widdicomb high end, residential furniture company, started at the bottom, worked all manufacturing shifts, and gained an impressive variety of hands-on experiences from true furniture Masters. During that time, he also worked at night for an internationally renowned custom instrument manufacturer, hand making pianos and stringed instruments. After eight years, he decided with a partner to establish his own company which he operated successfully for ten years.
In 1994, Dan was asked by Industrias Riviera, a Mexican-owned office furniture manufacturer, to setup a production plant for their newly designed wood case goods program. The project's success led him to stay with the company a few years longer until he accepted a challenging offer from Alexander & Mary SA, a US furniture manufacturer with a Mexico City plant in “distress”. His very positive results led to becoming their General Manager. - After 10 years in Mexico, Dan chose to return to Michigan and continue his woodworking industry career in the US.
At EX-FACTORY Dan's focus is to provide our Mexican/Central American woodworking customers support across all woodworking equipment lines. Whether in Spanish or English, for small to large manufacturers, let Dan's hands-on know-how assist you with woodworking equipment applications and requirements.
|
 |
Bill Christoffersen
Bill
has more than 30 years of experience in the composite panel industry as well as
a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, NM. The
many phases of panel processing with which he has been extensively involved
include the manufacturing and processing of board, UV filling, curtain coating,
direct roller coating, Electron-Beam-cure (EB) decorating, roll laminating, and
short-cycle press laminating. He was also instrumental in the development of
board substrate for the laminated flooring industry.
Bill
has managed engineering and plant construction for a variety of projects
including the previously described coating and laminating lines. He has also
designed, installed, and supervised component parts manufacturing plants for the
kitchen cabinet and electronics industries. On the raw material preparation and
handling side, he has designed and developed facilities for wood chip handling,
milling, and wood drying.
When
you're interested in selling or buying Panel or Board Plants, Feed Through or
Rotary Presses, Truss or Veneer Equipment, contact Bill and benefit from his
skills and experience.
|
 |
Ramiro Barco
A native of Mexico, Ramiro spent his HS senior year in Hot Springs, SD,
USA, as an exchange student. Returning to Mexico,
he attended the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM)
and was awarded a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Finance.
His career began as a Purchasing Agent for Mueblera Ponderosa providing purchase recommendations and
collaborating with global suppliers. He moved on to the Fraenkel Company, Inc. as a Quality Manager,
and later joined Southport Furniture, LLC, Mexico, where he gained valuable experience in
cross-functional, quality furniture inspection.
Most recently Ramiro served as the Manager/Buyer at Muebles y Accessorios
de Mexico where he built the business from the ground floor up. He worked
closely with area vendors and businesses, and most importantly developed
strong working relationships with the business community.
Ramiro brings to EX FACTORY his 15 years of experience in the Mexican furniture
and wood products industry. Whether acting in an advisory capacity to customers
or keeping them informed of new trends and developments in the market, Ramiro is
all about providing personal service, continually earning the appreciation of
satisfied clients and making significant contributions to customer objectives.
|
 |
Dustin Guo
Dustin was born in China and studied at Nanjing Forestry University where he obtained
a Masters degree in Engineering. His degree research project focused on
the wood industry and equipment manufacturing. Since then, Dustin has gained 20
years of experience in the woodworking industry. He currently resides in Beijing.
His career began with China's National Institute of Wood Industry where he was
responsible for wood technology study and wood industry management. Several years
later he joined a wood manufacturing company as vice-general manager where he led
market development for their MDF, wood windows, doors, and furniture products.
Dustin acquired his sales experience as an agent for a European woodworking machinery
manufacturer in China, as well as a sales manager for a Chinese panel board, furniture and flooring manufacturer.
Three years ago, Dustin started his own company and website with a focus on the sale of
used woodworking machinery and panel board equipment to businesses in China. He joins
the EX-FACTORY team in a business relationship where both companies work jointly on
sales in the international marketplace for woodworking equipment.
|
 |
Tom Galzin
Tom is a Chicago native and a graduate of the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Not surprisingly, he resides in a Chicago suburb today. Tom's early experience
began as an application engineer with an industrial robot and machinery company;
within 3 years he became part of their senior level team.
Tom's management skills led him to become the Chief Operating Officer of a real
estate developer (near Chicago) where he guided the company from near-bankruptcy
to profitability in just over one year. He was also the President and CEO of a
CNC Router woodworking equipment company where he successfully organized and
directed a national sales network, as well as established and staffed a well
respected “world class” customer service business.
During his 20 years tenure, he traveled extensively throughout the US, Canada,
and Japan, and to a lesser extent, throughout Europe, China, Central and South America.
Tom's sales management and development skills will contribute greatly to EX FACTORY's
growing international market.
|
 |
Tony Cornacchione
Tony is graduate of the University of
Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, where he obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science
Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He joined Kimberly Clark (paper industry) for
5 years as a Design & Project Engineer and designed machines, material handling
and air systems.
He later became a partner in API Machinery
and was responsible for the design and manufacturing of custom-built machinery
for the woodworking, metal, plastic, and food industries. API later moved on to
become a dealer in new and used woodworking machinery.
Tony lives in
Toronto, Ontario and works from his Toronto office. Whether your needs are small or
large, let Tony’s extensive years of experience in a variety of manufacturing
and machinery businesses assist you when you're acquiring equipment for your
current operation or selling your surplus equipment.
|
 |
Sergio Agraz
Sergio was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico, and
graduated from the University Nacional Autonoma de
Mexico with a degree in Architecture & Engineering.
He then moved to Germany to train with an
International Engineering firm. A few years later,
he accepted the position of International Logistics
Specialist with Volkswagen AG, one of the largest
auto manufacturing firms in Germany.
Throughout his years in Germany, he completed
several courses in sales and negotiations, and
mastered his ability to work for technical
industries focusing on communications with the
international community and marketplace.
Today, Sergio is fluent in three-and-a half
languages: Spanish, his native tongue, English which
he learned as a second language in junior high,
German which he acquired while in college and at the
Goethe Institut in Germany, and some Portuguese
which he is currently studying!
Sergio is EX-FACTORY's "International Marketing
Developer" to expand our presence in the Mexican and
South American woodworking equipment markets. His
knowledge of and sensitivity to different cultures
enables him to understand and work with the diverse
needs of our neighbors "South of the Border." -
Contact Sergio if you would like to represent
EX‑FACTORY's products and services from your
location in Mexico or South America! |
 |
Eric Stevens
Born, raised and educated in Texas, Eric's late
Grandfather taught him the value of fine craftsmanship at an early age. His
love of the mountains brought him to Colorado in his early twenties, when his
creative outlet turned to graphic arts. An accomplished designer, some of his
works have endured to become graphic icons and are easily recognized throughout
the state.
Eric's proficiency with several graphic and CAD
oriented programs helped him to advance quickly when he turned his focus to
residential woodworking. He has owned and operated a small woodworking studio
in Colorado since 2001.
Although his skills in the woodworking studio
segment are largely self-taught, he is well versed in the "care and
feeding" of fine machinery. - Eric brings his passion for fine woodworking
and attention to detail to EX-FACTORY. An admitted "tool and machinery junkie",
he is EX-FACTORY's "kid in the candy store". |
 |
Johannes Huck
Born in Germany and a world traveler, Johannes Huck, brings to EX-FACTORY
15 years of diverse experiences within the woodworking industry, plus "Hands On" skills.
Now a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, he began his career in the production of
Thermo-foil doors, specifically in the design, layout and production of laminated and
veneered components within various lines of businesses. He also worked for various
woodworking manufacturing companies where he gained expertise with Wemhoner,
Burkle and OTT Presses, to name a few. His range of work experience spans a broad
spectrum of businesses from "kitchen-a-day" shops to fully automated cycle production lines.
Johannes' extensive experience coupled with "hands on" capabilities provides you
with resources to assess your company's equipment requirement while staying
within your budgetary goals. Give him a call and find out first hand.
|
 |
Lisa Johnson
Lisa is a native of Virginia and a graduate of Bridgewater College
in Bridgewater, Va., with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. She currently
resides in Virginia Beach, Va. She began her career as an investment accountant.
Ten years later, she switched to pursue her system design interests within the
pollution control industry as an office manager for a manufacturer's rep firm in VA.
She quickly moved to inside sales and the technical support group, which led to an
outside sales position where she worked with many Fortune 500 customers such as:
Sara Lee, DuPont, Phillip Morris, and CIBA Chemical.
When offered to join Nordfab, Lisa became an Inside Sales Person. 1-1/2 Years later,
she was promoted to SE Regional Account Manager where she achieved double digit
growth within her territory for four straight years. In the background, she
introduced new industry to Nordfab which contributed to their future growth.
With 11 years in pollution control, Lisa brings to EX-FACTORY her ability to listen
to customers' needs, develop answers, and apply viable solutions - a combination
that has proven to be instrumental to her success. Lisa's vast resources of
industry experts, manufacturers and engineers allow her to solve issues previously
unanswered. When Dust Collection and Systems are your requirement, enroll Lisa's
positive and "can do" approach.
|
 |
Todd VanTil
Located at our Zeeland, MI facility, Todd brings a wealth of knowledge to
our team. He attended Grand Rapids Community College in the mid-90's, and began his career
in the woodworking industry as an operator of CNC Routers at Steelcase Inc. After progressing to a
trainer position for different types of CNC Routers & Edgebanders, Todd was promoted to Lead
Technician for a complete one-piece Flow Top Production Line where he honed his hands-on skills
on many different types of woodworking machinery.
Todd also owned his own company (Pathfinder Solutions, a Furniture Rep group covering
the Midwest), worked within the Adhesive industry with Jowat Inc. and most recently was
National Product Manager for Large Edgebanders at SCM Group USA.
Joining EX-FACTORY, Todd will tap into his extensive technical knowledge and skills to work
with you to satisfy your equipment requirements. - Contact Todd today! |
|