Juergen Schumacher

Juergen began his career in the woodworking industry in Germany. Since then he has gained (30) 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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 307

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 318

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.

Jeff Terrill

Jeff's decades in the woodworking machinery industry began in 1967 as a Technician in Portland, Oregon. Two years later, he joined a Pacific Northwest machinery dealer and subsequently became their sales manager. In 1982, he founded his own woodworking machinery dealership and another, separate company to import German Moulders for nationwide distribution. After two years in his new businesses, Jeff placed all his attention on the millwork and solid wood remanufacturing industry, working closely with machinery manufacturers in the US and Europe on equipment improvements and implementing new technologies.

This focus and many years of experience since then has made Jeff a well-known authority for Gang Ripsaws, Optimizing Cutoff Saws, Finger Jointers, Double & 4-Sided Planers, Radio Frequency Gluers, Clamp Carriers, Door Machinery, and Plants & Businesses - just about any solid wood machining job imaginable. Find out first-hand by contacting Jeff!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 349

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 317

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 356

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 346

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 362

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 332

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!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 359

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 376

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 365

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 432

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 was National Product Manager for Large Edgebanders at SCM Group USA.

Todd will tap into his extensive technical knowledge and skills to work with you to satisfy your equipment requirements here at EX-FACTORY. - Contact Todd today!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 377

Jody Shepard

Jody was born and raised in Michigan. After spending 4-1/2 years in the Navy, he and his family moved to the Charlotte, NC area. That was the beginning of his 14+ years' career in the working industry.

His first years included hands-on training and working as a Service Technician that took him all over the US, Italy, as well as in the Carolina’s. He serviced and sold Sliding Table Saws, Edgebanders, Wide Belt Sanders, Door Making Equipment, and CNC Routers of various brands over the years.

Joining us as our FactoryNEW Division Manager, Jody strives to bring you the best machinery and the best price in the industry! His hands-on experience and knowledge makes him a very resourceful contact to assist you in selecting the right machine for your application.- Please call him today; he will be delighted to assist you in your purchase or just answer your questions!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 458

Norman Schust

While a native New Yorker, Norman's family moved to Ontario, Canada during his childhood. Following high school, Norm worked at various jobs until he became a Thermwood CNC Router programmer at a small custom component manufacturer. Within a year, he was foreman, in charge of all production; during his spare hours, he used the facility to learn how to operate the machinery and build furniture. In the process, he discovered his future was in CNC Woodworking Machinery.

After several years, a larger firm offered Norm a more advanced CAD/CAM position that included machinery programming. This led to more opportunities in CNC programming and equipment demonstration. In 1999, Norm accepted a position at Anderson America as applications engineer and has been involved with them since.

In 2005, Norm moved back to the US as Anderson's Southeast Regional Sales Manager to develop and expand that market. At EX FACTORY, Norm is a Product Manager for our line of Used CNC machinery; in some of his spare time, he is a fan of Charlotte's NASCAR racing! If CNC equipment is part of your current or future processing, Norm can make the ride a smooth one! - Just ask!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 445

Karl Balg

Karl was born and raised in Southern Germany. He graduated from the University of Stuttgart with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Electro- Mechanical Designs.

After working for several years for BOSCH Automotive Division, he became involvedwith a well-known European Woodworking Machinery Manufacturer and was a key player in establishing their North American Operations during the early eighties.

As a Manufacture's Sales-Engineer, he visited and worked with large and small Woodworking Companies all over North America. Later on and for more than 20 years, his focus became more local when he operated a Woodworking Machinery Distributor Business in Southern California.

Karl has extensive knowledge with Edgebanders, Beam Saws, Drill/Dowel/Miter/Mortise Machinery, and CNC Machining-Centers. His attention to detail and his straight forward, hands-on approach has helped many woodworkers grow and enhance their profitability; allow him to help yours, too!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 355

Steve Farnsworth

Raised in the Kansas City, Mo area, Steve joined the United States Marine Corps in 1983 and became a communications technician at various posts during his four years of service.

Upon discharge, Steve moved to Southern California. He joined a newly formed RTA manufacturing company in Vista, CA and provided installation and technical service for Feed Through Drilling Machines. Throughout his 17 years tenure, he advanced to Facility Manager, responsible for all aspects of daily operation including Process Engineering and Implementation, Machinery Purchase and Installation, Maintenance, Asset Management, and integration of the most current cost savings and manufacturing techniques.

In 2004 a sweeping corporate plant closure prompted Steve to start his own Technical Service business. He works with dealers and manufactures in all aspects of woodworking equipment purchasing, moving, installation, and repair. As an affiliated field consultant, Steve offers EX FACTORY's coast-to-coast, Canadian, Mexican, and South American Customers a wide range of technical service skills to ensure the smooth selection and operation of woodworking equipment.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 730

Bill Ferro

Born and raised in California, Bill has over 30 years of industry experience. After a tour in the US Marine Corps and attending college, he began his career with his family’s wholesale hardware and machinery distribution business. Later, Bill became a "hands-on" cabinet door manufacturer; his focus evolved into machinery sales and establishment of own machinery sales company.

After several years as a distributor for Komo and Biesse, in 2002 Bill moved to Oregon. There he gained valuable experience in solid wood machinery sales with a successful Oregon machinery distributor and dealer for the Weinig group of products.

Bill's wide range of woodworking machinery knowledge and experience spans panel processing to solid wood. Contact him today to assist you in making the best machinery purchase decisions for your application and operation.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 433

Bob Dykstra

A native and current resident of Grand Rapids, MI, Bob Dykstra has a solid background in the woodworking industry. His first job was with a Cabinet and Pool Table manufacturer, With a solid manufacturing background, Bob applied it in a career change to Machinery Sales servicing large and small companies such as Bose, Steelcase, Sauders, and Herman Miller.

Bob was introduced to CMS Routers in the late 1980s and his entry into CNC technology permanently changed his professional machine sales focus to CNC Routers, Machine Centers, and Software from that time forward.

Bob joins EX-FACTORY after serving as MULTIAX America's Sales Manager for the past seven years. - When you need to check with one of the best in CNC Routers and CNC software applications, contact Bob about woodworking, composites, and non-ferrous metals manufacturing solutions!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 378

Jim Haga

The son of a full-time military family, Jim grew up in up in the Northeastern and Southeastern States. He attended Jacksonville State University, AL and began his career in woodworking in 1973 as a technician for a woodworking equipment dealer in the Atlanta area. He later transferred into machinery sales with the same company.

In the early 1990s, Jim accepted a Regional Sales Manager position with SCMI in Duluth, GA. After several years, he started Haga Woodworking Machinery in Marietta, GA, and for 12 years, sold and serviced a variety of woodworking machines throughout the state of Georgia. After closing his company, Jim worked as a regional sales representative for Danckaert Woodworking Machinery in Atlanta prior to joining our EX FACTORYAuctions team.

Let Jim help you with your surplus machines' "hidden" potential and how soon you can expect receiving results! Give Jim a call and benefit from his sales and service experience with woodworking and related equipment!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 344

Louis Sicotte

Louis is a native of the Quebec Province, Canada, and has a degree in marketing from Montreal University. After graduation, he joined his family's business, a well recognized manufacturer of woodworking machinery. There he learned all aspects of woodworking machinery, from conception to manufacturing to sales. His first efforts focused on developing a distribution network serving the Canadian and US markets.

After 14 years with the family business, the company was sold, and Louis joined Homag Group as branch manager for Eastern Canada. During his 5 years with Homag, he received thorough training on Panel Processing Product equipment and complete Lines. He frequently traveled to Europe and became very familiar with Lines competitive to the Homag Group.

After Homag, Louis opened his own machinery dealership in partnership with E & R Systems, MA. During those years he imported and sold new and used machinery from Europe. In that capacity he also broadened his knowledge to include CNC machines, as well as Solid Wood Processing Equipment.

Fluent in both French and English, Louis is EX-FACTORY's representative primarily servicing Quebec and the Maritimes across all machinery categories.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 329

Bernhard Voelker

Born and raised in Southwestern Germany, Bernhard graduated in 1987 from the College of Skilled Trades in Kaiserslautern with a Masters of Woodworking and Cabinet Making. For over two decades, he worked in various positions in the Woodworking industry beginning with cabinet making and progressing into panel and wood processing with responsibilities as Production Manager, Project, then Process Engineering, and Plant Manager.

During his career, Bernhard developed an in depth understanding of Processing Equipment and Machinery. In recent years he applied his affinity for equipment to another discipline and refocused his woodworking industry vocation to Online & On-Site Auctions and Appraisals. He pursued AMEA Appraiser and USPAP 2010 Certifications enabling him to perform multiple types of equipment appraisals determining Fair Market Value, In Place Market Value, and Orderly Liquidation Value.

Allow Bernhard's years of experience with Finishing Processing, working with veneer from basic layup to finished products, and appraising equipment guide you in your equipment purchases and sales.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 438

Alan Schultz

Born in Wisconsin, Alan served a five year apprenticeship as a metal engraver, serving all aspects of manufacturing with two and three dimensional applications. After completing the program, Alan accepted a position of Applications Engineer for a European machine tool manufacturer where he provided machinery solutions on applications issues to sales staff and customers alike.

In 1991, Alan moved to North Carolina as Mitsubishi's Regional Manager and opened their Southeast Regional Technical Center for CNC Machinery. He later joined Okamoto Corp., a grinding equipment manufacturer, as Director of Sales and Marketing, then accepted a VP position for two US divisions of the Georg Fischer Group of Switzerland.

In 2002, Alan purchased a powder coating company, which grew quickly and gave him hands on knowledge of the Finishing Industry. He sold his company in June 2010 and joined EX-FACTORY with a focus on Metal Machinery Sales, while he also manages the Asset Recovery & Remarketing Division.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 461

Amanda Palmer

Born, raised, and educated in the Holland/Zeeland, MI area, Amanda's career began as a machine operator producing Mercedes automobile parts. With the decline in the auto industry, she accepted a position at EX-FACTORY's newly opened Warehouse, Showroom and Machinery Reconditioning center in Zeeland, MI and was introduced to the woodworking machinery industry.

Amanda's first responsibilities were as machinery cleaner and photographer. A quick learner, she gained "first hand" knowledge about woodworking equipment and volunteered to assist visitors during inspection and demonstration visits. Soon, Amanda was promoted to Customer Service and administrative support to Zeeland's General Manager.

Today, Amanda is the "go to" person at our Zeeland Warehouse, Showroom, and Machinery Reconditioning Center. She is the first contact for customers and EXF alike to schedule repairs in the warehouse, track inventory (new and used); schedule CAM-WOOD training and order parts, and installation for the WR-Series Routers. - When assistance at Zeeland is needed, Amanda is ready, willing, and able to guide you to the resolution and solution you require!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 374

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.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 431

Joe Retzlaff

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Joe's family immigrated to Montreal, Canada, when he was a youngster. Montreal became Joe's permanent home until a year or so ago when he moved to the Toronto area. Following traditional schooling in Montreal, Joe pursued a machinist apprenticeship at the Montreal Technical Institute and accepted a position with a metal foundry. His responsibilities shifted from machinist to sales, first involved with parts & tooling and later to Sales Management of North American and International sales.

Once well established in Sales, Joe turned his focus to Woodworking Machinery. Through his subsequent 25 years experience, he has acquired extensive technical knowledge and has excelled in meeting customers' objectives and problem solving to adapt to the complete spectrum of client and management styles.

Whether implementing large systems or small, Joe's will be glad to put his capabilities and experience to work for you.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 348

Michel Hamel

A Canadian native, Michel was born and educated in Montreal. He earned his Marketing Degree from the University of Trois Rivieres and a Bookkeeping Degree from the College Girardin.

Michel started his woodworking career with his own Power Transmission Equipment Dealership. For over two decades, he, his sales staff, and warehousing resources served the wood industry in all Canadian Provinces. When asked to become Sales Manager of Verville/Premier Tech, Michel shifted his focus to the Baling/Bagging business sector. For more than a decade, he specialized in compression and loose bagger equipment. During those years, Michel designed and sold over 200 Turnkey Bagging Operations (storage bins, presses, palletizing equipment, and stretch wrapping machinery), resulting in approx. 80% of Verville's North American Wood Shaving Bagging Operations.

Please contact Michel first when your requirements include Bagging/Baling equipment or project consulting when it's about wood shaving, peat moss, cellulose fiber, hay, and/or loose bagging. Take advantage of his proven skills and experience!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 472

Danny Alvarez

Danny Alvarez Danny was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He attended and graduated from the University of South Florida, Tampa, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Marketing.

His first steps in his woodworking industry career were selling a national distributor's supplies and machinery to Central Florida cabinet manufacturers. A decade later, Danny expanded his sales to include two local Floridian distributors. In the mid-1990s, he started his own Alvarez Machinery Co. offering new woodworking equipment as an Independent Dealer for Holz-Her, Anderson America, IMA, Giben, and Komo.

Danny has over 30 years of experience in panel processing equipment sales, providing EXF customers, especially customers in Florida, with proven techniques to increase productivity and profits through machinery solutions.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 446

Eric Hanson

A native of Spokane, Washington, Eric has a degree from Colorado State University's College of Business with a Computer Information Systems major and a minor in Econometrics. His first professional steps took him overseas to Bangkok, Thailand as a Relational Database Designer and Teacher. A few years later, he returned to the US and directed his energies to the reborn and innovative telecommunications field, implementing technologies many companies are still using today.

At the onset of the 21st century, Eric accepted a position in Idaho and refocused his talents on a 10-year old Fiber Fuel business that was suffering from shrinking sales and market share. He was instrumental in key transformations of the company, Coeur d'Alene Fiber Fuel, increasing sales from …$ 2 to $12 million. In the process, he acquired a decade of extensive hands-on experience in Pellet Manufacturing.

As the former President & CEO of Coeur d’Alene Fiber Fuel, Inc., he brings first-hand knowledge of the Who's Who, the market, and its participants in the Pellet industry throughout the U.S. and Canada. He is intimately familiar with every aspect of the pellet manufacturing process from new business development, strategic planning, and contract negotiation, through state-of the-art pellet plant construction, optimal fiber selection, brand integration, and increased production and efficiency.

Tap into this valuable renewable Green Energy resource for your projects by contacting Eric!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 470

Jeremy Sholar

Jeremy is a native of Charlotte NC and graduate of UNC at Charlotte with a Bachelors Degree in Business. He has spent a few years in Italy as a missionary and learned to speak fluent Italian. Upon his 1990s return to the US, his bilingual skills were immediately put to work with BIESSE America where he began his woodworking career as a Purchasing Agent and International Liaison.

Several years later, he refocused on the Stone Industry as a Charlotte, NC Warehouse Manager with TENAX USA, an Italian manufacturer and distributor of various commercial and home products. While at TENAX, he moved into chemicals & tooling sales to fabricators of natural stone. He pursued this strong interest in the Stone industry by acceptance of a General Manager position with a Charlotte Slab importing company. Jeremy continues his sales activities at EX-FACTORY INC. Whether in English or Italian, allow his industry experience assist you in your Woodworking, Stone, and related equipment requirements!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 315

Kevin Corder

Born and raised in Moline IL, Kevin earned a Bachelors Degree in Sacred Literature. His after-school and summer job extracurricular interests allowed him to become a skilled machinist, and upon graduating Kevin accepted a Wood-Mizer Products machinist position. This began a 26-year relationship where he and the company grew in the industry. His first Wood-Mizer position led to customer training and support, Customer Service Manager, first Branch Manager, Industrial Products Sales Manager, and ultimately Vice President of the AWMV Industrial Products Division.

In 2008, Kevin started his own company representing Baker Products, Cleereman Industries, Pendu Manufacturing, and other companies in the Northwest. He also is active in the industry through the Southern Forest Products Association, National Wooden Pallet & Container Association and as a sitting Board Member of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers.

Kevin's wide range of experience in Portable Sawmilling and large Commercial Mills, as well as years with Pallet Manufacturers make him a valuable resource for you in locating the solutions you require.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 536

Tracey Bell

Tracey Bell is a native of South Carolina and a graduate of York Technical College with a degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and Instrumentation. First career steps were as a service technician for specialized woodworking manufacturing machinery. In 1991, he joined Holz-Her US as a Customer Service Technician, was promoted to Customer Service Manager, and later transferred into the Inside Sales within the Sales Department. In 2002, he accepted a position with Anderson America Group as Southeast Sales Manager for CNC machines.

Tracey brings his technical knowledge and woodworking machinery sales experience in panel processing to EXF. Contact him to professionally guide you in meeting your equipment requirements and purchases.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 339

Vartan Vahramian

A Canadian native; Vartan (Walter) attended the University of Toronto and was awarded a B.A. degree in Finance. First career steps were as an Export Sales Representative for a well-known Canadian Forestry Equipment manufacturer. His territory covered the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Africa. He later focused on manufactured housing plants, sawmills, forestry equipment, industrial tires & rubber components, passenger and truck tire manufacturing, auto/truck brakes and parts, plastics, zinc & aluminum parts, food processing, dairy processing, and packaging.

Vartan established his own sales company with an emphasis on Complete Factories to developing countries. Sales included machinery, equipment, installation floor plans, supplying raw materials to make samples & tests at the destination, buyer financing, training the buyer, and financing larger purchases through EXIM Bank and OPIC. His "complete manufacturing package" assists the buyer to begin production quickly and with the least amount of wasted resources. Using this approach, Walter's sales operations grew to 18 branches in 16 countries.

Vartan joins EX-FACTORY as a great resource to provide similar complete plant packages to satisfy the ever-growing demand for overseas manufacturing facilities. Use his well-grounded experience in system selection, international financing, and equipment installation & training to start up, upgrade, or replace your operation in a variety of manufacturing areas and geographic regions. Call upon Vartan to assist in making your planned operation a reality!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 357

Anna Maria (Ania) Szawara

Anna was born and raised in Poland, Warsaw. She graduated from the Warsaw University with a Master’s Degree in Economics. She worked a few years for a Tour Operator to improve her skills in English, Hungarian, Russian, Norwegian, and Spanish.

Her sales career began with FSO (a Polish Motor Company) in several positions that led to her appointment as Chief of the General Director Office world’s sales, especially North & South America; she later was Sales Director for the Rover Motor Car Group.

In 2009, Ania redirected her career with the rental and operation of a 2,470 acre crop & wood farm that produced and traded saw mill products. When the European Union implemented rules and provided subsidies to farmers and their activities, Anna expanded her wood & farm operation to include Straw Briquettes Manufacturing. With an eye on Wood Briquette Manufacturing, Ania opened (2) Sawmills to produce strips for her own Wood Briquette Production.

Contact Ania for your mid-European woodworking & related operation's sales and services. She "knows your language" and is part of the EXF team with full access to the complete scope of EX FACTORY products & services.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 439

Renato Moresi

Renato L Moresi was born to Swiss parents in Glasgow, Scotland. He was reared, educated, and awarded a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Stow College of Engineering, all in Scotland. After graduation, Renato moved to Lugano, Switzerland where he designed pneumatic circuitry for woodworking machinery. He was later transferred to the US and worked with a number of European companies such as Holz-Her, Giben and Biesse.

Through the course of more than 30 years in the woodworking industry, Renato has traveled extensively in the US & Europe and worked with hundreds of woodworking manufacturers on technical solutions specializing in panel processing. Fluent in Italian, English and some French, allow Renato to assist you in your Panel Processing and other woodworking requirements, especially when they involve Beam Panel Saws, Edgebanders (including Softforming & Postforming), CNC Routers & Point-to-Points, and Wide Belt Sanders!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 383

Todd Atkinson

Todd is a native New Yorker. He received his high school diploma in Costa Rica and studied Spanish at Ohio University and the University of Tennessee. Se habla español. He joined Weinig as a service technician in 1986, working in the US, Canada, and Latin America. He became their Mexico-Central America-Caribbean sales manager in 1990, and later returned to work in the Southeast US selling panel processing and solid wood equipment for Biesse, Koch, and Stiles.

From 2009 - 2011 he was a manufacturing project manager and subcontracts administrator for a large defense and aerospace company making carbon fiber composite bodies for Atlas and Delta rockets as well as carbon fiber structural parts for the Airbus 350. His hands-on experience includes moulding & millwork, doors & windows, cabinets, 5-axis CNC, musical instruments, flooring, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. He also knows aircraft interiors, signs, and steel fabrication.

Todd has lived in Memphis, TN for the last 10 years; prior to that he lived in Atlanta, GA. Contact Todd for help with your advanced materials, plastics, signmaking, and carbon fiber applications.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 347

Jim Brown

Jim has worked in the wood industry for 33 years. The first 20 were spent in Sawmills run by Idaho Forest Industries in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he supervised many departments and became Assistant Plant Manager. Jim also worked in a Stud Mill and a Board Mill, gaining much exposure to a wide variety of equipment.

During the last 13 years, Jim has focused on the Pellet Industry. He has designed, built, and managed three pellet plants. For several years he ran his own company, JB Pellets, handling sales for five pellet companies and a shavings plant. Because this work required thorough understanding of the operations of these plants, Jim acquired considerable knowledge of equipment and the industry. Moreover, Jim is actively involved in many meetings and seminars related to the expanding Biomass Industry, and he is particularly interested in new techniques and equipment for the recovery and utilization of fiber for fuel and other uses.

Given his extensive knowledge and experience, Jim can help you with all your pellet needs. - Contact Jim today!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 469