Our Product Managers ...The People behind EX-FACTORY:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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! |
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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!
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Kasha Kuhlman
Kasha was born, raised, and educated in Poland. She attended The Catholic
University of Lublin, Stalowa Wola, Poland, majored in Economics and was
awarded a Bachelors Degree. She began her career in Poland at Metal-System
Ltd, assisting the CEO of the machine, tool and die company. Primary activities
included office management, sales, marketing, and vendor relationships both
domestically and internationally.
In 2006, Kasha emigrated to the US and worked in various freight and logistics
areas of her family's transport company. During this time, she gained US-based
experience in sales, marketing, logistics, customer service, and product management.
Fluent in both English and Polish, Kasha is EX-FACTORY's international link to
Polish-speaking and other international customers.
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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!
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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
involved with 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!
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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.
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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.
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Kevin Schultze
Kevin was born and raised in rural Kansas and was strongly influenced by the area's status
as a major USA agricultural resource. After attending several state universities, he began
his sales career in the 1990s selling Used Commercial Agricultural Equipment to Grain Processing Facilities worldwide.
As his experience grew with the Agricultural Industry, it became apparent to Kevin that the Wood
Pellet Market was a growing industry. In 1993 he sold the first Wood Pellet Plant in the state
of Oklahoma utilizing pre-owned machinery. Realizing the full potential within both markets,
Kevin established his own worldwide sales company in 2000, KS Equipment Sales, selling
Wood Pelleting and Commercial Agricultural Equipment to customers in Latin America, Australia,
New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as the USA.
With his background and experience, Kevin offers EX FACTORY customers personalized
and personable support to enter, expand, or appraise their "green" Wood Pellet Industry
operations and manufacturing facilities. Find out how first-hand by contacting Kevin!
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Bob O'Hara
Bob, born and raised in Western New York, now resides in Atlanta, GA and comes
to EX-FACTORY with both a Masters Degree in Business from California Coast
University, Santa Ana, CA and an Associates Degree in Material Science from
Erie Community College, Williamsville, NY.
Bob began his Sales career in the Aerospace Industry offering aluminum and
magnesium castings to companies such as Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and
Lockheed Martin. For the last 11 years, he represented INTERMAC Stone and
Glass Machines as National Sales Manager for AGM machinery and later as the
VP of Sales for INTERMAC America. In his spare time, he enjoys motorcycles, playing
ice hockey, and is an accomplished instrument rated pilot.
Call Bob for your Stone & Glass Manufacturing requirements and draw upon his
strong experience in 3- to 5-Axis CNCs, straight line Edger Polishers, Water Jets,
and Saw Technology for stone, and 3- to 5-Axis CNCs, Edgers, Bevellers, and
Cutting Tables for glass fabrication.
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