Program sponsors Woodworking Network and the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA) feted the inaugural Wood Industry 40 Under 40 Class of 2016 with special activities during the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta. IWF is the largest woodworking technology trade show in North America. The 2016 inaugural 40 Under 40 program identified movers and shakers making an impact in wood products manufacturing. Winners were selected by a panel of Woodworking Network editors from a field of more than 135 nominations. Winner profiles can be found under the 40 Under 40 Awards channel at www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events-contests/woodworking-industry-40-under-40/profiles-wood-industry-40-under-40-class-2016
The highlight of the 40 Under 40 IWF experience was the awards reception held Thursday, August 25, during which Jake Garner of Jake Garner Caskets in Randolph, VT was recognized individually for his contribution to the field before receiving an award plaque. WMMA underwrote the reception. Jake Garner Caskets makes funeral products which focus on sourcing all components as locally and sustainably as possible. Jake started making caskets back in 2011 out of white pine with natural muslin cloth linings that are totally natural, without toxic finishes, toxic glues or synthetic fabrics. All natural materials will biodegrade without harming the environment, even more important for caskets burned at crematoriums, typically made from toxic materials like MDF and polyester, resulting in toxic air pollution and plastic residue in the ashes. Since then his products have evolved to include 4 Pine casket models and 4 Urn models. He has also recently obtained green business certification through the state of Vermont. As well as making funeral products, Jake runs Garner Woodworking, a full spectrum woodworking business that does new construction, remodeling and fine woodworking in Randolph, VT. Find out more at http://jakegarnercaskets.com/.
"Jake stands out not just for his skills and a well-made product with great market potential, but also because he has the right business sense," says his woodworker colleague, David Hurwitz. "It's a great combination of skills and vision." “We couldn’t have asked for a more impressive and accomplished group of nominees which yielded this top-notch, inaugural 40 Under 40 class,” said Bill Esler, Woodworking Network editorial director, “The future of woodworking is clearly in remarkable hands.”
Jake Garner Caskets is a member of the Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association (VWMA). VWMA's mission is to support the industry in Vermont and promote its long-term viability by expanding members’ presence in the marketplace, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials, increasing workforce skill and acting as responsible employers and community members. Supporting the wood products manufacturing industry in Vermont. Learn more at www.vermontwood.com.