Rich Christianson applies the time-honored journalism skills he first honed as a Chicago-area newspaper reporter to write case studies and feature articles about woodworking technology, trends, and design. Rich has a strong grasp of the processes required to write audience-engaging articles from researching and interviewing through writing and final editing. In addition to the hundreds of features he wrote during his three decades with Woodworking Network, and its forbearers, Rich has authored a wide range of feature articles for FDMC, Surface & Panel, Woodshop News, the Woodwork Career Alliance, and a wide range of woodworking industry suppliers and trade associations.
1/18
Client: KCD Software
Title: Nesting Propels Growth at 12-man Wooded Hollow
Abstract: Nesting cabinet parts has become second nature and highly profitable for Wooded Hollow Inc. of Payson, Utah. Since the company purchased its first Omnitech CNC router and KCD Cabinet CNC Commander software in 2008, sales are up – reaching $2.5 million last year. Its table saw and boring machine have been relegated to second-class status. Read the story.
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10/16
Client: Surface & Panel
Title: Stevens’ RX for Medical Casework
Abstract: ‘One-stop shop’ makes Stevens a go-to manufacturer for hospital and medical office furnishings, architectural wall panels, solid surface countertops and more. Read the story.
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9/16
Client: FDMC/Woodworking Network
Title: Custom Woodworker Sources Chicago’s Urban Forest
Abstract: Ken and Lynn Wier, owners of i2i Designs in Wooddale, IL, got discuss how they were introduced to urban wood utilization and how they have grown their niche business crafting products for Starbucks, Marino’s, a Chicago area grocery chain; and other businesses. Read the story.
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9/16
Client: Woodwork Career Alliance
Title: WCA Skills Standards Are Flooring Manufacturer’s Passport to Success
Abstract: The revolving door is no more at Appalachian Engineered Flooring.
The North Troy, VT, company has experienced a dramatic decrease in employee turnover since
implementing the Wood Career Alliance’s Skill Standards and related Passport program in 2014.
Along with workforce stability have come enhanced quality and increased productivity. Read more.
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7/16
Client: Woodwork Career Alliance of North America
Title: WCA Pioneer Committed to the Skill Standards Cause
Abstract: If you want to get a better understanding of what makes the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America’s woodworking skill standards tick, then a conversation with Patrick Molzahn is a good place to start. Molzahn is the director of the Cabinetmaking & Millwork program at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, WI. He has been actively involved with the WCA and its initiatives to develop and promote industry-recognized woodworking skill standards from the get-go. Read the story.
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8/16
4/16
Client: Surface & Panel
Title: Two Tough & Durable Finishes
Abstract: Among the many options for finishing MDF, two of the most durable are two-component polyurethane and powder coating. These two methods are worlds apart in their resin chemistry, process application and curing. Yet, each can effectively render attractive results that will hold up well to high-demand spaces ranging from kitchens and offices to laboratories and retail stores. Read the story.
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10/15
Client: Surface & Panel
Title: New Looks in Metal Laminates
Abstract: Metal laminates occupy a unique place in the decorative high-pressure laminate family. Unlike their heavy-duty brethren that are engineered to withstand the daily wear and tear subjected to kitchen countertops and other work surfaces, metal laminates, though durable, are neither scratch resistant nor fingerprint proof. Their physical limitations aside, the beauty of metal laminates lies in their uncanny ability to create a wide spectrum of mood-setting special effects. Read the story.
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8/15
Client: Columbia Forest Products
Title: Fry Construction Wins Not One, but Two PureBond Quality Awards
Abstract: Wm. H. Fry Construction Company won an unprecedented daily double in this year’s PureBond Quality Awards competition. The highly green-minded and diversified homebuilder in Cupertino, CA, took first-place honors in both the Residential Bathrooms and Residential Other categories of the fourth annual awards program sponsored by Columbia Forest Products. Read the story.