The beginning...

Its the beginning of a new year and I have decided to create a blog about the industry I love so much, the 3D Laminate Industry. I'd like to tell you my history as it’s relative to what I'm about... I grew up in a small town called Marion, VA, population 8,000 or so. I graduated in 1989 and I struggled in my first year in college. I joined the Air Force at the beginning of 1990.

On my way to basic, an Air Force Captain came up to me and asked where I was being stationed. Now mind you, its rare for an officer to really go out of their way to speak to a young enlisted guy. He recommended that I put in for Japan. He went on and on about how great Japan was and so I did; I put Japan at the top of the list. I was stationed in Japan for four years and worked with Petroleums and on my pool game. I had a lot of great experiences in Japan, I studied the Japanese language, taught English, took night classes and managed to explore Japan and learn more about the culture.

I decided to get out of the Air Force after four years and to go back to college. I decided on the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Yes I can hear you chuckling here.... It wasn't all surfing and scuba diving, although I did my share. In high school I was a C/D student but somehow I graduated with a 3.5 grade average with a degree in International Marketing with a minor in Japanese Language. In my marketing classes I did a few case studies on the Decorative Surfacing Industry. At the time I didn't really connect how the International Marketing, Japanese and Decorative Surfacing would somehow all join together in my future...

Next I started a company called Holdings in Malaysia with some college friends. What an experience! Doing business in a foreign country and dealing with Italy, China, India, Brazil and other countries. The market timing was perfect in the start and we imported granite and marble for flooring and countertops in Hotel and other multi-family projects. I loved the business but decided that I didn't want to live in Malaysia anymore.

I then set my sights for moving back to the US. When I moved back to the US, I relocated to Raleigh, NC (Cary). I saw an ad looking for someone with sales, marketing and Japanese language. When I went to the interview, imagine my surprise when I discovered that they were in the Decorative Surfacing Industry ! Needless to say, I landed the job and I started as a Sales Person for to North America. While working at Ambtra, I was able to combine everything I enjoyed doing. I loved dealing with other countries, loved Japan, loved marketing and thought the Decorative Surfacing Industry was so cool. The idea of adding value to an ordinary surface excites my marketing sensibilities. During my time there I was one of the first guys to target the Store Fixture Industry, was the first to develop a cut roll program and the first to use the term 3D Laminates. (that I know of) At th NeoCon Office show people didn't know what our product was. I cut chips to be sized like Wilsonart’s and put 3D Laminates on the display. Many people remarked "Wow they make 3D Laminates now". Working at Ambtra was such a positive experience. I strongly recommend doing business with them as they are some of the nicest and most sincere group of people you would ever want to meet.

In late 2003' I took the challenge of starting up DACKOR for North America. We physically got inventory in late 2004 so I've been marketing the product for four years as of the start of this blog. Its been a real challenge developing new colors for the market and establishing the initial client base. I won't bore you with the details but we've managed to grow consistently even in a declining market. We've created some hits that have flourished and I do have some more things coming up that I think will do well.

I must admit that I have had support from some key people to get to this point. But imagine the affect that other’s had in my life. If that Captain had never approached me in the airport my life would probably have been so different. Its interesting how small chance circumstances can alter your life.

At the beginning of this year I decided to create a blog discussing the 3D Laminate industry. I feel like I have a unique and international perspective on our business. Over the past years I have been apart of selling over $100 million in Decorative Surfaces, lived in various countries and upstarted several foreign Decorative Surface factories entrace into the US market. I have also done independent consulting to some nationally known Decorative Surfacing brands. In addition, I've helped numerous companies with their press settings and with improving their high gloss components by elleviating or reducing orange peel and wrinkles. Over the past ten years I have also worked with various national Office Component manufacturers to create new lines or with Store Fixture chains, restaurant chains and multi family housing developers.

Throughout our days we are flooded with news and information (mostly useless). I don't proclaim that these blog posts will change your life but I think it would be easy for you to gain something of value. And please be sure to give me support by emailing me if you see something useful. Your feedback is important.