Stephen Peskar (MBA/CSSBB)

I recently had the pleasure of connecting John Thomas Chappell from North Carolina State University after putting out a call for questions about the wood industry. He asked a thoughtful one: How does quality control really work in our field, and what should he be preparing students for? It was a great chance to talk about Columbia Forest Products’ path of continuous improvement. In our industry, quality control isn’t just a box to check. It’s about maximizing resources, eliminating waste, and making sure we’re responsible stewards of the renewable natural resources we’re entrusted with. There’s a misconception that the wood industry is just about cutting down trees. The reality is, it’s much more dynamic. From the paper towels we use to the furniture in our homes, wood products touch nearly every part of our lives. And in this line of work, 1 + 1 doesn’t always equal 2, it’s more like an algebra equation, with a lot of variables to balance. For students preparing to enter the field, my advice is simple: stay curious and think outside the box. This is an industry where you can have a positive impact on the environment while driving innovation. You’ll find that continuous learning and attention to detail are what set the best apart. I really enjoyed the conversation, and I appreciate all the folks who reached out with questions. It’s always good to get the creative juices flowing and talk about the big picture of what we do. If you’re ever curious about how the wood industry works behind the scenes, feel free to drop me a message. Happy to share what I’ve learned along the way.

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Planning is theory. Execution is reality. In manufacturing (especially in highly complex industries), it's imperative to have there right tools in place to effectively optimize production and maximize ROI. ERP sets the plan, but only MES shows what’s really happening on the shop floor — in real-time. And together they deliver the performance edge every manufacturer needs: visibility, control, and speed. Download our comparison chart to compare the key functions of an ERP alone vs. an ERP synergized with an MES: https://hubs.la/Q03MGgc10 #MES #ERP #ManufacturingExecution #Industry40 #SmartManufacturing

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Learning doesn’t remove the obligation to decide. In operating roles, there’s always more you could gather. Another walkthrough. Another clarification. The mistake isn’t acting with incomplete information.   The mistake is believing more time will remove uncertainty. Good execution begins when a leader decides they have learned enough—and accepts ownership for what follows. That moment requires judgment: • Knowing which gaps matter and which don’t   • Understanding which risks are reversible and which aren’t   • Being clear about who carries the cost if the decision is wrong This is where leadership stops being observational and becomes accountable. Not because the picture is complete—but because waiting no longer improves it.

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The best-performing manufacturers are data-driven. Are you? Machine monitoring gives your team the tools to: > Track performance by the second > Align maintenance with real-world needs > Make every machine—and every shift—more productive This guide is your starting point for smarter, connected manufacturing. 👉 Take the first step: https://bit.ly/4kvhLnz 🔖 #ManufacturingExcellence #SmartFactory #ShopFloorInnovation #HarmoniMonitoring

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This is an excellent analysis of the recent trends toward consolidation of economic development programs in Colorado. Centralization does not necessarily meet the needs of a rural region like the Western Slope. This calls for an approach that will work in our area. As Dalida states - In rural economies, trust functions as infrastructure. It shortens the path between opportunity and action. It increases participation in new initiatives. It reduces friction in partnerships because relationships exist before funding is introduced. Dalida Sassoon Bollig Business Incubator Center

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