Speakers & Panels
We have an exciting line-up of speakers and panelists for you this time - keynotes by Gene Marks, Jason Varelli and Matthew Saunders, along with a panel from the Emerging Leaders Council, and a packed schedule full of insightful sessions. View Agenda
Gene Marks
A past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post, Gene now writes regularly for the Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Washington Times, and The Guardian. Gene is a best-selling author and has written 5 books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium sized companies. His most recent is Want More Cash? 100+ Ideas And Strategies For Increasing Your Company's Cash Flow This Year.
Nationally, Gene appears regularly on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM's Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today.
Through his keynotes and breakout sessions, Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and - most importantly - the actions they can take to continue to grow and profit.
Gene owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a highly successful ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium sized businesses.
Prior to starting the Marks Group PC Gene, a Certified Public Accountant, spent nine years in the entrepreneurial services arm of the international consulting firm KPMG in Philadelphia where he was a Senior Manager.
Jason Varelli
Jason Varelli brings over 25 years of experience in the woodworking industry, specializing in production, manufacturing, and engineering. He joined Biesse America in 2006, advancing through roles such as Brand Sales Manager for edge branding and automation, to his current position as Vice President of Systems for Biesse in the U.S. and Canada. Prior to Biesse, Jason was National Sales Manager for Temple-Inland and graduated from Virginia Tech of a wood science Degree.
Matthew Saunders
Matt leads John Burns Research and Consulting's building products research practice, which includes overseeing research reports, the macro building products, thesis and forecasts for both repair and remodeling and new construction. Prior to joining JBREC, Matt worked as the Senior Manager Economic and Market Analytics for Fortune Brands Home and Security. There he led econometric forecasting and research which drove the market outlook process. Matt has a BA (Honors) in Economics and a MA in Economics and Finance from the University of Alberta. He is a CFA charter holder, a Certified Business Economist (CBE) and has a graduate certificate (with distinction) from the Harvard Business Analytics Program. Matt began his career as a central bank economist.
Panel Discussion - "Different Markets - Different Answers"
Hosted by the Emerging Leaders Council
Moderator: Tyler Bell, CEO, Bellmont Cabinet Company
Tyler Bell is the CEO - Sales & Marketing at Bellmont Cabinet Co., where he has been involved in the company's growth and success over the past 20 years. After earning his bachelor's degree from Seattle Pacific University, Tyler joined the family business in 2005, gaining hands-on experience in various factory roles. His passion for sales, design, and product development led him to work as a each of those different facets before ultimately overseeing the entire sales and product teams. For the past eight years, Tyler has shared the CEO role with his brother, helping expand the company to three facilities in Western Washington that produce a wide range of frameless cabinetry covering various segments and price points. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters...and bird dogs, loves being outdoors, especially during hunting season.
Speakers:
David Mullis, President & CEO, Leedo Manufacturing Company
David Mullis is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Leedo. He has spent 30 years leading woodworking companies. He has transformed the performance of multiple companies by deploying LEAN strategic growth strategies in Sales and Operations. He joined Leedo in 2013 from Armstrong World Industries - Flooring, where he was Vice President of Hardwood Manufacturing and Vice President of Armstrong Cabinets for 8 years. Prior to Armstrong, David spent 12 years in the domestic Furniture industry to include Drexel Heritage, Century, Sherrill and Baker Furniture companies.
David is passionate, hands-on leader who enjoys working directly with his teams to innovate and deliver high levels of quality and best in class customer service.
David has a B.S. Industrial Engineering (Furniture Manufacturing & Management) from North Carolins State University. He is LEAN and Six Sigma certified.
JW Coady, CEO, Nations Cabinetry
Current CEO of Nations Cabinetry, the largest North American cabinet company with 100% Tribal ownership. JW has over 30 years leadership experience in private equity and Fortune 500 companies with a focus on growth and business turn around. His work experience includes operations in Mexico, Canada and across the U.S. JW is also the President of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma's Commercial group of companies.
Kent Martin, CEO, Signature Custom Cabinetry
Kent Martin has a diverse work experience over several companies. Kent started his career at Conestoga Wood Specialties in 1985, where he served as the Manager of Customer Service until 1988. Kent then moved to the role of Manager of Custom Sales at the same company from 1989-1992. In 1992, Kent joined Signature Custom Cabinetry as the President/CEO, and later become the Chief Executive Officer in August 2021. Kent also held a position on the Board of Directors at Blatt & Myers, Inc. Additionally, he served as Board Member at B.R. Kreider & Sons and as Advisory Board Member at Fulton Bank.
