In this episode, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Jeff Richard, Millwork Engineer at Dovetail Wood and Metal, Executive Secretary of the Texas AWI Chapter, and Technical Chair for Cabinetmaking at Texas SkillsUSA.
Jeff shares his journey from studying mechanical engineering technology to discovering millwork almost by accident. What started in a residential cabinet shop in Oregon eventually led him into commercial millwork, engineering leadership, CNC manufacturing, and industry volunteer work. Along the way, he discovered that great engineers are not defined by their degrees, but by their willingness to learn, solve problems, and help others grow.
Together, Jacob and Jeff discuss engineering education, commercial millwork, remote engineering, manufacturing processes, SkillsUSA, AWI, and why investing in the next generation is one of the most rewarding parts of a career.
About Our Guest
Jeff Richard is a Millwork Engineer at Dovetail Wood and Metal with nearly two decades of experience in residential and commercial millwork. His background spans drafting, estimating, project management, CNC programming, Cabinet Vision, Microvellum, AutoCAD, and manufacturing engineering.
Outside of his day job, Jeff serves as Executive Secretary of the Texas AWI Chapter and Technical Chair for Cabinetmaking at Texas SkillsUSA, where he helps develop future talent entering the woodworking and millwork industries.
His passion for teaching, mentoring, and continuous learning has made him a respected voice within the industry.
What You’ll Learn
- How Jeff transitioned from mechanical engineering into millwork engineering.
- Why hands on shop experience is invaluable for drafters and engineers.
- How Cabinet Vision became the foundation of Jeff’s engineering career.
- Why engineering degrees alone are not enough to prepare professionals for millwork.
- The importance of understanding CNC equipment and manufacturing processes.
- How remote engineering changes communication with production teams.
- The role AWI plays in networking and professional development.
- Why SkillsUSA is helping build the next generation of millwork professionals.
- The satisfaction that comes from mentoring engineers and students.
- Why curiosity and continuous learning are the most valuable traits for a millwork engineer.
Key Insight
Technical knowledge gets you started. A willingness to learn, solve problems, and share knowledge is what builds a lasting career.
Final Thoughts
Jeff’s career proves that becoming a great engineer is not about having the perfect degree or knowing every software. It comes from staying curious, understanding how products are actually built, and investing in the people around you.
Whether mentoring a coworker, volunteering with SkillsUSA, or speaking at the AWI Engineering Summit, Jeff reminds us that the strongest professionals are those who never stop learning and never stop giving back.
Where to Learn More
Dovetail Wood and Metal
https://www.dovetailwoodandmetal.com/
Texas AWI Chapter
https://texasawi.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-awi
SkillsUSA Texas
https://www.skillsusatx.org/
Architectural Woodwork Institute
https://www.awinet.org/
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