Greetings Customers & Friends,
Our woodworking world at Parkerville will miss him. For over six years, Russel Foerschner has managed Parkerville’s architectural millwork department, which produces the vast majority of our custom work. This department includes our estimator, two drafters/engineers, and a group of 8 skilled workers, including a CNC operator, a finisher, assemblers, and drivers.
After a long, successful professional career in the commercial woodworking industry, Russel has decided to retire at the end of March. Russ’s background and skillset have benefited Parkerville’s growth and have been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation that Parkerville is known for. Russel has earned the respect of both those who work with him at Parkerville and our valued clients.
Russel was originally planning to retire at the end of 2025. As a testament to his character, dedication, and professionalism, Russel agreed to stay on beyond the end of 2025 to assist Parkerville in its management transition. Because of this, Parkerville has been able to maintain commitments to important customers, meet deadlines, and avoid costly project delays. For this, I am forever grateful to Russ. He is a true professional. I wish Russ all the best as he transitions into his retirement.
I recently met Marco DeVellis, and over the past few weeks, I have negotiated with Marco to join our team at Parkerville in a senior management position. With 32 years of experience in the professional woodworking industry, Marco brings the perfect background to Parkerville. Marco began his woodworking career as a cabinet maker and installer. As he progressed with his career, his mechanical ability fostered his growth to draw and engineer millwork and understand how custom cabinetry is built. This naturally evolved to Marco drafting, engineering, and managing complex projects. Marco owned his own millwork shop for several years, providing mostly premium residential cabinetry in Fairfield County to high-end homebuilders. More recently, Marco held a senior management position as a Lead Design Engineer for one of the largest premier millwork companies in the northeast. We welcome Marco and are excited to have him join Parkerville.
On a personal note, I am enjoying being a grandparent. My oldest grandchild, Emily, is 3 ½ years old and taking an interest in arts and crafts. Emily is inspired by her mother, Amanda, who is very creative and talented herself. I have joined them on a couple of occasions to attend Saturday morning craft classes for young children that are generously sponsored by both Lowe’s and Home Depot. My 2 ½ year old grandson, Charlie, joins us occasionally. These sponsors donate labor and small kits that children can build. It’s beneficial in so many ways for young children. If you have young children or grandchildren, you should check it out.
Well, one thing led to another, and last fall, Emily, Amanda, and I started working on a project build 2 memory boxes. One for Emily, and one for her soon-to-be little sister. We had to pause the project for several weeks when Emily’s little sister, Elaina, was born, but we recently got back into it. These small chests are made with solid Ash and are dovetailed together. They were designed by Amanda and Emily and are being made by all three of us. Our handprints will be on the interior, and their names and birthdates will be laser-etched into the tops. It has been so enjoyable to spend a couple of hours every couple of weeks working with them on a project. When we’re complete with these, I will see if I can get Charlie interested in building one for himself, as well as his new sister Linnea. It’s never too early to inspire the next generation to explore artistic endeavors. Skilled tradespeople will always be in demand.
It’s been a tough winter with an astounding amount of snow. I’m proud to say that because of our incredible team member, Dave Norman, we never closed because of the snow. I do remember when I used to love winter. Now, not quite as much. Hope you all made it through unscathed. Can’t wait for spring.
Hope to see you at the shop,
Sincerely,
David Harris, President
Parkerville Wood Products, Inc.
