Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Oakwood Veneer Company, a leading provider of premium wood veneer products, has formed an educational partnership with Chris Benedetto, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Woodshop Teacher at Hazel Park High School in Hazel Park, Michigan.
With over 20 years of combined experience in woodworking and technical education, Benedetto offers invaluable expertise both in the classroom and, through this unique collaboration, to the wider woodworking community. As a CTE Woodshop Teacher, his role extends beyond crafting projects; he equips students with the industry-relevant skills and certifications essential for successful careers in woodworking, construction, and technical trades, according to the company.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Chris Benedetto to the Oakwood Veneer team,” said Peter Rodgers, president of Oakwood Veneer. “His passion for woodworking and dedication to teaching are inspiring, and we’re excited to combine our industry knowledge with his educational expertise to reach a new generation of woodworkers.” Peter added.
Through this partnership, Benedetto will collaborate with Oakwood Veneer to develop and share educational content centered on the fundamentals of wood veneer. The aim is to educate students, hobbyists, and professionals on the process of making veneer, working with it safely and efficiently, and utilizing it to enhance various woodworking projects. This initiative reinforces Oakwood Veneer’s dedication to community engagement and education, while supporting Hazel Park High School’s mission to equip students with practical technical skills. It also aligns with a nationwide effort to revitalize industrial arts education and enhance career readiness in schools.
Oakwood Veneer has a long history of supporting educational initiatives, providing discounts to schools and organizing training events for both educators and professionals. This partnership further strengthens the company’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and technical education.
About Oakwood Veneer
Oakwood Veneer Company started as a small venture in 1986 by its founder Peter Rodgers. In the beginning, Peter Rodgers’ primary business was Evergreen Kitchen Refacing, Inc. serving customers in Metro Detroit area. To keep costs down, Peter initiated Oakwood Veneer Company to purchase flexible wood veneers in large quantities. He stored it in his basement to start, but soon moved his veneer stock to a 5,000 sq. ft warehouse on Rochester Road in Clawson, Michigan.
Oakwood Veneer’s first customers were, by and large, direct competitors to Evergreen Kitchens with whom Peter had developed friendly business relations.
Read more news on: wood veneer, timber, sustainability, craftsmanship, woodworking
Get more updates on European woodworking industry through: www.woodandpanel.com
Tags: best wood magazine, best wood news, Chris Benedetto, educational partnership, Hazel Park High School, Oakwood Veneer, sustainable craftsmanship, technical skills, wood, wood and panel, wood veneer, woodworking, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking education, woodworking industry, woodworking USA
