Sara Johnson Wins 40 Under 40 Award from Woodworking Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 26, 2017

By Amanda Emmerich, amandae@stevensind.com

StevensWood is pleased to announce Sara Johnson has been awarded a national award in the woodworking industry.  Publication Woodworking Network selects 40 Under 40 winners each year to be recognized as notable in the woodworking industry.  "The program honors individuals in the next generation of leaders who are making an impact on wood products manufacturing in North America" states Woodworking Network.  Johnson, a Product Designer and Developer for Stevens Industries, received the award at the recent Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) Fair in Las Vegas.  She was recognized among her peers at an awards reception the night before the show's open.  Editor of Woodworking Network, Bill Esler, introduced each winner explained a bit about why each was selected from a field of more than 100 nominees.  He noted that Johnson has a unique perspective with her advanced education in architecture and experience in both design and manufacturing.  Johnson has a B.A. in art and mathematics from McKendree University (2008) and a Masters in Architecture from the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis (2011.)

In her publication profile, Johnson shared, "Design, to me, is much more about problem-solving than aesthetics, and it can be applied to processes just as well as physical products," says Sara. "To arrive at the best solution possible, I believe that diversity of thought is extremely important. If you bring together people from the same background, with the same skill set and the same interests, odds are you'll get the same ideas, time and time again. Creative solutions, on the other hand, come not just from creative thinkers, but also from a collaboration between people who bring different experiences to the table, or who may see an issue from different vantage points."

Stevens is proud of her work and the passion and creativity she brings to the team.  A full list of winner profiles can be seen at, www.woodworkingnetwork.com.

For more information about StevensWood or Stevens Industries, Inc., visit, www.StevensInd.com or contact Stevens Industries spokeswoman, Amanda Emmerich, at 217-857-7145.