Holly Sams 40 under 40 winner 2025

IN THE NEWS

Celebrating Leadership and Innovation: Holly Sams Named to Woodworking Network’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

At Walker Woodworking, we believe that great craftsmanship starts with great people — and this year, we’re proud to celebrate one of our own.

Holly Sams, our Operations Manager, has been recognized by Woodworking Network as part of the 2025 Wood Industry 40 Under 40, an annual award honoring the next generation of professionals shaping the future of woodworking across North America.

The 40 Under 40 program recognizes individuals who are redefining excellence in cabinetry, furniture, millwork, and manufacturing. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, this award honors leaders who combine innovation, efficiency, and passion — all qualities Holly demonstrates every day at Walker Woodworking.

A Visionary in Operations and Leadership

Holly joined Walker Woodworking seven years ago as a cabinet engineer, quickly standing out for her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and drive to continually learn and improve. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to think strategically led her to her current leadership role as Operations Manager — where her impact has been truly transformative.

In 2020, when Walker Woodworking expanded to a 75,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, Holly played a key role in implementing Innergy Software and lean manufacturing principles with the help of Quantum Lean.

The results speak for themselves: improved efficiency, reduced stress, and a more profitable, balanced workflow. Today, our team enjoys no mandatory overtime, precise production scheduling, and nearly perfect flow, all thanks to Holly’s leadership and innovation.

Women in Woodworking: Leading by Example

The woodworking and cabinetry industries have long been male-dominated, but women like Holly are changing that narrative. Her leadership style — grounded in collaboration, precision, and mentorship — reflects a new generation of professionals who blend technology with traditional craftsmanship.

At Walker Woodworking, we’re proud to see a woman in a key leadership role shaping not only our company’s success but also inspiring the next generation of women in manufacturing. Holly’s journey is proof that passion, adaptability, and teamwork can drive both personal growth and business excellence.

A Shared Success Story

As one of the top custom cabinetry manufacturers in North Carolina, Walker Woodworking thrives because of the people behind our craftsmanship. Holly’s recognition is also a reflection of the dedication and teamwork that define our culture.

“We are a luxury brand of custom cabinetry. That is a hard business model to know your true cost, but Holly, with the help of Leslie and Stacey, has made this possible.”

We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this milestone and share in Holly’s well-deserved success. Her story reminds us that when innovation meets heart, great things happen — not just for our company, but for the future of woodworking.

Congratulations, Holly!

The team at Walker Woodworking is proud to have you represent us as part of the Woodworking Network’s 40 Under 40 professionals, class of 2025.

/onOctober 14, 2025/updatedNovember 9, 2025/inIn The News
wine room with a cellarWalker Woodworking

Supply and Demand During A Renovation

What many homeowners don’t initially factor in, however, is the impact of supply and demand during a renovation. It’s easy to assume that if you’d like a new kitchen by Thanksgiving, starting in the summer will be plenty of time—but that’s not always the case. Project timelines can be extended due to current demand, material availability, and manufacturer lead times, especially for custom or specialty items.

Read more
/0 Comments/by
white kitchen and dining roomWalker Woodworking

What Is A Natural Style?

Nature offers the perfect solution to this situation, and an increasing number of designers are looking to it for inspiration. Let’s talk about natural style and how to use it to get the balance you need in the home.

Read more
/0 Comments/by
green bathroom with tile floorsWalker Woodworking

A Bathroom Renovation Budget Guide

This budget guide will set the tone for the entire project and help us determine exactly which products to show you. In this blog, we will share what a reasonable bathroom renovation budget should include and provide a general estimate of the total cost.

Read more
/0 Comments/by
beverage center with lightingWalker Woodworking

Universal Cabinet Design

Cabinet design is what we do best. We sit down with our clients to discuss their unique needs and create a space that meets their lifestyles. Even though each design has elements built for the homeowners, some things are standard in every kitchen layout, and some things we recommend will serve our clients later.

Read more
/0 Comments/by
White kitchen cabinets with a island sinkWalker Woodworking

Timeless Kitchen Design Styles

A timeless kitchen will remain one of the top areas in the home and, as such, needs to be given proper consideration during the design phase. Our goal is to help you create a design that is exactly what you need, which means taking the time to listen to your specific needs.

Read more
/0 Comments/by
Most Popular Features in a Kitchenblue kitchen island with dishware in drawersWalker WoodworkingA white kitchen with a marble island countertop with grey cabinetryWalker Woodworking Signs Your Kitchen Is Overdue for New Cabinetry