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

10 Kitchen Design Mistakes not to Make

There are numerous moving parts involved in a kitchen renovation, making it easy to overlook areas where design mistakes can occur. To help, we’ve compiled ten mistakes to avoid.

Read more
/0 Comments/by
A wet bar with wood floating shelves and decor pieces displayed all on themWalker Woodworking

5 Different Shelves For Your Home

Shelves are a functional part of the design in any space. They provide additional storage in areas that may have been limited, such as the kitchen sink, tight corners, and even a hallway

Read more
/0 Comments/by
brown kitchen islandWalker Woodworking

Why Choose Wood Countertops?

Wood is kinda our thing; after all, we have been working with it for twenty years, but while it has been mainly cabinets, we are excited to see an increased interest in wood countertops. More and more homeowners are looking to select sustainable materials in their design, and wood countertops are one way to do that.

Read more
/0 Comments/by
chesnut kitchen cabinets in pool houseWalker Woodworking

Is Kitchen Backsplash Necessary?

The kitchen backsplash may seem like a small thing, but it brings a wide variety of benefits, making it a valuable design element. When walking through a model home or flipping through an interior design magazine, the kitchen’s backsplash always catches our eye.

Read more
/0 Comments/by
rustic living roomWalker Woodworking

When Should You NOT Paint Wood Furniture?

Walker Woodworking, we know that the decision to paint cabinets or other wood furniture is a personal one. Still, our team of local cabinet makers near Charlotte, North Carolina, wants to address whether there are times when painting may not be advisable.

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