Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Mangold.
Brad, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The company was founded in 1983 by Richard Woods and has grown to become a leading cabinet supplier in Northeast Florida over the years.
I joined Woodsman in 1999 and quickly advanced into the role of Controller, where I served for many years working closely with Rick and gaining a deep understanding of the business.
As Rick began planning his exit strategy, we explored various options that would benefit both him personally and the employees. After careful consideration, we determined that an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) was the best path forward. In 2023, we officially formed the ESOP, allowing the employees to take ownership of the company through the purchase of the business from Rick.
During this transition, Rick selected me to step into the role of President. Having worked closely together for many years, he was confident in my leadership and knew I had earned the respect and trust of our employees.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The transition from a single-owner structure to an ESOP has been relatively smooth, largely because we made a deliberate effort to surround ourselves with experienced advisors and experts throughout the process. Their guidance helped us navigate the complexities and set a strong foundation for success.
That said, there has definitely been a shift in the feel of the company. Moving to an employee-owned structure is a cultural change as much as it is a financial one. One of the ongoing challenges has been helping our team fully understand and embrace what it means to be employee-owners. That mindset doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time, communication, and continued education for employees to truly grasp the impact and value of ownership.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
From the start, I was brought into the company to work in the accounting department, with the goal of eventually stepping into the Controller role. Over time, I grew into that position and expanded my responsibilities well beyond accounting.
Throughout the years, I’ve taken on a wide range of roles across the company. While serving as Controller, it wasn’t uncommon to find me doing anything from handling financial strategy and negotiating contracts to taking care of day-to-day operational issues—even something as simple as unclogging a toilet. I’ve always believed that no task is too small when it comes to supporting the business and the team.
I think what sets me apart is that hands-on, all-in approach. I’ve never limited myself to a title, and I’ve always been willing to do whatever it takes to help the company succeed.
What I’m most proud of is the trust that was placed in me. Rick recognized my work ethic and commitment over the years, and ultimately believed in me enough to entrust me with leading the company. That level of confidence means a great deal to me, and it’s something I don’t take lightly.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Outside of the business, something that’s very important to me is giving back to the community. With the support of my family, we started an annual car show through our local church, with all proceeds going toward helping underprivileged children.
One of our primary focuses is providing backpacks filled with food for kids who rely on school meals during the week, ensuring they have something to eat over the weekends when school isn’t in session. In addition, we support high school seniors who may not be able to participate in graduation due to financial hardships, whether that’s affording the proper attire or covering outstanding school-related expenses.
Over the past four years, we’ve been fortunate to help around 15 seniors walk at graduation and have donated approximately $30,000 to support children in need of reliable meals.
It’s incredibly meaningful to be able to make a difference in these areas, and it’s something I’m very proud to be a part of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.woodsman.biz
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/woodsmankitchens
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/woodsmankitchensandfloors
