In this solo episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond steps out from behind the interview desk to tackle one of the most urgent problems in the millwork and construction industry, not the shortage of talent, but the shortage of training and mentorship. 

Drawing from his own unconventional path, from architecture school to engineering without prior cabinet-building experience, Jacob shares what it takes to create a true talent pipeline. This episode is a powerful call to action for millwork leaders, project managers, and shop owners who keep asking, “Where do I find good people?” but haven’t asked, “How am I helping create them?” 

If your shop is struggling with turnover, skill gaps, or a lack of promotable team members, this is required listening. 

About the Host 

Jacob Edmond is the founder and CEO of DuckWorks, and host of Verify In Field. With a background in architecture and engineering, he built his career to leading a team of 100+ millwork professionals. Known for his technical depth and leadership vision, Jacob is passionate about creating real career paths in the trades and about building a culture that trains, mentors, and empowers the next generation of talent. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode 

• The Talent Isn’t Missing. The Mentorship Is: We’re not short on people willing to work. We’re short on companies willing to teach. Jacob explains why training is the real missing piece in the industry’s talent puzzle. 
• Why “Experience” is Overrated Without Support: Jacob shares how he learned engineering without traditional shop experience—and how the right mentorship made it possible. 
• From Shop Floor to Engineering Desk: Learn how internal promotions, when done with a plan, can create skilled drafters, PMs, and estimators faster than you think. 
• The Culture of Teaching vs. the Culture of Doing: Most shops rely on a handful of experts who “just know.” But unless those experts are teaching others, you’re stuck. Jacob explains how to shift your culture to include documentation, shadowing, and open Q&A sessions. 
• How DuckWorks Trains at Scale: Jacob breaks down how DuckWorks scaled its training from 1-on-1 sessions to structured internal programs, including manual cut list lessons, Microvellum walkthroughs, and open office hours. 
• The Power of Mistakes in Learning: Messing up is part of growth. Jacob argues that engineers should walk the floor, take feedback, fix their own mistakes, and that leaders should make space for failure as part of mentorship. 
• Why Retention Starts with Training: If your shop has one great CNC operator and zero backups, you’re vulnerable. Jacob explains how cross-training builds resilience and unlocks hidden talent. 

Key Insight: A Culture of Mentorship Wins Long-Term 

Hiring an expert from your competitor might solve a short-term gap, but building your own talent is how you create sustainable, loyal, and highly skilled teams. And it starts with one question: What did you teach your team this week? 

Where to Learn More 

• Connect with Jacob in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobedmond/
• Read the DuckWorks Blog: https://duckworksmw.com/blog/

Final Thoughts 

If you’ve ever complained that “good people are hard to find,” this episode is for you. Jacob’s raw, honest insights challenge leaders to rethink their role, not just as doers, but as teachers. Because the future of millwork depends not on who we hire, but on who we train.