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From the Editor
Surface & Panel Opens New Doors for Longtime Editor and News Executive
Creating great publications and helping move a business forward are what I’ve been doing for decades.
Now, I’m stepping in to do those things for Bedford Falls Communications and Surface & Panel magazine. It’s a great fit.
Earlier this year, I decided it was time for a change after 36 years at Bliss Communications in Janesville, Wis., where I was vice president of news and editor of The Gazette newspaper. I approached my old friend John Aufderhaar about prospects at Bedford Falls, and he told me he needed an editorial director for his publications, including Surface & Panel.
We quickly agreed that my background and skills matched his needs.
I had read Surface & Panel and was familiar with the composite panel and decorative surface industries through my experiences and longtime connection to John. I have written and edited hundreds of stories on successful businesses in Wisconsin and the U.S. I was a key strategist and analyst and was the face of my company, often speaking on radio and appearing on television, including on CNN and CBS during the 2012 presidential campaign.
I also know how to tell a good story. I’ve studied writing extensively, and I’ve been an editor, coach and teacher for most of my career.
I’m now fully immersed in the panel-processing world and helping spread the word about topics ranging from cutting-edge machines that are continually improving the process to the best uses for different surfacing materials to the innovative hardware that improves access and lighting and makes lives easier inside homes and businesses.
When I say John and I go back, I'm not exaggerating. We grew up as next-door neighbors in Fort Atkinson, Wis. We played ball together through high school. We went to UW-Madison together, and we've stayed close.
I had written stories for John, and we'd often joked about how I should come to work for him. It's funny how things work out.
So here I am, diving into my job and enjoying what I’m finding. The composite panel and decorative surface industries are growing rapidly as more consumers discover the quality, beauty and versatility of the products. It’s exciting to be involved with industries that are enjoying so much success and see such a bright future.
Speaking of that, new S&P writer Jim Leute, who is a former newspaper business editor, lays out the state of the remodeling industry in his story starting on page 26. Things are good, and the outlook is for continued growth. That’s great news, especially for suppliers, fabricators and interior designers. Leute’s business acumen adds a new dimension to S&P and will be on display in future editions, as well.
This edition also showcases the beautiful architectural doors made possible because of the consistency, durability and other properties of medium-density fiberboard. Leah Wheeler’s story starting on page 32 explores what’s possible when you combine MDF with the creative manufacturing of Trustile doors.
Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t single out Rich Christianson’s fabulous package on uber-creative Michael Bright and his Bright Wood Works in St. Petersburg, Fla., which starts on page 18. Talk about eye-opening. Bright loves to innovate and surprise by matching natural and man-made decorative surfaces to make revolutionary fashion statements.
That’s interesting and useful content for the readers of S&P, and this magazine has much more. Future editions will build off this franchise’s strong foundation and offer more from businesses that are leading the way in their use of panel processing to meet the widening demands of today’s consumers.
I look forward to playing a key role. I’ve always been passionate about writing and telling a good story, and now I’m passionate about composite panels and decorative surfaces and the infinite possibilities they offer for homes, offices, stores, hotels, health care facilities and more.
Feel free to contact me with ideas or information you think would benefit me, Surface & Panel or our readers.
When I decided to leave the newspaper business, I didn’t know where my career path would lead. I'm thrilled it brought me here.
Scott W. Angus | Editorial Director | scottangus47@gmail.com
“I look forward to playing a key role. I’ve always been passionate about writing and telling a good story, and now I’m passionate about composite panels and decorative surfaces and the infinite possibilities they offer for homes, offices, stores, hotels, health care facilities and more.”
