For Torrance entrepreneur Duane Wildes, education is good business. After spending 30 years managing hardware stores and lumberyards, Wildes recently retired to open a specialty hardwoods store in the South Bay.

Wildes had comprehensive knowledge about the materials and the business, but he didn't know as much about the fine woodworking craft of using hardwoods to make custom cabinets, furniture and other specialty items. So, he enrolled in El Camino College's "Upper Residential Cabinets" class to learn more. Part of the college's Construction Technology program, the course helps students develop a solid background in the fundamentals of woodworking technology.

"Fine woodworking is a true craftsman's trade, not simply a labor position in the workforce," said Wildes, who is a part owner of Hudson & West Hardwoods, Inc. in Torrance. "The fundamentals of the craft were challenging for me, so I took the class to find out as much as I could. I learned about the equipment, safety and quality that goes into this kind of work, which is truly one of a kind. Everything is very high end and handmade, piece by piece. I just want to be the best at what I do and understand the process, from buying wood all the way through to the finished piece."

Wildes learned so much, he now sends his managers to ECC so that they can take the class.

"I can't say enough about the El Camino College program, especially professor Jack Selph," he said. "He teaches all the right things and all the right techniques – everything is done right. It is so important to have my employees learn this. I am happy to pay for the continuing education for my staff members; it is more than worth the investment."

The ECC Construction Technology program offers an associate degree and certificates in cabinet and fine woodworking. In addition to the construction of residential cabinetry and furniture, students learn marketable fine woodworking skills, which translate to future employment and business ownership. Courses are taught by professors who are not only experts in their fields, but also skilled educators.

"It's extremely rewarding helping students learn the basics of woodworking and watching them grow into skilled craftsmen and women, enabling them to achieve their professional goals," said professor Selph, who became an instructor at El Camino College after running his own successful cabinetry business for many years.

With plans to expand the business, Wildes will continue to work with El Camino College. His secret to success isn't much of a secret because he will tell anyone who asks: hire great people. It seems simple, and to him, it is.

"It is so hard to find good people to work in the store, but I am more than willing to hire someone with a great attitude, even without experience," Wildes said. "I can teach them what they need to know at the store, and El Camino College can provide the training. If someone is willing to learn, I have a job ready and waiting."

Wildes also has an open-door policy for ECC students who want to come to the store and learn more about hardwoods, even offering a student discount on purchases.

"Most of our high-end cabinet makers who work in Southern California simply cannot find the experienced help they need, and neither can I," he said. "I think the ECC program fills that need. It is such a great resource for our company."

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