Kari Kovar Named Utah Manufacturing Association’s 2024 Leader of the Year

At Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets, leadership isn’t just about overseeing operations—it’s about vision, innovation, and creating an environment where employees and partners thrive. That’s why we’re proud to announce that Kari Kovar, President + CEO of Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets, has been recognized as the Utah Manufacturing Association’s 2024 Leader of the Year.

Transforming Cottonwood Through Innovation & Culture

Since acquiring Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets in October 2023, Kari has led a remarkable transformation, shaping a dynamic, people-first culture while driving operational excellence. New to the manufacturing industry, she immediately immersed herself in understanding the challenges faced by employees, partners, and the industry at large. With a strategic 12-month plan, she set the company on a path of innovation and sustainable growth, focusing on three guiding principles:

- Minimizing disruption for clients, partners, suppliers, and vendors.

- Maximizing return on investment to reinvest in the company.

- Enhancing employee engagement to build a thriving workplace.

Her hands-on leadership approach has fostered collaboration, strengthened partnerships, and propelled Cottonwood into a new era of craftsmanship, efficiency, and workplace excellence.

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Investing in Employees & Driving Industry Leadership

Believing that people are the foundation of success, Kari has significantly enhanced employee benefits, career development, and workplace culture:

- Expanded Benefits: Enhanced healthcare, dental, vision, accident, and life insurance while reducing out-of-pocket costs by 10%.

- Compensation & Retirement: Implemented a 7% across-the-board raise and revamped the 401K plan for long-term employee success.

- Work-Life Balance: Introduced a modern PTO policy with 10 paid company holidays (including a winter break) and new parental and bereavement leave policies.

- Growth & Training: Created career pathways, invested in leadership training, and launched an employee mentorship program.

- Talent Development: Designed a structured onboarding program and increased cross-department training opportunities to cultivate a highly skilled workforce.

Her leadership not only enhances Cottonwood’s workplace culture but also positions the company as a leader in the industry, making it an employer of choice for top talent.

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Shaping the Future of Manufacturing & the Trades

Kari’s impact extends beyond Cottonwood—she is a champion for the next generation of skilled craftsmen and industry professionals. Understanding the importance of talent development, she has launched a four-part workforce initiative that includes:

- Employee Referral Program: Rewarding current employees with a $1,000 bonus for successful new hires.

- Strategic Talent Partnerships: Partnering with Spectrum Recruiting Solutions to attract top manufacturing and engineering talent.

- Education & Community Engagement: Collaborating with institutions like Utah Valley University, Salt Lake Community College, and Granite Technical Institute, as well as launching an educator referral program.

- Industry Advocacy: Supporting SkillsUSA, the Talent in Wood competition, and industry scholarships to elevate and celebrate the cabinetry and millwork trades.

Her commitment to workforce development ensures a strong pipeline of future talent while reinforcing Cottonwood’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence.

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A Visionary Leader for the Future

Kari Kovar’s recognition as Utah Manufacturing Association’s 2024 Leader of the Year is a testament to her bold leadership, transformative vision, and dedication to people and progress. Under her guidance, Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets continues to grow, innovate, and set new standards in high-end custom cabinetry and millwork.

Want to collaborate with a company driven by innovation and excellence? Whether you're a builder, designer, architect, or craftsman, we invite you to be part of our journey.

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Connect with us today to see how Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets can bring your vision to life.

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Link to UMA’s Instagram announcement:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB1woqnN3UX/?igsh=MW1lcXFncjR0a2dyNg==

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