"We Make Furniture Better: The RAMS Industries Story"
During a stroll through a local mall, I was struck by the sight of cracked Edgebanding on high-end retail displays at The Bay, peeling Edgebanding on the Mall's customer service counters, and mismatched Edgebanding on bookcases at Indigo. These small details were everywhere, yet they had a huge impact on the overall appearance and quality of the furniture. That moment stayed with me, and it’s why I started RAMS Industries—to ensure that no one would ever have to compromise on Edgebanding quality again.
Growing up in Germany, I had the privilege of beginning my career with Surteco, one of the leading Edgebanding manufacturers in the world. This experience ingrained in me a deep appreciation for product quality and precision. Surteco's commitment to maintaining tight manufacturing tolerances became second nature to me, and it’s a value I carry forward at RAMS Industries today. Our motto, "We Make Furniture Better," speaks to this dedication to quality in every product we distribute.
In May of 1999, I moved to Canada and continued my career with Surteco as a Marketing Manager, Product Manager, and later as Director of Sales and Marketing for North America. Over the years, I traveled extensively, meeting with OEMs and distributors across the continent. What fascinated me most about the North American woodworking industry was how interconnected it is. Despite the digital communication channels available today, I’ve always believed that personal relationships are at the heart of business. By consulting directly with our customers, we can better understand their needs and make meaningful changes to our product offering. One great example of this is our Benjamin Moore program—a solution born out of the frustration many customers had with the tedious process of painting Edgebanding. We listened, and we delivered a practical solution that saved time and improved efficiency.
In 2015, I began an MBA program, and it was there that I became captivated by courses on product innovation and entrepreneurship. The more I learned, the more I realized that I wanted to build something of my own. At the time, my son was still very young, and I wanted to create a life that allowed me to spend more time with my family while pursuing my professional dreams. So, I made the decision to leave my corporate job and focus on building RAMS Industries. It wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about crafting a future where I could have both fulfilling work and quality family time. The decision was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I wanted to prove to myself that I could build a business that truly resonated with customers and made a tangible impact. After completing my master’s degree, I took the leap into entrepreneurship, armed with knowledge, experience, and a clear vision for RAMS Industries.
Starting out wasn’t easy. The real challenges came in the form of cash flow, bootstrapping, and the need to be scrappy in the early days. There were moments when every penny mattered, and I had to stretch resources to the limit just to keep things moving forward. But each challenge taught me something valuable—how to prioritize, how to find creative solutions, and how to persevere. Over the past six years, we’ve grown significantly, and while we’ve accomplished a great deal, I’m driven by the fact that there is still so much room to grow. The market for Edgebanding and particleboard-based furniture continues to expand, and I’m excited about what’s next for RAMS Industries.
At RAMS Industries, we are selective in the vendors we partner with. We choose companies that share our commitment to quality and exceptional service, ensuring we deliver the best Edgebanding solutions to our customers. Our logo’s three rings represent the vital connections between RAMS Industries, our vendors, and our customers—each one essential to our shared success.
Looking ahead, we are excited to be part of a market that’s not only growing but also evolving. From innovations in color and texture to new ways of meeting customer needs, we are constantly exploring cutting-edge solutions. The future is bright, and I look forward to continuing this journey with our customers, vendors, and team.
We are deeply grateful to every customer who trusts us to deliver the right Edgebanding solutions. Your confidence in us drives our continuous improvement, innovation, and commitment to serving you better. Together, we’re building a future that makes furniture—and the people who create it—better.
