Wandering into Woodworking

How did you end up in the veneer industry?
Scott Brogan: The whole reason I went to Germany was to improve my language skills; it had nothing to with veneer. However, I absolutely fell in love with the product. I decided that I could either follow my degree and become a high school band director when I got back to the United States, or I could take an opportunity which had presented itself and work for the David R. Webb Company when I returned home. I opted for the latter and have never looked back.

What was your vision when you opened Scott Brogan Group?
SB: I started looking at the business as a collaborative process. Construction industry suppliers, architects, designers, contractors, building owners—we’re all stakeholders in the process of having something built. I wanted to bring more than veneer to the architect. The process begins with veneer from Brogan Wood Products, which the architect selects. Then I’m involved in the production of the panel product, doors, and millwork items, laying out the veneer per the architect’s request. These products are typically supplied unfinished to others for final preparation, finishing, and installation.

Can you elaborate on Intermezzo?
SB: I began Intermezzo LLC, my second company, to further our brand and provide more finished—or even completely finished—goods. Additionally, I am highly influenced by what the European design community does in terms of the use of materials and sustainable practices. I go to Europe maybe four times a year to either buy veneer or look at new products and new design ideas. For example, we have a laminated-glass line that is revolutionary, and we are adding new products several times a year.

Many of our clients are looking to use innovative products, both wood- and non-wood- based. Intermezzo is able to provide these materials and the full production of goods, which can be completely customized. It solidifies our brand of pulling together a variety of materials, using each one as a building block to the eventual finished product.

Who are your clients?
SB: Our main focus has typically been with the architect, but we do get involved with general contractors as well as different subcontractors in different fields. It could be millwork, glazing subs, or furniture dealers, but we usually start with the architect.

How do clients find you?
SB: Mostly through referrals and repeat business. Many of our clients we’ve done business with for years. My name is known in certain markets as a reputable wood-veneer vendor, so right away that helps because companies talk. It also helps to grow the awareness of our full brand.

What makes Scott Brogan Group unique?
SB: There are other veneer venders out there, but it’s not about being a veneer vendor anymore, at least not for me. It’s about bringing more value to the table. I’m definitely a key factor because of my passion for the product. I care about the product, the materials, and how we bring them together and what makes them different than something you can just order online. There’s really no one else that is doing what I’m doing in this industry.

What would you describe as your specialty?
SB: My specialty is realizing and interpreting what the design intent is from my client—and being able to marry that to our production capabilities as well as materials that I have seen globally.

What in your career are you most proud of?
SB: The fact that my reputation in the industry has allowed me to maintain and foster new business relationships with a wide variety of people in the A&D and building communities—while at the same time growing a new brand based upon collaborative efforts using Brogan Wood Products and Intermezzo LLC. I am proud to be a small-business owner in America today. ABQ