Interwood Forest Products Inc.
A leader in high-end architectural grade veneers and lumber using innovative ways in providing you with the best wood that the world has to offer.
About Us
Rooting from a strong family business in Karlstadt Germany, spanning 4 generations, Interwood is proud to be the U.S. Division of Fritz Kohl, specializing in exclusive veneers.
By directly sourcing from origin and selecting only the highest quality materials, we craft veneers that meet the unique visions of our clients. Our refined yet adaptable process sets a new standard in the industry—delivering unmatched quality and precision. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, consistency, and responsive service. Every project is an opportunity to solve challenges creatively, earn trust, and build lasting partnerships rooted in success.
Founded by Joe Kohl in 1987
Born on July 28, 1945, in Würzburg, Joachim Kohl joined the family business, Fritz Kohl, after completing his education, military service, and studies in business administration. In the early 1970s, a formative internship at Wood Mosaic Inc. in Louisville introduced him to American wood species and set the stage for his lifelong connection to the U.S. veneer market. Upon returning to Germany, he quickly took charge of American log purchasing, traveling across the U.S. with Friedrich Kohl Sr. and Walter Helferich to secure high-quality logs.
To meet growing European demand for American veneers, Joachim founded Franconia Traders in 1975 and later established Interwood Forest Products in 1985. He led the company’s expansion from subcontracting veneer slicing to building its own facility in Shelbyville, KY, which opened in 1987. Since then, and through several pivotal circumstances, Joe transformed Interwood into a premier supplier of high-end domestic and exotic veneers in the U.S., a legacy that continues today.
Projects Portfolio
Take a look at our portfolio to see how Interwood veneers come to life in extraordinary ways. From high-end residential interiors and custom millwork, to luxury retail spaces, to aircraft and marine builds, to corporate environments, our veneers have been used to elevate projects across a wide range of applications. Each installation showcases the unique character, grain, and craftsmanship that set our materials apart—proving that when design demands excellence, Interwood delivers.
Our Staff
Eric McGloshen
Vice President
I am the proud leader of Interwood Forest Products. The veneer industry is invaluable to me and my passion for it continues to grow every day.
In 2000, I entered the hardwood veneer industry. My initial role was producing architectural paneling, then later was promoted to project management. Projects included luxury tables and desks, intricately designed paneling, and even musical instruments. My team and I were asked to create limited edition drum wraps for world-renowned bands like Pink Floyd and Queen. In 2018, I transitioned into the private aircraft interiors industry. I was involved in the procurement process and client relations. I joined the Interwood team in 2021 with a succession plan to Vice President. In April 2023, I was announced as the VP. My career experiences give me a unique perspective of our industry from hands on manufacturing to management, procurement, and customer relations.
Interwood maintains the proud reputation of procuring high-end wood products with unmatchable client service. The Interwood team doesn’t take this nod lightly; It fuels our drive and commitment to our clients. It encourages us to stay true to our company mission as well as continuing to be innovative with our services and offerings.
Outside of my professional life, I am a proud family man. My wife, Nicole, and I enjoy raising our 2 young daughters with much of our time spent playing barbies and baby dolls or outside playing in the cul-de-sac. My wife is best friend, my teammate, and my biggest cheerleader. Her steadfast support encourages me to continue to be a determined and focused leader at Interwood.
Rob Romines
Sales Manager
While I’ve been with Interwood since 2018, I began selling domestic veneer in flitch stock form for residential and office furniture applications spending my first 6 years in the industry at Pierson-Hollowell in Lawrenceburg, IN starting in 1987. I continued selling for Dieter K.H. Johnson Veneer until the end of the 90’s. I then spent 19 years selling exotic and domestic species of clipped and bundled veneer, including spliced faces and hardwood lumber for M. Bohlke Veneer Corp. I also began working with the architectural community during this time getting veneer specified for various projects including corporate headquarters, yachts, and private jets.
Please feel free to contact me for assistance. My 35+ years of experience can be utilized to help you find the right veneer and lumber that meets the physical specifications of your project, while simultaneously ensuring that we meet your aesthetic vision.
Will McElmurray
Sales Manager
In 2015, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Kentucky and immediately joined Interwood, where I gained hands-on experience across all areas of the business. In 2016, I became the Production Manager, overseeing daily operations and deepening my understanding of the industry. Later that year, I trained abroad at Fritz Kohl in Germany, focusing on mill operations, sales, and the finer details of the veneer business. The following year, I began supporting international purchasing and material procurement. In 2024, I was appointed Sales Manager.
I genuinely enjoy the complexity of the veneer business and take pride in sourcing the ideal material for each project. Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife, two children, and our dog at the lake-enjoying hunting, fishing, boating, and just about anything outdoors.
Juan Salas
Designline Sales Manager
I started working at Interwood Forest Products in June of 2023 beginning with the day-to-day warehouse labor. Organizing new inventory, running the clipping line, packing shipment orders to customers, making deliveries, and many other tasks.
About 1.5 years after that I was promoted to our Composite Veneer Sales Manager position. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow within this company and while I know there’s still a lot to be learned about the veneer industry, I am very excited for what’s next.
When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time outside, going to concerts and comedy shows, and hanging out with friends. Some of my favorite things to do are play disc golf, board/card games, and pickleball.
Gary Riley
Technology / Compliance / International Shipping Manager
I began my journey with the Interwood team in 2020, after spending 10 years in wholesale management and regulatory compliance. My career is focused on the fascinating intersection of business and technology, a path I’ve followed since earning my degree in business with a minor in computer science.
I’m truly passionate about technology’s potential to create positive change, but I’m equally passionate about nature and sustainability. In my free time, I love spending time in nature. It’s a hands-on way for me to connect my professional interests with my personal values, finding ways to blend digital innovation with the tangible, natural world.
Judy Ison
Office Manager / Domestic Shipping
I’m Judy, and I have the privilege of being the longest-tenured employee at lnterwood. My journey here began back in 1994, and I recently celebrated my 31st anniversary with the company. As the Office Manager, I oversee the daily operations that keep everything running smoothly. Beyond managing the administrative heartbeat of our office, I also control all of our domestic shipments, ensuring that our products reach their destinations efficiently and on time.
My career in this industry actually started earlier, back in 1987, when I first entered the veneer industry at Lake Jericho Veneer. Those early years gave me the foundational knowledge and passion for the field that I bring to lnterwood every day.
When I’m not in the office, I love to step away from the desk and enjoy time with my family. I’m an avid enthusiast of the outdoors, finding peace and rejuvenation in nature.
Sustainability
Being part of an industry that is solely dependent on wood as its precious resource, it would be inconceivable for us not to advocate and support the protection and responsible management of the world’s forests in any way possible.
It is our conviction and duty to individually as well as professionally assume responsibility in this field. Individually, we cannot stand idly by and see the planet’s natural renewable resource to be exploited on a scale that would ultimately come back to haunt us and future generations. Professionally, we need sustainable management of forests to ensure the regeneration of our valued resource.
With unique veneers of exceptional quality being the focus of our main product, we are always doing our best to utilize a tree to its fullest extent by select harvesting only mature trees and manufacturing them into the best possible yield process – veneering. We firmly respect our product and the resources behind it and are genuinely excited by the incredible beauty and variety which wood has to offer. By belonging to numerous organizations, we make an effort to support and contribute to the preservation and sustainability to the world’s most beautiful, precious and renewable resource.
Interwood has been a member of the IWPA for many years. We’ve been featured in the quarterly magazine twice highlighting our involvement in the Burj Dubai as well as our sourcing to a fleet of private aircraft.
We Love Forests
At Interwood, our passion for wood extends beyond our inventory—it’s rooted in a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us. We’re proud to support and celebrate the local forests, parks, and green spaces that inspire our work and reflect our values. From the serenity of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest to the timeless design of Olmsted Parks, and from the curated beauty of Yew Dell and Waterfront Botanical Gardens to the dramatic landscapes of Natural Bridge State Resort Park, these treasured places remind us why sustainability, stewardship, and respect for nature are at the heart of everything we do.