The People Behind Woodwright

When Lorie Welch unexpectedly stepped into leadership of Woodwright following the death of its founder and her husband, Steve Welch, she didn’t inherit a playbook. She had to write one.

Lorie had been part of Woodwright since 1998, but she never set out to become the CEO of a manufacturing company. With a degree in interior design and a career rooted in the design industry, she understood how materials, craftsmanship, and design come together to create exceptional spaces. When Steve died unexpectedly in 2016, Lorie found herself leading the company he had built and facing the challenge of determining what Woodwright could become next.

She chose not simply to preserve the business, but to build on its foundation.

Under Lorie’s leadership, Woodwright has expanded its national presence and strengthened relationships with architects, designers, contractors, and commercial partners across the country. She has championed a more design-driven approach to the business, with a focus on creating products and experiences that make it easier for design professionals to specify wood with confidence.

Her interior design background remains central to her vision for Woodwright. She sees wood not simply as a building material, but as a design element capable of transforming the character and experience of a space. Her leadership is grounded in growth, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge what has always been done.

A native of Kentucky, Lorie earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design from Murray State University in 1994. Her career took her from Nashville to Austin and eventually to Dallas–Fort Worth. She has served as president of the Subcontractors Association of the Metroplex (SAM) and remains active in the architecture, design, and construction community. She is also involved with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and is an alumna of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

Today, Lorie is focused on building Woodwright’s future, honoring its history while continuing to push the boundaries of what a specialty wood manufacturer can be.

Outside of Woodwright, Lorie enjoys traveling, art, great food, and spending time with family and friends. She and her partner, Jack, enjoy exploring new places and making the most of life in North Texas and Colorado.

“You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you.” — Mary Tyler Moore