When a rapidly growing company has 60+ employees producing more than 100,000 cabinets per year in a manufacturing and warehouse space totaling 220,000 square feet, someone has to manage it all—and that responsibility falls to Deborah Martin, Director of Operations at Green Forest Cabinetry, who is uniquely known for getting things done. A master of managing both information and people, Deb spends her days at the Chesapeake, VA facility coaching, training and innovating as she draws inspiration from Green Forest’s Chief Operating Officer, Nathan Boone (Thirty Under 30 Class of 2021), and Chief Executive Officer, John Morgan. 

“Over the last two-plus years, I’ve expanded my own horizons by working with both of them,” she says. “My inspiration grows each day working with a team of people who have various skillsets and think and approach things differently.”

“I’m proud of having the drive to keep accomplishing. I strive to never looking at just one accomplishment as if it’s the last.” 

It’s hardly surprising that Deb self-describes as “versatile,” or that her favorite part of her job is “constantly being part of an innovative team.” Her most memorable project? “Establishing a recycling system with our information team,” she says. “The goal was to not only save on disposal fees but also recycle more than 50 percent of our waste. This project was the first of many to open my eyes to other ideas and projects.” Deb prefers to consistently look forward, however. “I’m proud of having the drive to keep accomplishing,” she notes. “I strive to never look at just one accomplishment as if it’s the last.” 

Away from work, Deb describes her husband, Dillon, as a “humorous soul” and says she enjoys camping (a favorite spot: the mountains near Denver, CO), reading and family game nights. She is also known to spend her time (and paycheck) at HomeGoods and Marshalls seeking to perfect her design style, which she admits has a split personality. “The first is a Gilmore Girls’ Dragonfly Inn/library/coffee-shop look,” she reveals. “The second is a soft, refreshing and elegant country design.” Somewhere in that mix you’ll also find the couple’s Golden Retriever, River. As for future goals, Deb has three: Establish her own business (she recently took the leap with Wild Rivers, LLC, a custom embroidery shop), travel to Poland and give a TED talk.