Woodworking business owner will serve as Kendall commencement speaker on June 22

Photo by Tom Rivers: Karl Driesel is pictured in December 2016 at Orleans Millworks, a business he opened in Kendall in July 2016.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 April 2018 at 3:41 pm

KENDALL – The Class of 2018 will hear from a Kendall graduate who was working as a college professor when he decided to devote himself fully to running a business in his hometown.

Karl Driesel, 32, opened Orleans Millworks in July 2016. He was working out of his home until committing to building a new 5,884-square-foot shop and showroom at 1750 Kendall Rd. He also was commuting to Morrisville State College, making a 2 ½-hour trip two to three times a week. He taught in the wood science department and showed students how to make cabinets. Driesel graduated from Morrisville State College, earning degrees in wood products technology and business management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. 

Driesel has been chosen by the Senior Class to give the commencement address on June 22. The Board of Education also gave its approval on Wednesday to have Driesel address students at graduation.

Driesel grew up in the community and was an Eagle Scout. He runs the sound for many school events and also lets students use his parking lot to prepare their floats during the homecoming parade.

“It’s nice to have a hometown guy,” said Nadine Hanlon, president of the Board of Education.

Carol D’Agostino, the high school principal, said Driesel is well known among the students.

“He loves Kendall and we love him,” she told the Board of Education.

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