He invented a knock-down table in 1951[2][3] and founded a company that produced ready-to-assemble furniture—one of the largest in the United States at the time of his death.

[citation needed] He had only an eighth grade education[4] and was a Mennonite cabinet maker.

Sauder worked at the Archbold Ladder Company[citation needed] in his home town before he started his own business in 1934.

[2] The Sauder Woodworking Company initially manufactured church pews, tables and other items.

[4] The Sauder Woodworking Company manufactured ready-to-assemble furniture, while Sauder Manufacturing handled church furniture, and the Archbold Container company dealt in materials for packaging.