A Family Story of Dedication, Hard Work, and Excellence
Introduction
Custom Craft Cabinets was born from a mother and father’s dream, hard work, and a legacy passed from one generation to the next. This is a story not just of a business, but of family, values, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. For 58 years, Custom Craft Cabinets has stood as a testament to the standards and principles instilled by its founders, the journey that began with a simple dream and meager beginnings.
From Builder to Cabinet Maker: The Dream Begins
For 25 years, my father, Bud Marshall, built custom homes. He found the most joy in doing the intricate trim work on interior windows, doors, and moldings. While he was known for his craftsmanship, he always dreamed of starting his own cabinet shop—one that would allow him to focus on the fine details he loved most.
Early in his marriage, my mother and father purchased a piece of property with the intention of building their family’s dream home. However, faced with the decision to either pursue their dream home or embark on a new business venture, they chose the latter. They sold the property, bought some used woodworking machinery, and took a leap of faith, founding their own business—Custom Craft Cabinets.
The Humble Beginnings: A Family Affair
In April of 1967, they opened the first shop in an old Quonset hut, formerly used by Central Chevrolet as a body shop. It was a modest start; he was a sole proprietor, and my mother managed the books. I will never forget the night we received the key to the master lock that opened the shop’s doors—a symbol of a new chapter for our family.
Even before the shop opened, I was in awe of what my father could build in our garage. He often took side projects to earn extra money, sometimes to fund hunting trips with his friends. Inspired by him, I would pretend to work in the garage, sometimes injuring myself with hand saws or hammers, but never losing the desire to follow in his footsteps.
Lessons Learned: Work, Family, and Pride
My father believed in teaching by doing. He would ask my brother Jim and myself if we wanted a hamburger and a milkshake. Of course, we said yes—but there was always a catch. First, we’d have to help him load and deliver cabinets. Through these outings, we learned the value of hard work at a young age, a lesson I carry with me to this day.
After graduating high school in 1972, I joined my father full time. He taught me the ins and outs of cabinet making, sharing not just his skills, but his commitment to quality, punctuality, and integrity. Over time, as I developed as a craftsman, I had the privilege of buying the business from him when he decided to retire at 65. Soon after that my twin brother Jim left the iron works and joined me as a partner. With his background being the chief shop Stewart for Herrick Iron works we decided to expand the business and dad’s dream of keeping a family business alive.
Carrying the Torch: Growth and Innovation
Throughout my career, we have strived to honor my father’s legacy by continually learning and improving. Like him, we were accomplished athletes and earned the respect of our peers. While I never went to college, we learned through experience, driven by the desire to make my father proud and to expand on what he built.
Today, Custom Craft Cabinets has embraced technology, utilizing computer-aided design and advanced machinery. We are very fortunate to have the same employees for the last 25 years who love what they do. We have built a reputation for delivering high-quality cabinets, always on time. Our shop is a place where pride in our work is evident in every project, rooted in the standards my father set decades ago.
A Legacy Remembered
My father lived to be 98, retaining his clarity of mind and a full head of hair. Before he passed, he told me he was proud of what we had achieved with the business he started—a memory I cherish deeply.
Whenever I meet a new customer, I tell them, “We are the Varsity, and we care more about your cabinets than you do.” It’s not just a slogan; it’s the philosophy that has guided our shop for 58 years.
Conclusion: Thank You, Dad
As we celebrate 58 years of Custom Craft Cabinets, we reflect on the sacrifices, lessons, and love that made this business possible. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your vision, your standards, and your unwavering support. Your legacy lives on in every cabinet we build
