Our Story
Jesse Schmitt – President of Premier Custom Millwork, founded his prominent hardwood custom door and molding manufacturing business in 2010. Let us share Jesse’s remarkable journey of his business, offering insights into its origins, challenges, and triumphs.
The story begins in high school, where Jesse participated in a BOCES program, gaining hands-on experience in the building trades program by building two houses. His journey continued with an internship at a local door company, marking the start of his immersion in the world of custom millwork. Having worked in both the shop and sales for a total of ten years, Jesse’s passion for crafting high-quality products laid the foundation for Premier Custom Millwork.
Navigating the Early Years
Jesse vividly recalls the challenges of those initial years. Armed with determination and fueled by a desire to put his name on a superior product, he embarked on the entrepreneurial journey, cashing in his 401k to launch the venture. The business initially focused on reselling before evolving into a full-fledged manufacturer of custom hardwood doors and moldings.
A Solo Venture
For the first 12 years, Jesse operated as the sole operator and craftsman with the support of his wife Laura and his two sons, Alexander and Anthony. Knowing this wasn’t sustainable he relied on investing in machinery to enhance efficiency and ease the workload of the increased customer demands.
Growth and Acquisitions
Reflecting on the recent growth, Jesse built a brand-new facility in 2021 to meet the exact specs of his production. Every piece of machinery was upgraded to new and larger capacity size. Notably, there was an addition of a state-of-the-art pod and rail five-axis CNC machine by Biesse that had been a goal of his for 5 years. That proved to be a game-changer, opening new possibilities and paving the way for expediential growth and further expansion on the new facility. In 2023, Jesse acquired a local existing millwork facility where the owner was looking to retire. This strategic move not only secured essential product lines but also resulted in the establishment of a second location, tripling his real estate and was able to hire five additional employees. Of these employees, son Anthony was able to come onboard as General Manager.
Adapting to Leadership
As the business was scaled, Jesse found himself transitioning from a sole craftsman to a business leader. Learning to delegate and trust his team became pivotal, challenging his inclination toward control. Acknowledging the importance of releasing some control, Jesse emphasizes the role of effective management and the continuous evolution required to lead successfully.
Looking Ahead
While Jesse admits that the vision for the business has evolved over the years, he expresses a desire to maintain a hands-on approach to production. Balancing growth with a commitment to delivering personalized, high-quality products remains at the forefront of Premier Custom Millwork’s future.
Engaging with the Community
Jesse highlights the significance of networking and collaboration within the woodworking community. He credits his success, in part, to open communication with peers and the willingness to share knowledge. Networking not only facilitated the exchange of work but also provided valuable insights into industry trends and challenges.
