Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Kuhr.
Melanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2015, I was part of an LLC that purchased Signature Millwork, a premier provider of architectural millwork. We are a subcontractor to large General Contractors primarily on commercial projects. Our projects include Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, Museum Tower, One Arts, The Stoneleigh, TCU, Nobu, Hermes, Tiffany, Ft. Worth Botanical Garder, Rory Children’s Garden at the Arboretum, Neiman Marcus to name a few.
Originally, I was simply an investment partner and became involved operationally in 2009, four years after, we purchased the business. Both a significant business downturn, divorce and relocation I found myself a part of a much-needed turnaround. In 2009, 175 millwork businesses failed in Texas, our story is one of reengineering, employee loyalty and the belief we could survive and thrive.
We have 42 employees, many have been part of our team for 30+ years and both women-owned businesses but also FSC certified, meaning we work on sustainable projects.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In 2009, in addition to the significant downturn and abrupt halt in construction, our commercial bank pulled our Line of Credit with 10 days’ notice as they wanted to immediately exit the construction industry. We had to personally finance the daily operations, exited our union agreement with our employees and found in the end, we had our team’s loyalty behind us, likely a result that we kept them fully employed at 40 hours a week and never missed a pay period in a time most carpenters were laid off.
We decided if we were going down, we were going down big. Whether brave or simply bravado, we retooled our company with equipment we bought pennies on the dollar from other millwork firms that folded, secured the loyalty of our employees even though we left the union (we were the last union shop in Dallas) and aggressively sought to sell our trade to the distinguished residential market to balance out the downturn in the commercial markets.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Founded in 1991, Signature Millwork established itself as one of Dallas/Fort Worth’s premier architectural millwork providers. Our clients depend on us for project management, design for constructability and craftsmanship. Our firm specializes in the complete Design, Build, Finish and Install life cycle of custom architectural millwork development. Our mastery includes custom veneered panels, cabinetry and casework, wood ceilings, custom fixture and furniture, trim and professional finishing. Our team completes the process with installation for commercial, retail, education, cultural, religious and distinguished residential projects.
Additionally, Signature Millwork is FSC certified bringing sustainably sourced and environmentally sound material to our customers.
What were you like growing up?
I’m a Cincinnati, Ohio native and moved to the Dallas area in 1984. I grew up in a trades family that was always entrepreneurial. I spent 16 years in corporate America, both Procter and Gamble and EDS prior to owning a business.
Contact Info:
- Address: Signature Millwork
2861 Merrell Road
Dallas, TX 75229 - Website: signaturemillwork.com
- Phone: 972-241-9535
- Email: info@signaturemillwork.com
- Instagram: Signature Millwork
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signaturemillwork/
- Twitter: Signature Millwork
- Yelp: Signature Millwork
- Other: Signature Millwork
Image Credit:
melanie kuhr Signature Millwork
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