History

The passion of a young boy for fine carpentry, and his dedication to furthering his craft are at the very roots of DeLeers Millwork’s history.

Back in 1960, 15-year-old Jerry DeLeers decided to sell his most cherished possession, an intricate train set he had painstakingly built with his father. Jerry had a plan that could only be realized by selling his train set, so the proceeds of this sale were promptly invested in a table saw and joiner. Jerry had a passion for building finely crafted woodwork, and dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and master craftsman, and providing cabinetry for his father’s construction company.

So began Jerry’s illustrious career — building cabinets in his family’s basement for DeLeers Construction. After graduating high school in 1964, he went to work for his father in the construction business. But ever true to his first love for woodworking, he spent his evenings and weekends building cabinets and honing his skills.

Jerry’s successful and growing cabinet operation quickly outgrew the basement. It also needed an extra pair of hands to keep pace with the increasing number of orders. That help came in the form of Mike Morgan, who remains with the company today as our Vice President of Production.

Another milestone was reached in the late seventies with the construction of the company's first plant. Officially named "Jerry’s Cabinets", the business was off and rolling. At the same time, Jerry’s younger brother Phil joined the family business. The tremendous growth realized by the construction and cabinetry business quickly made it necessary for Phil and Jerry to divide their duties. Phil’s direction became focused on cabinetry and millwork, while Jerry’s attention was directed toward the construction business.

The eighties saw the company investing heavily in equipment, buildings, and its most valuable asset, people. In 1987, Jerry’s Cabinets was officially renamed DeLeers Millwork Inc. The newly named company had 35 craftsmen and support team members on its staff.

Our market has since expanded from the state of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan to include the Chicago area and across the nation. Our employment level has increased to nearly 100 employees. But, as large as we have grown as an industry leader equipped with the most innovative technology and machinery, DeLeers Millwork is still guided by the very same passion and dedication young Jerry DeLeers had when he set out to follow his dream. Whoever said nice guys don’t finish first, has yet to meet the folks at DeLeers.