Local Business Spotlight: Reasnor man offers craftmanship, quality with woodworking business

At 22, Joel Steenhoek has already become a business owner. Combining a dream of being his own boss and his love of woodwork. The craftsman decided after working for a few of his would-be competitors that he could go into business for himself. To help better prepare himself to start a business, Steenhoek went to Des Moines Area Community College and used the free services provided by SCORE. Steenhoek put together a business plan, remodeled a shed into a workshop and made his dream a reality in May when he opened Custom Woodworks, 5269 Highway F62 E. in Reasnor. “I enjoyed (woodworking), it was kind of a hobby and I didn’t really like working for anyone else so I decided I wanted to do my own thing,” he said. Steenhoek developed his own thing while in high school when he first got started in his trade through classes and then refinishing his parents cabinets. From that point on, he’s been fine-tuning his skills and refinishing and building custom pieces “I know my quality is the best it can be for every cabinet I make,” said Steenhoek of his work. One of the ways Steenhoek said he ensures quality and differentiates himself from his competitors is by taking a laptop computer to work sites to develop plans for kitchen cabinets, entertainment centers and bathroom vanities on the spot. “The design software, no one does what I do with the lap top,” he said. “Customers can see in 3D what my work will look like.” Customers can also get a peak at Steenhoek’s business during a business open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday with free food and tours of his shop located two miles east of Reasnor. “‘Purveyors of quality and craftsmanship’ is more than just a statement at Custom Woodworks,” Steenhoek wrote on his fliers advertising the open house. “It is an attitude that is built into each and every project in my shop.” —— On the Web: www.customwoodworksonline.com