In the world of commercial construction, quality millwork is essential—and Cathedral Builders have been delivering just that for nearly three decades. Based in Jackson, Wisconsin, this family-owned business has built a reputation for producing high-end, custom cabinetry tailored to the specific needs across almost every sector.

Building Advantage recently had the opportunity to tour Cathedral Builders’ 25,000-square-foot shop and speak with President and co-founder Jody Giacomini. From the company’s roots to the future of union craftsmanship, Jody shared insight into what sets Cathedral Builders apart in the industry—and why their commitment to quality continues to resonate with partners and clients across the region.

Chris Mambu Rasch: Can you share the story of how Cathedral Builders got started and what your company specializes in?

Jody Giacomini: My husband, Dean, and I founded Cathedral Builders in 1996, starting out with a simple vision and a lot of ambition. Over the years, we’ve grown into a 25,000 square-foot facility here in Jackson, WI. Our focus is on architecturally designed custom cabinetry and millwork for commercial construction—this includes everything from intricate reception desks to plastic laminate countertops in hundreds of finishes.

What really sets us apart is our flexibility and ability to meet detailed architectural design intent with a very high percentage of timeliness. Whether we’re working on a clinic, a school, or an office building, our union cabinetmakers deliver a product that’s tailor-made for that specific space. Our team builds every product to the specified designed intent, and our contractor partners handle the installation on-site. We’ve had the pleasure of working with so many major contractors and General Contractors in the region, striving to develop close relationships, and thus ultimately delivering lasting, high-quality products that support both design goals and long-term use.

Chris: What does your current workload look like, and how do you see things developing in the future?

Jody: We’ve been fortunate to have a steady workload. Our focus is always on selecting projects that align with our capacity and expertise. While there are other shops in the area, we know our work speaks for itself. Contractors and clients alike appreciate the durability and precision of our cabinetry—especially when compared to mass-produced or big-box alternatives. Our products are designed and built specifically for each project, which means fewer issues during installation and long-term savings for the owner. It’s a smarter investment over time, and that’s something our partners value.

Chris: How have economic challenges, like tariffs, impacted your business?

Jody: Because we build fully customized pieces, we can’t keep a large inventory of materials—we order what we need for each specific job. That means tariffs and fluctuating material costs can make bidding and estimating more complicated. Some of our materials are sourced internationally, and that’s something we have had to manage. That said, we’ve built strong relationships with our suppliers, both domestic and international, and they’ve worked with us closely to manage these challenges. Collaboration has really been key.

Chris: Cathedral Builders employs union cabinetmakers and focuses on training apprentices, which has been an increasingly rare occupation in your line of work and the union construction industry. How has this shaped your workforce and company culture?

Jody: Dean started as a union carpenter right out of high school with his love for cabinetmaking in his blood, and we’ve always believed in the union model—not just for the quality of training it provides, but for the career opportunities it creates for our employees and their families.  Cathedral is proud to also share that our two sons started as apprentices several decades ago and have worked their way into being an integral part of the support and success of our family’s generational business model.  Admittedly, cabinetmaking is not the most popular career choice, and somewhat of a dying trade in some aspects.  But, hiring and employing union cabinetmakers has allowed us to maintain a high standard of craftsmanship, and we’re proud to support the next generation and this critical trade, by bringing apprentices into our shop. In fact, we’re one of the only local cabinetmakers that hire and train union apprentices. Fortunately, we have resiliently built a sustainable workforce to pass on knowledge from experienced craftspeople to newer ones. As some of our long-time employees retire, we’re confident that we’ve invested in a team that will carry our quality and values forward. We’re incredibly proud of our entire crew including both the office personnel and our shop cabinetmakers – each of them takes genuine pride in their work, and it shows in every project we deliver.

To learn more about Cathedral Builders, Inc, visit: http://cathedralbuilders.com/