In business, we often hear that we must innovate our way to success and sometimes this advice gets a little tiresome. How about we just deliver great value and customer service? That is why the official motto of Weston Millwork Company, “The Imitator, NOT the Innovator”, is so refreshing.
Of course, easy for them to say, since their business is reproduction of historic wood windows, a kind of imitation. As Bill Hewittson, owner of Weston Millwork, says, “If you need new old wood window sash, you don’t want innovation - - you want sound, faithful reproduction wood window sash!”
120 year old Hall and Brown 24″ Surface Planer
But Weston Millwork takes imitation a step further, using period fabrication machinery, some over a century old, throughout their shop. These low tech (No software! Crazy! How does it even work?) machines are more efficient to set up for short-runs, which reproduction orders nearly always are. Weston Millwork has an extensive archive of original, period knives, plus in-house capability for grinding custom knives for any profile, so set up is quick.
Speaking of mottos, Weston Millwork was founded 1988, in Weston, Missouri, the “Show Me” state. Missourians have a tradition of elevating common sense, what works, above cleverness. So how is all this common cleverness working for Weston Millwork Company? According to Bill, they have been operating at full capacity for many years, shipping sound, faithful reproduction wood window sash to nearly every state in the US.
So Bill, certainly with a little innovation you could do your job faster, better - - or something? Says Bill, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. That is the philosophy of Western Millwork Company.” It seems that common sense and business success do sometimes go together.
At this time, Bill is developing a strategy for the next stage in the business. They are seeking a partner with an affinity to the market, the fabrication trade and who can share in his business philosophy. Qualified applicants are encouraged to contact Bill.
Weston Millwork has been a client of Corbett Research Group since 2008……
A fire at Immaculate Conception Parish in Marlborough, MA caused extensive damage to the church interior. It started in the sacristy, the area where priests prepare for services, and while firefighters managed to contain it, the smoke nearly destroyed much of the sanctuary. Blackburn Conservation, experts in fine art disaster recovery, provided their services to conserve and restore the church’s decorative elements. This included careful soot removal and cleaning of the murals, decorative paint, and statuary.
buildingartisansguild 