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.
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