The Woodmeister Story – A Little History

Woodmeister Master Builders began in 1980 when Ted Goodnow convinced his parents to give him the money they had set aside for his college education so that he could start a woodworking business. While still a teenager and with a two-year cabinet and furniture-making apprenticeship under his belt, Goodnow opened a sole proprietorship on Worcester’s Piedmont Street. When joined by his older brother a year later, the business became Goodnow Brothers, and the two craftsmen began carving out a niche in the commercial and residential millwork and cabinetry market.

After landing their first big kitchen contract, they were forced to move to larger quarters on Beacon Street, so they could complete the job. At the customer’s request, the brothers also took on the role of General Contractor for the project. Thus began the philosophy of meeting customer needs and priorities that has driven the company’s growth ever since.

During the next five years, Goodnow purchased his brother’s share of the firm, changed its name to Woodmeister Corporation, and was joined by his wife, Kim. He also gave up the hands-on work to devote all of his time to managing and building the business. Since then, Woodmeister has evolved into an internationally-renowned, multi-million dollar company and a leader in the affluent residential construction market.

The Next Chapter – More Growth and Innovation

In 2006, the firm changed its name to Woodmeister Master Builders, reflecting its comprehensive construction capabilities and superior quality standards. Also that year, the company relocated its headquarters to Holden, Massachusetts, after nearly two decades at 62 Washington Street in Worcester. The move consolidated the firm’s central Massachusetts offices and all manufacturing divisions under one roof. The 70,000 square feet, state-of-the-art facility also significantly improved the company’s production capabilities and allowed Woodmeister to pursue and achieve an exemplary work environment for its employees.

In 2008 and 2009, Woodmeister was named one of The Boston Globe Top Places to Work in Massachusetts. In 2009 the company was accepted into OSHA’s prestigious Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for workplace safety and health. It was also recognized as a 2009 Winning Workplace by The Wall Street Journal and Winning Workplaces, a non-profit organization that helps small and mid-size companies improve their workplace practices.

Leading the Way into the Future

Mirroring their own values of environmental stewardship, Ted and Kim Goodnow have steered Woodmeister to meet the 21st century’s call for sustainable building and living. In 2009, Woodmeister launched its innovative Rational Sustainability, a common sense approach to sustainable construction. Utilizing the most advanced products, technologies, and certifications available today, Woodmeister believes it is their responsibility to build homes and interiors that are environmentally conscious, enhance health and comfort, and reduce energy use.

Today, with 125 employees, and satellite offices in Nantucket, Newport, and New York City, Woodmeister Master Builders encompasses the entire scope of distinctive custom home renovation, restoration, expansion, and construction projects; finely crafted, heirloom-class millwork and cabinetry; and complete lifestyle management services. After raising the industry thresholds for quality in the luxury home market, workplace safety and employee empowerment, and environmental responsibility, Woodmeister continues to lead the way in building strong relationships that last a lifetime.