KenCraft Company Inc. : Custom Millwork And Distribution Since 1965
KenCraft Company Inc., based in Toledo, OH, has been a trusted distributor and full-service millwork shop serving the hardwood lumber industry since 1965. The company purchases over 150,000 board feet of hardwood annually, offering more than 60 species of domestic and imported hardwoods, including Hickory, Hard Maple, Cherry, Red Oak and Poplar. Imported woods make up approximately 20 percent of the operation’s inventory.
KenCraft’s Toledo, OH, location consists of four attached warehouses totaling 12,000-square-feet.
Spanning 12,000 square feet, the facility is divided into two sections. Vice President Tracy Spitulski explained, “About half of our space is dedicated to our hardwood lumber inventory, and the other half is used for our milling operations.”
“Our extensive catalog features over 60 species of premium domestic and exotic hardwood lumber,” he continued. “Each wood is meticulously sourced to meet the needs of both seasoned professionals and passionate hobbyists. Our diverse range of hardwoods and woodworking accessories can elevate any project.”
KenCraft’s milling facility specializes in producing custom wood moldings in any quantity. Spitulski elaborated, “We offer in-house knife grinding, enabling us to create and match old or hard-to-find moldings and trim. With our inventory of more than 60 hardwood species, it’s easy to find the perfect match for our customers’ unique woodwork needs. We also provide various milling services such as planing, wide-belt sanding, re-sawing, panel making, routing and joining.”
Ken and Tracy Spitulski cut a curved window casing to the proper size after gluing and bending. They’re using a table saw with a modified fence and anti-kickback finger boards.
Regarding equipment, KenCraft is well-equipped for its millwork operations. “We have a double-sided planer used for processing lumber, along with two additional planers, two wide-belt sanders, a five-headed moulder, a straight-line rip machine and a 5×8’ CNC machine,” Spitulski said. “The majority of our planers are manufactured by Northtech Machine in Borden, IN, with one planer and the moulder from SCM Group.”
In addition to their extensive hardwood selection, KenCraft also carries a variety of woodworking accessories, including:
● Basic Dowel Stock
● Buttons/Plugs
● Carving Stock
● Drawer Box Sides
● Drawer Slides
● Euro-Style Hinges
● Hardwood Moldings
● Kreg Tools
● Live Edge Slabs
● Sheet Metal Dust Collector Fittings
● Slip-it Tool Sealant and Lubricant
● The Quick Joint Fastening System
● The Router Master Router Pad
● Titebond Wood Glue
● Whiteside Router Bits
● Wood Filler
When asked about the variety of lumber they carry, Spitulski said, “Each species of wood has its unique character and properties. From the rich textures of Walnut to the robust strength of Oak, our collection showcases nature’s beauty and diversity. We understand that the right wood can transform any woodworking project, which is why we provide detailed information on each species, its uses, and how it can bring creative visions to life.”
This “Board Room” hosts exotic hardwoods from across the globe and is part of KenCraft’s retail store, which is located off their domestic hardwood showroom.
KenCraft Company was founded by Tracy’s father, Ken Spitulski, who began his entrepreneurial career with kitchen and bath remodeling. Tracy shared, “My dad started with remodeling, then transitioned into house flipping, where he would remodel and resale homes. As the economy evolved, he moved into wholesale furniture manufacturing.”
Ken expanded his business to supply custom and stock furniture to local “Mom and Pop” stores, and as the import market grew, the business shifted to focusing solely on custom furniture. Tracy explained, “As people began seeking hardwood lumber because of our furniture business, we started buying larger quantities of lumber. We began with 200 to 300 board feet and eventually grew to purchasing 10,000 to 15,000 board feet every few weeks.”
This is KenCraft Company’s domestic hardwood showroom, where DIYers and contractors shop a selection of over 40 different hardwoods.
As the lumber side of the business flourished, the millwork operation followed suit. Ken added, “Our manufacturing includes producing historical replica moldings, specializing in small runs, as well as crafting bar tops, countertops, railings and flooring. We also serve many customers restoring old porches and high-end homes in the area. These projects make up a significant portion of our business.”
Tracy attributes their continued success to reinvestment and market expansion. He said, “We continue to diversify our markets, including growing our online presence. While some regional and national markets may struggle, there are always pockets around the world with demand. We recently revamped our website, and our e-commerce business has been thriving. This diversification has been key to staying competitive.”
KenCraft has also benefited greatly from social media. Tracy added, “We can post new items on our social platforms, and soon after, customers reach out asking about them. My daughter plays a big role in this, and having the younger generation involved has been crucial for our social media success.”
Attending the Atlanta IWF show every other year allows KenCraft to remain updated on all the latest trends. From left to right, Tonia and Tracy Spitulski, Brittney Wright and Ken Spitulski.
KenCraft was featured in several episodes of YouTube’s 419 By Design, where the company showcased its craftsmanship.
Tracy said, “The filming of eight full episodes was a great experience. Our segment on making a wooden table with an American flag was a highlight, and we received valuable exposure through the show.”
Looking ahead, Tracy shared, “We’re exploring adding new species to our offerings and are also considering re-entering the plywood market at competitive prices. The new website continues to drive growth, and it’s an ever-evolving area for us.”
In addition to Ken and Tracy Spitulski, key personnel at KenCraft include Tracy’s wife, Tonia, who serves as secretary/treasurer, and their daughter Brittney, who is currently helping out in the mill area.
For more information, visit KenCraftCompany.com.
One of the two aisles in the warehouse that store all the lumber before KenCraft processes it for the showroom shelves.
