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Daiek Woodworks: a Profile

To appreciate the dedication to quality that is an integral part of the fabric of Daiek Woodworks, please share our history and enjoy learning more about the accomplishments of some of the people that make this their professional home.

A history of Daiek Woodworks

For John Daiek, it all began as a hobby - work for family and decorators in his spare time after work in building supply sales and work in the mill at the Daiek family-owned Dixie Cash & Carry lumber in Saginaw. The hobby became serious after a two-year apprenticeship with a German-born mill hand.

John left Saginaw to open a small hardwood mill and job shop in 1978. The business quickly grew at a new location in Troy, with another move to a smaller shop in Pontiac where he could concentrate on core millwork items: stile and rail doors, moldings and custom hardwood fabrication. He was tutored by Fred and Don Brillhart, premier millworkers from Mt. Clemens who further instilled a sense of pride in craftsmanship and the "correct", uncompromising approach to quality woodwork.

While in Pontiac, John made an association with Andy Balwinski while working for "Suites", a custom cabinet and furniture company. The owners, John Guse and Ken Fadely, were instrumental in providing a working relationship that emphasized quality in all pursuits of woodworking from the start of a project through its delivery and installation. The Suites association provided contact with high-end cabinetry and furniture clientele. Daiek had developed high-end residential builder and architectural connections with doors, moldings, and custom millwork. It was a natural combination. With the closing of Suites, John, along with Andy Balwinski, Dave Button, John's brother Karl Daiek, and Jerry Stateler, moved to Sterling Heights to open the doors of Daiek Woodworks.

Since 1995, Daiek has occupied its current location, with personnel, equipment and room for the most demanding projects: 16,000 square feet of office and shop space and 3,000 square feet of storage.

Our past has been one of steady, measured growth, with an eye to consistently maintaining the highest levels of quality in our work, our people, and our client relationships. The future is welcomed as an opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to making Daiek Woodworks respected throughout the industry.

The people of Daiek Woodworks

Every shop relies on the people that make it the center of their professional lives: the integrity and talent they bring to accomplishing every project is essential to the successful completion of each order. We have a simple standard: produce the quality of product that you would want in your own home.

John's passion for woodworking began as a hobby and became his livelihood when he founded Daiek Woodworks in 1978. John says, "when I started my business, I had a real desire to produce quality products. To that end, I researched old woodwork and sought out older craftsmen to learn how to manufacture the "best" way, with no compromises." Today, what he enjoys most "is the opportunity to work with the highest-end designers and clientele to produce excellent domestic and imported hardwood cabinets, furniture and millwork."

After learning the ropes in the shop, Karl fills the role of salesman, estimator and production manager. His fascination with woodworking and respect for the work of the craftsmen at Daiek Woodworks is evident: "I take a lot of pride in knowing that we, as a company, are always working toward being the best in our field. Our people enjoy the challenges of completing the unique projects we take on and of producing superior products."

Darvin, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is proud to have been part of Daiek Woodworks for 12 years. His interest in woodworking began as a child: the house he grew up in had "the most beautiful oak trim, doors and flooring. I knew from that point on, I would seek a career in woodworking."

A man of few words, but long on talent, Jim's 32 years of woodworking experience have enabled him to master every job in the shop.

In the woodworking business for 17 years, Dave has been through thick and thin, learning new things every day. He believes that the Daiek product is the best around, with a reputation for quality that speaks for itself: "If someone wants the best, they come to us."

Jerry first came to Daiek looking for some plywood for a school wood project. Now, 18 years later, he's familiar with all aspects of the business and has developed smooth-running, efficient systems for shop operations and office work.

After growing up making furniture with his father, and searching for the perfect employer with previous jobs in the trade, Tom Gill appreciates the team effort to continuously improve the product at Daiek Woodworks. Tom said, "Most people go to museums, science centers or theatre performances for field trips as a child. Mine were spent at the furniture market in High Point, N.C. Two weeks, twice a year, were devoted to the craft of building furniture. Millions of dollars and thousands of pieces pass from hand to hand and I had the opportunity to grow up learning the trade. Luckily, my father was a craftsman himself. He and I ventured through making Shaker and Country-style furniture for many years. I chose to bring my passion and knowledge to Michigan with my wife and growing family."

Mike started working at Daiek fresh out of millworking school. He is still learning something new every day and likes the challenge of creating the perfect crown molding.

Contact Us
Daiek Woodworks
Fine Architectural Woodworking
40835 Mound Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48310
P 586 268 1144 | F 586 268 1184 | E mail@daiekwoodworks.com

Daiek Woodworks is a member of the Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI). Visit their website at awinet.org.

 

our work

This simply elegant mahogany fireplace surround was created for a residence in Bloomfield, Michigan.

The photograph at the top of the page shows figured cherry paneling and cabinetry in the study of another Bloomfield residence.