A true family business, Mullet Cabinet honored as Large Business of the Year by Chamber
How many people get to live out their dream, and at the same time have their family be a key part of it?
For Jake Mullet, his son Dean and Dean’s children, a tiny one-room cabinet shop has transformed into one of Holmes County’s most recognized businesses, and it all began with a little dream Jake Mullet had for quite some time.
The Mullet family’s successes over the years have helped to further Holmes County’s name outside the area as one of the nation’s most sought-after woodworking areas, and because of that, they were tabbed as the 2011 Holmes County Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year at the annual Chamber banquet held Nov. 10 at Carlisle Village Inn at Walnut Creek.
“Not only has Mullet Cabinet distinguished itself as a successful business, it has helped to put Holmes County on the map, to define our community to others as a place where quality old-world craftsmanship can be found,” said presenter Rob Hovis, of the Mullet family business.
In 1959, Jake Mullet began building custom kitchen cabinetry in Holmes County. With limited resources, Mullet began building product in the customer’s home, since he had no shop.
His dream of owning his own company, complete with a facility, began taking shape in 1965, when he was offered a job at Freeman Miller’s shop near Fryburg. After a fire destroyed the building in 1974, Miller asked Mullet if he would like to buy the business. Mullet said yes, realizing his dream of owning his own shop.
Mullet Cabinet was born, and Jake Mullet brought his son, Dean, on board. Over 25 years, Mullet Cabinet grew at a fantastic rate, as the technology and creativity blossomed under the guidance of the Mullets. Between its customer service, gorgeous designs, and the quality of its product, the Mullet name grew.
By 2005, with Dean now the sole owner, all three of his sons, Vince, Jordan and Nick, had all taken on key roles within the company.
Over the years, Mullet Cabinet has spent its time working on the cutting edge in the cabinet industry, ushering in countless new product lines and keeping tabs on the newest innovations in the industry.
From 1976 to today, Mullet Cabinet has undergone a number of additions to the facility, all in order to meet the ever-growing demand for their beautiful custom-designed and built cabinets. In addition, Fryburg Door grew out of the cabinet business, when the Mullets saw another need in the community.
In a recent interview, Vince Mullet said, of working with his family, that working with his brothers divides the stress but multiplies the success. He also noted that it continues to be a work in progress, taking the relationships that have grown over the years as family, and flows them into the workplace.
Not only has the Mullet family been successful in helping their grandfather to realize his dream, the company has also spawned some of the most successful furniture businesses in the area. Dan Mast, owner of Valley View Oak, Ernie Hershberger, owner of Homestead Furniture and Roy Miller, owner of Country View Woodworking, were all at one time managers of Mullet Cabinet.
Even through tough economic times, the Mullets have continued to be a driving force in the cabinet industry, creating a stunning design center a few years ago that showcases their incredible product and helps customers design their dream cabinetry.
“It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of the Mullet family, Fryburg Door and Mullet Cabinet,” said Vince Mullet. “We have always appreciated the support of the community over the years. We have supplied a lot of Holmes County businesses with our products.”
Mullet also recognized the employees of the company, noting that without their dedication, drive and ingenuity, Mullet Cabinet and Fryburg Door would not be the success it is today.
Mullet also talked about the past year, and the challenges that any business faces in these hard economic times.
He noted that despite a poor economy, the company continues to work on ways to make itself better, doing a remodeling of the facility that will allow them to be more efficient in their flow of production. They have added new equipment and trucks, and have even made investments in their employees by implementing leadership and training opportunities.
He also touched on the company’s involvement with This Old House, a PBS-based television show that helps renovate old homes. Mullet Cabinet was recently tabbed to build cabinets for one of the show’s homes.
“It’s been an exciting opportunity for us to get involved with that process,” said Mullet.
The Mullet family continues to play a vital role in the success of the Holmes County economic landscape and, because of solid family values, along with an unrelenting work ethic and commitment to quality and service, is looking forward to moving into the new year.
“Holmes County is a great place to be in business, and we appreciate the Chamber for recognizing us,” said Mullet.
For Jake Mullet, his son Dean and Dean’s children, a tiny one-room cabinet shop has transformed into one of Holmes County’s most recognized businesses, and it all began with a little dream Jake Mullet had for quite some time.
The Mullet family’s successes over the years have helped to further Holmes County’s name outside the area as one of the nation’s most sought-after woodworking areas, and because of that, they were tabbed as the 2011 Holmes County Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year at the annual Chamber banquet held Nov. 10 at Carlisle Village Inn at Walnut Creek.
“Not only has Mullet Cabinet distinguished itself as a successful business, it has helped to put Holmes County on the map, to define our community to others as a place where quality old-world craftsmanship can be found,” said presenter Rob Hovis, of the Mullet family business.
In 1959, Jake Mullet began building custom kitchen cabinetry in Holmes County. With limited resources, Mullet began building product in the customer’s home, since he had no shop.
His dream of owning his own company, complete with a facility, began taking shape in 1965, when he was offered a job at Freeman Miller’s shop near Fryburg. After a fire destroyed the building in 1974, Miller asked Mullet if he would like to buy the business. Mullet said yes, realizing his dream of owning his own shop.
Mullet Cabinet was born, and Jake Mullet brought his son, Dean, on board. Over 25 years, Mullet Cabinet grew at a fantastic rate, as the technology and creativity blossomed under the guidance of the Mullets. Between its customer service, gorgeous designs, and the quality of its product, the Mullet name grew.
By 2005, with Dean now the sole owner, all three of his sons, Vince, Jordan and Nick, had all taken on key roles within the company.
Over the years, Mullet Cabinet has spent its time working on the cutting edge in the cabinet industry, ushering in countless new product lines and keeping tabs on the newest innovations in the industry.
From 1976 to today, Mullet Cabinet has undergone a number of additions to the facility, all in order to meet the ever-growing demand for their beautiful custom-designed and built cabinets. In addition, Fryburg Door grew out of the cabinet business, when the Mullets saw another need in the community.
In a recent interview, Vince Mullet said, of working with his family, that working with his brothers divides the stress but multiplies the success. He also noted that it continues to be a work in progress, taking the relationships that have grown over the years as family, and flows them into the workplace.
Not only has the Mullet family been successful in helping their grandfather to realize his dream, the company has also spawned some of the most successful furniture businesses in the area. Dan Mast, owner of Valley View Oak, Ernie Hershberger, owner of Homestead Furniture and Roy Miller, owner of Country View Woodworking, were all at one time managers of Mullet Cabinet.
Even through tough economic times, the Mullets have continued to be a driving force in the cabinet industry, creating a stunning design center a few years ago that showcases their incredible product and helps customers design their dream cabinetry.
“It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of the Mullet family, Fryburg Door and Mullet Cabinet,” said Vince Mullet. “We have always appreciated the support of the community over the years. We have supplied a lot of Holmes County businesses with our products.”
Mullet also recognized the employees of the company, noting that without their dedication, drive and ingenuity, Mullet Cabinet and Fryburg Door would not be the success it is today.
Mullet also talked about the past year, and the challenges that any business faces in these hard economic times.
He noted that despite a poor economy, the company continues to work on ways to make itself better, doing a remodeling of the facility that will allow them to be more efficient in their flow of production. They have added new equipment and trucks, and have even made investments in their employees by implementing leadership and training opportunities.
He also touched on the company’s involvement with This Old House, a PBS-based television show that helps renovate old homes. Mullet Cabinet was recently tabbed to build cabinets for one of the show’s homes.
“It’s been an exciting opportunity for us to get involved with that process,” said Mullet.
The Mullet family continues to play a vital role in the success of the Holmes County economic landscape and, because of solid family values, along with an unrelenting work ethic and commitment to quality and service, is looking forward to moving into the new year.
“Holmes County is a great place to be in business, and we appreciate the Chamber for recognizing us,” said Mullet.
Published: November 23, 2011
