Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Chionis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Todd. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up with a father who is a jack of all trades, master of none type and an older brother who worked on cars and was an HVAC tech. So I’ve always been around the atmosphere of building, troubleshooting, and the creative process.
Professionally, I began an apprenticeship with a North Shore custom construction company in 2000. I worked my way up from apprentice to carpenter, lead carpenter, and finally project manager. This gave me the opportunity to hone my hands on skills while in the field as well as learn the business side of the industry.
In 2011 I started Top Drawer Carpentry to offer a service oriented remodeling and custom carpentry company. Six years later we are growing and going strong.
Has it been a smooth road?
I certainly would not call this a “smooth road”. We are in a highly competitive industry. We started out during the recession so work was not exactly abundant. We were happy just to get small handyman projects to create a customer base at first. In addition to a project shortage there was the lowball contractor that you had to compete with, gaining the trust of clients, and trusting subcontractors and the clients themselves.
I think being self-employed is a constant challenge with great risks. With these great risks come great rewards.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Top Drawer Carpentry story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a full service remodeling company as well as offering custom carpentry. We will remodel kitchens and baths, create custom built-ins, or build a custom deck or pergola.
More than anything we are proud of the growing list of happy clients. These people are the reason we do this. To make someone’s home more beautiful, safer, comfortable, etc. is certainly a point of pride for us.
If there is anything that sets us apart it is our service oriented mentality. I hear all too often in this business that a contractor started a project and disappeared, a contractor wouldn’t return calls, they didn’t show up, and the list goes on. We return every phone call/email. Even if we are too busy to take on the project.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think the remodeling industry has grown pretty steadily over the past 4-5 years and will continue to do so over the next 4-5 years. The biggest problem facing the industry is the labor shortage. The younger generation does not seem to want to get involved in manual labor.
Trends seem to be forever changing in this business. Right now everyone wants a barn door and a white kitchen. I’m sure HGTV will have some new trends to follow next year.
Contact Info:
- Address: 300 Willow Street
Itasca, IL 60143 - Website: topdrawercarpentryllc.com
- Phone: 773 818-8680
- Email: tctopdrawer@gmail.com
- Other: www.houzz.com/pro/chionis3/top-drawer-carpentry-llc
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