CRAFTSMANSHIP

When approaching a home, the front door often gives the first impression.
Entrepreneur Greg Wozniak, who founded a real estate development company five years ago, realized this and saw a void in the market.
Wozniak spotted what he saw as a shortage of companies that manufacture high quality, luxury wooden entryway doors. "I saw a need out there," the Glenview resident said.

Greg Wozniak, owner of Doors For Builders, offers luxury wooden entryway doors at his Bensenville showroom.

Wozniak found that homeowners grew frustrated when many suppliers require a three- to four-month wait for a custom door. One-of-a-kind doors are often pricey as well.

"Some can cost as much as a car," Wozniak, 37, said. "We decided to automate the custom industry."

About two years ago, he launched Doors For Builders in Bensenville. He mainly catered to builders and architects. Individual homeowners started hearing of the showroom at 300 Eastern Ave., though, and the business is now adding homeowners to its marketing plan.

The business has seen a 40 percent hike in sales over last year, and Wozniak points to professional service, quality and doors that are available the same day. "It's a good recipe," he said. One key ingredient in his formula, he said, is to offer custom doors with a price tag of about half of what consumers might find at large retailers.

To cut costs, instead of making one door at a time, Wozniak makes about a dozen at the same time. "We have close to 1,000 doors in our warehouse. There are about 40 different models," he added.

Greg Wozniak has about 1,000 doors in his showroom and warehouse, which is open to the public.

The business owner said Doors For Builders delivers the next day and sells on the Internet. "Our Web site (www.doorsforbuilders.com) is a powerful instrument," he said.

The prehung, factory finished doors are available in several woods including mahogany, cherry and knotty alder. Wozniak works with three companies in Central America, Asia and Eastern Europe to make the doors.

Wozniak, born and raised in Poland, immigrated here when he was 18. He worked in the corporate world in finance, sales and marketing at Kraft Foods when he earned his MBA from Northwestern University. He also worked on the marketing team at Barilla's U.S. headquarters in Bannockburn.

"I understand what it takes to start a business. It's easy to open a business. It's difficult to be profitable," he said.

The showroom is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Kim Mikus covers small business. Comments are welcome at
(847) 427-4567 or kmikus@dailyherald.com.

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Doors For Builders – The Right Choice for Wood Entry Doors, Exterior Doors and Front Doors

The front entry door sets the stage for any visitor’s journey through a house. First impressions are set early on and the entry door is the part of the home that often gets the initial close look. Most older front doors made of wood often show their age prematurely because of inadequate treating and finishing to protect against the weather
and heavy wear. At Doors For Builders, we bring together superior craftsmanship and modern manufacturing to give the home owner an entry way they can be proud of.

Doors For Builders is a leading provider of wood entry doors, front doors and exterior doors with a focus on leading-edge design, product innovation, manufacturing excellence and customer service. We are committed to offering a line of beautiful and durable wood entry doors and exterior doors that add elegance to any home. The front door of your home makes a lasting impression that will beautify and accentuate any home style. Remember Doors For Builders; the right choice for your wood entry doors, exterior doors or front door needs!

We also provide a flat fee shipping rate to most states in the US including: California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Virginia, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, Michigan, Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Maryland, Oregon, Utah and Arizona.

Express delivery may be an option for the following cities: Miami, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Richardson, Austin, Denver, San Diego, Minneapolis, Tampa, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Plano, Dallas, Houston, Arlington Heights, San Jose, Rancho Cucamonga, Mt. Laurel, Washington DC, Holmdel, Raleigh, San Francisco, Sacramento, Pittsburg, Oklahoma City, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Gaithersburg, Columbus, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Boston, Huntington Beach, Saratoga Springs, Arlington, Charlotte, La Grange, Staten Island, Cincinnati, Tucson, Troy, Portland, Gainesville, Seattle, Springfield, Skokie, Schaumburg, Jacksonville, Conroe, Naperville, Cherry Hill, Indianapolis, Nashville, Chatham, Aurora, Long Beach, St. Louis, Memphis, Tulsa, Palatine, Ft. Worth, Richmond, Madison, Westport and Oakland.

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