From Farm to Cabinet Makers: Kountry Kraft Success Story

By Denise Grothouse / May 20, 2025

Introduction: A Journey to Inspire

When Elvin Hurst Sr. stepped onto the Titans of the Trades podcast, he shared a story that began with a single table saw and grew into Kountry Kraft, a cornerstone of cabinet makers in Newmanstown, Pennsylvania. His journey from a dairy farm to leading a 96,000-square-foot facility with over 100 craftsmen is a beacon for aspiring woodworkers and entrepreneurs. Elvin’s insights reveal how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to quality can transform a humble start into a 65-year legacy. For anyone dreaming of starting a woodworking business or seeking cabinet manufacturing tips, his story is a powerful reminder that with hard work and vision, you can build something enduring.

Listen to the Podcast Episode

Hear Elvin Hurst Sr.’s full story on the Titans of the Trades podcast:

The Roots of Kountry Kraft: A Story of Grit and Vision

In 1958, a simple Christmas gift—a table saw—sparked a journey that would transform Elvin Hurst Sr.’s life and create a lasting legacy in the woodworking industry. Today, Kountry Kraft, a premier custom cabinet manufacturer based in Newmanstown, Pennsylvania, stands as a testament to hard work, vision, and adaptability. In a recent episode of the Titans of the Trades podcast, Elvin Sr. shared the story of building Kountry Kraft from a four-car garage to a 96,000-square-foot facility employing over 100 craftsmen. For aspiring woodworkers and entrepreneurs curious about how to start a woodworking business, his insights offer a blueprint for success.Elvin Hurst Sr.’s journey began on a dairy farm, where a rigorous work ethic was instilled from childhood. Rising before dawn to tend to chores, repairing machinery, and tackling construction projects honed his skills and resilience. These early experiences laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit. In 1959, when a kitchen cabinet manufacturer forbade him from building furniture at home, Elvin made a bold choice: he quit his job and founded Kountry Kraft in his family’s garage. With support from his father, an electrical contractor who connected him with local builders, Elvin began crafting high-quality cabinets that quickly gained a reputation for excellence.Kountry Kraft’s early days were marked by hands-on craftsmanship. Using furniture-grade solid woods and dovetail construction, Elvin ensured every piece met exacting standards. This commitment to quality earned Kountry Kraft a loyal customer base and set the stage for growth. Today, the company serves a nationwide network of dealers and direct customers, offering custom cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and commercial spaces. Explore their stunning work on the Kountry Kraft Projects page to see their craftsmanship in action.

Building a Team That Lasts

One of the biggest challenges for any cabinet maker is hiring and retaining skilled employees. Elvin Sr.’s approach was straightforward yet effective. He hired locally, often recruiting farmers who shared his strong work ethic. New employees were paired with seasoned craftsmen in an apprenticeship-style training model, ensuring skills were passed down meticulously. To foster loyalty, Kountry Kraft implemented profit-sharing, bonuses, and a community-driven workplace culture. His wife Helen was by his side, working on the books, in the shop, and shaped the company by advising Elvin along the way/

“Build a workplace people enjoy,” Elvin advised on the podcast. This philosophy has helped Kountry Kraft maintain a dedicated workforce, even in today’s competitive job market. For aspiring woodworkers, this underscores the importance of investing in people—whether through training, fair compensation, or a positive work environment. A strong team is the backbone of any successful woodworking business. Learn more about their team’s dedication to quality on the Kountry Kraft About page.

Navigating the Transition to the Next Generation

Kountry Kraft Owners and founders

Passing a family business to the next generation is a hurdle many entrepreneurs face. For Elvin Sr., stepping back was challenging, but he had prepared his children, Elvin Hurst Jr. and Dolores Hurst-Funk, for leadership. Growing up in the business, they learned the trade, absorbed Kountry Kraft’s core values—quality, integrity, and service—and developed the skills to lead. Elvin’s advice to business owners is clear: ensure successors understand operations, finances, and customer expectations; instill unwavering values; and let go at the right time to allow the next generation to shine.

This transition has been a cornerstone of Kountry Kraft’s longevity. Now celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024, the company continues to thrive under second-generation leadership, with an eye toward the third. For those researching woodworking success stories, Kountry Kraft’s seamless generational handover is a model of strategic planning and trust.

Adapting to Change: Staying Ahead in Cabinet Manufacturing

How to Use Leather Panel Inserts

Kountry Kraft’s ability to evolve has been key to its enduring success. From adopting automation to streamline production to introducing modern door styles like leather embedded panels, the company has stayed ahead of industry trends. Elvin Sr. emphasized the importance of continuous training to keep employees skilled in new techniques and technologies. This adaptability ensures Kountry Kraft remains competitive in a market where custom kitchen cabinet makers near me are in high demand.

For aspiring woodworkers, Elvin’s story highlights the need to balance tradition with innovation. While craftsmanship remains at Kountry Kraft’s core, embracing new tools and design trends has expanded its reach. The company’s KCMA certification for environmental stewardship also reflects a commitment to sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious consumers searching for responsible cabinet makers. Check out their innovative designs on the Kountry Kraft Projects page.

A Legacy Built to Last

Expanding to 45 Kitchen Dealers

Elvin Hurst Sr.’s journey from a dairy farm to founding Kountry Kraft is a powerful woodworking success story. His emphasis on quality, community, and adaptability offers valuable cabinet manufacturing tips for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re wondering how to start a woodworking business or seeking inspiration from industry leaders, Kountry Kraft’s 65-year legacy proves that strong values and strategic vision can create a thriving enterprise.

Take a moment to explore Kountry Kraft’s exceptional craftsmanship on their Projects page, where you’ll find inspiring examples of custom kitchens, bathrooms, and more.

Listen Again or Share the Podcast

Dive deeper into Elvin Sr.’s insights on the Titans of the Trades podcast:

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support impactful discussions like this one. For more about Kountry Kraft, visit kountrykraft.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Running a Successful Cabinet Manufacturing Business

How do you hire skilled employees for a cabinet manufacturing business?

Elvin Sr. recommends hiring locally, particularly individuals with a strong work ethic, like farmers. Pair new hires with experienced craftsmen for hands-on training, fostering skill development and loyalty.

What’s the key to retaining talent in woodworking?

Create a workplace people enjoy through profit-sharing, bonuses, and a sense of community. Valuing employees ensures long-term retention.

How do you prepare for transitioning a family business?

Ensure successors understand operations, finances, and customer expectations. Instill core values and step back at the right time to let them lead.

What values should guide a cabinet manufacturing business?

Quality, integrity, and service are non-negotiable, according to Elvin Sr. These principles build trust and sustain customer loyalty.

How can a woodworking business stay competitive?

Adopt automation, stay updated on design trends, and train employees continuously to balance craftsmanship with innovation.

What role does community play in a successful cabinet business?

A strong sense of community among employees fosters engagement and loyalty, creating a positive work environment that drives success.

How do you start a woodworking business from scratch?

Begin with a clear vision, leverage local networks for initial clients, and prioritize quality to build a reputation, as Elvin did with Kountry Kraft.

What’s the biggest challenge in cabinet manufacturing today?

Elvin Sr. notes that adapting to market changes while maintaining quality is critical. Staying ahead requires investment in technology and training.

Let Elvin Hurst Sr.’s remarkable journey with Kountry Kraft ignite your passion for woodworking and entrepreneurship. Be inspired by their legacy of craftsmanship by exploring stunning designs on the Kountry Kraft Kitchens Projects portfolio. If you’re eager to join a team dedicated to quality and innovation, consider applying for a role at Kountry Kraft—visit the employment page to start your journey with a leading cabinet maker today.