If Marshall Downs can even begin to replicate the success of Victor Kiam, he’ll likely be one of the happiest campers in all of Michigan’s Great Southwest. Victor Kiam, for those who don’t know him was the businessman who attended Yale and Harvard who ended up making a fortune as the President & CEO of Remington Products after famously contending, “I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company.” He became a household name as a result.
For those who don’t know Marshall Downs, he’s hopeful you will soon know all about him and his new company, The Wooden Door of Benton Harbor. Downs is an entrepreneurial businessman who used to work for both Cornerstone Alliance and Kinexus before he became a key part of the team of developers who created an overnight sensation with their Jefferson Lofts condominium project in the former Jefferson Elementary School in St. Joseph. The on-again/off-again project had stalled for many years before Downs and his partners entered the scene and quickly produced a winning combination.
Now that the final phase of the condo project is underway, Downs has found the time to step into his next project after purchasing the small strip mall on Pipestone Road near I-94 that once housed a Goodyear Tire Dealership and other businesses. His new enterprise, The Wooden Door, will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at the center of that small complex located at 1925 Pipestone onWednesday evening at 4pm.
The reason I compare Marshall to Victor Kiam is because he, too, was so impressed with one of the vendor companies his team used for cabinetry options at the Jefferson Lofts that he decided to turn that into a new business of his own.
The Wooden Door is a cabinetry showroom and design center offering high-end affordability through well-made, natural products that stand the test of time. Marshall’s team offers the concept taking you from design to delivery in 14-days or less. Examples of the types of cabinetry available are on his website and the photo accompanying this story at Moody on the Market.com is one such example. (Full disclosure, my own Jefferson Lofts condo served as the model for that photo and others in Marshall’s online gallery.)
The Wooden Door website says, “Whether your project is a new build or remodel, modern or traditional we will design a plan that fits your home. We aim to make this process simple, enjoyable and efficient for you and will be here to support you in any way we can!”
Clients will meet with The Wooden Door architect to design space in their kitchen, bathroom or closet, offering all the luxury features you would expect, including thick, all-wood doors, dovetail drawers and soft close hinges at a great price.
During Wednesday’s grand opening beginning at 4pm, the Cornerstone Chamber will arrange for ribbon cutting ceremonies and guests can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to preview the new showroom.
The design center showroom at The Wooden Door allows clients to discover which style best fits theirr project; Shaker, Recessed Panel, Raised Panel and more. Their doors range from traditional to modern and everything in between, and the different finishes that are offered allow for a selection from several colors to see which one best fits the look you are seeking.
The new design center in the building between Burger King and Steak & Shake will be open Monday through Friday from 9am until 6pm following the grand opening and on Saturdays from 10am until 2pm. You can reach them by phone at 269-757-7943 or online by clicking this link:
http://www.woodendoorcabinets.com
The two spaces on either side of The Wooden Door at 1925 Pipestone are also being offered to the open market for lease by Downs, although he is in the final negotiating stage for one of them for another new company coming to the market. Stay tuned.
