Joseph Woodworking was founded by Jim Helm in 1990. Jim is a third-generation woodworker with close to fifty years experience as a master cabinetmaker. Our company is named after Jim’s father Joe (pictured right), who was also a master cabinetmaker for fifty-five years.

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Joe worked as the shop foreman for The Dettmers Company, a legendary custom millwork and cabinetry shop. Located in the Gold Coast of Chicago, The Dettmers Company had been serving Chicago and the surrounding areas since the late 1800’s. When Joe retired from Dettmers, Jim took over, working as shop foreman during the day and working on his own company after hours.

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Before Dettmers Company disbanded in 1999, Jim took with him the best cabinetmakers and staff and made Joseph Woodworking a full time operation. His brother Mike Helm, himself a cabinetmaker of 35 years, took over as shop foreman. 

In January of 2004 we opened a modern 11,000 square foot manufacturing and finishing facility in Schiller Park, serving the design and construction industries as well as individual homeowners.

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Our philosophy: Make it ourselves, install it ourselves, and hold ourselves accountable.

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To hear about our company directly from our owners, please watch the short video to the right.