On March 12th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort embarked on a visit to Stoll’s Woodworking in rural Odon, eager to learn from the successful family-owned business. John Stoll Jr. warmly welcomed the group, setting the stage for an insightful exchange of wisdom and experience that left a lasting impact on the aspiring entrepreneurs.
Stoll’s Woodworking is a testament to craftsmanship, dedication, and family legacy. Founded by John Stoll Sr., who balanced woodworking with his construction career, the business has grown into a thriving enterprise. Today, the second generation—Roman and his brothers Reuben and John Jr.—proudly lead the company, with a third generation now stepping in to carry on the tradition.
When asked what sets them apart from other cabinet businesses in the county, John Jr. highlighted their unwavering commitment to quality and their ability to blend modern designs with traditional craftsmanship. Their dedication to excellence has made word-of-mouth their most powerful marketing tool, accounting for 90% of their business. "We are committed to building quality products that are not only beautiful but also functional and durable," he shared.
During the tour of the production facility, the cohort marveled at the precision of advanced equipment like the CNC machine, which ensures accuracy in every cut. Shane, Roman’s son and a CEO Alumni, joined John Jr. in guiding the group through the workshop, showcasing the high level of skill and technology that drives their success.
John Jr. also shared valuable advice with the students: “Be honest, never leave a job until your customers are satisfied, and always prioritize hard work and quality.” These principles, deeply embedded in Stoll’s Woodworking, serve as guiding lessons for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Stoll brothers have recently expanded their business with the launch of Stoll’s Furniture Company, staying true to their commitment to quality while exploring new marketing avenues. Roman noted that while word-of-mouth remains vital, they have also embraced television ads and direct mail campaigns, seeing promising results.
The visit to Stoll’s Woodworking was an inspiring experience for the CEO Cohort, reinforcing the importance of craftsmanship, innovation, and finding one’s niche in business. Thank you, John Jr., for the invaluable insights and warm hospitality!
