On Thursday, October 3rd, the Daviess County CEO Cohort took a short trip down Highway 50 to visit J & L Home Center, where they had the privilege of speaking with Mike James and Jordan Knepp. The discussion provided invaluable insights into custom home building and cabinetry.
J & L Home Center was founded in 1976 by brothers John and LeRoy Knepp, along with their father, Noah. Today, the company is a proud third-generation business, with John’s sons, Jason and Jordan, continuing the family legacy. J & L specializes in new home construction, remodel and high-quality custom cabinetry.
Mike guided the students through the process of designing and building custom homes, from the initial concept to the final stages of construction. Jordan, responsible for the custom cabinetry side of the business, explained how J & L handles both new home cabinets and renovation projects for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more. Jordan added that the turnaround time for custom cabinetry is typically around three months from design to completion.
During the visit, Mike and Jordan elaborated on several key business principles:
****Turnkey projects: They explained how J & L manages every aspect of a project, providing a comprehensive experience for their clients.
****Remodel vs. new build: They discussed the differences in approach and challenges between renovations and new construction.
****Attention to detail: Emphasizing how the small details can make a significant difference in the quality of the final product.
Honesty with customers: The importance of transparent communication throughout the process.
****Customer is always right: Maintaining a customer-first mentality is central to their business.
****Willingness to do whatever it takes: Both Mike and Jordan highlighted their commitment to going the extra mile for client satisfaction.
****Timeliness: They stressed the importance of staying on schedule to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
The students also toured the cabinet shop, witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship and care that go into each custom project.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort expressed their gratitude to Mike and Jordan for the informative visit and enjoyed some homemade cinnamon rolls that added a sweet touch to the day.
