Jeff Bellows’ company may be small — 3 employees at the 4,000-square-foot shop — but his impact on the industry has been huge. The owner/operator of Jeff Bellows Construction, a custom cabinetry, millwork and general contractor firm in Iowa, Bellows is also co-founder of the Facebook group Cabinetry/Millwork Shop & Install, whose 52,000-plus followers share tips, tricks, knowledge, and network. 

“[It’s] a group of like-minded people with healthy discussions, where people from all different skill levels can come and ask a question and not be intimidated,” he said. “We all want to help. There’s just a wealth of knowledge.” Bellows and Brian Pape admin the group with the help from many longtime moderators. 
Networking groups were not the norm when Bellows started his business in 2004. Despite working for a local builder and others since his teens, Bellows still faced challenges, including a general unwillingness by others to help perceived competitors. Through Bellows’ and other’s efforts, that is no longer the norm.

In fact, it was through Facebook that Bellows met Jason Balm of Waukee CabinetWorks, whom he credits for encouraging him to embrace CNC technology.  “It’s allowed me to double my output with the same workforce and the same square footage,” he said. “Over the next few years, we’re going to double our size in our square footage and I hope to double my output.”

New business, is typically by word of mouth. “[Providing] good quality work has always been my stance.” Bellows added, “I also have three general contractors that we provide services for, and I do my own general contracting on the side.” 

He continued, “My career as a carpenter and as a cabinetmaker has, in the last three to four years, far exceeded what I thought I would be…I’m proud of the company that I’ve created, but probably my proudest achievement is being part of these groups that help people learn and develop. To see individuals come in the group, ask questions, push themselves project after project, and all of a sudden become the people that are then helping other people, that is probably my proudest achievement.”

In addition to helping others daily through the Facebook group, Bellows has taught classes at his shop and nationwide. “I do a lot of five-piece door classes and intro to cabinet software at my shop for small shops that are really struggling to see the value.” He also assists at schools and judged Skills USA and other competitions.
In his free time, Bellows enjoys relaxing with his family, their dogs, and playing golf.

Quick Glimpse:

• Education: On-the-job training. Also, studied biology for 3+ years at the University of Northern Iowa
• Number of years at the company: 20
• Number of years in the industry: 32
• Word that best describes you: Driven
• Business mantra: I wake up early. I work hard and I remain teachable.
• Best advice: Life is meant to be hard – work with it. 
• Who have you tried to emulate: “A number of people, including Jason Balm of Waukee CabinetWorks, in Waukee, IA. He encouraged me to purchase my first edgebander and CNC, and has become a good friend and given me advice — not for anything other than to help me. So that’s now my job, to try to give back to the community the help that’s been given to me.”

About the Wood Industry Market Leaders: This marks the 16th year Woodworking Network has paid tribute to outstanding men and women who have made an impact, not only at their companies but within the various wood products industries. Since 2009, more than 100 industry professionals have shared their influencers, insights and strategies.  Read more about the 2024 Market Leaders and past honorees at WoodworkingNetwork.com/Market-Leaders.