In 1993, George DesChamps had an idea to build some small trunks as a keepsake for his grandchildren. The project required a large amount of oak lumber which George found to be a little too pricey at the local lumberyards. He contacted his son-in-law, Bill Barrett, to find out if Bill had any suggestions for purchasing the oak. Bill, who did woodworking as a hobby, remembered a craftsman in Lugoff, South Carolina who sometimes had wood remnants for sale.
Together Bill and George visited with the woodworker and purchased the oak lumber for George’s project. During the visit, Bill was amazed at the doors the craftsman was building in the small shop. The craftsman was in need of some help and Bill quickly agreed to become an apprentice to learn the custom door trade. After two years of apprenticing at night and working for DuPont by day, the craftsman was ready to retire and Bill was able to purchase the custom door business. Thus, Southern Custom Doors was born.
For the first couple of years, the business grew slowly and Bill continued working part-time. In 2000, the business had outgrown the original small shop and Southern Custom Doors moved to a new location. Bill was able to quit his day job and also hire his first employee, Roger Woolford.
Southern Custom Doors outgrew its second location in 2006. In August 2006, we moved to our current location at 409 Larch Road. We are happy to employ many local craftsmen who take great pride in building what we like to consider as “furniture on hinges.”
George DesChamps passed away in September of 2006 and was never able to visit the new location of Southern Custom Doors. George believed that you’re never too old to follow your dream and there’s never too much sugar in a single cup of coffee. With George’s encouragement, Bill entered into his apprenticeship and proved George right – you are never too old to follow your dream.
Each day as the halogen lights slowly illuminate the dark corners of the shop and the machines yawn to life with electric current, there’s always a strong pot of coffee being brewed in the office. As we drink our first cup of coffee, though maybe not with as much sugar as George would have liked, we remember him with love and gratitude.
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