If you’ve been in the construction business on the Outer Banks for any length of time, you likely know the oldest and original custom cabinet manufacturer and installer out here – Island Woodcrafts. Recognized for excellence in designing, building and installing custom Cabinets by Craftsmen, this business has an enduring history and a promising future in the home building industry.
Enduring History
Gus and Evelyn Granitzki began building cabinets in 1950, and when they moved their family to Manteo in 1972, Island Woodcrafts opened as the first and only cabinet shop on the Outer Banks. Three of their children acquired the family business in 1986, and continued the strong Granitzki family legacy of service, selection and craftsmanship that has always distinguished Island Woodcrafts from all its competitors.
As of last summer, a new family has taken up the Island Woodcrafts mission, and Jason Hadrava is now at the helm. Today, you can find Jason, along with many of the same loyal, decades-long employees at the shop in Wanchese. Even Jeff Granitzki is still around, bringing client ideas to life with his extensive design experience.
Promising Future
Jason brings a fresh set of eyes and new skills to the Island Woodcrafts family. He has a comprehensive background in construction, working with CNC manufacturing equipment and CAD/CAM design.
Jason has also been building things for years as a second generation craftsman, and he says, “That is when I am happiest – in the shop building cabinets. I always said a bad day in the shop is better than a great day at the office.”
When he wasn’t building cabinets and other woodcrafts, Jason was building a cutting edge technology company in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC and has a great appreciation for the efficiency and precision that comes from working with the latest technology.
Even though he had a successful career in technology for many years, Jason was eager to return to his roots as a craftsman. “I took my side hustle and decided to make it my sole focus. Walking away from a career to follow my passion was hard, but the best decision I have made,” he said.
Jason is committed to retaining everything it means to be Island Woodcrafts, but also updating technology and incorporating state-of-the-art equipment to their production and processes to ultimately benefit their clients. Island Woodcrafts is also adding some amazing team members, including a 3rd generation cabinet maker Jason has known for over 25 years.
Jason is excited about the new year, stating, “I am so lucky to be surrounded by a great team and am ready to see what the next 50 years has in store for Island Woodcrafts, a division of Craftsmen Woodworks.”
Selection and Service
Island Woodcrafts has access to a wide variety of cabinet products – kitchen, bath, library, entertainment, closet, outdoor, etc. – and they can make one-of-a-kind fine furniture for your project. No matter what your cabinet needs or budget, you can count on Island Woodcrafts to provide selection and service with the pride of cabinetmakers who know their craft, along with professional, in-house installation.
Visit the Island Woodcrafts showroom at 3105 N Croatan Highway (MP 5.5, Seagate North Shopping Center) in Kill Devil Hills, or call 252-473-5363 for more information.