RHW HISTORY
Rock Hill Woodworking has a rich legacy dating back to 1942, earning a reputation for producing quality craftsmanship. Today we are committed to honoring this past, and maintaining RHW's longstanding reputation, while looking towards the future and new possibilities.
Rock Hill Woodworking was established in 1942 by Carl Thomas, father of Bill Thomas and Elizabeth Stahl Thomas . They opened the shop in the heart off Rock Hill, MO where it continued to operate over the next 48 years. Rock Hill Woodworking was known for being a family business, with a reputation for producing fine-quality millwork. When the family no longer had anyone to carry on the business, they made the tough decision to shut the doors and sell the business. Shortly after they were approached by Gene Kirkpatrick who owned a small furniture business at the time. The Thomas family sold the business to Gene Kirkpatrick in 1990 and was happy to see the RHW legacy they had worked so hard to build live on. Having the name carry on was very important to them.
1942 - OCT. 1990
OCT. 1990 - OCT. 2019
In October of 1990 Gene Kirkpatrick purchased Rock Hill Woodworking Co. from the Thomas family. Owning and operating a custom millwork shop was a childhood dream of Genes, so the purchase was a natural fit. Gene's goal and vision for RHW was to expand it's current capabilities, and create a state of the art shop. This vision would require a larger shop and the best equipment available. In 2007 that dream became a reality when Gene relocated RHW to it's current location, purchasing a new Weinig moulder with PowerCOM and an automated rip saw. Throughout Gene's ownership, RHW produced and still offers more custom moulding profiles than any millwork shop in the STL metro area. RHW's legacy and reputation expanded under Gene's leadership, producing the finest millwork available. After 29 years of hard work and dedication to RHW, Gene decided it was time to retire and sell the business.
OCT. 2019 - PRESENT
October 1st of 2019, almost 29 years to the date, Andrea and Matthew Mitchell purchased Rock Hill Woodworking from Gene Kirkpatrick. Matthew had been searching for the perfect business to purchase for several years that complimented both his and Andrea's backgrounds and business goals. When learning of RHW's capabilities and strong reputation, the Mitchells were immediately intrigued. Matthew's long-term passion for wood working and business background in technical sales, coupled with Andrea's background in design, made it the perfect fit. They are committed to carrying on the RHW legacy of producing quality millwork at a fair price, while working to take the business to the next level. Of utmost importance is fostering a work culture that encourages teamwork, collaboration and excellent customer service. The Mitchells strongly value family, faith, and hard work.
FUN FACTS
In 2007, Rock Hill Woodworking relocated from it's original location in Rock Hill, MO to that of its current location at 3660 Lynn Town Drive, where it was converted to a millwork shop. Prior to being the home of Rock Hill Woodworking, the building was more famously known for being a music hall called the Starlight Ballroom/ Music Palace, and later Night Moves. Famous acts such as the Chevels, Bob Kuban, The Velvet Underground, and many more performed live within these walls... If only walls could talk!
