Decades of Dedication

Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry turns 30 and values the same ideals as day one

Photo by Deny Howeth

Armed with only a business plan that called for no owner compensation for three months, the use of personal vehicles for deliveries and a living room as an office, friends Mark Woodruff and Richard Reed started Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry (AM&C) in Lewes in 1991. Today, as the partners celebrate 30 years in business together, they reflected on their humble beginnings, deep-rooted connections to the community and the principal reasons for their longevity and success. 

“Overcoming challenges [in the beginning] required a desire to be successful, which meant we had to be willing to work for it and keep getting up when we’re knocked down,” Richard said.
“My thoughts always go to our customers and how our relationship together has grown. We have grown as the result of loyal customers and our commitment to service what we sell.”

“We wanted to advance professionally and have a chance for a better future for our families,” Mark added. “[It took] a ton of hard work, long hours and a supportive family.”

Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry is one of the Eastern Shore’s premier building suppliers and has provided materials for thousands of remodeling projects, custom homes and state and private construction projects across Delmarva. The company’s Nassau Commons Blvd. headquarters is home to its state-of-the-art showroom and design center, warehouse and office complex. It’s the epicenter — where the building industry’s most recognized and highest-quality products meet the creativity of Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry’s professional sales staff, design team and in-house technicians — have more than 100 combined years of experience. That knowledge has established trusting relationships with hundreds of architects, builders and contractors, as well as thousands of locals and second homeowners alike. The results are literally found in the windows, doors, cabinetry, decking, moldings — and much more — of countless homes, commercial, government and medical buildings across the region. 

Photo by Krista Valliant

AM&C’s roster of products and services has grown tremendously over the years, but the company has always been known for its millwork, windows (by Marvin, Simonton, Plygem and Lacantina), doors (by Thermatru, Masonite, PGT, Reeb, Simpson, Marvin and Plygem), cabinets (by Medallion, Mouser and Koch) and moldings. It also supplies decking, PVC trim, interior trim, Hardie siding products and more.

“We offer delivery and installation services, too, which has helped to set us apart,” Richard said. “We also will design a customer’s kitchen and help them select all of the products we sell from our showroom or website.”     

For 25 of its 30 years in business, Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry has been a distributor for Marvin Windows & Doors, which is AM&C’s premier window company brand.

“They’re a great, family-owned, fourth-generation company that supports its dealers and their success,” Mark said.

Marvin is known industry-wide as a premier manufacturer of residential windows — and Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry carries its two most popular models.

“Elevate [formerly known as Integrity] is a fiberglass-and-wood-clad window that’s perfect for the harsh coastal environment,” Mark said. 

“The Modern/Signature Custom line is also popular for the customer who may want a particular color, shape or custom option,” Richard said. “Both lines are fiberglass construction, with the best available finishes in the market.” 

As of January 1, 2021, AM&C became a direct business partner of Marvin Windows & Doors. This status allows them to respond even faster to sales-and-service requests and provides added savings to its customers.   

Three decades in business is special for any entrepreneur, but there’s an added sense of pride for Mark and Richard for having made it through a housing crisis, the Great Recession and a global pandemic. To what do they attribute their longevity and success? 

“Do what you say you are going to do, because if you don’t, you lose whatever confidence that customer has in you,” Richard said. “Good employees are also hard to find, and even harder to keep, so do your best to keep employees happy, because without them, you are nothing.” 

“For me, it’s hard work, honesty, perseverance and own it, meaning if you’re at fault, own it and fix it,” Mark said. “I can’t tell you how much of a blessing it is to be a part of this community and to be able work and live in this special place.”

ATLANTIC MILLWORK & CABINETRY  302-644-1405  |  AtlanticMillwork.com

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