Dear student of history:
My name is Peter Braam, I am owner and co-founder of Braams Custom Cabinets in partnership with my brother Robert . We started the business in 1980 and have been building the business ever since. Starting out with just the two of us designing, building and installing every cabinet out of our fathers work shop.
In 1983 we developed a three way partnership with our dad as he was unwilling to accept retirement at that time or as a matter of fact any time as he will be 83 this year and still comes to work every day . It is most certainly my fathers work ethic that was instilled upon us at an early age that now has become the driving force behind the success of this company.
Braam's Custom Cabinets is now operating out of a 47,000 sq/ft manufacturing facility with all the latest in cnc machining technology and a crew of well seasoned cabinetmakers and professional support personnel many of them having been with us for 15 to 20 years or more.
I responsible for the sales and marketing for the company and the three showrooms that are all owned by the company in London Ont.at 75 Wellington St., Birmingham Mich. at 114 South Old Woodward and our newest one in Oakville Ont. at 136 Church St.
I still enjoy meeting and working with our customers every day in order to see their smiles and build their dreams.
Thank You
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Robert and his brother started Braam’s Custom Cabinets in 1980 and have been building the business ever since. They both started out with just the two of them designing, building and installing every cabinet out of a small work shop.
In 1983 we developed a three way partnership with our dad as he was unwilling to accept retirement at that time or as a matter of fact any time as he will be 83 this year and still comes to work every day . It is most certainly my fathers work ethic that was instilled upon us at an early age that now has become the driving force behind the success of this company.
Braam's Custom Cabinets is now operating out of a 47,000 sq/ft manufacturing facility with all the latest in cnc machining technology and a crew of well seasoned cabinetmakers and professional support personnel many of them having been with us for 15 to 20 years or more.
Robert is mainly responsible for the managing the manufacturing shop and overseeing the field installations and often is hands on with the installations.
Thank You
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I joined Braam’s Woodcraft Inc. in December 1986, shortly after the family owned company expanded for the first time and moved from Lawrence Station to their newly built facility in St. Thomas, Ontario.
I was hired by Braam’s after graduating from the Interior Design program at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario.
My current job title is Office Manager, having risen through the ranks over my 22 years of service. My original position was as a Kitchen Designer / Sales Representative / Administrative Assistant.
Over the years, I have participated in helping grow Braam’s from a single entity to a multi-location, international company, collaborating on projects in many areas of the company.
I have collaborated with the rest of Braam’s Management and staff in all departments working on production, design, scheduling, job costing and day-to-day operations.
I definitely prefer traditional design. My all time favorite home style would be a Traditional Cape Cod with Arts and Crafts as a runner up. I love homes that have architectural details and trim details as the main focal point inside and out. To me, the decorating and interior design of a home should complement and enhance the architectural features of the home, not overtake it. I prefer a balanced mix of solid wood and painted products. I tend to stick to nature inspired earth-tone colors with a yellow base for walls and furniture. I don’t think a room is complete without plants or greenery, as it brings life and softness to a room. Touches of black and white in a room complete the look and add drama.
I love to see before and after pictures of a project, whether it is an interior space, the exterior of a structure or a landscape project; plus read the storey behind the transformation. After having built my own home, I realize it’s such a wonderful, yet sometimes challenging, self-fulfilling process you go thru and everyone’s experience is so personal to them. It’s quite a gratifying accomplishment to take a drawing and bring it to life.
My years at Braam’s have been enjoyable and challenging all at the same time. The length of my career here has given me an opportunity to watch the trends change and even some return for a second run – as the new and upcoming trend. Old becomes new again.
As for the future I look forward to watching and participating in Braam’s growth, as this company has tremendous potential.
Jean
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My name is Jennifer Bidigare and I have been with Braam’s Custom Cabinets since 2004 as a Sales and Interior designer. I studied and earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a concentration in Interior Design degree from Wayne State University. I also spent a summer in London England studying architecture and interior design abroad. I enjoy traveling Europe and the US visiting some of my favorite artists and architects. I gravitate towards a more masculine and contemporary design style but also enjoy a great Eclectic styled room. I think texture lots of texture and color is important. Gray is a favorite of mine along with anything new and interesting. New products and materials are all great and I don’t try to repeat the same look over and over.
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I have been a part of the Braam’s Custom Cabinet team since October 2008, with experience in the cabinetry design business since April of 2006. I have worked on projects that range from small kitchens to large scale detailed homes. With my education in architecture and interior decorating I have developed a keen eye for good design.
One of my greatest assets is the ability to listen to my clients and give them their dream kitchen or bath even when they're not quite sure what they are looking for. Exceeding clients' goals is my primary objective.
I enjoy following the trends of modern design, and trying to incorporate those concepts into designs that will last the life time of the home. I look forward to researching and utilizing new and innovative products to better the over all design of a custom cabinetry project.
You have lots of choices. Invest in good design and quality work.
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Member of the Braam's team since April 2011. Bio coming soon.
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My name is Kevin and I have been with Braam’s since 1991. First as an off site production manager and now I’m considered the engineering manager with direct input to production and sales support. I graduated from Fanshawe College with a diploma as an Electrical Engineering Technician.
Some of my responsibilities include software updates of company programs, pricing support, machine maintenance, building maintenance as well as purchasing raw materials such as rough lumber and sheet goods.
On a personal note I am raising three boys and enjoy golfing & fishing.
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My name is Jeff Cole i have been with Braam's since 1993. I am now a production engineer with the company. I started with braams right out of high school and was trained by them to do every part of the trade. I guess if i had a design style it would be arts and crafts look and my favorite colour would be blue.
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My name is WONIL CHUNG and I have been working for Braam’s Custom Cabinets since 2006 as a PRODUCT ENGINEER. I studied and earned diploma in Wood working Technology-Architectural Millwork from Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ontario Canada. I studied and earned a BA degree majoring Korean Language Education from Seoul National University, Korea. I also spent one year in Swansea University, United Kingdom, studying art & photography for MPhil. I enjoyed traveling European countries and visiting lots of my favorite artists and museums. I like simple, unique, durable, and functional design.
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I was hired at Braam’s on April 22, 1998. I began working in the breakout, cutting area of production. As certain employees moved on in different career choices, I progressively learned all the other areas of production. I even-tually ended up in the assembly area where I learned how everything from cutting, doors, custom parts, finishing, assembly and installation all ties together to create a completed project.
My background in woodworking includes my classes in high school. After 11 years working in another field and being laid off, I took some courses in drafting and finishing at our local college. I began the cabinetmaking ap-prenticeship course after I started working at Braam’s and haven’t looked back.
It was while I was in the assembly area when I began my role as Foreman of the shop. I volunteered to take on the role from another employee who was moved into the office to take on the engineering and drawings of the projects for the floor. As time has gone on, I have taken on more responsibilities in the company as well, that being a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, receiving of product, interviewing prospective employees, scheduling of jobs for installs, and various other administrative supporting roles.
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I was hired by Braam’s Custom Cabinets after I graduated from the Interior Design Program at Fanshawe College in August, 2011. Being from a Middle Eastern background, I grew an early interest in exploring different styles of architecture. I believe Design is a way of communicating something beautiful to solve a human problem.
My artistic skills, the creative techniques I use, my attention to detail ‐ this is how I bring my thoughts to life. When I take on a new project, I commit to it with passion. I see the possibilities and challenge myself to go beyond expectations.
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