My name is Curt Kubiak, and I’m the owner of Inspired Decks LLC.
Early on
As a young kid, my mother would say to me, “sawdust is in your veins”.
Having generations of family in the building trades, I was introduced to manual labor and craftsmanship early on. I loved making and fixing things around the house. Even at 10 years old, I wanted a cordless drill for Christmas.
I have fond memories of watching “This Old House” on Saturdays with my dad. I was and still, am fascinated with how things are built and made.
The start of my working life
Just after high school, I worked for a higher-scale home builder that opened my eyes to the field of carpentry. I started working with the interior trim crew. Mostly cleaning and moving materials around. But before I knew it, I was installing doors and pre-finished oak trim in million dollar homes.
Soon after, I joined the Carpenters union and started a 4-year apprenticeship which includes on the job training.
I feel I was fortunate to work for a company that was still (old school) in their ways of building. Still hand nailing walls together, still cutting each roof rafter for the entire house. We would start from the foundation and even set the windows ourselves.
I completed the carpenter’s apprenticeship and received journeymen level at age 22.
However, I still wasn’t done learning. I took an additional 2 more years’ worth of skilled trade courses at the carpenter’s school because I knew the power of knowledge and how it can make you more valuable.
I decided to look for some more formal education and pursued a college degree in Construction Management. With an emphasis on building codes and leadership. During which I became project manager for a local deck and remodeling company working directly with each customer.
My next opportunity came calling from the largest residential carpentry contractor in the Illinois/Wisconsin area.
I took the position as Foremen building single-family and multi-family homes. An average day I was directed up to 25 field carpenters and apprentices between multiple subdivisions at the same time. That is where I learned how to manage budget, schedule, and quality.
2014, I married My Best Friend
My wife Jenelle is my greatest fan, support, and motivator throughout my personal and professional life.
I credit much of my success to her. We are blessed to have an amazing son together.
Today We’re Building a Culture of People First, Then Building.
The greatest lesson I learned throughout my career is people come first.
Without a team of carpenters, apprentices, and even our customers, we cannot build the projects we build, teach our apprentices what we know and strive to keep getting better each day without people. We all follow the (Golden Rule), “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”
I am committed to serving my community and others around me through these principles.
Now I’d Like To Hear Your Story
Thank you for taking the time to read my story today.
I hope you have a better understanding of why I do what I do, and what inspires me.
I’d love to hear your story and how we can help bring your ideas to life. What inspires you!
Sincerely, Curt Kubiak
Owner of Inspired Decks LLC