mastercraftsmanken@windstream.net

Ken Sandstrom

At the young age of 14, Ken began building homes alongside his father. It wasn’t long before the heritage of carpentry passed from his grandfather Ed, was shown to be very evident in the natural gift Ken exhibited for wood working.  Winning several state competition awards for drafting, home design and construction models, Ken went on to Ferris State College to earn a degree in architecture, graduating second in his class.

Returning to his home town, Ken secured a position with the Arntzen   Architectural Firm where he personally designed and oversaw the construction of several commercial projects including the Schoolcraft County Courthouse and additions to St. Francis Hospital and Escanaba High School.

After 3 years of working in the office, Ken realized his real gift was working “hands on” in the construction process.  Ken formed his own “one man shop” and built from the ground up numerous homes, additions, and log cabins.

1984 brought a career shift for Ken as he moved his family to Jacksonville, Florida and accepted the position of project superintendent for a concrete placement company.  The next 3 years Ken would use his extensive knowledge and experience in construction as he managed and worked on the first building for Mayo Clinic, the maintenance facility at Mayport Naval Station, Flagler Hospital, the Baywood Office Complex as well as numerous other commercial building projects around the Northeast Florida area.

January of 1988, Ken once again returned to being self- employed forming the Design/Build Company.   During the next 15 years, Ken continued to hone his woodworking skills while working extensively with  Pro Shops, Health Clubs and Chambers of Commerce, providing them with the specialized advertising/display fixtures they required.  Partnering with Leo Hayden of Architectural Door and Glass, Ken has built many beautiful custom doors and curved frames for transoms to accommodate the art glass.  The past 7 years Ken has concentrated more on the finished woodworking required in a home such as fine cabinetry for Kitchens, Baths, Dens, Home Offices and Family Rooms.

Kens’ motto is 2 fold: It takes a lot of practice to become a master craftsman and skipping no steps is imperative.  With over 1000 kitchens, home office/library/entertainment centers, fireplace surrounds, custom doors, windows ,and transoms to his credit, Ken has had a lot of practice.

Having been married for 38 years and raising 2 daughters, Ken has learned the artful language of speaking “woman”, vital in helping the homeowner navigate the paths of home repair and remodeling.  He listens carefully and is adept in helping the customer determine what they need and want for the amount they are able to invest.  Now known as Master Craftsman Ken, a title he does not take flippantly, he offers the homeowner creativity, careful planning, precise workmanship, and a finished product they are proud to show their friends.  He offers a wide range of cabinet choices in all price and style ranges, pre-made entry level flat-packs, or custom designed cabinetry made for your particular needs. Ken loves what he does and it shows in his work.

Although Ken is not licensed as a plumber, electrician, or roofer, he has extensive knowledge in all these areas and can offer you reliable sources to use should your job require these trades.

Ken has extensive experience in applying tough quality finishes whether it be stain, laquer, or paint.  He is certified in fabricating and installing solid surface for counter tops, preferring the Hanex line as his first choice of material. Ken is currently partnered with Art Stones of Jacksonville for granite tops. As a cabinet manufacturer, he is not required by the state to be licensed, but holds the proper business licenses as well as complete insurance coverage.

Customers often say the same things when describing who and what Master Craftsman Ken is: careful, creative, dependable, extremely knowledgeable, fair, gifted, good natured, hard working, honest, reliable, sincere, and thorough.  Called a “man for the job”, Ken’s customers refer to him as “friend” and perhaps that is one of the highest compliments a man can receive.

It takes a lot of practice…

Not skipping a step helps…