CORDLE CUSTOM CABINETS & SUPPLY
I am often asked how I came to be a cabinetmaker. Here is a brief history of how that came about and how Cordle Custom Cabinets & Supply became a reality……….In 1974, my wife and I, purchased an older home, in dire need of a new kitchen, We set out to purchase new cabinets. I soon discovered we could not find a company or salesman that could turn our vision of our kitchen in to reality. I was working at the local lumberyard at the time and begin studying all the cabinets being purchased through the lumberyard. Having always been one to seek out knowledge in what ever I do, I purchased a few books on cabinet construction. After buying the needed tools I set out to build my first set of cabinets. Little did I know that decision would have such a dramatic impact on our lives.
In 1976 I founded Cordle Construction with the help and encouragement of my wife Emile. From the beginning we offered custom-built cabinets but were primarily involved in general contracting. Prior to getting into construction I was a tool and die maker. A job which taught me precision and gave me understand of manufacturing and tooling. I was also lucky to have had the opportunity to work for Jerry Jorgenson, at Jorgenson Construction, I gained a varied background in the construction of both housing as well as commercial buildings and pole construction. I am extremely thankful to Jerry for allowing me the opportunity to learn the trade.
That first set of cabinet’s lead to friends and acquaintances asking for help with their projects. Working for Jerry had given me the opportunity to build cabinets in the new homes he was building and remodeling. Once on my own I did many cabinet jobs of all types. Eventually Cabinets became the main focus of our business and we changed the name to Cordle Custom Cabinets & Supply.
The past 33 years on my own have brought many wonderful friends, customers and jobs. In an effort to better serve our customers I purchased the building we currently occupy, I added on to it twice. I was also the first in Blair, and one of the first in the state, to offer computer aided design services, specifically for custom cabinet design. This led to a degree in computer science, which again has given me a huge advantage in serving our customers.
Some of the highlights of my career have been the complete total remodeling of our first home, one that we lived in for 25 years. Building much of our own furniture. Building our shop and equipping it. The designing, contracting and building of our current new home. I was honored to be chosen for the responsibility of the on site construction of the original Country Bible Church building. So many of the projects Milt Heinrich and Jim Olsen involved me in, both are art professors from Dana College, who allowed me to take my craft to a “literal” art form. The opportunity to join the Metropolitan community College, Construction Science, Adjunct Faculty. The thousands of customers we had the opportunity to help and serve in making their projects both large and small, a reality.
I am extremely thankful to everyone who helped in making Cordle Custom Cabinets.
On a more personal note,
My family first moved to a small farm in Washington County, in 1961. I had the wonderful opportunity of attending a one-room country school for two years. It was at that one room school that first met Emile. We dated through high school and married in 1969. We’ve had the joy of raising 4 children in Blair
I graduated from Blair High and attended Dana for a year. I enlisted in the Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. While still in high school and well attending Dana I worked for Kelly Rayn where I learned to be a machinist. I was also a machinist on a destroyer while in the navy. Once I returned home I worked as a tool and die maker until I started on a career change that led to construction.
A few years ago I did go back to college and completed an Associates degree in Microcomputer Technologies. I am presently contemplating getting the few remaining credits I need for my bachelors.
I am a teacher at heart and have used my gift of teaching in many ways within the community. I was very active in church youth groups over the years as well as adult ministries and small groups. I have served in many positions while attending Country Bible Church. As I mentioned I was a member of the adjunct faculty at Metro Community College. I have also been involved with many youth sport activities over the years. I have been a volunteer coach for Special Olympics and Challenger Little League for over 20 years and I am a strong advocate of those with special needs with in the region.
I am truly grateful for all the blessings and gifts God has bestowed on me and for all the family and friends we have here in Blair and the surrounding area.
You may contact me at: Dennis Cordle, Cordle Custom Cabinets & Supply, 1766 State, Blair NE, 68008 402-426-2598, e-mail: woodworker@huntel.net