About Gonnerman Woodworking

Craftsmanship, Precision & Family Heritage

Our Story

At the young age of 12, owner Randy Gonnerman made his first piece of furniture—a cedar chest. "I just always remember liking tools, being drawn to them." Randy eventually set up a small shop in the family garage, and by the time he was a junior in high school, he had obtained his own sales tax permit, taking custom orders for everything from doors to cabinets.

He also became accomplished at turning wood on a lathe, utilizing exotic and unique timber such as zebrawood, ebony, carpathian elm, myrtlewood, and purpleheart. His turned pieces have been featured in Des Moines art galleries and the MacNider Art Museum in Mason City, Iowa.

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Expanding the Business

Over the past 35 years, Gonnerman has never wavered from his passion, expanding into both home construction and custom cabinetry and millwork. In 2006, he relocated the business to the St. Ansgar Industrial Park to accommodate a larger cabinet shop with space for the construction equipment and trailers as well.

 

He is recognized in the industry for taking on challenging builds that prompt other contractors to back away. He excels at precision preservation, luxury restorations, and seamless additions that appear original to the residence. Clients also appreciate his clean jobsites and overall efficiency.

 

Preservation is a core foundation as well as a large part of the business. Many of his clients seek to blend historical architectural character with modern functionality. Gonnerman specializes in custom-milling obsolete trim profiles, replicating intricate woodworking, and maintaining the structural and aesthetic integrity of period properties. His seamless integration allows for upates and renovations that feel natural rather than mismatched, and honors the original craftsmanship while adapting for modern living.

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Attention to detail remains his trademark, evident in large-scale structural projects and small custom pieces alike. For Randy, woodworking is more than just a job—it's a lifelong calling.

Randy's greatest joy comes from witnessing a client's initial reaction to a finished project. "The challenge and satisfaction comes from seeing their reaction. It's rewarding to know people appreciate the quality and precision put into every detail."

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A Family Tradition

Welcoming his son Joel to the business added immense value to the team. "It has been incredibly fullfilling to have my youngest son, Joel, join full-time. Having worked together since he was young, he developed the same standard of accuracy and attention to detail that our business is known for."

Alongside his work with the family business, Joel operates a specialized side business designing and creating lathe-turned vessels. His work has earned regional and national awards and is currently available across multiple locations. Learn more about his projects at joelgonnermanwoodworkings.com.