Captain’s Cabinetry had just celebrated 10 years of business in downtown Charlotte when owner Paul Wilson realized it was time to find a permanent home. Having leased its space since forming in 2006, Wilson knew it was time to own. The only question remaining was where.
“I started attended city council meetings about a year and a half ago to get an idea of where this community was headed,” Wilson said.
Knowing that a bulk of his business came from outside the Charlotte community, he and store manager Judy Wonch contemplated moving to neighboring communities. In the end, Captain’s Cabinetry’s ties to Charlotte proved to be too strong.
“The decision was made, we don’t ever want to leave Charlotte,” Wilson said. “We want to be a positive part of the community’s future.”
Wilson purchased the building at 136 S. Cochran Avenue, a few storefronts from his current location at 116 S. Cochran. He said plans to renovate the existing space will take some time, but the existing 12-foot tin ceilings and visible front entryway were attractive. Wilson said he sees the new space as a two-year project.
“It will give us some individuality,” Wilson said. “It’s also an opportunity to recover some of the history that’s been lost in the community.”
Wilson and Wonch have always been strong supporters of the Charlotte business community, often advising customers from outside of the community as to places to shop and eat in town. They collaborate regularly with Custom Home Interiors on projects and often send customers down to Fay’s Evelyn Bay to grab a coffee or baked goods with a small gift card.
“We bring a lot of people into this community,” Wonch said of customers visiting from outside of Charlotte. “We are often asked, ‘where’s a good place to eat?’ or ‘where’s a good place to shop?’”
Wilson said the new location will add to the many positives taking place in Charlotte.
“We had to decide if Charlotte was worth the risk,” Wilson said. “We decided that it’s the way to go. This town has a lot of positives. We just have to stay out of the way and let the momentum keep going.”
Captain’s Cabinetry also offers cabinets, countertops, lighting, sinks, faucets, toilets, tubs and showers. Items range in price from affordable to custom work. Countertops are available in granite, quartz, solid surface or laminate.
Wonch said the showroom provides a relaxed atmosphere for customers to browse selections and envision what their new kitchen or bath could look like.
Captain’s Cabinetry, located at 116 S. Cochran in downtown Charlotte, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evening and weekend hours are available by appointment. Call (517) 543-0363 for more information.
