Ron Sheppard knows what it's like to work with his hands, and to find artistry in everyday objects. He is a craftsman and cabinet maker who shows an Old World attention to quality and detail.

He runs Cabinets by Sheppard Inc., making all types of cabinets, from bathroom to kitchen to garage. He also makes tables, chairs, entertainment centers, you name it. "If it can be built out of wood, I can build it," is the company motto.

It was his father who started the family cabinet business many years ago.  Sheppard says he comes from a long line of creative handymen.

His father had always toyed with the idea of opening his own business. What started out as odd jobs here and there turned into full time cabinet making.

“There was a need for good cabinets, so we started building them” Sheppard remembers.

At age 11, Sheppard started working random construction jobs and began to get his feet wet in the industry. He says that while other children were making swords out of two pieces of pre-shaped wood, he was shaping and painting works of art. “I always had the best toys,” Sheppard laughs.

Although the business is on solid ground now, the economy’s recent downward spiral drove the family to making it a one-man show. Sheppard and his father, along with his mother and sister ran the business for a time; his uncle even came on board at one point. In the midst of the flailing economy, Sheppard became the only employee.

“The economy went wherever it went and I haven’t seen it since” said Sheppard.

When it comes to his work, Sheppard is dedicated to each customer. He only takes on one job at a time so that he can be fully committed to the project at hand. Sheppard remembers enduring a 90-hour work week to ensure the quality and timeliness of an order.

Although his work can be customized, Sheppard says that his prices are considerably low compared to larger companies. “Once customers come here, they don’t go anywhere else” said Sheppard. “I’ve been told by the ones that have shopped around that my pricing is very competitive.”

Cabinets are Sheppard’s livelihood, but he is also woodworker and carpenter. He says that if he could make a living with just furniture, he would. From church pews to entertainment centers, Ron Sheppard tackles it all.

Sheppard’s passion for his craft shines through in his work and he has no intention of changing careers. “I think I’m going to be like my Dad,” said Sheppard. “I’m going to be doing this until I drop.”