About Ed
Ed Parenteau started his woodworking career doing odd jobs out of his garage, he opened his first "official" shop in St. Petersburg in 1980. But at that time there was not much market for fine woodwork. Unable to build enough of a client base for his type of work, Parenteau closed the shop 2-1/2 years later. He continued doing projects for customers out of his home, but took a corporate job as an IT telecom specialist. It was not until 2000 that his artistic nature once again took over and cashed in his 401 (k) and restarted the business. Word got around among former customers that he was back full-time, and Parenteau took any project he could get as he re-built the business. Fortunately, clients' tastes in the Florida market had changed radically during his hiatus, and this time around he found a well-heeled clientele with an appreciation for fine wood- work, looking for something unique. Parenteau works directly with homeowners and staying in constant communication with his customers is key to ensure that he understands their wants and needs and that they understand his design and vision for their project.
Expertise and Work Ethics
Ed's 3,200-square-foot shop includes a showroom area where he displays some furniture pieces and a number of door samples incorporating various species and finishes. He has all customers visit the showroom to see his samples, so he can gauge what appeals to them. For the actual job, he makes prototype samples or doors to make sure that clients fully understand his designs, especially because his ideas can be so different from what they are used to seeing. He also encourages customers to visit his shop during production and always before installation, so he knows they will be well satisfied with the end product.
Check Out the 'No Limits' Article
Written by Helen Kuhl, this article talks about how craftsman Ed Parenteau challenges himself and his clients by offering an 'open door' of possibilities to build whatever they can conceive.