This Was Brainerd - May 13
A look through the Brainerd Dispatch archives with Terry McCollough combing the microfilm for tidbits of history through the decades going back to 1921. Written By: Terry McCollough | ×
20 years ago (2001)
(Photo) When Gary Andres put an addition on his Gary s Painting business in Baxter in 1992, he had a little shop in back. His brother Don (left) started a custom cabinet business, Wood Products Unlimited, in the space. After several years he hurt his hand, and his brother Alan (right) joined him in the business. They are now in their fourth expansion.
30 years ago (1991)
A Hopkins man allegedly struck his fishing partner in the face with an oar while on Gull Lake. They had left Bar Harbor when the boat hit a wake and the assailant was thrown to the bottom of the boat. The fight continued until they reached Grand View Lodge where the assailant tried to drown his partner. Both had been drinking.
Employees Ryan Aanes and Todd Pietila have purchased the company, which has tripled in size since its founding in 1992. Aanes and Pietila have worked at Wood Products as craftsmen since 2004 and 2000, respectively.
We’ve always been 100 percent custom,” said Pietila . Everything we do is all custom and by hand. We start every project from scratch. From the design to the cutting to assembly to the finishing, all the way to the installation. An actual experienced craftsman handles your cabinets every step of the way. We’re not going to change that.
Wood Products says it plans to retain its current status quo for the near future, but has long-term adjustments planned. The company specializes in custom residential cabinetry.