Jeff Jackson, CEO of Cabinetworks Group, recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with the country’s largest privately owned cabinet manufacturer. The milestone was marked by the executive leadership team hosting a companywide town hall meeting at its largest manufacturing plant in Middlefield, Ohio, and live streamed to its other locations.

Since joining Cabinetworks Group in mid-2024, Jackson has spearheaded a number of initiatives, including an operational hourly bonus program, financial assistance program that allows team members to apply for a grant or interest-free loan if they have an immediate financial need or crisis; a scholarship program for children of team members; enhanced tuition reimbursement for team members; increased vacation time for long term employees; created an on-site free medical clinic at the company’s Middlefield, Ohio plant; and has increased the corporate benefits program tremendously.

“My corporate philosophy is simple. People first, mission always,” said Jackson. “Our people are our most important differentiator. If we get the culture right and if we treat our people right, the business results will follow. So, while we will continue to invest in our brands, launch new products and increase efficiency, we also intend to continually invest in our people through leadership training and meaningful benefits for our team and their families.”

More than 5,000 team members took part in the town hall meeting, over numerous in person sessions and through live streaming. Executives from the Cabinetworks Group leadership team, including Jackson, Mike Wothe, Debbie LaPinska, Danielle Mikesell, Larry France and others, spoke to team members about the company’s strategy, the importance of driving operational excellence and efficiency, and building the manufacturer’s various brands. Several Q-and-A sessions were held throughout the day for different shifts and team members, as well as a team lunch.

“We announced in January that we would launch new products in all four of our core brands—KraftMaid, Medallion, Merillat and Smart,” said Danielle Mikesell, chief marketing officer for Cabinetworks. “Since then, we’ve brought more new products to market than in the past 15 years at Cabinetworks, and in doing so, we’ve reinvigorated our brands, energized our team, and sparked excitement among kitchen designers. We’re committed to building great kitchens together in partnership with our customers, and we’re equipping them with the products, resources, insights and support they need to grow their business.”

With more than 25 years of experience leading company transformations, Jackson has spent the past 19 years in the building products industry, most recently as president and CEO of PGT Innovations, a manufacturer and supplier of premium windows and doors.

Prior to PGT Innovations, Jackson held several leadership roles, including vice president and corporate controller of The Hershey Company, senior vice president and CFO of Schwan’s Bakery, Inc., and senior vice president of operations for Mrs. Smith’s Bakeries.

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“My corporate philosophy is simple. People first, mission always,” said Jackson. “Our people are our most important differentiator. If we get the culture right and if we treat our people right, the business results will follow."