Our Story – From Machinist to Master Cabinet Maker

Since 2005, Lewis Custom Cabinets has served Milwaukee homeowners, contractors, and community institutions with pride, skill, and integrity. Our journey began over 15 years ago when founder Fred Lewis, then a machinist at Harley‑Davidson, began building cabinets in his basement and garage—driven by a passion for craftsmanship and quality materials.

A kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops

Hitting the Pause Button on Harley‑Davidson

A DIY Cabinetry Passion Takes Root

While working full-time at Harley‑Davidson, Fred started building cabinets in his basement. His dedication led him to transform his garage into a part-time custom cabinet shop over 13 years

A Leap of Faith in 2005

With support from WEN’s Minority Business Specialist, Kamela Goodwyn, Fred secured an Early Planning Grant to write a business plan—and later a Façade Grant from the City of Milwaukee for signage and storefront improvements. These critical steps enabled the 2005 launch of Lewis Custom Cabinets in a 4,200 sq ft facility

A kitchen with white cabinets , black appliances , granite counter tops , and a large island.

Community Roots and Local Pride

Inner‑City Commitment

As one of the few small cabinet makers operating within Milwaukee’s inner city, Fred and Bonnie are deeply committed to their community. “We sit down and take the time … before anything is ever done,” Fred shared. Bonnie echoes that sentiment: “We wanted to stay in the inner city ‘cause this is where our peoples are”TMJ4 News.

A Certified Black‑Owned Business

TMJ4’s “Positively Milwaukee” highlighted Fred and Bonnie as Wisconsin’s only certified Black-owned mill shop and cabinet maker, noting their dedication to providing high-quality carpentry services with a personal touch TMJ4 News.

Our Values – Craftsmanship, Integrity, and Service

Handcrafted With Heart

Fred’s woodwork exhibits meticulous attention to detail. “Watching Lewis work, you witness precision. A true artisan,” TMJ4 observed TMJ4 News. Working into the night until it feels exactly right is how Fred operates.

Personal, One-on-One Service

Unlike large-scale providers, we offer home consultations and personalized design planning. Fred says, “You don’t find a lot of small cabinet shops … that come out and do home estimates and one-on-one consulting.”lewiscustomcabinets.com.

Quality Materials & Built to Last

Our custom cabinets are built with solid hardwood and plywood—no particle board. Even our distributor lines (Koch & Co. and J&K Cabinetry) adhere to these quality standards, ensuring durability for generations.

What We Stand For

  • Expertise & Experience: Over 25 years of craft—from hobbyist to full-time pro.



  • Community Investment: Rooted in Milwaukee’s inner city and committed to local service.


  • Mentorship & Growth: Grown with guidance from WEN and ongoing city support.


  • Honesty & Transparency: Straightforward pricing, reliable timelines, and clear communication.


  • Quality-Led: No capped-off with particle board—only hardwood and plywood.

Join Our Journey

We invite you to experience cabinetry built with care, skill, and local pride. Whether you're planning a full kitchen remodel, need refacing, or want to customize pieces to match your home, we’ll partner with you every step of the way.