Toast to Excellence:
Celebrating Jed Hilmi, Winner of the Legends of the Trade Competition
The Legends of the Trade initiative by Cabinetry.Online has been on a mission to celebrate all that makes the cabinet-making industry legendary. This initiative wasn’t just about competition; it was about celebrating the stories and achievements of passionate individuals and businesses across the cabinet-making field.
The ultimate goal was to highlight the exceptional work and dedication within the industry, and now, from numerous entries across Australia, one story stands tall: the story of Jed Hilmi.
Our winner, Jed Hilmi, earns the prestigious title along with 5 slabs of Joinery Juice Lager, specifically crafted for the legends of the industry.
From Basic Tools to High-Tech Solutions
Jed Hilmi’s journey began in 2007 when he took up an apprenticeship in cabinet making. Reflecting on his start, Jed shared, “I finished high school in 2006 and wasn’t 100% sure of what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted something different, and when an apprenticeship in cabinet making came up, I jumped at it.”
After completing his apprenticeship, Jed spent 14 years honing his skills and eventually decided to venture out on his own. “I was doing so much of my own work as well as working for someone else and it got to a point where I thought, now’s probably the time to do it” he recalled.
In March 2022, Jed established JH Custom Cabinetry in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Without a factory of his own, Jed began outsourcing his manufacturing needs to Alsa Cut to Size, a collaboration that allowed him to maintain quality while managing costs effectively. Mike Caminer, the owner of Alsa Cut to Size, nominated Jed for the competition, a nod to the strong professional relationship they had developed.
The Winning Project: The Burradoo Kitchen
Jed’s winning submission was the Burradoo project, named after the suburb in the Southern Highlands where it was located. The project showcased his exceptional skills and creativity. The client came to Jed with a vision of a traditional, high-end kitchen with intricate detailing, including face frames and a large canopy hood.
“The goal for this project was to capture the fine details of the Traditional English Shaker style,” explained Jed. “Not only was this kitchen going to be used daily by the client, but it was also going to be used for weekly Southern Italian cooking classes, so there was an extra emphasis on storage, bench space, and the incorporation of all the appliances.”
Initially faced with budget concerns and the complexity of design details, Jed meticulously planned and executed the project, ensuring every element matched the clients’ desires while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship. Jed highlighted some key features: “The main style features of this kitchen are the details such as the Shaker door profile, face frames, crown moldings, canopy rangehood, and island posts. The paint color is a soft green (Dulux ‘Moorland’), and the stone benchtops and splashbacks are in YDL Stone ‘Shadow Grey’.”
The result was a stunning kitchen that left the clients, Peter and Cindy, thoroughly impressed and delighted. “In the end, they were stoked with it, really happy,” Jed shared with a smile.
Growth and Innovation at JH Custom Cabinetry
Starting without a workshop, Jed has steadily expanded his operations and now operates out of a 110-square-metre factory equipped with essential machinery, including a panel saw and a jointer-thicknesser. He has also hired his first employee, a significant milestone for his burgeoning business. “Employing someone has been one of the biggest challenges, but it’s an important step in growing the business,” Jed remarked.
“There’s been a lot to learn, especially on the business side of things, but having a really good bookkeeper and accountant has been crucial,” Jed shared. This approach has enabled him to navigate industry challenges, from rising material costs to the scarcity of skilled employees.
Looking Ahead: Jed’s Vision for the Future
Jed is excited about the future of the cabinet-making industry. He sees trends like curved designs and bold colours gaining popularity, and he’s enthusiastic about incorporating these elements into his projects. “Curves have really grown on me,” he noted. “I also see a lot of cool options like scintered stone and natural stone becoming more popular.”
Jed’s future goals include continuing to grow his business, and possibly investing in his own CNC equipment as he becomes more self-sufficient. He remains committed to delivering high-quality, customised cabinetry and hopes to take on increasingly complex and creative projects.
Advice for Aspiring Cabinet Makers
For those entering the trade, Jed’s advice is invaluable: “Be honest with yourself about whether you’re prepared to put in the work. Get good advice. And most importantly, be honest with your clients and do the best job you can.”
A Well-Deserved Celebration
As Jed prepares to share his Joinery Juice Lager with friends and colleagues, his story stands as a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion that define a true legend of the trade. We at Cabinetry.Online are proud to honour Jed Hilmi, a craftsman who exemplifies excellence and integrity in cabinet making.
Here’s to you, Jed, and to all our legends. Your stories shape the future of the cabinet-making industry.
