Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Bates.
Hi Justin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I got started in cabinetry working alongside my father around the age of 16. My We worked together daily for years, focusing on installation and learning the trade the right way, from precision and craftsmanship to understanding what it takes to deliver a quality finished product.
By 2015, after years of hands on experience, I decided to start my own business. I had confidence in our skill set, but getting started wasn’t easy. Many manufacturers required you to already be established or have jobs lined up, so I reached out to multiple companies trying to find the right fit.
I took a very hands on approach in the beginning. I would purchase sample cabinets from different manufacturers to inspect their quality before committing. If I was going to put my name behind a product, it had to meet a standard I was proud of. That process led me to US Cabinet Depot, which became my primary supplier. They aligned well with my goals, offering both quality and affordability, and helped me understand the business side, especially pricing and proper markups.
As the business grew, I realized I needed to expand beyond installation and become a designer as well. I taught myself design software and quickly became fully immersed in creating layouts and helping clients visualize their spaces. Over time, I built strong relationships with local builders and now regularly work with multiple builders in the area, which has been a key part of my growth.
Today, I work with over 10 manufacturers, allowing me to offer everything from affordable cabinetry to fully custom, high end solutions. While I still rely on my original supplier as a core line, I’ve built the flexibility to meet a wide range of client needs.
More recently, I’ve been focused on improving the business from the inside developing systems to streamline estimating and make it easier to scale and bring on additional help. The goal is to continue growing in a way that maintains quality, efficiency, and a strong customer experience.
I’ve also taken a hands on approach to building the business beyond the field, including developing my own website and working toward creating systems that will allow for future growth and online accessibility.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most small business owners, I’ve had to learn a lot through experience rather than having everything figured out from the start.
In the early stages, one of the biggest challenges was simply getting established, finding the right suppliers, building trust, and getting consistent work without already having a track record as a business owner. I had to be persistent and patient while continuing to deliver quality work on every job.
As the business grew, new challenges came with it. Managing multiple projects, keeping up with customer expectations, and balancing the hands on work with the business side of things all required constant adjustment. Learning design, pricing, and operations while still running day to day jobs was a big part of that process.
Another ongoing challenge has been building systems that allow the business to grow without sacrificing quality. That’s something I’ve been actively working on, developing better processes to stay organized, efficient, and consistent.
Overall, every challenge has pushed me to improve and refine how I operate. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been a big part of what’s helped me grow both as a business owner and in the quality of what I deliver.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bates Cabinetry, LLC focuses on providing a complete cabinetry solution, from design to installation, serving both homeowners and builders throughout the Myrtle Beach area.
What sets me apart is my background in installation. I spent years in the field before starting my business, so I don’t just design cabinets to look good, I design them to work in real spaces and install correctly. That hands on experience allows me to catch details early and avoid issues that are often missed when design and installation are separated.
I offer a wide range of cabinetry options, from affordable, high quality lines to fully custom solutions, which allows me to work with a variety of clients and project types. Whether it’s a spec home, a full custom build, or a remodel, I can tailor the product to fit both the design and the budget.
I also work closely with local builders, which has become a key part of the business. Those relationships are built on consistency, communication, and delivering a reliable end product.
One of my main focuses right now is improving the internal systems of the business, streamlining estimating, design, and workflow, to create a more efficient and scalable operation without sacrificing quality.
At the core, I take pride in being hands-on, detail oriented, and making sure every project is done right from start to finish.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My father deserves a lot of credit in this story. He never started his own business, but he is highly skilled in this industry and played a major role in shaping how I work today.
I spent years working alongside him, learning not just how to install cabinets, but how to do things the right way, with precision, patience, and pride in the final product. A lot of what I bring to my business comes directly from that foundation.
He’s a true unsung hero in this story. Without the time I spent working with him early on, I wouldn’t have the same level of understanding or confidence in what I do today.
I’d also give credit to the builders and clients I’ve worked with over the years. Their trust, feedback, and continued support have been a big part of my growth and have helped push me to improve and expand the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BatesCabinetry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batescabinetryllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BatesCabinetry
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-bates-742792153
