Three Decades of Gator Millworks: A Legacy of Innovation

For 30 years, Gator Millworks has been more than a name—it’s been a testament to craftsmanship, innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence. What started as a modest 30×50-foot backyard shop in 1995 has evolved into a cutting-edge, 78,000-square-foot facility, where creativity and precision merge, and boundaries are pushed. 

As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on our journey—built on resilience and shaped by the dedicated team that has made Gator what it is today. 

The Beginning: A Vision Takes Shape 

Like all great things, Gator Millworks started with a vision. In 1994, a small backyard shop laid the foundation for what would become one of the most forward-thinking custom millwork companies in the country. By 1996, we had secured our first official shop, marking the start of our commitment to redefining what’s possible in millwork. 

The early years were about building—both in reputation and capability. Every project, every challenge and every lesson learned set the stage for the next chapter. 

A Legacy Passed Down: The Turning Point in Leadership 

Gator Millworks was built with dedication and an unwavering commitment to quality—values instilled by Chad Foster’s father, who laid the foundation for what Gator would become. 

For years, Chad worked alongside his father, learning the intricacies of the business, the art of millwork, and the responsibility that comes with leading a team. But in the early 2000s, Chad’s father became ill, and the company faced a defining moment. 

Chad stepped up—not just as a son, but as a leader. He took on the challenge of carrying forward what his father had built, ensuring that Gator Millworks didn’t just continue, but evolved. By 2005, Chad took full ownership, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth. 

Under Chad’s leadership, Gator Millworks transformed from a well-respected shop into an industry leader. The company embraced automation, expanded into the commercial market and set new standards in millwork. 

Pushing Boundaries: A Culture of Innovation 

By the early 2000s, Gator had found its rhythm, but we knew we couldn’t stay still. In 2003, Chad Foster stepped up to help lead the company, and by 2005, he took full ownership, bringing with him a relentless drive for innovation. 

Technology and craftsmanship became our dual pillars. In 2004, we embraced cutting-edge tools and automation, transforming our processes and setting new standards in the industry. As we expanded into the commercial market in 2007, it became clear—Gator wasn’t just growing, we were redefining what millwork could be. 

Through every milestone—the purchase of “The Red Building” in 2006, our final facility upgrades in 2011 and the breaking ground of our state-of-the-art facility in 2018—one thing remained constant: our commitment to becoming greater each day. “Gator never settles. Every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, every project a chance to push the limits of what’s possible. That’s how we’ve built three decades of success, and it’s how we’ll continue shaping the future of millwork.” – Chad Foster, CEO 

Overcoming Challenges: The Gator Mindset 

Growth isn’t just about expansion, but about resilience. In 2016, the Great Flood devastated homes and businesses across Louisiana. Like so many in our community, we faced the unexpected—but we came back stronger. 

In 2020, the world changed again with COVID-19, but instead of standing still, we adapted—producing face shields to support frontline workers and proving once again that innovation is in our DNA. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Gator Millworks 

As we celebrate three decades, we’re not just looking back—we’re looking forward. Our commitment to craftsmanship, technology and the next generation of skilled workers has never been stronger. 

From hosting our first Manufacturing Day in 2021 to continuously investing in education and training, we are building a future where millwork is more than an industry, but a craft, a career and a community. 

A Thank You to the Gator Family 

Thirty years is an incredible milestone, but we didn’t get here alone. To our employees—past and present—who have poured their talent and dedication into every project, thank you. To our clients and partners who have trusted us to bring their visions to life, we appreciate you. And to our community that has supported us every step of the way, we are grateful. 

Gold symbolizes more than just 30 years—it represents the strength, resilience and craftsmanship that define Gator Millworks. It reflects the precision of our work, the passion behind every detail and the lasting impact we strive to create in every space we touch.

The last three decades have been filled with challenges that shaped us. But if there’s one thing we know for certain—it’s that the best is yet to come. 

Here’s to three decades of Gator Millworks. And here’s to the future.