Our Journey Through Three Decades: Just the Beginning
Thirty years.
Three decades in business is most certainly a milestone worth acknowledging. But for us, it’s never been about the number. It’s always been about the work, the people and the belief that if something is worth building, it’s worth building right.
That belief started by Chad’s father in a 30×50-foot backyard shop in Central, Louisiana. There wasn’t a roadmap or a playbook. However, there was a vision, a few tools and a strong sense of purpose. Chad Foster remembers sweeping that shop floor as a teenager, sanding cabinets by hand and learning what quality meant long before he ever came close to leading the company.
But those lessons weren’t his alone—they shaped the entire foundation of the team that would grow to become Gator. The early years built the Gator mindset: stay humble, do the work and let the results speak for themselves.
A Shift Toward Innovation
As the company grew, so did our ambition. We saw opportunities to improve how we worked, not just what we produced. In 2004, a trip to the IWF woodworking show in Atlanta changed everything. What began as a trip of curiosity led to the purchase of a CNC router and our first cabinet design software.
We moved from hand-drawn plans to precise, digital renderings. That early decision from Chad and the team signaled a commitment to innovation that still drives us today.
Challenges That Shape Us
Not every step forward has been a smooth one. Like many growing companies, we’ve had moments that tested us. Some pushed us to the edge. Others changed our path entirely. But each one taught us something, and we’ve carried those lessons with us.
In 2016, we were deep into one of our most demanding projects: 64 custom suites at the New Orleans Superdome. That same summer, everything stopped. The flood of 2016 came quickly, bringing devastation across our region. One early morning call brought news that didn’t seem possible: the shop was under three feet of water. Equipment, materials, projects in motion—all submerged.
But what mattered most wasn’t what we lost, but who we showed up for.
Many on our team lost their homes. Their cars. Everything. And still, they returned—not because they had to, but because that’s who they are. That’s who we are. In moments like that, a company either rebuilds or it recommits.
A New Foundation
The months that followed brought hard decisions but a clearer vision. We knew we couldn’t just return to what was. We had to build what could be—what would be. We found new ground in Denham Springs, near the I-12 corridor, and began designing a facility that would carry us into the next generation of work.
It was a turning point—not just in location, but in mindset. One that expanded our capabilities, redefined our culture and cemented our focus on long-term growth.
A generation of work that honors our craft, supports our team and meets the demands of the modern millwork industry without ever sacrificing the integrity behind it.
Craft, Elevated
Today, Gator is a space where creativity and precision coexist—where we’re returning to the finer details of our craft, to custom wood veneer work that requires patience, expertise and a deep respect for the material.
We never left craftsmanship behind. We’re just engaging with it on a more elevated level, blending technology and technique in ways that reflect who we are and where we’re headed.
The Meaning Behind the Gold
Thirty years in, we’re still learning, still refining and still pushing forward.
The gold elements in our 30th anniversary logo are a reflection of the values that have carried us here: strength, resilience, precision and purpose. It’s also a reminder that excellence isn’t a destination, but the standard. One we meet and try our best to exceed every day.
More to Come
This story, the full story, is far from finished. Over the next year, we’ll be sharing more: more of the people, more of the projects and more of the pivotal moments that shaped us.
This is just the beginning.
