In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Jude David, Executive Chairman of Stately Doors & Windows, to discuss the company’s role in delivering ultra-luxury doors and windows for high-end residential and commercial projects. His company does approximately $100 million dollars in sales each year to homes built for business owners, celebrities, and others who can afford to build no matter what the market experiences. Clients have included Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Jerry Seinfeld, Alec Baldwin, Tony Romo, Diddy, and Calvin Klein.

A Leader in Bespoke Doors and Windows

With nine locations across the U.S., Stately Doors & Windows has established itself as a premier provider of custom, high-quality designs using exotic hardwoods, Swiss steel, and state-of-the-art glass. The company collaborates with top-tier designers and architects, offering one-of-a-kind solutions tailored to their clients’ visionary needs.

Pushing the Boundaries of Design and Automation

Stately specializes in cutting-edge bespoke innovations, including:

Long-Term Planning and Project Management

Jude highlights how Stately works with architects years in advance, often three to four years before construction begins. Unlike many competitors that simply sell products, Stately provides comprehensive project management, from design conception to on-site installation, ensuring a seamless experience.

Expanding into Commercial Luxury Spaces

Although bespoke doors and windows are rare in commercial projects, Stately has found a niche in high-end hotels, including:

Additionally, the company operates a high-velocity door manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, producing 2,200 doors per week, and a millwork shop in West Monroe, specializing in moldings, corbels, and luxury finishes for hotel lobbies and upscale spaces.

Resilience in Market Fluctuations

Despite high interest rates, Stately continues to thrive. Their affluent clientele remain committed to their projects regardless of economic conditions, making their business model highly resilient in both up and down markets.

The Artisans Behind the Craft

Stately Doors & Windows is built upon skilled artisans who treat their work as an art form rather than just a manufacturing process. Jude acknowledges the difficulty in finding such talent and emphasizes the importance of growing artisans from a young age. The company actively recruits from high schools and trade shows, offering apprenticeship opportunities that lead to lifelong careers in millwork and craftsmanship.

Alternative Career Paths and Workforce Development

Jude believes that success is not limited to a college degree. He encourages individuals to focus on creating value for their employers, stating that career growth and financial success come from hard work and innovation rather than just formal education.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Leadership

Jude shares his entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on his natural inclination toward leadership and growth. He thrives on taking calculated risks, expanding the business through strategic acquisitions, and constantly seeking new challenges. While he acknowledges the importance of teamwork, he admits to being most effective when in charge, shaping Stately into a powerhouse in the luxury construction industry.

“If you build run of the mill products in the U.S., you’re going to compete against all of the run of the mill importers. You better have something really special you can offer that importers can’t. Otherwise, you’ll be beaten on price every time. So what we focused on was how to go to the very high end of the luxury build and focus on bespoke and fully custom doors and windows. Bespoke is a good word for it because custom means different things to different people. We build one of a kind solutions. Most of our doors are one of one.”

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Jude David’s visionary leadership and the unparalleled craftsmanship of Stately Doors & Windows.

Visit https://stately.com/ for more information and to delight in examples of the beautiful designs that have been crafted.

Jude David is also CEO of Kin Capital Partners, as well as managing partner of Final Ascent, a company that helps mid-market business owners ($5 million an up in value) make their business sellable and find the right buyer and tranistion for maximum value. His specialty is the art of acquisition, focusing on finding the right buyer, negotiating a deal that creates maximum value for everyone involved, and setting business owners up for a lifetime of success after the sale.