Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets Wins Utah Manufacturing Association’s 2024 Company Culture Award
February 20, 2025
At Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets, craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do—but our people are the foundation of our success. That’s why we’re honored to be recognized as the 2024 Company Culture Award winner by the Utah Manufacturing Association (UMA). This prestigious award celebrates exceptional workplaces that prioritize employee well-being, engagement, and professional development, and we couldn’t be more proud of our team for making Cottonwood an inspiring place to work.
A Culture of Excellence, Innovation & Growth
Founded in 1982, Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets has built a reputation for high-end custom cabinetry and millwork, collaborating with top designers, architects, and home builders. But beyond our commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovation, we’ve cultivated a workplace culture that empowers employees, fosters creativity, and supports career growth.
Since our 2023 acquisition, our leadership team has redefined what it means to work at Cottonwood by:
- Investing in Employees: Enhanced benefits, compensation, and training programs to create a more supportive and rewarding work environment.
- Promoting Career Growth: Implemented structured career pathways, cross-training, and leadership development to help employees advance in their careers.
- Prioritizing Work-Life Balance: Introduced a modern PTO policy, parental leave, and a flexible workweek to support employees at every stage of life.
- Creating a Collaborative Workplace: Designed a culture of teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning, where every employee has a voice and opportunities to thrive.
What Makes Cottonwood’s Culture Award-Winning?
Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets stands out in the manufacturing industry by going beyond traditional workplace benefits. We believe that when employees feel valued, engaged, and inspired, they deliver their best work—and that philosophy has shaped every aspect of our company culture.
Employee-First Approach
- Industry-Leading Benefits: We expanded our healthcare, dental, vision, accident, and life insurance plans, while reducing employee out-of-pocket expenses by 10%.
- Competitive Compensation: Every employee received a 7% across-the-board pay raise, reinforcing our commitment to fair pay and financial security.
- Work-Life Balance: We revamped our PTO and parental leave policies, introduced 10 company-paid holidays (including a winter break), and adjusted our workweek for greater flexibility.
A Commitment to Professional Development
We believe that growth opportunities fuel engagement. That’s why we’ve created structured training and career development programs, ensuring every employee has the tools to succeed:
- Two-Week New Hire Onboarding: Rotational training through every department ensures employees understand the full manufacturing process.
- Cross-Training & Leadership Programs: Employees gain skills across multiple areas, increasing versatility and career mobility.
- Mentorship Program: New employees are paired with seasoned team members, fostering knowledge-sharing, innovation, and long-term career development.
- Professional Development Pathways: We’re rolling out four-tiered career progression tracks for each department, offering structured advancement opportunities with increased responsibility and pay.
A Workplace That Inspires
Cottonwood isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to thrive, create, and innovate. To foster a positive and engaging environment, we’ve invested in workplace enhancements that make a real difference:
- Renovated Workspaces: Our upgraded facilities enhance comfort and functionality, creating an inspiring atmosphere for craftsmanship.
- Modern Employee Lounge: A welcoming space to recharge and connect, promoting well-being and teamwork.
- Daily Perks: Free snacks and beverages to keep employees energized throughout the day.
- Branded Merchandise & Events: We celebrate our team with company swag, appreciation events, and team-building activities.
Building the Future of Manufacturing
Winning the UMA 2024 Company Culture Award is more than just recognition—it’s a testament to our ongoing commitment to our people and our industry. By fostering an engaged, empowered, and forward-thinking workforce, Cottonwood is setting a new standard for company culture in the cabinetry and millwork industry.
Whether you’re a client, partner, or skilled professional looking for your next opportunity, we invite you to experience the Cottonwood difference.
Join our award-winning team or partner with us to bring extraordinary craftsmanship to life.
Link to UMA’s Instagram announcement:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBZkjdzJ5gC/?igsh=MTc1Y3Z2OGIzZ3liOQ==