The Tribune

The widow of Bahamas Woodcrafters' founder is working with company staff to keep his 22-year dream alive by making it the leading business in the industry.

Alexander Baxter opened the creative wood crafting business in the Soldier Road Industrial Park in 1997.

Despite his passing in July 2019, his widow, Loretta, together with the company's manager, Patrick Saunders, and staff plan to maintain his vision to be the best.

"Many Bahamians liked my husband's work. He never advertised.

"But through word of mouth by his clients and friends he was able to build this business over the many years," said Mrs Baxter.

Bahamas Woodcrafters specialises in mill work. This involves making exterior doors (mahogany); interior and louver doors; windows and plantation shutters; crown molding; base board; door trims; arches; hand railings; and cabinet doors.

These decorative pieces are constructed from different types of wood, including poplar, cypress, mahogany, Spanish cedar, red oak, white oak and treated pine.

Mrs Baxter said: "Whatever cuts a customer wants we can make everything on location at Soldier Road Industrial Park."

She is now planning to expand the business by adding a new line of offerings such as designer wooden wall paneling. Bahamas Woodcrafters is aiming to market the business in the Family Islands and export to countries throughout the Caribbean.

The company can make more than 500 feet of crown molding in over 100 different patterns in one day.

It takes about two-and-a-half days to complete an interior door with any door pattern selected. It also constructs glass doors, French doors, barn doors and window frames in a wide variety of designs.

Mr Saunders said: "Whatever designs a customer can dream about, we can put it on wood to help beautify their home or office." He added that Bahamas Woodcrafters has been doing "the best woodwork in the country" for the past 20 years.