Our Story
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Danlee Wood Products was started by son, Dan Reif and father, Lee Reif; combining their names to create ‘Danlee’ as a father/son business partnership. Dan’s love of wood started as a boy when he would make pinewood derby box cars with his father. In high school, Dan had the opportunity to attend 4 years of vocational training in wood shop. There he was mentored by his instructor who inspired him to pursue a professional career in wood working. After high school, Dan went on to Olney Central College, where he obtained an Applied Science degree in cabinetry. During this time his college instructor, who was a master craftsman, introduced him to a wood applications contest, where he became the recipient of the ‘Golden Hammer’ award. Following college, Dan returned to his home town of Byron, IL, where his high school instructor referred him for employment to a small cabinetry shop in Oregon, IL. Dan spent nine years there, giving application to his technical training and further developing his natural talent in the art of woodworking.
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Dan’s father, Lee Reif spent 23 years as a purchasing manager, experienced in the realm of business. Acknowledging his sons talent, combined with his business acumen, they decided to go into business for themselves. In 1995, the Reif family established Danlee Wood Products and built the original 3,200 sq ft production facility in Forreston, IL where they started their humble business with 3 employees.
1995 Ground Breaking
In 2000, they expanded the size of the building to support the growing demand for custom woodwork. After nearly two decades of business partnership with his son Dan, Lee Reif passed away in 2017. His son Dan has maintained control of the company with his oldest brother, Lee Jr. now acting as his new business partner.
Recognizing the need for customizable options for home and business, our company was built on earning a reputation for quality and superior customer service. To this day, we still serve every client like our first customer because that’s what we believe our customers deserve in a world full of divided attention. In addition to serving our loyal base of residential home owners, DWP also works with contractors and custom home builders throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. We’ve recently opened a second location in Lakeville, MN to extend our family owned brand to the Twin Cities.
To this day, we still serve every client like our first customer because that’s what we believe our customers deserve in a world full of divided attention.
DWP