Team

With over 25 years of experience in woodworking and architectural millwork, Jim Stechschulte has a passion for innovation, craftsmanship and operational excellence all while having a leadership style that is grounded with empathy and integrity. A Chicago native turned DC-area executive, Jim’s journey from apprentice cabinetmaker to CEO is a testament to his deep industry expertise, relentless drive and passion for building both world-class products and high-performing teams.

In 2022, Jim took the helm as CEO of Washington Woodworking, bringing a fresh perspective and a drive for continuous improvement. Under his leadership, the company has embraced lean techniques, optimized workflows and enhanced communication across employees, clients and vendors. His strategic vision and commitment to precision have propelled Washington Woodworking to new levels of efficiency and profitability.

Prior to joining Washington Woodworking, Jim played a pivotal role in leading a prominent Chicago-based architectural millwork firm through a period of unprecedented growth. His expertise in process optimization and team leadership helped set new industry benchmarks for performance and craftsmanship.

With over 30 years of experience spanning general contracting, real estate development and construction management, John Cracraft brings a strategic, results-driven approach to Washington Woodworking. As Senior Vice President, he oversees project management, estimating, pre-construction and business development, ensuring each project benefits from proactive leadership, meticulous planning and a focus on risk management. His deep industry expertise strengthens the company’s ability to deliver complex, high-end architectural millwork projects on time and within budget.

Beyond individual projects, John plays a pivotal role in shaping Washington Woodworking’s long-term strategy, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the industry. He takes great pride in driving improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen client partnerships and position Washington Woodworking as the premier architectural millwork provider in the Mid-Atlantic region.

With over 40 years at Washington Woodworking and a total of 46 years in the industry, Michael A. Dailey is a seasoned expert in veneers, finishing, cabinetmaking and estimating. He oversees engineering, veneer purchasing and lay-up, shop fabrication and finishing, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship on every project.

Michael’s career began with a four-year cabinetmaker apprenticeship, leading to a journeyman cabinetmaker’s certificate. His deep expertise and hands-on leadership have been instrumental in delivering complex, custom millwork solutions.

Michael thrives on the challenges of custom millwork, finding innovative ways to merge design, materials and manufacturing techniques. His vast knowledge and experience set him apart as a leader in the industry.

Tony Maldonado has been both a cornerstone and driving force of Washington Woodworking for 36 years, bringing four decades of experience in high-end millwork installation. Since joining in 1988, he has played a critical role in managing field crews and overseeing installations, ensuring projects are completed with the precision and craftsmanship that define Washington Woodworking.

Tony thrives on collaboration and the process of working through challenges so the team can achieve its goals. His expertise in high-end millwork installation has been showcased in standout projects such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Microsoft New York. Tony was recently recognized for his industry leadership when he was inducted in the Washington Building Congress Hall of Fame.

With over 22 years of industry experience, Gilbert Purba brings a deep expertise in engineering, process development and technology integration to his role. For over five years, Gilbert has been instrumental in managing the drafting and engineering teams while overseeing technology and IT-related tasks that drive efficiency and innovation within the company.

Gilbert’s passion lies in solving and executing complex designs, particularly on high-profile projects such as the Freddie Mac HQ lobby’s Hug and Fin Walls, the BCG DC project and the intricate freeform helical stairs at Phrma DC. With a keen focus on process improvement, he leverages his extensive knowledge of CNC programming, software development and engineering systems to ensure precision and efficiency in every aspect of production.

A highly certified professional, Gilbert holds credentials in Civil 3D, 3D-CAD Autodesk, Microvellum, Biesse, Weeke/HOMAG, Router CIM, Inventor Autodesk and ERP systems (Infor & SAP). His ability to integrate these technologies into woodworking operations has been a game-changer for Washington Woodworking, allowing the company to tackle architecturally ambitious projects with confidence and accuracy.

Jay Lim has over 26 years of experience in accounting and financial management. With a double major in accounting and finance from Virginia Tech (1999) and an MBA from Longwood University (2024), Jay possesses a strong foundation in financial strategy, risk management and operational planning.

In his role at Washington Woodworking, Jay oversees financial planning, reporting and risk assessment to ensure the company’s long-term financial health. He is responsible for budgeting, performance monitoring and regulatory compliance, providing strategic insights that influence executive decision making. His recent initiatives include developing forecasting models for operational bandwidth and financial performance, enhancing visibility into project outcomes with cumulative labor hour reporting and improving WIP reporting through a summary dashboard for quick insights.