CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Having grown up around carpentry, it seemed natural that Army veteran Dan Wilkes would begin his transition out of the military into the local business community by opening Wilkes Cabinets and More in Clarksville.
Wilkes’ military service brought him to Fort Campbell in 2003, where he still serves with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He described his time in the military as a great adventure, having served in Blackhawk helicopter repair and as a crew chief, among other duties. Wilkes, who is retiring as a master sergeant, now works in the regimental recruiting office for the Night Stalkers.
Wilkes said he started his cabinet business to give back to the community.
“We need to provide quality customer service. I see that in today’s society we’ve kind of lost the touch of customer service. I try my hardest to please people, be nice to people and give them what they expect,” Wilkes said.
Wilkes added that simple kindness and going out of the way for the customer “is something they would expect, and I would want that same thing for me.”
When it comes to their cabinet line, Wilkes said they offer custom cabinetry and pre-manufactured cabinets.
“I have four different vendors that I pull from overall to give a diversified appeal to the customers, and really give a multitude of price ranges as well,” he said.
The business also offers countertop and backsplash materials for customers. He said he wants to be a one-stop shop, so customers don’t have to find three or four contractors to do one job.
Having a volunteer nature, Wilkes has served the local community as a volunteer firefighter, and with the Montgomery County Soccer Association as a coach and board member. Wilkes hopes to be able to start a trade school or a mentorship program in the future and share his skills with kids as well as adults, and get them involved in volunteer work in the community.
Wilkes Cabinets & More can be found at 114 Kraft St., Suite D, and they are open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit the Wilkes Cabinets & More website, email daniel@wcmore.com, or call 931-801-7914.