Meet Andrew Gillis of AMG Woodworks in Fort Lauderdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Gillis.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Andrew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2002, I began working for a production trim company cultivating a basic knowledge of in large apartment complexes. One day,I saw one of their top installers dial in and maneuver a set of double doors using wooden shims and some string into perfect placement. I was in awe of the what I had witnessed and was sure that I’d never be so tuned in to such an old-world craft.

After working for them for about six months, a gentleman approached me and offered me $2 an hour more to come work with him. I insisted that I stick with the production company to hone my skills and he wasn’t having it… asap is when he needed me to start. 2 weeks later I was on 2 levels of scaffolding outside of a 6 million dollar mansion installing pecky cypress frieze and tongue and groove in the soffit.

From west Miramar to seven isles drive in Fort Lauderdale, not bad huh? So this was the beginning of what would become a 14 year working relationship with/for my mentor. It was an honor and a privilege to have worked with and learned from Steve, a guy that grew up in a furniture shop in Minnesota. Woodworking, art and creativity are in his blood and he always made sure to tell me constantly “you’ve got what it takes” always. Whether it was condos on fisher island or mega yachts, he taught me never to say “no” or “I can’t/won’t do that” that will stay with me forever.

I ended moving up to north Florida for a while working for a high production custom restaurant/kiosk/commercial design-build firm. I had the privilege of building for them, they’d hand me drawings in the shop and I’d make them happen. I had a few of the (awesome) guys at Magnum come to me on separate occasions and say how I always got the good projects and the fun stuff to build…

In my eyes, it never mattered what it was, I spill my heart and soul into it. It wasn’t that the projects were any better than what they were getting, it was the execution. Whether it be a rolling coffee display stand for a coffee shop in a hospital or a 23’ long feature display for an upscale sushi restaurant, I’m giving it my all and it will show. I can’t sleep at night otherwise, I obsess about it. I’ve been on my own now for 2 years and continue to strive to take things to the next level and hold myself to the highest quality control levels I can fathom.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I just wrapped up a 30 hour day 2 days ago. My neighbor next door to my shop cracked a joke to me when I pulled up at 1:00 pm a couple weeks ago,”man, show up to work at 1:00? You must be rich” so what he didn’t know was I left the shop at 6:30 that same morning. I’ve been taking on some big projects and truthfully underestimating the time required to complete them which subsequently translates to panic mode/little sleep.

Installing some of my larger pieces with a skeleton crew has been difficult as well but I can honestly say that I’m beaming with pride regarding everything I’ve put out in the last two years, and I’m still here and growing. I started in a carport and now I’m desperately seeking a larger space as my 400 sq/ft shop isn’t cutting it anymore.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about AMG woodworks – what should we know?
I specialize in custom woodworking. I really enjoy working on boats, to be honest. It’s a challenge trying to match the craftsmanship and it keeps me on my toes professionally. Every boat is totally different regarding wood species/style/ space utilization and ergonomics. I enjoy reconfiguring as per the owner’s requests, the challenge is making it blend in with the original finishes. One thing that most boats share in common is quality and attention to detail and this is right where I belong professionally.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
STEVE! He showed me the bulk of what I know, most importantly cultivated a can-do attitude in me which leaves me constantly awaiting my next challenge.

Mark and Joe or Joe and Mark- joe really showed me what art and passion colliding should look like

Mark has shown me and to this day mentors me on dialing in my business mind and watching #s. Defense from every possible angle.

Contact Info:

• Website: Amgwoodworks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amgwoodworks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMGWoodworks/

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