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About Us
Bates Millwork, Inc. began as a one man shop in 1992 under the dba of “The Closet Pro.” That one man was founder Layne Bates and the shop referred to was the two car garage of Derold and Nyla Bates (Layne’s parents). Back then Layne focused a lot on closet organizers and home storage systems. Derold worked as an elementary school principal and was pressed into service for many late night and weekend jobs in the garage. With Derold’s encouragement, Layne began to market to the local schools. This led to more commercial work. As the years past, the company has changed and grown to its current format; commercial casework, residential cabinetry and the, old standby, closet organizers and now occupies an 8,000 square foot shop utilizing industrial fabrication equipment. Yes, we still have the original Sears saw Layne and Derold bought back in 1992.
Family strength has been the fiber of Bates Millwork, Inc. Our carpenter roots go back to the mid 1800’s when Hervey Gardner Clark was a cabinet maker and millwright. Hervey fought in the Civil War and later moved out west and used his carpenter skills along the way. We still have some of his original woodworking tools.
Other ancestors with perhaps more rustic carpenter skills were Thomas Bates and his son Ernest. Both of these men were paramount in the taming of the Teton Valley in Eastern Idaho during the late 1800’s. Thomas was one of the original homesteaders in the Teton Valley in 1889. He and Ernest were called upon frequently to build whatever was required; a log cabin, a barn, a derrick, snowshoes, skis, you name it.
We are proud of our heritage and hopeful for the future. We look forward to getting to know many good people along the path as we leave a legacy for those who follow after us.