our

Story

Step 1 Stairworks is your full-service provider of custom stair systems. Established in 1995, we've cultivated a professional team of talented stair builders who work in wood, metal, and glass to bring you one-of-a-kind designs and classic elegance.

from

the founder

I was originally introduced to stair building during the summer of my sophomore year of high school. I worked in the industry every summer until I graduated, and then I decided to build stairs full time. I founded Step 1 in July of 1995, just one month after I married the love of my life, Lisa. Together with an extremely talented team, we created the business you know today.

In 2001, we moved from a rented machine shed to the custom-built facility we now operate from in Hinckley, IL. We are proud to have our showroom, offices, and state-of-the-art production shop all under one roof, meaning we can keep Step 1 feeling like a close-knit family.

Stair building is the only job I’ve ever had. After all these years I’m still a huge fan of the stair industry and those who call it their craft. It demands a special skill set that few possess. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I thoroughly enjoy meeting and interacting with our clients and the opportunities they provide for the Step 1 family. It has been a true blessing in my life.

Lisa and I try to return that blessing at every opportunity. I currently serve on the elder board at Waterman Bible Church, and Lisa serves families and students at Parkview Christian Academy, where our four children attend. Finally, we make sure that a percentage of our profits goes to support organizations we believe are making a real difference in the world.

We hope you will enjoy being a part of the Step 1 family, and we look forward to serving you.

meet our

Managers

We put a lot of value on the flow of information between these two positions. Doug and Todd invest in each other and have a lot of mutual respect for one another. This is an amazing asset for making sure that every detail and request is captured and considered as the project moves through our system.

Doug Regnier

Account Manager

Since 1998

Todd Harkness

Production Manager

Since 1995

meet our

Installers

These amazing men, supported by the men in the shop, make the company better for being part of it. They're the ones that make everything happen. We're proud to have them as part of our team, and we can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for the company and what they’ve meant to Step 1.

Casey Hughes

Since 1997

Mike Roberts

Since 1997

John Stehlik

Since 2002

Tim McNally

Since 2016

building more

than stairs

1 Timothy 6: 18 "...do good, be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share."

We believe in attaching purpose to your purchase, so every month we will donate a percentage of our profits to these organizations that are doing good in the world.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. We also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

Through R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment), we’re building specially adapted smart homes for our most severely wounded heroes. We’re also providing home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to our injured, wounded, ill, and/or aging heroes.

After sharing the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus said “Go and do likewise.” That is the mission of Samaritan's Purse—to follow the example of Christ by helping those in need and proclaiming the hope of the Gospel.

As a Christian nonprofit organization, Feed My Starving Children is called to feed God’s starving children hungry in body and spirit. We want to reach everyone, until ALL are fed. We truly mean this. This means reaching the hard-to-reach people and places, the “least of these.” They will be found, and they will be fed.