Hiring High School Students Makes Timberline Cabinetry Better

At Timberline, our goal is not just to make cabinets — or to try to get rich doing so! Our goal here is to change people's lives. Each of our employees came to Timberline for a reason. I can tell you a story about each one, including myself. We were all brought together to help one another better our lives and grow — not only as professionals, but as people.  

Recently, two amazing high school-aged people — Ben and Autumn — dropped into our Timberline family. We saw an opportunity to make their lives better through teaching and training before their next journeys in life. Having them working at our plant has enriched our lives and has taught us more about ourselves as well.

We never want our staff to get stagnant. We always want to learn and grow. Hiring young people to be a part of our team is a great way to do so. 

Timberline's owner, Kent Swinson, contacted the shop teacher, Daniel Grater, at Manhattan High School a few years ago. Kent wanted to share with Daniel what computer processes we use here. Kent told Daniel if he would teach these processes to his students, they would be more marketable in the workplace right out of high school, especially at Timberline. 

After that initial visit, Kent invited Daniel to bring each of his shop classes to Timberline, and we gave them tours. We would share what we do here and hopefully spark interest in these students to go into this field — at least let them know there are companies out there that will train you to do what you want to do. 

College is an avenue for some, but many students could make more money and incur less debt if they can just find a company to work for that will invest in them. Here at Timberline, we are happy to invest in good people!

Until the pandemic put a stop to school field trips, Manhattan High brought their shop classes to tour Timberline annually. Ben Whitten was one of the students who took a field trip tour of our plant. Ben has since shared he knew he wanted to work at Timberline since the day he took the tour! When his high school days were coming to an end, he reached out to Timberline, asking for an interview. We interviewed him and hired him on the spot. 

Since that day, we have been approached by two more of Daniel Grater's students for jobs. When we need new employees, I send an email to Daniel. I ask him if he has anyone he would recommend, and if so, send them our way. We love this relationship between Timberline and Daniel’s classes at Manhattan High School.

When we met Autumn, she was looking for an office position to improve her customer service and office skills. At that time, she was preparing for her senior year at Council Grove High School. She was recommended by a person who worked here. We interviewed Autumn on the phone and hired her right away. Both Ben and Autumn have been excellent additions to our team.

With each of these hires, we knew these young people would only be with us for a short time, as both of them plan to start college later this year. We had to weigh the pros and cons of hiring and training them, knowing we would lose them in about a year. However, to us, it was worth the investment. We want to make a difference in their lives, and one big way we can do that is to start them on their employment journey with a positive experience. How many of us can say that?

— Vonda Shane, General Manager, Timberline Cabinetry