Our Team

At Designs of Distinction by Brown Wood, Inc., our greatest strength is our people. Led by co-owners Terry Gross (President) and Kathryn Constantine (BWI Vice President, Designs of Distinction® Brand Founder), our 20-person team embodies a culture built on outstanding service, uncompromising quality, and a deep respect for our brand.

Every team member shares a passion for success and a genuine desire to go above and beyond for our customers. We understand that our products are often resold or installed in kitchens that become the heart of a home and that responsibility drives us to ensure complete satisfaction at every step.

Creativity is not just encouraged, it’s expected. Whether we’re developing an innovative new product or adapting to unique shipping needs, our team thrives on thinking outside the box and finding solutions that others might overlook.

While some see the size of a small company as a limitation, we see it as our greatest advantage. Being a close-knit, agile group allows us to collaborate quickly, respond personally, and deliver the kind of flexibility and care that larger organizations often can’t.

Together, we are more than just coworkers – we are partners in craftsmanship, service, and innovation. We’re proud to make that commitment shine through in every product and every customer relationship.

Images and Profiles for our Team Members coming soon!

Our History

Our story begins in 1927, when entrepreneur George Brown recognized a need for quality wood products in the Midwest. What started with wood turnings for tool handles and garden implements soon grew to include wood bearings for agricultural equipment and fully machined parts to support the nation’s military efforts.

As the decades passed, Brown Wood expanded into new markets, becoming a trusted partner across industries. From recognition products through The Gavel Company to custom manufacturing solutions with Made-to-Spec®, our versatility and craftsmanship have always been at the core of what we do.

In 1998, we launched Designs of Distinction®, bringing our expertise into the world of interior design. What began as a single step into decorative components has since evolved into a thriving brand—one that continues to inspire and support designers, builders, and craftsmen across the country.

Nearly a century later, we remain proud of our heritage while continually looking ahead—carrying forward George Brown’s entrepreneurial spirit with every product we create.

Our Brand

Designs of Distinction® was born from a simple yet powerful drive: to innovate, reimagine, and deliver what others hadn’t thought of yet. Our Vice President & Brand Founder, Kathy Constantine, often recalls the moment a customer asked for “a leg that’s bigger and wider, to hold up a countertop” as the brand’s true coming of age. That spirit of creative problem-solving has defined us ever since.

MORE TO COME! LAST EDITED 8/21/25 4:00PM CST