Mark Bernhard’s journey into the construction business began early. Working in the shop at Bernhard Woodwork Ltd. during school breaks, he developed a deep understanding of the craft. After earning a finance degree from Boston College and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, he joined the family firm full-time in 1991. By 1995, he assumed the role of president, steering the company through pivotal milestones.
Bernhard Woodwork Ltd. is a premier custom architectural woodworking company founded in 1965. With over six decades of industry excellence, the company specializes in high-end commercial, residential, and retail projects, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Under Bernhard’s leadership, Bernhard Woodwork Ltd. has become a national standard-bearer for quality and innovation.
Following the sudden loss of his father, Pius “Pete” Bernhard—the company’s founder and a master craftsman who immigrated from Germany—Mark Bernhard completed a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing expansion in Northbrook, Illinois. He modernized operations with advanced CNC-driven machinery, enabling the company to remain competitive while maintaining its artisanal standards.
Bernhard’s vision extends beyond production efficiency. He prioritizes employee well-being through profit-sharing and fully funded healthcare and retirement benefits, resulting in an average tenure of over 14 years. The company’s apprenticeship program exemplifies his commitment to workforce development, training future artisans to preserve traditional woodworking skills while mastering advanced digital tools.
“Sharing my enthusiasm with our employees is a priority,” he said. “I lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic and an openness to innovation, and I make it a point to communicate the company’s achievements and future vision regularly.”
Innovation has been a cornerstone of Bernhard’s leadership. Since 2018, he has integrated factory 4.0 concepts into operations, revolutionizing inventory management and machining processes. These advancements have significantly reduced production time and increased profitability. By 2024, the company is projected to double its sales over three years, with profits quadrupling—marking a record year in both revenue and efficiency.
Bernhard is equally invested in shaping the broader woodworking industry. A judge for the challengers award at the International Woodworking Fair, he evaluates groundbreaking machinery, and as an active member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute, he influences industry standards. Locally, his negotiation of union contracts has set benchmarks for balancing labor costs with technological advancement.
Despite his high-level responsibilities, Bernhard remains hands-on, often found on the shop floor collaborating with employees and refining designs. His passion for blending old-world craftsmanship with 21st-century innovation drives the company’s growth while honoring the legacy of his parents, Pete and Herta Bernhard.
“By staying deeply connected to both the company’s roots and our evolution, I can keep my passion alive and inspire others to carry forward our commitment to quality and craftsmanship,” he said.