Built to Last: Trautschold Millwork Celebrates 80 Years of Central Texas AGC Membership
Five generations, 133 years of craftsmanship, and a legacy deeply rooted in Waco’s construction industry.
In an industry where businesses come and go, few can tell a story spanning more than a century. For Trautschold Millwork, that story began in 1893, long before Waco became the city we know today.
Now celebrating 80 years of membership with Central Texas AGC, Trautschold Millwork represents something increasingly rare: a fifth-generation, family-owned business that continues to evolve while remaining committed to the craftsmanship and values that built its reputation.
As part of Central Texas AGC’s initiative to recognize longtime members, chapter representatives recently visited with Chris Sheedy, President and Owner of Trautschold Millwork, to learn more about the company’s history, the people behind its success, and what it takes to remain in business for more than 130 years.
A Business That Grew Alongside Waco
Founded in 1893, Trautschold Millwork began by producing custom woodwork, including church pews, pulpits, and other church furnishings. Remarkably, the company still possesses some of the original cutting tools used to create the distinctive details found in those early pieces.
The business originally operated near downtown Waco before relocating to its longtime location in the early 1900s. At the time, the surrounding area was considered the outskirts of town. Today, that same location sits within a city that has grown and transformed around it.
“We were here when Waco was the hub of cotton,” Sheedy said. “We watched this city literally grow up around us.”
That history is a reminder of the company’s lasting presence in Central Texas and the generations of builders, craftsmen, and families who have contributed to its success.
Five Generations of Craftsmanship
For Sheedy, construction has never been just another industry. It has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. Growing up around the family business, he remembers watching craftsmen at work and even riding his bicycle through the shop as a child.
“It’s the only thing I’ve really ever been around,” Sheedy shared.
Over the decades, the company has transitioned from traditional church furnishings and residential woodworking to a focus on commercial architectural millwork. Today, its work includes custom cabinetry, architectural woodwork, specialty countertops, and detailed finishes for commercial and institutional facilities.
Among the projects Sheedy remembers most fondly are several at Baylor University, including work at Baylor Law School and the Baylor Sciences Building. These projects stand out not simply because of their size, but because of the quality and lasting nature of the work.
For Trautschold Millwork, there is a particular sense of pride in creating something that will remain part of a building for generations.
More Than Employees, A Family
While the company’s history is impressive, its people may be the strongest reflection of its values.Throughout the interview, the theme of taking care of employees surfaced repeatedly. When asked which company value has remained most important, the response was immediate.
“Taking care of our employees,” Sheedy said.
That commitment has created a workplace where employees often spend decades building their careers. Davilynn Thomas, now Vice President of Trautschold Millwork, joined the company around 27 years ago, starting by answering phones before working her way into greater responsibilities and eventually company leadership. Sheedy is quick to credit Thomas as an essential part of the company’s success, emphasizing that he could not do it without her and does not want to take all the praise himself. Another longtime employee has dedicated more than 40 years to the business. Sheedy also recalled a former employee who began working at Trautschold Millwork as a teenager and remained for approximately 50 years, making it the only employer of his career.
For many employees, the relationships extend well beyond the workplace. They have watched one another’s children grow up, celebrated family milestones, and supported each other through life’s challenges. That sense of family has helped define the company’s culture and preserve the knowledge and craftsmanship that cannot always be taught in a classroom.
Preserving a Skilled Trade in a Changing Industry
After more than a century in business, Trautschold Millwork has witnessed tremendous changes in construction.
Technology has transformed how materials are cut, cabinets are assembled, and projects are completed. Computer controlled machinery and increasingly automated production systems have improved efficiency, but Sheedy believes the industry must also recognize the importance of human craftsmanship.
Unlike many other construction trades, specialized architectural millwork is not widely taught through traditional trade school programs. Instead, much of the knowledge is passed down through experience.
New employees may begin with basic assembly tasks before gradually developing the skills necessary to produce complex cabinetry, countertops, and custom architectural features. That training process takes time, patience, and experienced craftsmen willing to share what they know.
Sheedy expressed concern about the declining number of traditional millwork shops capable of handling large commercial projects. As more production becomes automated, preserving opportunities for individuals to learn and develop hands-on skills remains an important challenge.
Despite those changes, Trautschold Millwork continues to adapt, balancing modern equipment with the craftsmanship that has defined its work for generations.
Eight Decades of Partnership with Central Texas AGC
Trautschold Millwork’s relationship with Central Texas AGC spans approximately 80 years, making the company the chapter’s longest-standing member. While today’s leadership may not know exactly what prompted the original decision to join, the value of that membership remains clear.
From industry connections and project opportunities to advocacy and access to reliable information, Sheedy views AGC as a valuable resource. One example came during the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses faced questions about shutdowns and essential operations, Sheedy turned to AGC for guidance. He recalled contacting former chapter leadership to better understand how the restrictions would affect construction operations. That connection provided reassurance and timely information during an unprecedented situation.
The company also values the chapter’s communication efforts, particularly information about upcoming construction projects and bidding opportunities. For a business that has spent generations serving contractors throughout Central Texas, those connections remain an important part of staying engaged with the industry.
A Commitment to Building Local
Beyond craftsmanship and company history, Trautschold Millwork maintains a strong commitment to supporting the local construction community.
During the interview, Sheedy emphasized the importance of general contractors and project owners giving local subcontractors and suppliers opportunities to participate in projects throughout the region. His perspective is rooted in the belief that when local businesses succeed, the entire community benefits.
As Waco continues to attract new development and outside contractors, Sheedy hopes to see established local companies remain an important part of that growth.
It is a philosophy that closely aligns with Central Texas AGC’s mission of strengthening the construction industry through relationships, collaboration, and opportunities for member companies.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
For 133 years, Trautschold Millwork has remained part of Waco’s story.
Its work can be found in buildings and institutions throughout Central Texas. Its employees have built careers spanning decades. And under the leadership of Sheedy and Thomas, the company continues to navigate the challenges of a changing construction industry while preserving the values that have sustained it for five generations.
Eighty years of AGC membership is an extraordinary milestone, but it represents just one chapter in a much larger story.
Central Texas AGC is proud to recognize Chris Sheedy, Davilynn Thomas, and the entire Trautschold Millwork team for 80 years of membership and thanks the company for its continued commitment to our association, our construction industry, and the Central Texas community.
As we celebrate the companies that helped build our chapter, Trautschold Millwork stands as a reminder that the strongest foundations are built not only with quality materials and skilled hands, but with lasting relationships, dedicated employees, and a commitment to the communities we call home.
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