Ivan Horning Jr. is the second generation to manage Horning Woodworking. The company specially crafts cabinets and furniture, focusing on Ontario, Seneca and Yates counties while also expanding across the state. Horning Jr. recently sat down with Life in the Finger Lakes and shared his part in the company’s history and what he enjoys most about his job and the area.
How did Horning Woodworking get started as a business, and what was the inspiration?
My dad established Horning Woodworking in 1980, so I pretty much grew up around woodworking. I started working with my dad full-time in 1993, and in 1999 I took over the cabinetry part of the business. My oldest son Chris works with me now and has shown interest in continuing the business someday.
Why did you choose the Geneva/Hall area to open your business?
I was renting shop space from my dad which was closer to Penn Yan. When this property became available, I purchased it and set up my own shop space.
What are some of the highlights of Horning Woodworking?
Since we specialize in custom size kitchens and baths, we are not limited with stock or semi-custom sizes. The cabinets and furniture are built right here in the Finger Lakes. This allows clients to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing local-made products and not have them freighted in from anywhere across the country. Additionally, our cabinets are delivered to our clients wrapped in a shipping blanket and not a cardboard box.
What is the favorite part of your job?
I enjoy meeting with clients to discuss plans for transforming their space into a cook-friendly kitchen. Designing a kitchen using a CAD program is another enjoyable part of the whole process.
What are your roots? Are you a Finger Lakes native?
My parents moved to this area in the late 70s when I was 4 years old. Although I am not a Finger Lakes native per se, it is the only home I ever known.
What do you enjoy most about the Finger Lakes Region?
It really is a very diverse area with many small businesses; we have everything we need here. The beautiful fall foliage we have in the Finger Lakes area is hard to beat, especially when it’s viewed out on Keuka Lake.
Do you have any favorite local activities you enjoy?
When spring rolls around, it’s time for me to hit the lakes to do some lake trout fishing.
Visit justplainbusiness.com/horning-woodworking for more information.
