About Our Team
Corah (Schmitz) Bauer
I was born and raised in Hastings, MN. I now live near Cannon Falls, MN with my husband Craig and two boys Cameron and Hunter. I graduated from Hastings High School in 2004 and from Minnesota State College Southeast Technical in Red Wing, MN in 2006 with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Carpentry. I started at Behnke Woodworking in June of 2006 to fulfill my internship credits for college and have remained here since. My passion for woodworking started during my middle school years when I was given some old furniture. As I stripped away the old layers of paint to reveal the wood underneath I realized how beautiful an old dresser could become by giving it new life. I took wood shop throughout high school and built a mission style sofa and coffee table using mortise and tenon joinery. In 2007 I received training to operate our new CNC machine which is used to cut out cabinet parts. Here at Behnke Woodworking you may also find me in the office reviewing drawings and ordering materials and supplies. I have a fine attention to detail and take pride in building quality cabinets for our clients that they will love and enjoy for many years.
Rick Fischer
I grew up all over the Twin Cities, living most of my life in Hastings. I now live Cottage Grove. I’ve been working here for since 2010. I started as a shop helper and now build face frames and assembly of cabinets, final assembly and also help install. I was taught everything I know about woodworking here, no schooling. Working here has taught me how to set and accomplish goals. I love working in this very fast-paced environment, making custom cabinets. Every day is something new and exciting. Frank LaPlante
I have been with Behnke Woodworking since 2009, in which time I have been able to utilize my training in both cabinetmaking and wood finishing technologies extensively. I graduated from Saint Paul College’s Cabinetmaking program in 2007 and went on to complete the Wood Finishing program at Dakota County Technical College in 2009.
I can trace my affinity for woodworking back to high school wood shop, where I learned the fundamentals of my trade. I have always striven for a high level of craftsmanship and quality, which translates perfectly to my career here at Behnke Woodworking.
A day in the shop for me involves anything from sanding, staining, painting or finishing cabinet components, to building, assembling or installing cabinets. A great variety of custom work, means a great variety of challenges that help me maintain a passion for my trade, and a greater appreciation for the wonderful work we offer our clients! Kaycee McGary
I was born in Wyoming and moved to Prescott, WI with my family when I was in third grade. I attended high school in Prescott. I graduated from UWRF in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Political/Environmental Science. I worked various trades growing up from framing and renovations to tiling and painting. Working after college as a branch supervisor for TCF Bank I realized I felt more at home working with my hands and creating things that people enjoy.
I began working as a set builder for a local company in 2020 building various installations used in marketing, photography, photo shoots, and movies. During that time, I realized how much I enjoyed the type of work that involved building and making things that allowed me to be both active and creative. In April of 2023, I joined the team here at Behnke and have been utilizing skills I have learned from previous jobs and training, as well as applying new techniques and knowledge gained through working here. I often see a piece from start to finish, most of my time I am building and finalizing our various cabinets. From cutting and sanding materials to making face frames and other cabinet components. I construct the cabinets themselves in their entirety from the rough assembly to the finishing process, and occasionally installation. Working for a place that produces high-quality custom pieces for countless applications allows me to be creative and utilize various skills I have gained throughout my life. When you get to see the end result fully installed it is a great sense of pride.
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