Welcome to “Meet the Team,” Midland’s Lens on Who We Are Today
What emerged in the spring of 2020 and continues into 2021 is a new style of working that straddles the need to stay safe while allowing us to continue to do what we’ve done for the past 56 years. It takes talented, dedicated people to do that — and we’d like you to meet them. They are the men and women who build and engineer your cabinetry, who walk you through the process and schedule appointments, who manage our accounting and sales departments, who install our products. As part of our ongoing “Meet the Team” introductions, say hello today to Midland Cabinet Company’s shop manger, Jose Villalobos. How long have you worked at Midland?27 years in July (July 1994)
I hear you received early education in woodworking.
Yes, I took shop from the 7th grade up to the 12th grade, and I loved it. It was hard for me to keep up with the cost of materials, but my high school shop teacher helped me out with most of it.
What brings you the most pleasure as a woodworker?
I have always liked to be challenged, so hands-on specialty projects are what gives me joy (not the computer!).
What have been some of your favorite specialty projects at Midland?
Any hands-on work relaxes me, but arch-curved work really gets me excited. Like the dressing room project in San Francisco that we did, with the arched passages. I enjoy radius trim work as well as arched ceilings and wall panels.
What have you learned or done at Midland that was new or challenging?
I’m thankful for the AutoCAD training that gave me greater ability to work on specialty jobs.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and migrated to the U.S. in 1980. I have been living in Half Moon Bay since then.
Where do you go on vacation? Or where would you like to go?
I go home to Jalisco every year. I’ve been to Jerusalem and would love to go back to the Holy Land.
Yes, I milled the pews and carved an image of Saint Paul on the ends of the pews. The most important thing about going home is that it’s all about relaxing. I like to go horseback riding, talk to old friends, and visit family.
The best thing is eating our fruit — guavas, mangos, guamúchiles, and pitayas, or Dragon fruit.
I like all types of food, but my favorite is seafood. I do cook. When my kids see me cooking, they always ask who’s coming to visit us!
What’s your favorite movie and why? Or a favorite book or song?
I like old Western movies. I’ve always loved the country style of living. I enjoy reading the Bible. The more I read it, the more I enjoy it.
If you have kids, what are some of the things that you like doing together?
Well, now I have grandkids that I enjoy very much. I love taking them for walks and bike rides.
I know you’ve been a musician for a long time and played in a band. Can you elaborate?
I like all types of music — except heavy metal and rap. I used to play the clarinet in a band, but now I play the guitar and I’m in the church choir. I love singing to God.
What do you like best about working at Midland?
It feels like family here. The work is always challenging, satisfying and interesting. I never get bored!
Fine Cabinetry & Millwork
719 Industrial RoadSan Carlos, CA 94070
650-594-0890 info@midlandcabinet.com