About Us

about usIn 2002, Summit Custom Woodworking took over the space that was previously owned by Park Mill Countertops in Kankakee, Illinois. An 1800 sqft garage space allowed us to produce approximately 20-25 residential plastic laminate countertops per year.

After two years in business we moved into a production space almost four times the size of where we started. 2004 also brought in a new project opportunity working with plastic laminate casework. From there, Summit Custom Woodworking quickly evolved into offering the custom casework we do today.

matthew hemenover

Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.

Matthew’s excitement for building started at a young age while regularly tagging along with grandfather to various job sites. Excitement grew into a career after graduating Illinois State University with a Construction Management degree and landing his first job with the nation’s largest home builder. He quickly made a mark for himself as an effective project manager with uncompromising quality standards and attention to detail.

Matthew left his project management job in 2011 to join as the 3rd generation of Hemenover Construction. Since joining the team Matthew has been recognized as one of Kankakee County’s 40 under 40 business leaders. He serves on the Kankakee Community College Construction Management Advisory Council, and also teaches an introductory project management class at the college. Matthew is an active member of the local Home Builder Association.  He still carries the same passion for building that his grandfather and father have taught him over many years

Sarah and their three kids, Mason, Ryan, Ava round out Matthew’s family. They spend time at swim meets, little league games, and the dance studio. When they get away the family enjoys boating, skiing and anything to do with water. Sarah operates a boutique-style photography business Sarah Jane Photography,which focuses on high school senior portraiture and families.

don hemenover

Never throw away something with your right hand that you cannot pull back with your left.

Don Hemenover started sweeping floors and nailing off rock lath for the plasterers when he was 13-years old.  He spent many summers working for his dad’s (George Hemenover) construction company. He finally left the area and received a civil engineering degree from the University of Missouri at Rolla.  After college he was selected to join the Peace Corps and spent two years building infrastructure in the Fijian Islands.

Upon arriving back home he met his future wife Claudette and joined his father in the construction business.  Committed to growing the business of building and remodeling homes in the area he found time to serve on numerous Chamber of Commerce boards, locals hospital boards, and held a number of local and state positions with the National Homebuilders Association.

Time away from the business was spent with his four children Kendra, Matthew, Kyle and Luke attending, coaching, and spectating all the various activities.  He still enjoys getting up every morning to meet and greet with the team members before they head out to the job sites, traveling with friends, and spending time with his grand children and family.