Duntai Mathews
What’s the DLM??
Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas & Divos!
Club Fifty has a good one for you today. We know we cannot be confined to 28 days for Black History Month. We make history daily with all the talent God has blessed us with; limiting our gifts to just one month a year would be atrocious. So, you know your girl loves to shout out men and women when I see their great works; especially when it is improving our lives, from the minor to the majors. Club Fifty is here to support you!!
And…yes, this guest contributions are enormous. You know that saying, ‘Create something that will change people’s lives forever.’ Well, my next guest did just that, changing his life and countless others with his wood-making craftmanship and much more.
Talk about layers, this businessman has so many, and I am so proud of him. His woodwork is
incredible, and after reading this article, you will never look at restaurants, sports venues, or libraries the same. Having a name and a face for those who created some of our everyday products is something special. So let’s give credit where credit is due.
For the past six years, my husband and I have had the pleasure of knowing this living legend at our radio show; he is not only the President of DLM Manufacturing Company but Vice President of Stellar Award-winning Soar Radio, and he is Co-founder of Think Big. Never underestimate what someone can do because you don’t see them in the forefront as much; the behind-the-scenes, mouth-closed, driven, and determined, dedicated people are the ones who are quietly changing lives. So, with no further ado, let me introduce you to our friend, who is making significant moves in Rockford, IL, and abroad Duntai Mathews!!
MEET DUNTAI MATHEWS
Duntai L Mathews, President of DLM Wood Manufacturing, was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. Working at McDonald’s as a teenager to help at home with expenses, Duntai learned the corporation’s commitment to assisting minority-owned businesses and was encouraged by their support. Duntai attended college in Atlanta and, upon returning to Rockford, found a job at a local wood manufacturing company. Duntai learned various aspects of this business, and when an opportunity presented itself to purchase the company, he sought to become the owner. Duntai presented his plans to numerous banks, other financial institutions, and government programs, but with little money to put into the business, no one was willing to assist him. One of the current customers utilizing their wood products was Gressco Limited, a furniture company located in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Gressco had a vested interest in keeping their wood source stable. They understood and trusted Duntai and his future plans with the company. With Gressco’s behind-the-scenes support, Duntai acquired the company, Expressions in Wood and renamed it DLM Manufacturing.
One of Duntai’s first goals was to expand the existing business with McDonald’s, and he was able to work with them in the development of new designs of counter storage units, magazine racks, and
dispensers of all kinds. Minority-owned and operated for twenty years, DLM Manufacturing is known for its “better than perfect” quality wood products and flexible designs for the restaurant and hospitality markets. With CNC machining capabilities and top-notch craftsmanship, they deliver quality wood products that last. Duntai wishes to thank God, and his family, including his Grandmother, who was a great inspiration to him throughout his life. Duntai also wishes to thank the owner and all those at Gressco for believing in his vision.
Duntai is 53 years old and will be 54 on the 4th of July. He has a wife and five kids with 12 grandkids. He lost his mom to Covid, Lois V. Mathews, so having DLM is a way of keeping her legacy alive. In addition, DLM will be celebrating its 20th year in business on May 7th. Duntai, also like grilling, watching sports, and going to live music venues.
IN CONVERSATION WITH DUNTAI MATHEWS
C50: Duntai, how was your entrepreneurial spirit birth?
DLM: My entrepreneurial spirit started when I moved to Atlanta in 1987. I was surrounded by young African Americans at Morris Brown College, Clark, Spelman, and Morehouse. They were making money selling clothing, creating music and content, and running their carwash and food service business. So I stepped outside the box when I left for Atlanta, Georgia, and broadened my perspective on how to make money.
C50: Why is having a minority business so hard to get into?
DLM: This question has several layers, but I will begin with accessing capital. It is one of the reasons that hold us back from moving forward. Let’s be honest I didn’t come from a wealthy family, and so many other African American families I know didn’t come from a wealthy family. Often, our families needed more capital and were required to have assets; we didn’t have generational wealth, money, or businesses to leave for the next generation. The system is designed in a specific way that our African American businesses consistently will fail, and lack of knowledge and collaboration has been a problem in our community. There was a saying, “Each one teaches one,” understanding you must have your credit and assets, which we lack in our communities. What happened to this mantra? It affects the opportunities to start a service or a business that could help impact that community or beyond.
C50: Tell C50 how you got started in carpentry and what it entails to become successful.
DLM: I got involved with carpentry in 1993 and learned how to build and produce high-quality products.
Once I understood that process, I understood how to market and sell the products. Success takes dedication, research, and an understanding of the industry and what is needed in that industry now.
C50: How did the birth of DLM Custom Woodwork & Manufacturing Company manifest?
DLM: In 2003, DLM was born when I had an opportunity in previous years to get into the corporate office of MCD. This meeting took a few years to achieve; however, once I got the green light to meet, I was challenged to make a ‘Condiment Center’ against an existing vendor they already had. At that time, I didn’t own a business, but the corporate buyer for MCD said I should own my own business. She said that because it’s not easy getting into corporate, but I did, and there are some opportunities for African Americans as a vendor for MCD if you know the path you must take.
Nevertheless, I built the prototype and took it back, and four weeks later, after testing, I was called back in and told I had won the bid. That was one condiment center that the sell was around $300,000 annually. Shortly after, I could create a business plan and go after a business loan. At that time, the corporate buyer of MCD wrote and signed a letter stating I had won the bid and had become a supplier for MCD. With that letter, I achieved it because I had assets and money, but my Uncle in Atlanta named Joslyn Hanserd put his home up for assets so I could achieve my goal. He helped create DLM Manufacturing, and I gave him 15% shares. I held 85%, and that’s how DLM was created.
C50: What type of products does DLM make?
DLM: DLM makes scoring tables, sideline chairs, and podiums for the school industry—we distribute children’s furniture and library furniture. Our restaurant’s institutional furniture includes condiment centers, newspaper racks, napkins and straw dispensers, and bib racks. We also make Charcuterie Boards, Humidors, Bar Height Tables, and Children’s desks for home usage. We also make Ash tables for Modern living homes. All these products are sold locally or nationally.
C50: What is so unique about your specific products?
DLM: My products are notable because of the quality, durability, and craftsmanship made in the USA and Rockford, Illinois.
C50: How can your products solve the problem?
DLM: Our products can help restaurants organize their counters and control inventory costs. We provide scoring tables to help officials control the basketball industry’s rules and timing. Our furniture offers to seat and occupies space for shelving and organizing.
C50: Who is your target audience for your products or services?
DLM: DLM’s target audiences are distributors, end users, corporate offices, etc.
C50: What products did you manufacture that changed your life and the lives of others?
DLM: There is a Condiment Center called CC-400. It was the first condiment center I received through
MCD; it had massive annual sales. This unit propelled DLM into opportunities such as Moe’s Southwest Grill and Five Guys Burger and Fries. DLM designed a black condiment center that would sustain Edward Don, a national food distributor over seven years, then connected me to Longhorn Steakhouse. There, I had an opportunity to produce the original wooden breadboard that lasted over five years on a national distribution level.
C50: What other business ventures are you involved in?
DLM: I’m also Vice President of Stellar Award-winning Soar Radio, Co-founder of Think Big, which helps entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow, and I’m co-owner of Deepend Productions. This record company helps cultivate artists in the music industry.
Bonus Question
C50: Where is DLM Manufacturing Company located, and how can my Club Fifty readers connect with you if they want custom-made work done?
DLM: We are known for our rich and detailed craftsmanship, which meets the needs of your style; choose DLM to design quality, timeless wood products creating just the environment you demand.
DLM Manufacturing Company
919 Taylor St, Rockford, IL 61101.
C50: There you have it, Golden Divas & Divos, Duntai Mathews of DLM Manufacturing Company is ready to bring your vision to life with something special. Thanks, Duntai, for being a part of Black History 365 days a year!!