Life & Work with Greg Michael of Kennesaw, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Michael.

Hi Greg, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Greg A. Michael, Sr., President of Mi-Kin Creations Inc., grew up surrounded by woodworking and craftsmanship. His father, Ellis H. Michael, Sr., was the lead man in the production of wooden aircraft for the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to World War II. After the war, Ellis Sr. launched a home improvement business that served clients throughout the South. Greg’s brother, Ellis H. Michael, Jr., continued the family’s creative tradition, founding Mi-Kin Creations in Tampa, Florida, in 1967. Using his artistic eye and attention to detail, Ellis Jr. developed a reputation for blending form and function, producing some of the most distinctive woodworking designs in the Tampa Bay area.

Greg spent his youth in the workshop, learning the tools and techniques of the trade. Though he initially pursued a different career path, his passion for woodworking was rekindled in 1997 while building a new home with his wife, Toni. Together, they completed all of the interior woodwork by hand—from trim and flooring to fine details—reigniting Greg’s lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship. Toni calls their home, “the house that Greg built.”

Not long after, Mi-Kin Creations, Inc. of Georgia was founded. “Mi-Kin,” short for “Michael Kinfolk,” reflects the company’s family-centered philosophy. Today, Greg’s sons, Gregory and Jonathan, share in the ownership and continue the family legacy as skilled craftsmen.

At Mi-Kin Creations, the Michael’s take pride in working closely with clients to bring their visions to life. Their mission is simple: to create exceptional, lasting pieces that enhance both homes and businesses—projects built with integrity, artistry, and family tradition.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It certainly hasn’t always been a smooth road; there have been plenty of ups and downs through the years. Like many small, family-run businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges: balancing workloads, adapting to changes in the economy, and navigating the growing pains that come with expansion.
Early on, we had to learn how to manage both the creative and business sides of the company, keeping the craftsmanship at the heart of what we do while also building a sustainable operation. There were times when projects tested our patience and resources, but every challenge helped shape who we are today.
Greg recognized that in order to stay competitive, the company needed to embrace automation. The business started in the basement of our family home, then expanded to a 3,000 square foot barn built on the family property. In 2013, Mi-Kin Creations began investing in advanced machinery to streamline production and moved into the 11,000 square foot facility in Kennesaw.
For example, the addition of a CNC machine allowed for precision cutting of cabinetry components, improving efficiency without compromising craftsmanship. Each equipment upgrade has been carefully chosen to enhance quality while preserving the hand-crafted artistry that defines our work. Even with these technological advancements, approximately 90% of every cabinet still receives a personal touch. Our refined systems and processes simply allow us to produce more efficiently; while maintaining the same high standards of quality and care that our clients expect.
What’s kept us moving forward is our commitment to quality, our faith, and our family. We’ve learned to embrace each obstacle as part of the journey, and those experiences have ultimately strengthened both our business and our bond as a family.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Mi-Kin Creations, Inc., we specialize in custom cabinetry, specialty commercial architectural millwork solutions, and fine woodworking that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. Our work spans from one-of-a-kind residential furniture and cabinetry to large-scale commercial millwork projects for offices, restaurants, and public spaces. Every project is tailored to fit the client’s vision, space, and functionality.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to quality, detail, and personal connection. We take pride in understanding how our clients use their spaces and transforming those ideas into beautiful, functional designs built to last. While we’ve invested in advanced machinery to enhance efficiency and precision, nearly every piece still receives the hands-on craftsmanship that defines our work.
We’re most proud of the legacy behind our name. Mi-Kin Creations is a family business, and that family spirit guides every project we take on. Whether it’s a custom home installation or a complex commercial build, our goal remains the same; to deliver exceptional, lasting pieces that reflect integrity, artistry, and care.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Running a family business comes with its challenges, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Among my five children and their spouses and children, I work alongside my wife, three sons, my oldest daughter, a daughter-in-law, and my oldest grandson. Family truly is the heart of our business. What we do supports not only our own family, but also the families of everyone who works with us.

Luck has opened a few doors for us along the way, but it’s our family values, perseverance, and willingness to adapt that continue to move us forward. It hasn’t always been easy, but we remain committed to delivering quality craftsmanship and innovation for our clients. At the end of every Friday, our family gathers for dinner; a moment to reconnect, reflect, and appreciate the opportunity to keep creating millwork that brings families together.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.Mi-kincreations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikincreations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikincreations

Image Credits
Cory Locatelli Photography