McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc.

is hereby recognized as a

TOP GUN Professional Business!

John McLean, you are considered a champion business owner for building and managing McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc., a custom cabinetry and woodworking company proudly serving Sneads Ferry and Onslow County, North Carolina, for nearly two decades. Your journey from a successful career with Caterpillar to transforming your lifelong passion for woodworking into a respected local business reflects your entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, and exceptional craftsmanship. Your commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, supporting the military community, and giving back through local charitable programs demonstrates the positive impact your business continues to make. Your hard work, generosity, and contributions to the community make you highly deserving of recognition and appreciation as a champion business owner.

Small businesses are the backbone of a strong economy and the foundation of thriving communities.

They create jobs, provide valuable services, support local families, and contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the areas they serve. Through their creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit, small businesses help make local communities stronger and more vibrant.

Behind every successful small business is an entrepreneur willing to take risks, overcome obstacles, and make personal sacrifices to turn a vision into reality. Business owners often work long hours, navigate challenging economic conditions, and dedicate countless hours to meeting customer needs. Their commitment, determination, and hard work are essential to the success of local commerce.

Our research team at Expansion Support Services, owners of the County Advisory Board, has identified McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. as a business recognized for providing valuable services, exceptional craftsmanship, and a commitment to customer satisfaction in Onslow County, North Carolina.

The company’s continued success reflects the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and shared passion for woodworking demonstrated by owner and founder John McLean and Operations Manager Anthony Herbert. Together, they have built a working partnership centered on precision, creativity, efficiency, and a genuine appreciation for the customers and community they serve.

A Lifelong Passion Transformed Into a Business

The story of McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. begins with John McLean, whose professional career included decades of service with Caterpillar, working in information technology. While John enjoyed a successful career in IT, his true passion had always been woodworking. What began as a lifelong hobby and creative outlet eventually became an opportunity to turn something he loved into a business of his own.

Rather than allowing his passion for craftsmanship to remain simply a pastime, John pursued his entrepreneurial vision and established McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. Nearly two decades later, the company has become part of the local business community, providing custom cabinetry, woodworking, and specialty projects that reflect John’s commitment to quality and individuality.

For John, woodworking has never been just about building cabinets or creating furniture. It is about transforming raw materials into something meaningful, functional, and lasting. Every project offers an opportunity to exercise creativity, solve challenges, and deliver something uniquely suited to the customer’s vision.

His story demonstrates how a lifelong passion, combined with dedication and perseverance, can become the foundation of a successful local business.

An Unexpected Partnership Built on Experience and Shared Purpose

An equally inspiring chapter in the company’s story began when Anthony Herbert, following his retirement from a career in education, happened to drive past John’s woodworking shop and noticed a sign that caught his attention.

Anthony had recently retired after teaching woodworking for the New York Department of Corrections, where he worked with some of the correctional system’s most challenging and dangerous inmates. His career reflected an extraordinary commitment to education, patience, and helping individuals whom others were often unwilling to help.

Through woodworking, Anthony offered more than technical instruction. He provided opportunities for individuals to develop practical skills, experience accomplishment, and discover the value of discipline, creativity, and productive work.

After retirement, Anthony was simply looking for an opportunity to remain active, productive, and connected to the craft he had spent so many years teaching.

What began as a casual visit to John’s shop and a few conversations quickly developed into something neither man had necessarily anticipated. They recognized a shared appreciation for woodworking, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way.

In less than two weeks, Anthony had taken on the role of Operations Manager at McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc.

What started as an opportunity to stay busy during retirement became a meaningful professional partnership.

Anthony brought decades of woodworking knowledge, instructional experience, organizational skills, and a hands-on approach to quality control. His involvement introduced operational improvements that helped streamline the company’s workflow, increase efficiency, and create a smoother, more organized production environment.

These changes have also allowed John greater flexibility to enjoy the retirement lifestyle he worked so many years to achieve, while remaining involved in the business and continuing to pursue his lifelong passion.

Together, John and Anthony demonstrate how experience, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence can strengthen a small business.

Precision, Craftsmanship, and Attention to Every Detail

One of the defining qualities of McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. is its dedication to precision and attention to detail.

The company specializes in custom cabinetry and woodworking projects, with an emphasis on creating products that meet the individual needs, preferences, and expectations of its customers.

Its services include custom cabinetry, hardwood cabinetry, furniture, decorative carvings, glass accents, and specialty military carvings.

The company’s mission emphasizes providing high-quality cabinetry and furniture to Jacksonville, Wilmington, and surrounding North Carolina communities. Its experienced staff combines traditional woodworking knowledge with CAD/CAM computerized equipment to help achieve accuracy, consistency, and carefully planned results.

Anthony takes particular pride in maintaining a hands-on presence throughout the production process, carefully reviewing each stage of a project to help ensure the finished work meets the company’s standards and the customer’s expectations.

This attention to detail is especially important because much of the company’s work is custom-designed rather than mass-produced.

Every project brings different measurements, materials, design preferences, and customer expectations. Although this individualized approach often requires additional time, planning, and effort, John and Anthony believe the rewards of producing something distinctive and meaningful make that extra commitment worthwhile.

For both men, the variety of custom woodworking keeps each day interesting, challenging, and rewarding.

Their philosophy is centered on more than simply completing a project. It is about taking pride in the process, respecting the customer’s vision, and delivering craftsmanship that reflects the care invested in every detail.

A Special Commitment to the Military Community

Located in a region with strong military ties, McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. takes tremendous pride in serving the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and the surrounding military community.

The company’s appreciation for military service is reflected in its specialty military woodworking and carving projects, which are proudly featured on its website.

These projects represent an especially meaningful part of the company’s work. Creating personalized military carvings and commemorative pieces requires precision, creativity, and an understanding that the finished product may carry tremendous personal significance for the recipient.

Whether recognizing military service, honoring accomplishments, or creating a unique keepsake, the team approaches these projects with particular pride and respect.

For John and Anthony, serving the military community is an opportunity to use their craftsmanship to recognize the dedication, service, and sacrifices of others.

Their commitment reflects the important relationship between locally owned businesses and the military families, service members, and veterans who contribute so much to the Onslow County community.

Giving Back to the Community That Supports Them

Beyond its professional services, McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. recognizes the importance of supporting the community that has supported its business for nearly two decades.

John, Anthony, and the company participate in local community initiatives, events, and programs that provide opportunities to give back.

Through woodworking projects, donated services, and participation in community activities, the business seeks opportunities to contribute its time, skills, and resources to causes that benefit local residents and organizations.

Their philosophy reflects a genuine appreciation for the people who have helped sustain the company over the years.

Rather than viewing community involvement simply as a business obligation, John and Anthony recognize it as an opportunity to express gratitude and make a positive difference.

Their willingness to support local programs and contribute their craftsmanship demonstrates the valuable role that independently owned businesses play beyond the products and services they sell.

Businesses like McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. help strengthen communities not only through economic contributions, but also through the generosity, relationships, and personal commitment of the people behind them.

Beyond the Workshop: Family, Fishing, and Life’s Simple Rewards

Although woodworking remains a lifelong passion for John, his interests extend well beyond the workshop.

An avid and accomplished fisherman, John enjoys spending time on his boat and taking advantage of opportunities to get out on the water. Fishing provides a welcome balance to the responsibilities of business ownership and an opportunity to enjoy the coastal lifestyle that makes eastern North Carolina special.

John has also developed a newfound enthusiasm for smoking meats, adding another hands-on pursuit to his collection of interests. Much like woodworking, preparing great barbecue involves patience, technique, attention to detail, and the satisfaction of creating something others can enjoy.

Even during his free time, John continues to enjoy woodworking, demonstrating that his love for the craft extends far beyond the responsibilities of operating a business.

Anthony, meanwhile, remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. His dedication to maintaining quality and efficiency keeps him busy, but he also appreciates opportunities to step away from the workshop.

Whenever possible, Anthony enjoys fishing, an activity that rewards patience and persistence, two qualities that have served him well throughout his professional life.

He also enjoys golf, which helps him stay active and limber while providing another opportunity for recreation and relaxation.

These personal interests offer a glimpse into the individuals behind the business: two hardworking professionals who value craftsmanship, purpose, personal fulfillment, and the rewards of a life built around doing what they enjoy.

Recognizing Entrepreneurial Excellence in Onslow County

The continued success of McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. represents much more than the operation of a woodworking business.

It is the story of a lifelong craftsman who transformed his passion into an entrepreneurial venture, and a retired educator whose unexpected visit to a local workshop led to a rewarding new chapter of professional service.

John McLean and Anthony Herbert bring different professional backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the business, yet share the same fundamental values: hard work, precision, integrity, service, and pride in a job well done.

Their partnership demonstrates that retirement does not necessarily mean the end of professional purpose. Sometimes it creates an opportunity to pursue passions, share experience, and contribute in new and meaningful ways.

Through their dedication to custom craftsmanship, attention to customer needs, support for military projects, and involvement in community initiatives, John and Anthony exemplify the positive influence local businesses can have on the people and communities they serve.

We are pleased to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank John McLean, Anthony Herbert, and the entire McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. team for their past, present, and future contributions to Onslow County, North Carolina.

Their commitment to quality, community involvement, and customer satisfaction reflects the entrepreneurial determination and craftsmanship that help strengthen the local economy.

John McLean, you are highly commended and appreciated for transforming your lifelong passion for woodworking into a business that has served the community for nearly two decades. Your entrepreneurial vision, dedication, and willingness to share your talents represent the very best qualities of local business ownership.

Anthony Herbert, you are also highly commended for your decades of dedication to teaching others, including individuals facing extraordinary challenges, and for bringing that same commitment to craftsmanship, organization, and excellence to McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. Your contributions demonstrate how experience, compassion, and leadership can continue to make a meaningful difference long after retirement.

Together, your partnership represents an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when passion, experience, and a shared commitment to doing things right come together.

Support Local — Discover McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc.

Whether you are planning a custom cabinetry project, exploring hardwood cabinetry or furniture options, seeking decorative woodworking, or interested in personalized military carvings, McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. is a local business worth contacting.

The company works closely with customers to understand their needs, offer suggestions, and develop practical plans that bring individual projects to life.

McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc.

Owner and Founder: John McLean

Operations Manager: Anthony Herbert

Address: 2507 Highway 172, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460

Phone: 910-327-9217

Website: https://mcleanprecisioncabinetry.com/

Contact McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc. to learn more about its custom woodworking services, discuss your project, and inquire about current availability.

Please shop local and support this outstanding Onslow County business!

John McLean – McLean Precision Cabinetry, Inc.