From Concept to Creation
Founded in May 2018, CAP Fabrication has quickly made its mark in the architectural millwork and custom fabrication industry. What began as a partnership between Christopher Wawroski and a colleague under the name "Custom Architectural Products" has since grown into a company renowned for its craftsmanship, innovative design, and ability to handle complex, high-end projects. From navigating a challenging beginning to embracing an ambitious vision for the future, CAP Fabrication stands as a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and dedication to quality. A Story of Resilience, Craftsmanship, and a Vision for the Future From Adversity to Opportunity Christopher Wawroski, now the sole owner and operating manager of CAP Fabrication, launched the company under unexpected and difficult circumstances. "Its formation was purely out of self- preservation and the need to create my own destiny," Christopher shared, reflecting on how he was driven to start the company after his former employers altered his commission structure, making it nearly impossible for him to reach his goals.
"For my partner, it was an opportunity to go into business for himself and provide for his young family." However, as is the case with many business partnerships, things didn’t go as planned. The partnership dissolved after just seven months, leaving Christopher to shoulder the company’s future on his own. "It was abrupt, unexpected, and somewhat messy," Christopher explained. . He bought out his partner and found himself in charge of CAP Fabrication’s survival, finishing two ongoing projects and navigating the future of the business solo. The years that followed were some of the hardest of Christopher’s life. "I worked 14- hour days, seven days a week, and took almost no time off—not even holidays or my birthday," he recalled.
"Success for me is proving to myself that I could build CAP Fabrication from the ground up and make it a well-respected manufacturer of quality architectural millwork and products," he said. This ethos of hard work and dedication runs through every aspect of the company. Christopher places a great deal of emphasis on the importance of a well- trained, skilled workforce. "The quality of the final product is only as good as the people building it," he explained. That’s why CAP Fabrication’s hiring process is rigorous, ensuring that only highly qualified individuals join the team. "Many people want to work for us, but only the most qualified and experienced do." In addition to his skilled workforce, Christopher gives credit to key team members like Laura Justiniano, the head of estimating and sales, who ensures that projects remain on budget and within scope. "She is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable of current pricing from our suppliers and is a master of value engineering," he noted.
During this time, he also took on a part-time job to make ends meet. But for Christopher, failure was not an option. "I knew that I had the ability to keep CAP going and needed to prove to myself that with hard work and commitment, I could build a successful company." A Focus on Craftsmanship and People: The Foundation of Success For Christopher, CAP Fabrication's success is measured not in material possessions or industry accolades, but in the quality of the work and the people behind it.
Cristina Rivera, the Assistant Operating Manager, plays a crucial role in recruitment and in keeping the business running smoothly. And Christopher doesn’t forget those who helped shape the company’s early days. He credits Hector Rodriguez, the former production manager who suffered a major stroke in May 2022, for establishing many of the processes and construction methods that CAP continues to use. "Hector got our quality to where it is today, and we still use the processes he implemented." Building Big: Luxury Hotel Projects and More
While CAP Fabrication started with a focus on manufacturing architectural components for other companies, the business has since evolved to specialize in interior finishes and millwork for luxury hotels. The company’s portfolio includes some of the most prestigious names in the hospitality industry: The St. Regis Resort in Aspen, CO The Ritz Carlton in Las Colinas, Irving, TX The JW Marriott in the Dallas Arts District Crown Plaza Hotels in Guam and Saipan "Luxury hotel projects are a beast," Christopher said, acknowledging the challenges that come with such high-profile projects. "The designs are often complex and incomplete when the project begins, on-site delays are common, and material selections can be costly and difficult to procure."
CHRISTOPHER WAWROSKI, OWNER
But for CAP Fabrication, the complexity of these projects is what keeps things exciting. "We do hotel projects because they’re challenging and never repetitive. The designs can be difficult to engineer, and the schedules are often compressed. We’re constantly learning and evolving as a team and as a company." In addition to luxury hotel projects, CAP Fabrication also tackles smaller projects to ensure steady cash flow and keep the business balanced. Recent projects include The Porch Restaurant in Dallas, Carbone’s Italian Restaurant, and AutoNation in Plano.
Challenges, Adaptability, and a Vision for the Future "Diversity has become essential, especially with the volatility in the market over the past few years." "We fill in the gaps with smaller projects like restaurants, retail stores, and wellness centers," Christopher explained.
This transparency not only builds trust but also demonstrates the company's commitment to excellence. Growth and Expansion The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2020, just as the company was investing in a new showroom and exterior renovations, CAP was forced out of its building when the property was sold. They found themselves in the same situation again in April 2023, when their lease renewal rate more than doubled, forcing another relocation. "The upside is that we now have a front retail space on a busy street, which we’re renovating to be very visible from the road," Christopher said, looking for the silver lining. This new location plays a key role in CAP’s five-year plan, which includes expanding its residential business and launching an online store. "It’s been a long-time goal of mine to get CAP Fabrication back to its original concept of manufacturing custom architectural products," Christopher shared. The company is also awaiting the arrival of new CNC equipment, which will help boost production capacity and efficiency. CAP Fabrication’s adaptability is what has allowed the company to thrive despite the challenges. "We are a small company that does large projects, but diversifying and being adaptive are necessary for us to grow in an economic downturn," Christopher noted. Giving Back to the Community
Beyond CAP’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, the company is deeply invested in giving back to the community. In 2023, CAP Fabrication used leftover materials to build two custom baby nursery sets, which were donated to two young expecting mothers. The team also collected toys, clothing, and diapers for the families. "We try to give back to our local community as much as possible," Christopher said. Environmental responsibility is also important to Christopher, who implemented a recycling program at CAP’s facility to minimize waste. "It took over two years to get my team to consistently use the recycling bins, but now they do it on their own," he shared. CAP also reuses shipping materials whenever possible, cutting down on costs and waste.
"We are constantly learning and evolving as a team and as a company," Christopher said, reflecting on the company’s journey. "I’ve always believed in the power of hard work and commitment, and that’s what’s driven us forward." From its humble beginnings to its ambitious future, CAP Fabrication has become a beacon of resilience, craftsmanship, and ingenuity in the architectural millwork industry. As Christopher continues to steer the company toward new opportunities, CAP Fabrication remains a leader in delivering high-quality, custom solutions for clients across the country and around the world.
Looking ahead, Christopher is working on a prototype to filter ambient air in manufacturing facilities and construction sites to improve safety. "The dust collector only removes the visible pieces of cut materials, but not the very fine dust that you can’t see," he explained. Partnering with an organization, Christopher hopes to develop a system that eliminates harmful micro-dust without the need for substrate filters. With a new retail space, a growing portfolio of prestigious projects, and innovative ideas on the horizon, CAP Fabrication is poised for continued success.
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