A Legacy in Wood: RJ Woods Builds the Next Step upon a New Generation

Chester, NE — For over four decades, RJ Woods has quietly built more than cabinets—it’s built a reputation. Founded in 1983 by Robert (Bob) Onnen and Joe Carbounneau, the cabinetry business known for fine craftsmanship and friendly service has stood as a symbol of reliability in Thayer County. Now, as Joe prepares for retirement, a new chapter begins with the next generation of skilled hands.

The “R” and “J” in RJ Woods stand for Robert and Joe, who launched the business after branching off from the local lumberyard’s cabinet service. They initially set up shop on South 4th Street in Hebron, where their work quickly gained a loyal following. When Bob Onnen passed away in 2007, Joe relocated the business to Chester and carried on the legacy they had built together.

Now, at 42 years in, that legacy is being entrusted to 22-year-old Cayden Gonzales, a recent graduate of Southeast Community College’s building construction program in Milford.

“I took a cabinet course in college and realized I enjoyed the fine detail in this work,” Cayden shared. “When I started working with Joe, he took it to a whole new level. When there were interesting details in custom projects, I got excited knowing I could do it despite the difficulty.”

Cayden’s path back to Thayer County may seem like fate. Though originally from Lincoln, his roots run deep in the area—his family has ties in Deshler going back five generations and his grandparents still live there. After completing his internship with Joe last summer, the opportunity to return and continue the RJ Woods tradition came naturally.

“As graduation grew closer, I had always kept this opportunity in the back of my mind,” he said. “I knew I’d like to work for myself, and now it was definitely something I could do. The right opportunity presented itself, and everything fell into place within a matter of months. What better person to teach me than Joe." 

Joe plans to stay on through the end of the year, finishing up ongoing projects and offering mentorship as Cayden learns the ins and outs of running the business. It's a fitting conclusion to a long and meaningful handoff to someone eager to carry the work forward.

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” Joe said in an earlier conversation. “And seeing someone like Cayden come in with that same passion—well, that makes it easier to step away.”

As RJ Woods transitions to new ownership, customers can expect the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that have defined the shop for over 40 years. Only now, that legacy will be built by new hands—ones shaped by tradition and ready to carve out the future.

Past, present, and future customers are invited to join Joe’s family and friends in celebrating his retirement at the Chester Auditorium (704 Thayer Ave). Stop by on June 28th from 11AM to 2PM to honor Joe’s years of service—and meet the new owner, Cayden, as he steps into this exciting new chapter.