Statwood: Celebrating a Century of Craftsmanship, Family, and Trust
The Statwood Team at the company’s 100th Anniversary Gala in June 2025. Photo by Tristan Kolomer.
Nearly a century ago, on a quiet stretch of Clove Road, a young Austrian immigrant named Frank Krause set up a humble woodworking shop with nothing but a set of tools, a sharp eye for craftsmanship, and a fierce determination to succeed. That small workshop would go on to spark a legacy, growing into one of Staten Island’s most trusted and enduring family businesses: Staten Island Woodworking Company, now proudly known as Statwood Home Improvements, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025.
“People want to work with someone they know, someone they can count on.”
Originally established as a wood screen and kitchen cabinet workshop, Statwood has evolved with each generation, adapting to changes in industry and society over the course of a century. In the 1940’s, Frank’s son, also named Frank, joined the business, and expanded the business to provide triple-track storm windows, interior sliding storm panels and extensive cabinetry. In 1938, a ten year old neighbor named Charlie Blauth started sweeping the sawdust in the woodworking shop. After the Korean war, he returned to become a Partner and Installation Manager, where he remained for 51 years, becoming an integral part of Statwood’s history and success.
In 1988, Frank’s son, Michael Krause, took the reins as president and has since continued the family legacy, celebrating 50 years in the business himself. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Statwood focuses on vinyl replacement windows, steel entry doors, aluminum storm doors, and screenrooms and porch enclosures, prioritizing energy efficiency, low maintenance, and personal service.
Statwood’s current location, as seen on a postcard, ca. 1970’s. Linked from the Staten Island Historical Society.
Over the decades, the company relocated five times, eventually settling at its current location at 1475 Hylan Boulevard. What hasn’t changed over the years is the company’s dedication to quality, customer care, and honest workmanship. Mike, like his father, prefers meeting customers face-to-face, often visiting homes late into the evening to provide detailed, personalized consultations. “It’s about trust,” Mike says. “People want to work with someone they know, someone they can count on.”
Trust has indeed been a cornerstone of the Statwood legacy. From handwritten thank-you notes to decades-long client relationships, the business has thrived not through aggressive marketing, but through word-of-mouth and customer relationships. Statwood’s installers and sales team - many of whom stayed for 20, 30, even 50 years - reflect that same loyalty and dedication. “We’re here because of old-fashioned politeness and fair prices… That’s the secret,” says Krause. “Nothing flashy. Just treating people right.”
“We’re here because of old-fashioned politeness and fair prices. That’s the secret. It’s nothing flashy - just treating people right.”
Another constant in Statwood’s storied history that contributed to its success is a nearly century-old relationship with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Statwood has been a proud member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce for 95 of its 100 years - a partnership that has helped anchor the company in the borough’s business community. “Looking back, I find it remarkable that my grandfather, even as a recent immigrant, joined the Chamber in 1930. That early connection to the local business world became a guiding light for my grandfather, my father, and now me.”
Over the decades, the Chamber has provided Statwood with guidance, advocacy, and support. Whether through networking, business resources, or advice from long-standing members and Chamber staff, Mike credits the Chamber as “an organization that’s always looking out for Staten Island’s small businesses and customers alike.” Mike Veneziale – Installation Manager with Statwood for over 35 years – serves as the Chamber liaison, and serves on the Chamber’s Building Awards Committee.
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The company’s family ties remain strong. Krause’s siblings, including his sisters Kate Rooney, an attorney, healthcare executive, and former Special Counsel to the late State Senator John Marchi, Mary Brady, R.N., and his brother, Peter Krause, a former investment banker, remain involved as co-owners. The Krause family’s second business, Safe Harbor Home Health Care, was also founded by Frank Krause II in 1967 and remains a vital community asset, now overseen by the next generation.
Looking ahead, Mike remains committed to keeping the business personal and grounded in its community values. Despite the challenges of digital competition and changing consumer habits, he maintains that in-person consultation and service will always be Statwood’s strength.
As Statwood enters its 101st year, it stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and family. With nearly a century of Chamber membership and a reputation built on trust, the business continues to serve as a beacon of what makes Staten Island’s business community so special.
Congratulations to Statwood on this tremendous accomplishment!