JD Stairs
Designing ‘Up’ to Meet Demand
Combining Wood and Metal to produce outstanding design results
JD Stairs has spent nearly two decades shaping its reputation as a premier stair design and metalwork company through craftsmanship, family values, and forward-thinking innovation. Founded in 2005 by two brothers, Jonathan and Donald Webster, the company began modestly, focusing on interior woodwork. Yet, it soon found itself on the cutting edge of stair design and manufacturing in Las Vegas, blending old-world craftsmanship with new-age technology.
“We grew up in the stair industry,” Webster reflects. The brothers were well-acquainted with woodworking, mainly interior handrails in custom homes. However, their early realization that the market needed stair builders who could weld propelled JD Stairs into a new realm. “Shortly after we started, we realized there was a need for stair builders who knew how to weld. That’s when we added metalwork to our offerings,” Webster explains.
This strategic decision marked a turning point for JD Stairs. Combining wood and metal under one roof became the company’s signature, a rare feat in an industry where woodworkers and metalworkers often operate in separate spheres. General contractors, who previously had to juggle multiple vendors, soon flocked to JD Stairs for the ease of handling both materials by one expert team. “That became our niche,” Webster says. “General contractors loved that we could care for everything, which eased their burden.”
Bringing in expertise
JD Stairs is not just a business; it’s a family story. Wendy, the Webster brothers’ mother, joined shortly after the company’s founding as the office manager. Over time, other brothers, Daniel and Benjamin, also came on board. This tight-knit family unit gave the company a solid foundation and a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared values.
However, JD Stairs’ growth reached a decisive moment in 2017 when it became clear that the company needed more managerial oversight to elevate it to the next level. Webster knew just the person to call: Bob Gabour, the former owner of the stair company where Webster had once worked. Gabour recalls that the timing was perfect. “They needed some additional management, particularly in finances, and Jonathan reached out,” he says. In 2018, Gabour officially joined JD Stairs as President, bringing decades of business acumen and financial expertise to the team. “Since Bob has come on, we’ve been able to take the company to a level we hadn’t reached before,” Webster notes.
Craftsmanship and client relationships
While many companies focus on competing through price, JD Stairs emphasizes high-quality craftsmanship. Its strong track record means clients may sometimes explore other options but often return after recognizing the value of JD Stairs’ work. Gabour notes, “We trust our processes, products, and people to deliver top results.”
A key pillar of JD Stairs’ success is its dedication to customer satisfaction. Webster acknowledges that custom work isn’t always perfect the first time but stresses the company’s commitment to resolving issues until clients are fully satisfied. “Our goal is to keep working until it’s right. If we make an error, we’ll fix it. We don’t leave until the client is happy,” Webster explains.
JD Stairs excels in communication in an industry where follow-through can be lacking. “What sets us apart is that we always pick up the phone,” Webster emphasizes. This responsiveness is crucial, mainly when clients are in the final stages of their projects, allowing them to complete everything on time.
Adapting to the future
A defining feature of JD Stairs is its forward-thinking approach to technology. Over the past 18 months, the company has substantially invested in new equipment to optimize operations and improve product quality. “We’ve brought a lot of processes in-house that we used to outsource,” Webster explains.
On the woodworking side, JD Stairs acquired a CNC router, a gang saw, a resaw, and a 45-miterlock to improve the precision and durability of their treads. The company added a second laser and a Flex CNC machine for the metalworking side. Webster explains that this new machine allows the team to create bolted stringer systems for floating stairs, significantly reducing installation time and improving overall product quality. “It speeds up the fabrication process, allows us to pre-powder coat components, and results in a cleaner look because there’s no welding in the field,” Webster notes.
Perhaps one of the most transformative pieces of technology JD Stairs has adopted is a 3D scanner from Leica, the BLK360. This scanner allows the team to create detailed 3D models of a space before fabrication begins, ensuring that everything fits perfectly when it’s time for installation. “It’s notorious for fabrication companies to build something, bring it out to the site, and it doesn’t fit. This technology virtually eliminates those errors,” Webster says. The scanner has reduced costly mistakes and sped up the overall process, making JD Stairs even more competitive in the custom stair market.
High-profile projects
JD Stairs’ reputation for craftsmanship has led to partnerships with some of the most well-known names in the region. The company is working on an expansion project for UFC’s headquarters, a prestigious undertaking that has solidified JD Stairs’ standing as a go-to provider for high-profile clients. “UFC is one of our most exciting projects right now,” Webster says.
The company has also worked alongside Blue Heron Builders in the construction of Mark Davis’ home, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. This multi-year project involved designing and installing some of the most unique and challenging staircases JD Stairs has ever tackled. In addition, the company has partnered with Skyterra Design to create new stair designs that redefine the possibilities of floating stair systems. “These new designs are unlike anything anyone has seen before,” Webster says proudly. “We’ve installed them in model homes for Toll Brothers, and the feedback has been incredible.”
JD Stairs is ready to remain at the forefront of innovation as the demand for custom stair designs grows, particularly in the high-end residential market. “We’ve already sold five more of these new designs, and we expect that number to keep growing,” Webster adds.
A team united
Behind JD Stairs’ success is a dedicated team with a shared vision. “One of our company’s biggest strengths is the ability to adapt,” Gabour says. “We’ve worked hard over the past couple of years to put the right people in the right positions, and it’s made a huge difference.”
Six years ago, JD Stairs implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a management framework designed to align team members around shared goals and ensure everyone contributes to the company’s success. “EOS has been huge for us,” Webster says. “It helps us ensure we’re utilizing employee talent to its fullest.”
The company’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture has paid off in terms of employee retention and engagement. By involving employees in decision-making processes and ensuring they feel valued, JD Stairs has created an environment where people want to stay and grow. “When employees feel involved, and their ideas are heard, they’re more likely to stay with the company long-term,” Webster adds.
Challenges in a changing market
While JD Stairs has enjoyed significant growth, the company is not immune to the challenges facing the construction industry today. Rising costs, particularly for materials and labor, have pressured margins. “Nothing costs what it did two or three years ago,” Webster notes. “It’s not just the materials; it’s also the cost of living for our employees. We need to ensure they can maintain their standard of living while keeping the company profitable.”
Gabour emphasizes the importance of data and careful financial management in navigating these challenges. “You have to know your costs,” he says. “Companies that don’t pay attention to their margins will struggle, especially with the rising costs of insurance, healthcare, and materials.”
Despite these challenges, JD Stairs remains focused on growth. The company is actively exploring new revenue streams and expanding its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients. “We’re always asking ourselves, ‘What else can we do? What do people want that we can provide?’” Webster says.
Showcasing versatility
As JD Stairs looks ahead, the company’s goals are clear: continue innovating, maintain strong client relationships, and expand its presence in the custom home market. One of the company’s priorities is getting in front of clients more frequently to showcase their full range of services. “Many of our clients don’t realize everything we can do,” Gabour says. “We want to remind them that we don’t just do stairs. We offer a wide range of custom products and are capable of much more.”
Webster concludes, “We’re always looking for what’s next. And we’re ready for whatever challenges come our way.”
AT A GLANCE
JD Stairs
What: A custom staircase design and construction company specializing in creating unique architectural elements, including stairs, doors, gates, and more.
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
Website: https://jdstairs.com/
