The Cento Anni Concept
Cento Anni means 100 years in Italian and is both an homage to Ed’s Italian heritage and to the heirloom quality standard that we apply to our products. The company philosophy is based upon a very simple concept.
Best Idea Wins
We strive to let an idea win on its own merit, and that helps to keep us focused on producing a high-quality product to meet the client’s needs at a fair price. This philosophy is present in all aspects of the business. We live and breathe custom, because we dare to believe that the pieces we build together will hold a special place in your life for generations to come.
Meet Our Team
Well, let us tell you about them. We could start with endless talent. We could highlight their capabilities, their experience, and their agility to incorporate your ideas and bring them to life. They’re absolute magicians. But we’d be lying if we told you it was those qualities that set them apart. Nope. It’s their level of care, their attention to detail, and their dedication to making what matters most to you, matter most to them. You should see the high fives and fist bumps when we finish a part of your project and something comes together just so. It’s a party. A party celebrating that you’re about to get a rush of emotion when you see your piece too.
Ed DeNave
Founder/partner
Ed is the founder of Cento Anni, and runs the company with partner and longtime close friend, Randy. Ed’s love of woodworking began in his grandfather’s workshop as a child. He grew up in New York and attended college at WPI in Massachusetts. His Mechanical Engineering undergrad and masters coursework in Finance served him well in his corporate life – primarily in the automotive industry.
Ed chose to become a self-described corporate refugee in late 2012. His ever supporting wife, Lynn, has been by his side from day one, playing a vital role in the company’s success. Ed is quick to acknowledge the sage guidance of the company’s advisory board, of which Randy was a key member prior to joining full time as a partner in the summer of 2015.
Ed’s time in the corporate world (leadership roles in program management and business development) provided some great foundational experience, but the excessive international travel was not a good match for a young, active family. The company literally began in Ed’s basement workshop, and is now in a 17,000 sq ft facility in downtown Holland, MI. Ed is responsible for the vision and most customer facing activities for Cento Anni, and if ever there is a story to be told, Ed will be happy to oblige.
Favorite genre to work by: Billy Joel – rage against the machine when it’s a rough day.
Randy Beute
Partner
Randy is one of the best problem solvers you could ever meet. He came along after Ed had kickstarted the mission of build local, buy local at Cento Anni. Randy spent 20+ years in the corporate setting where he constantly had to balance efficient manufacturing processes, a 3-shift workforce, and exacting customer specifications in a high volume production facility.
He continues this manufacturing mindset every day by designing products for efficient manufacturing, creating flexible and repeatable processes, and ensuring a high quality, hand crafted end product! Early on, he assisted Ed in moving from a studio space into the 17,000 square foot manufacturing facility in the heart of downtown Holland. Because Cento Anni pushes to represent the core of innovation, always creating and testing new products, Randy’s background in industrial engineering is featured (and challenged!) daily.
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Favorite genre to create to: Tenacious D
Austin Morris
Maker
Austin (known in the shop and for the rest of this bio as Biebs) is a walking contradiction, an old soul trapped in a deep V. Biebs is known for his cabinet wizardry and his creative ideas. He loves working on custom projects of all kinds, and he certainly does a superb job! He has a passion for mid-century modern pieces, and he is always up for the next challenge. Biebs loves fishing, boating, bedazzled jeans, obsessing about his latest microhobby, and spending time with his wife, Breanna, baby girls, Leighton and Aria, and dog, Hazel. He showed up on day one rocking a manbun, skinny jeans, and white Oakleys, and we still hired him. Favorite genre to build to: Old Soul and Alanis Morissette
Nick Scheerhorn
Maker
Nick is our quiet and thoughtful master cutting board maker! He will never be confused for a Chatty Cathy! With his keen eye, it is a guarantee that every unique and handcrafted board will be made to last. Nick’s passions lie with motocross, hockey, cars, and working on personal woodworking projects or whatever else he has going on. He’s a big coffee fan and usually has a cup nearby, and can't help himself to a shop snack or two. Whenever Ed brings in snacks, Nick is the first one to dive into the treats. Favorite genre to build to: Lincoln Park or Jazz
Kayla White
Marketing and Business Management
Kayla is an interesting mix. She is like a 40-year-old and a 12-year-old in a young person's body. As our marketing and business developer. She oversees a lot of tasks and stays positive and has a great attitude in each task she does. When Kayla isn’t here, she enjoys hiking, getting new house plants, doing puzzles, playing board games, cuddling with her Dog Ginger, and two Cats: Mr. Pickles and Mr. Crouton, and watching her pet fish. Kayla also does art, likes to explore nature as well as the city, from time to time, with her roommates and friends. She fits in with our team like a missing puzzle piece, even if she's prone to dancing along to a song no one else can hear. Favorite genre to create to: Christian, Country, Soft pop, and French Rave.
Bob Turner
Maker
Bob is our unofficial shop comedian and master finisher. Bob is known for his Next level Finishing and crazy stories. Bob loves singing along to his music like no one is watching - even when we are. Bob loves rocking out to some rock or ‘heavy stuff’ and goes to concerts with his wife, Lori. Together they live on a small lake with their two dogs, Sadie, a golden English and Tuco, a chihuahua who is every bit as crazy as he is named after. They also love their pet fish; they have multiple tanks, including a 125-gal tank, home to many of their fish. Bob also enjoys motorsports, playing softball, and bowling, among many other sports. Overall, Bob is wicked good at what he does, as well as entertaining to be around. Bob's favorite genre to build to: Everything, especially rock and heavy music
Coby
Maker
Bio Coming Soon
Griffin Sotok
Shop Helper
Griffin is the most popular guy in the shop... when he comes in for his shift twice a week, every member of our shop stops by to say good morning and confirm how many pieces of Notre Dame gear he has on that day (the current record is 7 and includes shoes, socks, and a sling bag). Grif puts on the rubber feet and stainless screw subassemblies used in our cutting board production and helps us keep the shop looking good. Grif has Down syndrome and is a terrific reminder to all of us that people with disabilities can be productive and valuable members of your team with a bit of planning and intentionality. In addition to being a huge Notre Dame fan, Griffin is a great guy and an excellent swimmer.
Lynn DeNave
Graphic Design Specialist
Lynn stepped in to help out from the very start and has shown up ever since, accepting the challenge of learning whatever is put in front of her. She is never short on opinions and over the years has accumulated a few Cento Anni originals. When she is not creating new promotional materials, she is making Warehouse 6 a happening downtown venue for events of all kinds (was that a plug?). Favorite genres while designing... Typically: 70s, 80s & soft rock When grumpy: Danny Wright piano Never: Country (unless Austin has it on in the shop) and Angry Music (which also shows up in the shop occasionally)
Tabitha Zurita
Bookkeeping Expert
I love partnering with Cento Anni. Our visions for quality and excellence align making workflows efficient and smooth. I get to do the numbers and watch them make beautiful creations!
Wes Wooley
Artist
Wes is our hand engraver. He makes beautiful art with his wood burning skills. He makes it possible for us to do any engraving job! His creativity and skills are simply amazing.
WELCOME
You are family
Once you’re in our family, you're in. We care about you and how your piece is maturing in your space.
Visit. Talk to us. People stop by our shop all the time, and it’s awesome. We don't mind taking a break - our highest priority is people. We’ll meet our deadlines but not at the expense of pushing people away. Because we’re building a family, not just a business.
