News
Beyond the Classroom: Faculty in Focus — Mick Rosenow, Construction and Cabinetmaking instructor
April 30, 2025
When Mick Rosenow stepped into the Carpentry and Cabinetmaking classroom at Northwood Technical College, he brought more than three decades of experience from the industry with him. His journey from building cabinets in a Minnesota shop to shaping future professionals at Northwood Tech is a story of craftsmanship, commitment, and community.
A Career Built on Experience
Originally from New Richmond, Rosenow began his educational journey at Faribault Area Vocational Technical Institute in Minnesota, earning his associate degree in Carpentry and Cabinetmaking in 1986. He spent a summer working for a contractor building homes before finding work for a cabinet shop where he honed his skills for the next 25 years. When that shop closed in 2008, he made the decision to launch his own cabinetmaking business, which he still operates today.
Rosenow moved to Glenwood City, which he still calls home, after he met and married his wife. They built their “forever home” in 2005 with retirement and aging in mind. Outside of work, Rosenow enjoys ice fishing, summer fishing, and both turkey and deer hunting. He also has a surprising hobby: puzzles. “I have a huge passion for puzzles,” he said, a fitting hobby for someone whose trade relies on precision and problem-solving.
Mick Rosenow, Construction and Cabinetmaking instructor at Northwood Technical College
All his experience—combined with a natural love for craftsmanship—eventually led him to teaching. Rosenow made the leap into education, joining the Northwood Tech faculty, “In 2022 my wife heard that Northwood Tech was looking for an instructor and mentioned I should give it a shot. Lo and behold I got the job. So, after 35 years in the cabinetmaking industry, I became an instructor.”
Sharing a Passion for Craftsmanship
That simple advice set the tone for his teaching approach. Rosenow believes the best learning comes from doing, so he blends textbook fundamentals with hands-on work and real-life stories from his decades in the field. “We do a lot of hands-on learning and also a bit of work out of textbooks as well,” he said. “But the best part for me is being able to talk to the students about my work experiences that have happened over my career as a cabinetmaker. Showing them the little tips and techniques that I have picked up along the way is great.”
He shares his excitement for the craft by reminding students that what they’re building is meaningful. “The most exciting thing about cabinetmaking and finish carpentry is the fact that at the end of the day you can step back and see a finished product,” Rosenow said. “Another aspect of my job is being able to give the customer a new kitchen that they will have for years to come. It is very fulfilling.”
That same sense of fulfillment carries over when he sees his students succeed. “I believe my most rewarding moment has been seeing my first group of students graduate,” he said. “It was better than I thought it ever would be.”
A Program That Builds More Than Projects
The Carpentry and Cabinetmaking program at Northwood Tech isn’t just about hammers and nails—it’s about building confidence, mastering craftsmanship, and preparing students to thrive in their future careers.
Right from the start, students are hands-on with the tools of the trade. They learn how to read blueprints, lay out construction designs, estimate materials, and bring those designs to life through everything from cabinetmaking to residential framing.
In both photos, instructor Mick Rosenow works with students at the Construction and Cabinetmaking house project. Students were working on the installation of the custom cabinetry that they had built for the home.
In their first year, students might start by crafting heirloom-quality furniture. By year two, they’re designing and building custom cabinetry for a real home—one they help construct from the ground up. That student-built house project has been a Northwood Tech tradition for over 20 years, giving students an incredibly unique, full-circle experience.
Along the way, students explore sustainable building methods, work with a wide range of materials, and even dive into CNC operations. It's a well-rounded experience that opens the door to all kinds of career paths, whether that’s as a finish carpenter, machine operator, estimator, or something entirely different.
Graduates walk away with more than just skills—they earn a full Construction and Cabinetmaking diploma, as well as credentials in Construction Essentials and Architectural Woodworking & Cabinetmaking. It’s a strong pathway into the workforce and a great foundation for a lifelong career.
With instructors like Rosenow leading the way, students aren’t just learning how to build. They’re learning how to take pride in their work—and in themselves.
As Rosenow puts it, “Be yourself in whatever you do, not what people think you should be.” It’s a simple piece of advice—but one that sticks with you, both in the shop and in life.
To learn more about the program and its curriculum, visit NorthwoodTech.edu/Construction.
