Our Story

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Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Michael Cox—Founder and CEO—grew up with strong Midwestern values and a deep-rooted work ethic instilled by his parents. From a young age, he was drawn to the trades, especially cabinetmaking and carpentry. “Even as a teenager, I knew my passion,” Michael says. “Becoming a journeyman shortly after high school is a title I’m still proud of.”

For Michael, carpentry wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. Building and creating with his hands came naturally, and his reputation for precision and craftsmanship has followed him throughout his career. Alongside his skill in the trades, Michael has always been a creative problem solver and inventor at heart.

That mindset led him to innovate while working as a Senior Carpenter in the healthcare industry, where he repeatedly encountered the same issue: flood damage. “Floods happen far more often than people realize,” Michael explains. “And we’d go through the same repair process every time.” Recognizing the need for a smarter, faster solution, he began to rethink the process—and StepStuds™ was born.

StepStuds™ isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a game-changer—redefining how walls are framed, drywall is installed, and flood repairs are handled around the world. What began as a carpenter’s frustration is now transforming an industry.

With StepStuds™, we're putting the ‘dry’ back in drywall.