August 31, 2017Great kitchens are often a home’s show-stopper. At The Kitchen Company, we want you to be more than just stunned by a kitchen’s beauty -- we want you to be impressed by its quality and functionality, too. That’s why we continue to partner with the manufacturers of high-quality cabinetry and appliances like Wood-Mode and Sub-Zero. But it’s not the only reason. The alignment of our values plays a large role in why we consider these brands to be the best of the best, and an ideal match for The Kitchen Company and our clients.
So what values are at work behind the scenes?
#1: Proudly made in the U.S.A.
We’re proud to say that we employ U.S.-based designers and office staff and work with a U.S.-based team of contractors, installers, plumbers, electricians, designers, photographers and more -- especially during a time when it is so easy to outsource work to other countries. We’re still located in North Haven, Connecticut, the same town in which we were founded more than 50 years ago.
These local values are attributes we admire in our partners. Wood-Mode built its first cabinet in a small Pennsylvania lumber mill, and is still located in Pennsylvania today. Every cabinet is made in the U.S. by american craftsmen and women. Our team was thrilled to take a trip there last year to see the Wood-Mode team work their magic.
Craftsmen and women hand sand and finish Wood-Mode door fronts and end panels
Sub-Zero, located in Madison, Wisconsin, also builds its products in U.S. facilities, giving them tight control over the quality of their appliances. Their goal has always been to build the best products, and keeping a close eye on all components of the production process helps ensure their top-of-the-line status.
“When my grandfather started the business in 1945 there were many, many refrigeration manufacturers throughout North America. His strategy was always to build the best, highest-quality refrigeration, because he knew if he did that, he had the staying power that the other people didn’t." -Jim Bakke, Westye’s grandson and current president of Sub-Zero.
Subzero-Wolf gives tours of their manufacturing facility every year
Photo Credit: Stevenorrcabinetry.com
#2: Family first
Our founder, A. John Fecke, built The Kitchen Company from the ground up. Today, his children John Fecke and Gail Bolling are proud to be its current owners and designers, never straying from their father’s focus on quality, honesty, integrity, and total client satisfaction.
(Above) War photo of A. John Fecke (Below) Current owners and designer John and Gail with Wood-Mode owner Bob Gronlund and Wood-Mode rep Dane Moody
Wood-Mode has also maintained single-family ownership since it started 75 years ago. Their staff includes three generations of craftsmen working alongside each other, and the original owner’s son and grandson now lead the company.
(Above) Original Wood-Mode founders Charles G. Wall, T.O. Gronlund, C.K. Battram, Sr. and Richard E. Nellis (Below) Sole Owner, Bob Gronlund
Sub-Zero has a similar focus on family: the current president is the founder’s grandson, who works hard to maintain the company’s privately held status and continued focus on quality.
(Above) Westye Bakke, founder of Subzero (Below) James J. Bakke, president and grandson of Westye Bakk
#3: Environmental action
We are dedicated to environmental protection and quality control, which is why we partner with companies that actively participate in preserving our environment. A benefit of working with products made in the U.S. is that we aren’t just assured of the quality and integrity of the product itself -- we know that the conditions the products are produced in are fair and ethical. Wood-Mode has been environmentally focused since its inception and is certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) for meeting the standards of its Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). ESP certifies that Wood-Mode is compliant in a number of areas, including energy conservation and recycling programs.
Sub-Zero is equally committed, with more than 30 of their appliances meeting Energy Star ratings for outstanding efficiency. The average product uses less electricity than a 100-watt light bulb, and since their refrigerators help keep food fresher longer, they’re also helping reduce food spoilage and waste.
Hide and Seek Kitchen by Subzero
"By partnering with these companies, we control the quality and customer service throughout the entire kitchen design experience. And we also ensure that, all along the way, there is an underlying focus on values. In our minds, that’s how you make a great kitchen."
Want to meet with us about designing your kitchen? Visit us at our website, or schedule a consultation.
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