A Refreshing Find!

I had the pleasure of making a new acquaintance last week with Dave Jennings. Dave is the owner of That Kitchen Shop,--my wife's favorite place to shop for genuine kitchen articles; and That Kitchen Shop Cabinets, a full service design / build showroom. Rebecca, my wife, says: "My favorite thing about That Kitchen Shop is that they stock the top brands, not just one, so you get to choose from a maker that you know and prefer. That's what I love about them."

We came across the showroom by accident while out for a drive. My first impression of That Kitchen Shop Cabinets was the best I have encountered in all of my 27 years in construction. A designer by the name of Scott Seibert introduced himself, asked questions, and listened to everything I said; I liked him right away. I could tell He knows the secret to good customer service!

I became interested in working with him and asked for a meeting with Dave Jennings. Scott's response was immediate and effective. In the calls I made prior to that meeting, Scott never made me wait long before returning my call.

When I arrived at the appointed time, Kristi Gourneau greeted me at the front desk, and started my visit with the same attention to great service that I saw in Scott. I appreciate how this company is truly focused on giving every customer that comes through the door, the same exceptional treatment. After meeting with Dave Jennings, I am convinced that exceptional service is their standard for doing business.

What a refreshing find: A company that aims to exceed the standards of the everyday-humdrum-shopping experience. If you are ready for a positive change, and excellent customer service, step into That Kitchen Shop Cabinets, and prepare for the best accommodations in service, and craftsmanship, that Gig Harbor has to offer.

Let Me Introduce Builder James!

(My thanks to Rebecca Reece for editing this post for me)

1982~Apprenticeship in Carpet, Vinyl, Rough, and Finish Carpentry.
James began his apprenticeship under a Journeyman carpet and vinyl layer. Using that basic knowledge, he continued on to apprentice for 2 more years on a 9-man commercial crew where he learned how to work with woven carpets bearing names
like “Axminster” and “Whilton.”

1989~Apprenticeship in: Tile, Hardwood, Plumbing fixtures. Armstrong Certification
Seeking sun and sandy beaches in San Diego, James headed South and continued to work with woven carpets on a new team; ceramic tile, and hardwoods were often the work of the day, and he enjoyed working with the new materials.
While in California, James attended a workshop through the Armstrong Corporation where he learned flash coving techniques, and proper repair and installation requirements from the certified instructor of a world-class manufacturer. James found the
study to be well worth the effort!

1993~Mud set-shower pans, Plastic laminate counters, Granite, Epoxy Grout Certification.
James returned back home to the Northwest with more tools and skills, in search of cooler winters and greener trees which he found that he really missed while in the heat of California. Jon, a man in Clackamas, Oregon, challenged James to learn Plastic Laminate counters so he could work for Jon, so James attended an instructional class offered by the Nevamar Corporation. The class also included a brief instructional on beginning techniques for solid surfaces. James went on to install a great number of plastic-laminate counter tops with beautiful tile back splashes.
While James has not worked directly with Corian, or other materials of that nature, he became skilled at the process of making counter top templates, and used the skill often for other types of installations.
Over these 4 years, James' tile work expanded into learning, and becoming profficient in building mus-set shower pans, and granite counter tops. He became skilled at achieving highly polished granite with a water fabricator.
Also during this time, the Laticrete Corporation offered an instructional course covering advanced tile installation concepts with the focus on Laticrete epoxy grout installation.

1997~To Present Day: full scale remodel, framing, drywall, paint, cabinets/counters and floors.
Starting in 1997 is when James began remodeling all, or parts of a kitchens and bathrooms on his own. He has stripped, and re-built many kitchens and bathrooms from the studs-up in the last 12 years, and thoroughly enjoys working with his hands.

James' Commitment to Excellence!
"Over the past 27 years of experience and practice I have learned how the best finish can only be achieved with the best beginning. I build straight and plumb; I use the right materials, and I don’t take shortcuts. The result of these commitments is a high quality, professional finish that will endure with beauty and in strength. I believe that if you want something done right, careful and complete planning is the only way to achieve it. ~ James Kruger