Highlights from Our 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention
By / November 9, 2024 November 9, 2024
Kountry Kraft recently held its 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention to celebrate the company’s journey to becoming a leader in custom cabinetry. This milestone event brought together industry experts, partners, and visionaries for two days full of education, collaboration, and inspiration. Here are a few of the most memorable moments.
Keynote Speaker Greg Rohl: The Corporateneur Plan
One highlight from the 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention was a keynote presentation by Greg Rohl, co-author of The Corporateneur Plan: Your Roadmap from Mid-Career Professional to Entrepreneur. Drawing on insights from his decades of experience, Rohl offered advice for professionals looking to transition into the role of entrepreneur. His emphasis on strategic leadership, relationship-building, and innovation—all key lessons in his book—resonated deeply with attendees, making this session one of the most impactful moments of the celebration.
Hands-On Learning Sessions
Throughout the 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention, attendees had the chance to engage in hands-on learning through a series of interactive kiosks. These sessions, led by experts from Sherwin Williams, Hafele, and Blum, covered topics such as stain finishing, color matching, and installation techniques. One particularly exciting demonstration was Blum’s AgeExplorer® suit, which simulates the physical challenges of aging. By experiencing the limitations of the suit, designers gained new insight into how to create kitchens that better accommodate all ages.
Industry Challenges Addressed in Panel Discussions
The 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention also featured a discussion panel moderated by Kountry Kraft’s Roger Yiengst. The panel—comprised of industry leaders Jeff Boico (Kitchen & Bath Designs), Janice Page CKBD (PK Surroundings), Jeff Eichenseer (Conestoga), and Julie Vicente (Eastern Lebanon County School District)—addressed challenges the kitchen and bath industry currently faces, such as labor shortages and the closure of sawmills. This open discussion encouraged collaborative solutions and provided practical guidance for industry professionals to navigate these pressing issues.
Perfect Six Marketing: Leveraging Social Media for Dealers
Dealers who attended the 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention leveled up their marketing strategy during Perfect Six Marketing (P6M)’s session, which provided effective strategies for organic social media growth using P6M’s signature Power Hour principles. Attendees left with actionable insights taken directly from P6M’s college-accredited Social Media Mastery course.
Reflecting on Our 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention
As the 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention came to a close, Kountry Kraft reflected on the strong partnerships and innovations that have defined the company over the years. With a focus on both honoring the past and looking forward toward the future, the event reaffirmed the company’s commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and customer service. This wasn’t just a celebration—it was a testament to Kountry Kraft’s enduring legacy and its bright future ahead.
Woodpreneur Network Podcast Hosts Elvin Hurst Sr.
By / October 5, 2024 October 5, 2024
Woodpreneur Network Podcast host Steve Larosiliere recently interviewed Elvin Hurst Sr.— founder of Kountry Kraft—about how he built a kitchen cabinet business that’s still thriving 65 years later. Follow along as Elvin takes you through his journey and learn the five tips for success he shares with Woodpreneur Network Podcast.
Helen Hurst’s Gift of a Sears Craftsman Saw
Kountry Kraft’s story begins in 1958 with Helen Hurst’s gift of a Sears Craftsman Saw to her husband. This gift ignited a passion for woodworking in Elvin, who used the saw to begin making cabinets for family and friends. As word spread and demand grew, Elvin and Helen realized they could transform what had started as a hobby into a real business. With the help of his parents, the couple founded Kountry Kraft.
A Kitchen Company
Elvin considers his first big business milestone as gaining name recognition for Kountry Kraft and having it become known as a kitchen company. From the very start, Kountry Kraft touted quality work, on time delivery, and fair prices. With each kitchen sold, Kountry Kraft became known for these core values.
Expanding to 45 Kitchen Dealers
As the business grew and production capabilities increased, Kountry Kraft began partnering with kitchen dealers that would use the cabinets in their own designs. This network now includes 45 kitchen dealers that span from Maine to Florida and are known for producing award-winning designs that feature Kountry Kraft cabinetry.
Five Tips for Success
When asked what advice he would give for others to create a successful and long-lived business, Elvin listed the following five tips for success:
- Have vision and ambition.
- Be willing to take the hard times with the good times.
- Be committed.
- Put your customers and employees first. Put yourself last.
- Be willing to give others an opportunity.
About Woodpreneur Network Podcast
Woodpreneur Network Podcast seeks to empower wood businesses by providing insights, strategies, and techniques to scale sustainably and deliver great products. Watch Elvin’s full interview on episode “65 Years of Cabinet Making Excellence” of the Woodpreneur Network Podcast and check out other episodes on the Woodpreneur Network.
New Leather Panel Inserts by Kountry Kraft
By / September 13, 2024 September 13, 2024
Incorporating leather panel inserts into your custom cabinetry is a sophisticated way to elevate your interior design. This unique feature adds warmth, texture, and a touch of luxury. Whether your aesthetic is modern or traditional chic, it effortlessly complements wood frames to create an organic and inviting space.
Why Leather Panel Inserts?
Leather panel inserts have the distinctive ability to blend the natural elements of wood and leather, resulting in cabinetry that feels both cozy and refined. The soft, tactile surface contrasts beautifully with the hardness of the wood cabinets, creating a balanced and visually appealing look. They can transform ordinary cabinets into statement pieces, making them the focal point of any room.
Leather Door Panels—A Sustainable Design Choice
The leather door panels offered by Kountry Kraft are made from recycled leather veneer (RLV™), a material crafted from reprocessed leather remnants. The remnants are treated and finished with a protective resin layer, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. For the environmentally conscious homeowner, leather door panels are both a stunning and sustainable design choice.
How to Use Leather Panel Inserts
At ¼” thick and double-sided, our leather panel inserts can be used in a variety of ways. As we’ve already discussed, they create beautiful custom leather cabinets when used as door and drawer panel inserts. They can also be used to elevate Wainscot detailing, providing an elegant backdrop for any room in the house. Or, for those looking to make a statement, they can even be incorporated into a custom hood design for the kitchen. They highly versatile and customizable, meaning the only limit to their use is your imagination!
Custom Leather Cabinets at Kountry Kraft
Kountry Kraft is thrilled to add this amazing product as a new option for our custom cabinetry. Contact us today to learn more about this exciting new product!
New Custom Cabinetry Brochure
By / August 3, 2024 August 3, 2024
Kountry Kraft’s new custom cabinetry brochure is officially here! From kitchens to bathrooms and everything in between, this brochure has tons of inspiration for every room in your house. Here’s a sneak peak of what you can find inside our custom cabinetry brochure:
Design by PK Surroundings
Endless Custom Paint & Stain Possibilities
With custom cabinets, you’ll have more color options than just white and gray. Quite a few more, actually. Whether you’re looking for wood tones, the perfect shade of paint, or a combination of both, our custom cabinetry can bring your exact vision to life! Peruse an assortment of vibrant stains on page 56 and see what paint colors are trending on page 62 of our custom cabinetry brochure. Test out different color combinations with our Color Studio tool.
Custom Interior Cabinet Organization
More than just a facelift, new custom cabinetry offers the chance to make your space more functional and efficient. From pull out drawers to inserts to lighting, we devise a storage solution tailored to every one of your needs. Rest assured, you’ll never be fumbling around in the back of a dark cabinet or rummaging through a junk drawer again (that’s not a promise that stock cabinets can make). Turn to page 22 of our custom cabinetry brochure to explore more options for interior cabinet organization.
Design by The Cabinet Co.
Pet Friendly Designs
When browsing our custom cabinetry brochure for ideas on how to create the perfect set up for your family, don’t forget about your furry friends! From custom integrated feeding stations complete with food and treat storage to cozy nooks that act as a safe space, there’s endless pet friendly designs that will help make your daily routine more practical. Check out page 50 of our custom cabinetry brochure for pet friendly design ideas!
Featuring Our Authorized Dealers
We focus on creating award winning cabinetry. Our authorized dealers focus on creating award winning designs. If a particular design captures your eye while browsing our custom cabinetry brochure, flip to page 70 to learn which one of our authorized dealers created it. Or, if you’re interested in viewing more of a specific dealer’s work, use the directory to locate all of their designs featured in the custom cabinetry brochure.
Design by Cabry Designs
Kountry Kraft’s New Custom Cabinetry Brochure
Looking for more than a sneak peak? View Kountry Kraft’s entire custom cabinetry brochure online or visit your local dealer to see it in person. Once you have some ideas, contact us to learn how we can bring them to life!
Celebrating 65 Years of Custom Cabinets with Kountry Kraft
By / July 15, 2024 July 19, 2024Kountry Kraft is celebrating 65 years of custom cabinets! Here’s the story of how we came to be the oldest family-owned custom cabinetry manufacturer in the USA still managed by the original family.
The Gift of a Sears Craftsman Saw
Kountry Kraft’s journey to 65 years of custom cabinets begins with the Christmas of 1958. Helen Hurst, secretly setting aside money week by week, surprised her husband Elvin with a brand new Sears Craftsman Table Saw. Behold, a passion for woodworking was born.
From a Hobby to a Business
With his trusty Sears Craftsman Saw, Elvin began making quality custom cabinets for friends and family. It wasn’t long until word got out and demand for his custom cabinets grew. In April 1959, the Hursts officially launched Kountry Kraft in their garage with the support of Elvin’s parents, Reuben and Mary. Balancing the demands of a new business and family of six, Elvin and Helen’s hard work and dedication soon paid off.
Growing Demand for Quality Custom Cabinets
As demand for quality custom cabinets grew, so did the company. Expanding to a 96,000 square foot facility and employing over 100 skilled craftsmen, Kountry Kraft’s reputation for quality and service flourished. Their strong commitment to excellence and innovative spirit were instrumental in this growth, establishing them as creators of the best cabinetry on the market.
Pictured from left to right: Elvin Hurst, Jr. (President), Elvin Hurst Sr., Helen Hurst, and Dee Hurst-Funk (CKD, CFO)
The Next Generation
Two of the Hurst children, Elvin Jr. and Dolores, took an interest in the family business and learned how to manage the company alongside their parents. They purchased the company in 2003, effectively passing the reins to the next generation of Hursts. They continue to steer Kountry Kraft with the same dedication and passion as their parents, ensuring the company’s values and craftsmanship remain unchanged. The original Sears Craftsman Saw that started it all still stands in the showroom lobby today, an everlasting reminder of what dedication to quality service and products can achieve.
Innovating Kitchen Cabinet Production for the Best Cabinetry
Today, Kountry Kraft blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, utilizing computerized panel saws, dovetailing machines, and pneumatic assembly systems to maintain efficiency and precision for our kitchen cabinets. But, our true value lies in our hardworking team who is not only skilled in the art of custom cabinetry, but also maintaining a legacy of excellent service.
Celebrating 65 Years of Custom Cabinets
As we celebrate 65 years of custom cabinets, Kountry Kraft’s mission—to build dreams—continues to resonate through our dedication to customer service, communication, on-time delivery, and high-quality cabinetry at an exceptional value. If you’d like to be a part of our legacy, please contact one of our experts today. And to our valued Kountry Kraft community, thank you so much for all of the support you’ve given us over the years. We can’t wait to see what the next 65 have in store.
Kountry Kraft Award Winning Designers
By / June 5, 2024 June 1, 2024Kountry Kraft has the great pleasure of honoring several of our award winning designers for their outstanding work. Here’s a look at their many achievements and a glimpse into what makes them award winning designers.
Pictured from left to right: Allan Greene; Claudia Harvey from Wydian Kitchens & Design; and Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft
Award Winning Designers—Wydian Kitchens
Claudia Harvey and her team at Wydian Kitchens in Branchburg, NJ have received the esteemed Platinum Achievement Award for the third year in a row. Featured in Martha Stewart Living and Design NJ, Wydian Kitchens uses their nearly 30 years of experience to create close relationships with every customer, working together to design a unique space that reflects each individual’s desires and personality. While they made their name on kitchen design, they also do bathrooms, laundry rooms, bars, libraries, offices, mudrooms, pet friendly spaces, and custom closets. Whether you’re just purchasing cabinets or taking advantage of their full-service design resources, their customer service is sure to impress. Check out Wydian Kitchens’ Instagram to explore their designs.
Pictured from left to right: Todd Perkins, Kountry Kraft Sales Rep; Martha Gargano of AMS Kitchens; and Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft
Award Winning Designers—A Matter of Style (AMS) Kitchens & Interiors
Martha Gargano and her team at AMS Kitchens & Interiors in Cheshire, CT are proudly presented the Platinum Achievement Award. No stranger to accolades, AMS Kitchens & Interiors were the winners of Kountry Kraft’s 2021 Top Design Award and had several of their kitchen designs featured in Design + Decor. A full-service design firm that specializes in high-end interior design, AMS Kitchens & Interiors handles a wide array of projects ranging from new construction to renovation. Visit their online portfolio to view their outstanding work.
Pictured from left to right: Andres; Christopher (Chris) Gray; Nicholas (Nick) Palladino; Anthony Palladino; and Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft
Award Winning Designers—Southeast Kitchen & Bath
The Southeast Kitchen & Bath design team in Brewster, NY has earned the Platinum Achievement Award. A family owned and operated business that provides such great service, their customers voted them 2024 Best of Houzz Service Winner for the ninth year in a row. All project personnel are a part of the Southeast Kitchen & Bath team, which gives them full control of day-to-day operations. This control combined with close customer collaboration leads to a truly seamless process that leaves clients more than thrilled. Check out Southeast Kitchen & Bath’s Instagram to get a sneak peak into their current projects.
Pictured from left to right: Todd Perkins, Kountry Kraft Sales Rep; Beth Veillette; Allison Hanford; and Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft
Award Winning Designers—Hanford Cabinet & Woodworking
The Hanford Cabinet team in Old Saybrook, CT has received the prestigious Sapphire Achievement Award. Founded over 35 years ago, the company’s focus on fine craftsmanship and quality that will last a lifetime has never wavered. Visit Hanford Cabinet’s project gallery to explore a wide array of their beautiful designs.
Pictured from left to right: Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft and Patty Kershaw
Award Winning Designers—James Kershaw Associates
The design team of James Kershaw Associates in North Haledon, NJ has been honored with the Silver Achievement Award. Headed by a father and daughter duo, this design company will treat you like family and make sure that every detail of your project is carefully considered. Visit James Kershaw Associates’ kitchens, baths, and other rooms pages to see why they’ve been NJ’s trusted designers for over three decades.
Pictured: Amy Pasek of Integrated Kitchens
Award Winning Designers—Integrated Kitchens
Amy Pasek and her team at Integrated Kitchens in Walnut Creek, CA have received the Silver Achievement Award, a true testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. From budgeting and design to communicating with installers and contractors during the construction process, Integrated Kitchens does it all. Check out Integrated Kitchens’ online portfolio to explore their award-winning designs, like the one that earned them Kountry Kraft’s 2021 Top Design Award.
Congratulations to Kountry Kraft’s Award Winning Designers!
Kountry Kraft is routinely blown away by the designs that our partners create with our cabinetry. Congratulations to all of Kountry Kraft’s award winning designers for these amazing milestones. We cannot wait to see all of the incredible things you’ll do in the future!
Inspirational Designs that Honor Your Pets
By / May 5, 2024 May 7, 2024When remodeling, designing a space to suit your family’s specific needs is the most important consideration. And as a beloved member of the family, you should think about your pet’s needs too! Here are a few ways you can incorporate designs that honor your pets (and make life easier) into your home.
Designed by Kountry Kraft
Laundry Room Designs that Honor Your Pets
This laundry room in Wernersville, PA doubles as a doggie day spa with a built-in pet wash station and plenty of cabinetry to store grooming supplies. Gone are the days of wrangling a wriggling mass of fur into a too-small sink or the hated bathtub. The spacious, walk-in design allows your pooch to step right in for a hassle-free rinse! Make sure to opt for a tile floor to easily mop up wet paw prints, and consider hanging some hooks for wet towels. As far as designs that honor your pets go, you can’t beat the adorable dog motif wallpaper that puts the finishing touch on this pup inspired laundry room.
Designed by The Cabinet Company
Kitchen Designs that Honor Your Pets
Whether you’re team dog or team cat, say goodbye to cluttered feeding areas with bowls scattered across the floor. Instead, incorporate a custom built-in feeding station that seamlessly blends into the kitchen cabinetry. Not only will this help keep your kitchen looking nice and pretty, but the elevated bowls also promote better posture and digestion for your furry friends. It’s a win-win! Finish off the feeding station with pull-out drawers underneath the bowls for convenient food and treat storage.
Custom Designs that Honor Your Pets
Like we mentioned in the beginning, designing a space to suit your family’s specific needs is the biggest concern. Let us know your ideas for designs that honor your pets and we’ll show you how we can bring them to life! Contact one of our design experts today to get started.
Coffee Station Inspiration
By / April 5, 2024 March 30, 2024
Searching for some coffee station inspiration? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of coffee station ideas ranging from simple to high-end to spark your imagination. Here is our favorite coffee station inspiration:
Hidden Coffee Station Inspiration
As an everyday item, coffee makers usually have a permanent home on the counter—and rightly so. But that doesn’t mean you want to look at it 24/7 when it only takes a few minutes to brew a pot of coffee. That’s the beauty of hidden coffee stations. Whether you opt for a simple, small appliance garage or a large cabinet that opens to reveal a full coffee bar, a hidden coffee station will keep your countertops looking sleek and clean while preserving the easy access needed for your morning routine.
Keurig® Organization Inspiration
Keurig® coffee makers are extremely convenient because they take up minimal counter space and allow everyone to have their own fresh cup of coffee. The only problem is storing all of those K-cup® pods! That’s why your Keurig® coffee station won’t be complete without a drawer, preferably located right under the coffee machine, to store the pods and keep the station nice and neat. Drawer inserts will also help organize the pods, allowing you to easily grab the desired flavor.
Built-In Miele Coffee Station
For coffee connoisseurs, a built-in coffee machine from Miele could be well worth the investment. This top-of-the-line machine will make everything from espressos to cappuccinos to latte macchiatos perfectly without fail. Boasting ten programmable user profiles and several bean holders, you can make one or two cups of specialty coffee simultaneously with just the touch of a button. And c’mon, how pretty is it?!
More Coffee Station Inspiration with Kountry Kraft
For more coffee station inspiration, check out Kountry Kraft’s lookbook on Instagram. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact one of our kitchen design experts today
Easy Tips for Creating a Clutter Free Entryway
By / March 5, 2024 March 5, 2024With a house’s entryway serving as the main thoroughfare, it’s no wonder that it can get messy—fast. Everything from coats and shoes to wallets and keys tend to be tossed all over if they don’t have a dedicated, accessible storage spot. Creating a clutter free entryway can seem like a daunting task, but thankfully it’s not as hard as you may think. Here are some simple tips for creating a clutter free entryway that will be easy to keep beautiful and organized.
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Declutter
Be selective with the things you store in the entryway. Everyday items like keys, wallets, purses, and backpacks should have a home in your new, organized entryway. The same can be said for coats and shoes, but be strict with identifying which ones are everyday items. Less used items can be stored elsewhere in the home.
Design by Wydian Kitchens
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Establish Zones
Group like items together and establish dedicated storage zones. Coats go in one spot, backpacks in another. This way, everyone can easily grab the items on their way out of the house and (more importantly) return them to their spots upon arriving home.
Mudroom Storage Cabinets Short Hills, NJ
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Shoe Storage
Shoes are a big contributor to entryway clutter, even with the “everyday” rule. This is especially true in households with more people. That’s why it’s important to incorporate some kind of shoe storage in your entryway, preferably concealed. Built-in cabinets offer any number of solutions from pull-out shelves to hidden cabinets to cubbies. Other options include a stand-alone shoe cabinet or a simple box. Encourage family members to remove their shoes and place them in their designated spot right when they walk in the door.
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Coat Storage
There are two options for coat storage: hangers and hooks. Built-in cabinets can provide hidden hanger storage if your entryway wasn’t built with a coat closet. But for busy families on the go? My recommendation is hooks. Hooks are easier for children (and parents!) to hang their coats on which means they’re more likely to use them. Encourage family members to hang their coats up right when they get home so they don’t get thrown on a chair or couch.
Transitional Gray Mudroom Sinking Spring, PA
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Backpack Storage
Say goodbye to rushing around in the mornings trying to hunt down the kids’ backpacks. Incorporate a hook or cubby in the entryway where backpacks are housed and get your children in the routine of leaving them there when they get home from school. Backpacks can be retrieved when it’s time to do homework and returned to their spot afterwards, ready to go for the next morning.
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Seasonal Maintenance
Some of your everyday items will change throughout the year. For example, make sure you switch out your winter coat and boots at the start of spring instead of just adding more items to the entryway. Also take some time to make sure unnecessary things haven’t accumulated by mistake. If they have, return them to their proper place in the house.
Need Help Creating a Clutter Free Entryway?
Kountry Kraft is proud to offer custom cabinetry for all of your entryway storage needs. Contact one of our cabinet experts today to get started!
Spice Up Your Space: Top 2024 Kitchen Design Trends to Inspire Your Remodel (with Images!)
By / February 14, 2024 February 14, 2024The top 2024 kitchen design trends are all about infusing personality into your kitchen. From earthly palettes featuring lush greens and warm woods to statement-making islands and fixtures, we’re unveiling the key takeaways of the 2024 Kitchen Trends Report released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Get ready to be wowed by stunning visuals and design tips from hundreds of industry professionals that will make your kitchen the envy of the neighborhood.
2024 Kitchen Design Trends—Organic Palettes
One of the biggest kitchen trends in 2024 will be creating a connection to nature. What does this mean? Natural colors will dominate palettes, especially various shades of lush green. Whether a tranquil sage or rich emerald, green will be seen everywhere from wall paint to cabinet finishes to backsplashes.
Another way this trend will manifest is through natural material selections. Warm natural wood tones are making a comeback in a BIG way, and not just for butcher block counters. Keep your eye on warm woods with natural textures and patterns to be a leading kitchen cabinet trend. Stunning stone elements will also add to an organic design. Quartz countertops are beautiful on their own, but a matching slab backsplash is breathtaking.
2024 Kitchen Design Trends—Communal & Combination Islands
Islands have functioned as the heart of the kitchen for quite a while now. What’s changing for 2024 is how homeowners use them. We’re seeing a shift towards communal islands where seating is placed on two or even three sides. This setup fosters better communication and more conversation among those seated at the island, whereas the traditional “bar seating” along one island side makes it difficult.
The second part of this trend is that islands are not just for seating. A majority of homeowners are opting for combination islands which feature closed storage in addition to seating. This extra storage can make a big impact in terms of kitchen organization, especially when paired with custom organization solutions like drawer inserts and dividers.
2024 Kitchen Design Trends—Statement Fixtures
The biggest statements can be made with the smallest details. For example, glitzy gold beat out matte black as homeowners’ go-to choice for cabinet hardware, sink faucets, and lighting. Speaking of lighting, expect to see an uptick in bold fixtures, especially above kitchen islands. Finally, do not overlook the impact of a decorative range hood. We anticipate range hoods will make major waves in 2024 designs thanks to their ability to inject a high-end feel to any kitchen.
More 2024 Kitchen Design Ideas
Kountry Kraft is committed to staying on top of these 2024 kitchen design trends. Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook page to see how they play out!
Is a kitchen renovation on your 2024 New Year Resolution List? Contact one of our design experts today to learn how we can help you achieve it!