How long have you been involved in the kitchen industry?

Let’s just say, “For over two decades”. I don’t want to sound
ancient! My biggest success until now was when I owned the
flagship showroom Rutt of Chicago in the Chicago
Merchandise Mart. During that time I worked with some
wonderful clients: Kennedy family, Van Kampen family,
Chicago Tribune family, as well as designing the television showpiece kitchen at the home of TV chef Charlie Trotter. I have worked with some of my clients for over 20 years and in several successive homes, and still do the occasional direct work for one or two of my long-term clientele.

What made you start your current business?

I had been providing high-end cabinetry to residential clients for over two decades and had always felt that there was a better way of doing this; whereby interior designers could retain control of their projects without the need to go through the traditional route. So, the concept of “factory-direct” for interior designers was born. I had carried this in my head for several years when I met my partner. With his business acumen and experience he was able to see exactly how the business model would help interior designers, and we have since refined it to something unique in the industry.

How does the business model work?

We have simplified the whole procedure. Designers bring their concepts to us and we produce manufacturer’s drawings for them, as well as undertaking the order-processing, all as part of the service. (Don’t designers LOVE order processing…?)We consult with them along the way and ultimately manufacture the finished product, which we supply “factory direct” to the interior designer at trade price. Interior designers are is thus relieved of all the mechanical “hassle” and receive a high-quality product at a very competitive price.

Is this service open to anyone?

The service is to the trade only, and is open to interior design professionals and specifiers to register a trade account with us at no charge and without any commitments or quotas. Our service is nationwide and we have service representatives in key locations to provide every assistance locally. Also, I am always happy to talk direct with any interior design professional.

Do you just produce kitchens, or is there more?

We produce high-end custom cabinetry for any
room in the house. Of course, 90 per cent of our
business happens to be kitchens and bathrooms,
but we have also worked on libraries, dining-room
étâgères, living-room entertainment centers,
bedrooms, and mud-rooms. Also, because of our
capacity to produce the most intricate wood carving,
the company also manufactures high-end bespoke
furniture, which we produce either as a one-of-a-kind
or as a limited edition, according to a designer’s requirements.

What is your view on the current economic climate and its effect on the interior design industry?

The current economic situation has, of course, reduced demand, even at the high end. In fact, I have never seen the high end of the market affected so badly. But the business IS there, for those who have the right product and service at the right price AND who are willing to persevere and go out and get it. All business also have to look at the way they work and figure out how to achieve the same ends through more competitive and profitable means. That is why our business model is so effective: it provides the high quality that people demand yet, being at trade price and “factory direct”, it is available at a price which clients also find very attractive.

Moving away from the business side of things, why did you choose to live where you are now?

I am originally from Wisconsin and worked for many years in Chicago, but my heart was always in New Orleans. I moved to live in Southern Louisiana with my partner and our dogs after Hurricane Katrina. My daughter had been living there for several years and I wanted to be closer to her also. We all love the climate and the landscape, and we never cease to be breathtaken by the beauty and splendor of the Garden District and the romance of the French Quarter.

Thank you Deborah.
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