There’s an old saying that the kitchen is the heart of the home. That sure rings true when you consider the amount of time we spend there preparing and enjoying meals, especially if it’s time spent with family.
A beautiful kitchen upgrade is also a way to add value to a house, and that’s where Shell Fab Countertops & Casework steps in, putting their heart into every project.
Your company recently moved to a much larger, brand new building on Clinton Street in West Seneca. How has the transition period gone so far?
The transition from our old building to our new building was a touch chaotic the first month. Once we had all of our equipment, material and supplies organized to maximize our new space, we have been very comfortable with the change.
Did your move lead to an increase in staff?
Our move has lead to a 25% increase in employee total. We have hired, and need to continue to hire for the following positions: installers, programmers and machine operators.
How many new kitchen designs has Shell Fab been a part of over the years?
We have participated in the redesign of thousands of kitchens over the years. Each kitchen with its own unique style, design, choice of material and color scheme.
For those contemplating a kitchen makeover, what are some of the popular trends you’re currently seeing?
Most folks are choosing granite or quartz surface over solid surface or laminate products. If you like the beauty of “imperfection,” then granite is for you. It may have quartz pockets, fissures or dips in the surface that give it both character and beauty. Quartz surface is for the individual that likes a consistent pattern that remains throughout, for a sleek, modern look.
What is it that sets Shell Fab apart from the competition?
Shell Fab is the largest countertop manufacturer in all of Western New York. We have interior design experts on staff to help customers pick out the material and color that is most practical for their home. We digitally measure, program and fabricate each surface right here in our new 55,049 square feet of space and install using our own employees. No subs in our building or on our job sites.
Is most of your work residential or commercial, or is it a pretty even split?
We do home center, builder, kitchen and bath dealer, contractor, commercial and retail sales. The percentage of sale is confidential. Our total sales for 2018 were $8,600,000. We anticipate to surpass that in 2019.
Your company finds unique ways — such as your buffalo cutting boards — to give back to the community. Why is that so important to you?
It is imperative as a business that’s thriving to set the example of community commitment. We fabricate “Buffalo” shaped cutting boards on a daily basis. I put each set together myself. No one else handles them but me. So far this year we have donated over 200 sets to fundraising events across Western New York. Some of the other charitable sponsorships: Queen of Heaven School, $500 eighth grade scholarship in remembrance of my sister and brother-in-law; FurEver Friends animal rescue; Chautauqua Humane Society animal rescue; West Seneca PBA; Firemen’s Memorial Exhibit Center; Mount Mercy Academy; St. Francis High School; Renaissance House; JDRF; Patrick Ryan Memorial Golf Outing; Jeffrey Sgroi Memorial Golf Outing; Ryan Purcell Memorial Race; donation of turkey dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas; and “Adopt a Family.”
If you are a West Seneca Chamber of Commerce member and would like to participate in the “Seven Questions With … ” business profile feature, please contact the Chamber at 674-4900.
