KTI Spotlight: Warehouse

1. What’s your KTI story?

I started at KTI in 2020 as a Procurement Project Manager for the hospitality studio. In 2022, I spearheaded the search for the company’s in-house warehousing operation. Through that process, I was fortunate to be promoted to the company’s first Director of Warehouse Operations. 

2. How would you explain your job to a child?

I work with a group of insanely talented ladies that make all kinds of different rooms look AMAZING! It’s my job to make sure they get the items that they need for those rooms. I inspect all the items that are ordered and keep them safe until they’re ready to go into a home.

3. Did you know you wanted to work in the design industry?

No way. I never imagined I would end up at a place like KTI. I spent years in retail purchasing, and one day, I decided I needed a change. The rest is history!

4. How did the KTI Warehouse come to be?

We knew we had reached a point of growth in the company where having our own warehouse and installers would be beneficial (if not a necessity). After months of no luck finding a spot that would work for our operation, Kimberly stumbled upon a furniture retailer that was closing its doors. Low and behold, they had a warehouse with a GREAT location that’s close to our office. They also had everything set up and ready for the products we needed to be warehousing. We’ve added our own style and spruced the place up quite a bit over the last 18 months, and it’s perfect for us!

5. How does the KTI Warehouse support our studios?

We’re able to receive and inspect everything that each of our three studios order, then store it safely until it’s time to install. We pre-assemble furniture for our Interior Merchandising studio, which allows us to install faster. We also have our own furniture medic station complete with kits and tools.  

6. What is the benefit of having in-house Warehousing?

I’ve always said that just having “eyes” on the goods we’ve purchased is hugely beneficial. There are a lot of great warehouses out there to support our industry, but nothing replaces a team that knows the expectations of our designers. We also use an integrated software system along with the procurement and design teams. We’re able to see the specs and reference shop drawings, as well as update the inventory in real time.  

7. What’s one aspect of your role that you love?

Just the variety of work I get to do. One day I’m sitting at my desk crunching numbers, the next I’m unloading a truck full of furniture somewhere across this great country of ours.  

8. What’s one aspect of your job that’s challenging?

Scheduling. You’re constantly adjusting installation dates due to weather and site issues. Plus, you’re juggling your own crews’ schedules and figuring out how to be in 2 places at once (literally).

9. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Probably creating our receiving system. It was a joint effort with our accounting and procurement teams, as well as our programmers. But we have been able to receive inventory into our system and provide a “Location” for that item in the warehouse using our handheld scanner system. This allows for a speedy check-in process and the ability to track packages throughout the warehouse. 

10. What’s your favorite KTI project?

The hospitality team may laugh at this, but it’s our Lake Las Vegas Clubhouse project from several years ago. It was my first project at KTI and my first time being on-site for an installation. It had its challenges and a punch list that lasted for years, but it was a gorgeous property with an amazing result. It was my first glimpse of what a talented group I was working with.    

11. Where are you from and how did you get to Denver?

I’ve been here since I was 6 years old. My dad was relocated to Denver from Lexington, KY. (Go UK!)

12. What are you watching right now?

Sports is always the first choice. Otherwise, I’m searching for a stand-up comedy special I’ve yet to see. 

13. What does your typical Saturday look like?

I have two daughters that are my whole world. They’re getting older but still keep us pretty busy on the weekends. I am usually attending one of their gymnastics meets, soccer games or volleyball tournaments.

14. What’s one food you couldn’t live without?

Probably pizza. My dream is to have a pizza oven in my backyard.  

15. Take us through your 5 to 9 after your 9 to 5.

Usually picking up a kiddo from practice and grilling some dinner.

16. If your fingers could dispense 5 beverages, what would they be?

Water, Coffee, Diet Coke, Red Wine, and… maybe an IPA!

17. Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?

Honestly, I’ve traveled a lot … but I don’t think I would want to live anywhere BUT Colorado. I mean…we have everything here!

18. What’s a hobby you hope to pick up one day?

I’ve always had a passion for wood-working and would love to be able to create some awesome pieces of my own.    

19. What was your dream job as a child?

History teacher or professor. I actually have my bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in political science.  

20. Any hidden talents or party tricks?

I can name every president in numerical order in under a minute. #historynerd