Biography

Jim Loren—President, Designer/Project Manager

Jim began his career in the industry by working at a mid-size custom cabinet manufacturing firm. Jim eventually became a co-owner of the firm, where he took on the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of sales and production, giving him an insider's view of what it took to create a quality product. While manufacturing took up most of Jim's time, his first love was in design and working directly with customers. After 12 years, Jim decided it was time to pursue a new direction, so he sold his portion of the manufacturing firm and started Preferred Kitchens. As President of Preferred Kitchens, Jim not only works directly with customers and builders, he also provides assistance and oversight to Preferred Kitchens' other designers, bringing his years of experience to their projects.

Jim has enjoyed helping Preferred Kitchens' customers with their design and remodeling needs since 1984. jimloren@preferredkitchens.com

Mark Klosterman—Vice President, Designer/Project Manager

Core Beliefs

Function first, aesthetics second.

Bang for buck - create the best possible design for the space within your budget.

Project managment - regular onsite management to ensure an on time on budget project.

Availability - I can be contacted anytime during waking hours to answer questions.

Project completion - I want you to miss me when we are done with your project.

 markk@preferredkitchens.com

Benji Loren—Designer/Project Manager

Benji has been designing and managing projects for the past 4 years at Preferred Kitchens. Prior to this, he installed cabinetry and was also involved with customer service. Benji works closely with his customers to ensure that all options for each project are fully explored, and that creative solutions are applied. He has been involved with the business since its founding. benjiloren@preferredkitchens.com

Audrey Graves—Office Manager

Audrey has been with Preferred Kitchens for over 10 years, and is an essential part of the organization. Unlike other design firms that place the responsibility on the customer for managing multiple subcontractors and complex schedules, Preferred Kitchens operates as a full-service design firm, coordinating all aspects of each project. Audrey's behind the scene role makes this possible, by running the day to day operations of the office as well as keeping track of all projects with each designer. In addition, Audrey's experience goes beyond just administration with her knowledge of current products and services from the variety of Preferred Kitchens' partners. agraves@preferredkitchens.com

Christen Kriesel—Designer/Project Manager

Aside from designing and managing her own projects at Preferred Kitchens, Christen assists other designers on a variety of project tasks including rendering designs into 20/20; providing on-site verification of installations, and coordinating with the variety of subcontractors and Preferred Kitchens' partners which are integral to each project's success. Christen is a graduate from the University of Minnesota, College of Design where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a minor in History. christen@preferredkitchens.com