Our History
Creating memorable kitchens for over 70 years
Kd. is a family, both literally and figuratively. For more than 70 years, we have been passionately dedicated to helping our clients create custom kitchens that truly become the heart of the home—equal parts beautiful and functional, and always reflective of the people who inhabit them.
A marriage of hard work and creativity
The Kd. story began in 1953, when P.G. and Esther Hartman opened a commercial cabinetry distributorship with a GI Bill and a $250 loan from Esther’s father. As the fledgling Denver kitchen industry evolved, the Kitchen Distributors name became synonymous with quality and attention to detail. A true creative visionary, P.G. became the voice of the fledgling Colorado kitchen design industry, and is largely responsible for its success today. He was instrumental in the establishment of the first Mountain States Chapter of the American Institute of Kitchen Design (now known as the NKBA) and was often the first in the state to offer innovative products—including luxury brands and avant-garde designs that represented a new era of kitchen design.
A tradition of bringing family and friends together
The Legacy of Kd. lives on. When P.G. passed away unexpectedly in 1974, his family made the decision to pool their respective talents and carry his proud legacy into the future. When Esther retired in 2008, the business passed into the capable hands of her son, Tom Hartman. Today, with three successful showrooms and more than 70 years of award-winning design under their collective belt, Kitchen Distributors’ heritage is stronger than ever before. Now, as it always has been, it’s about friends and family…gathered together in the one room that nourishes mind, body, and soul.
Our Timeline
Pre-1953
1953
Seizing on the opportunity presented, P.G. abandons law school, and, along with his wife Esther Hartman, founds Kitchen Distributors on May 11, 1953. The company moves into a building at 2430 E 6th Avenue in Denver, before moving again in 1955 to 2160 15th Street in Downtown Denver.
With steel cabinets on offer, Kitchen Distributors supplies Geneva cabinets for local kitchen dealers, commercial builds such as hospitals, labs, and schools.
1959
Kitchen Distributors begins to transition from commercial to custom residential work.
1967-1973
Kitchen Distributors shifts completely to residential and custom services.
P.G is instrumental in forming the first mountain states chapter of the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (now the National Kitchen + Bath Association), later becoming part of the first class of Certified Kitchen Designers.
To attract more residential customers, Kitchen Distributors exhibits annually at the Colorado Garden and Home Show, where they showcase an accessible kitchen built for a woman with quadriplegia.
1974
Kitchen Distributors receives national recognition from Washington D.C. for its work in designing accessible kitchens for people with disabilities.
That same year, P.G. passes away unexpectedly in 1974, leaving Esther and Shirley, their daughter, to run the company.
1980s
Kitchen Distributors leaves its location on South Broadway when the lease expires. The company then renovates and moves into a building they purchase, which is located at 1309 W Littleton Blvd.
Early 2000s
In 2002, Tom Hartman, P.G and Esther’s son, turns his admiration for bulthaup into collaboration, bringing the German kitchen manufacturer to Denver — the partnership continues to this day.
Kitchen Distributors leases space at the Denver Design Center in 2001. After remodeling the new space, it opens in 2002. When the lease runs out a few years later, Kitchen Distributors moves this secondary location to Bannock Street, where it remains today. After buying the building in 2005, the building undergoes several interior and exterior renovations in the following years.
2008
Esther retires from the company, and Tom becomes company president.
2018-2019
Kitchen Distributors expands in the Aspen area, buying a studio space. This new location is dedicated to showcasing bulthaup products, creating a curated minimalist experience that highlights the strengths of the German brand.
Our Values
We provide exceptional and unique product solutions.
Kitchen Distributors offers our customers both cutting-edge modern kitchen designs as well as time-tested favorites proven by our years of experience.
We are designers and dreamers.
As Denver kitchen design experts, we’re always looking for new ways to express our creativity. We’re quality-obsessed and style-agnostic, never boxed in a single brand or genre.
We design relationships.
Custom kitchens may be our physical product, but as a family business, our relationships are our true legacy. We are proud of our loyal customers and devoted to the communities we serve.
We create stunning spaces.
Our finished, luxurious kitchens are true works of art that reflect both the passion, expertise, and talent of our designers and craftsmen—and the precise wishes of our clients.
We design for our clients—not for our egos.
Our goal is to realize our clients’ dreams and design a space that is the best possible representation of that dream. No matter what your vision looks like, our kitchen design experts will make it possible.
We provide individualized customization options for your space
Our tailored, award-winning approach to designing custom kitchens doesn’t skip over a single detail. We utilize durable, timeless building materials, sourced from a network of exclusive vendors and design professionals, to ensure your arrangement options are limitless.
Charities and Sponsorships
The Denver Botanic Gardens is committed to connecting people with plants through its inspiring gardens, innovative programs, and world-class exhibitions. The Gardens support key initiatives in children’s education, Therapeutic Horticulture, and Urban Food Programs, fostering sustainability and community well-being.
The Morgan Adams Foundation raises money and awareness on behalf of children and young adults affected with cancer. Working with leading physicians and principal investigators, they directly fund pediatric cancer research and therapies which will improve survival rates and reduce the devastating side effects cancer treatments have on our children.
Our Team
Our team of skilled Colorado kitchen designers and engineers has been hand-selected to ensure the highest level of expertise within the kitchen and bath design industry is on hand for your project. Our award-winning kitchen design team has over a half-century of combined kitchen and bath design experience, and are at the forefront of their field.
Tom Hartman
Elisabeth Aiello
Sarah Spiroff
Linda McLean
William M. Landeros
Designer at bulthaup
Jed MacKenzie
bulthaup
Ashley Lawhead
Heather Wooldridge
Michele Bowden
Martin Nordin
Luis Fernando Temprana
Debbie Fowler
Team Member
Tom Hartman
Role :
The kitchen business is in Tom Hartman’s blood; he’s never done anything else. Born and raised in Denver, Tom was indoctrinated through his father, P.G. Hartman—a kitchen industry visionary known for process and perfectionism. He had his own drawing board by age eight, and spent much of his childhood immersed in the nuts and bolts of the business. Then, when P.G. died suddenly in 1974 of a heart attack, Tom (still in high school) joined his mother and sister to take over the family enterprise. Tom went on to study business at the University of Colorado, Denver, and become a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) in 1987.
An admitted “detail fanatic,” Tom is known throughout the industry for his “evil eye”—his ability to walk into a space and tell instantly if something is out of balance. Drawing on the deep expertise of his mentorship with P.G. and his own experience, he has been instrumental in nurturing Denver-area designers and continues to forward the industry as a whole. In 2002, he brought bulthaup, a European luxury brand respected internationally for quality and precision, to Denver. Since that transition, he has come to embrace the minimalist beauty of the Bauhaus design philosophy.
Tom officially took the reins of Kitchen Distributors in 2008, upon his mother’s retirement. The consummate innovator, he remains passionate about every aspect of the business, from compassionate employee relations to meticulous project installation—and dedicated to continuing the legacy of Kd.’s proud 70-year heritage.
Team Member
Elisabeth Aiello
Role :
Elisabeth Aiello is a highly experienced kitchen design expert with over three decades of experience in beautifying Colorado homes. Armed with a Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design, earned in 1993, Elisabeth embarked on her journey in the field with an internship at a Denver-based kitchen design firm.
During this pivotal experience, she discovered her unwavering passion for high-end kitchen design, leading her on a quest to find the perfect platform for her talents. In 1996, Elisabeth discovered Kitchen Distributors, where she has been turning both her and her clients’ dreams into reality ever since.
Dedicated to crafting spaces that authentically reflect her clients’ personalities and enhance their unique styles, Elisabeth is on a mission to make the design process an enjoyable and memorable one. As a senior designer at Kitchen Distributors, her work consistently graces the pages of local and national publications, including Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Great American Kitchens, and Luxe Magazine.
Team Member
Sarah Spiroff
Role :
Hailing from Michigan, Sarah Spiroff embarked on her career journey at Home Depot in 1996 while pursuing her Interior Design degree. Her early professional experience was remarkably diverse, involving hands-on learning about various materials and products. During this time, she engaged with builders, tradespeople, and homeowners from all walks of life. These interactions granted her a unique foundation of knowledge and a well-rounded perspective, which would prove invaluable as she transitioned into the field of Kitchen and Bathroom design.
In 2005-2006, Sarah achieved CKD and CBD certifications from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), solidifying her status as a professional in the luxury kitchen design and remodeling realm. For 13 years, she thrived with a top-tier kitchen design-build remodeling firm in the Bay Area of California. Her tenure was marked by numerous NKBA award-winning projects. However, driven by an unrelenting passion for her craft, Sarah made a strategic move back to Colorado, seeking fresh challenges in the dynamic Rocky Mountain market.
An avid sailor and seasoned world traveler, Sarah draws inspiration from her diverse life experiences. Her unique perspective and creativity shine through in her design approach. She understands that each project should be extraordinary, distinguished by meticulous details, architectural finesse, and a personality that resonates with every client. Sarah finds immense satisfaction in the tangible results of her work, knowing that her clients will share and relish the spaces she creates for years to come.
Team Member
Linda McLean
Role :
Linda McLean boasts over three decades of invaluable kitchen design experience, making her a true luminary in the field. Raised in Colorado by parents who were pioneers in the art of fixing and flipping homes, Linda developed a keen eye for unlocking the hidden potential of every space. Her journey in design began after earning a business degree from Western State University, during which she honed her skills in Arizona and California. She rapidly ascended the professional ladder from a bookkeeper to a lead designer, ultimately reaching the role of Vice President in her first employment—an impressive testament to her relentless commitment to excellence.
Linda’s mastery extends to spatial planning, an encyclopedic knowledge of products, an unwavering attention to detail, and an unyielding focus on craftsmanship. These qualities converge to create award-winning designs that stand the test of time. She regards each project as a distinctive canvas, tailoring her creations to harmonize seamlessly with her clients’ needs and visions. Consequently, Linda’s work has graced the pages of numerous publications, gaining recognition not only nationally but also internationally.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Linda cherishes her time with family and friends. She finds enjoyment in live music, indulges in hiking and skiing adventures, and, alongside her husband, diligently cares for their historic mountain home—where her roots are deeply embedded.
Team Member
William M. Landeros
Role :
William Landeros is a dynamic problem solver who seamlessly melds logic and creativity to discover innovative solutions for an array of challenges. Armed with a degree in languages from Metro State College and an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Baking and Pastry from the New England Culinary Institute, William’s diverse background has fueled his unique approach. In the 1980s, he ventured into the culinary world, establishing Feastable Catering in Texas and introducing the world to his innovative culinary creations through The Secret Garden, a cutting-edge restaurant located in Camden, Maine.
Today, as the Designer and Showroom Director at bulthaup Denver, William passionately embodies the classic Bauhaus design philosophy, which champions the unity of art and technology. He draws inspiration from architectural luminaries like Walter Gropius, Georg Muche, and Frank Lloyd Wright, exemplifying the timeless principles they championed. William’s exceptional work has garnered accolades, earning recognition from esteemed organizations such as The American Society for Interior Designers (ASID), The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), and the Colorado Home Builders Association, and Sub-Zero/Wolf, Viking. His award-winning designs have graced the pages of numerous prestigious publications, including Modern in Denver, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Luxe, and Trends Magazines.
Team Member
Jed MacKenzie
Role :
Jed MacKenzie, a seasoned senior designer at bulthaup Denver, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of art and design, transforming his innate passion into a thriving career. He derives daily inspiration from the world around him, drawing particularly from his extensive travels throughout Europe. Jed pursued his academic journey at Fort Lewis College, where he majored in business administration and cultivated his artistic talents through a minor in art.
Jed’s exceptional work has earned him recognition on both local and global stages. His designs have graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Luxe, Modern in Denver, and Trends magazines. In embracing the words of architectural luminaries, Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, who proclaimed “Less is more,” and Robert Venturi, who countered with “Less is a bore,” Jed has honed a design philosophy that combines the essence of form following function with a keen appreciation for creativity unhindered by convention. He thrives on the challenge of reimagining spaces, viewing them as canvases for innovative and captivating design. Jed’s ultimate goal is to breathe life into his clients’ visions, crafting spaces that transcend expectations and inspire them at every turn.
Team Member
Carolyn Kreeger
Role :
At a young age, Carolyn discovered a floor plan in a home and garden magazine and promptly began marking it up with notes and lines showing what she loved about the space and what she would change. Carolyn continued to go through life observing people interacting with the spaces around them and how the built environment shapes the way people move, work, and live. This passion for design led Carolyn to study and earn her BA in interior design from Seattle Pacific University.
After graduating, Carolyn took off on the adventure of a lifetime to live and work in Europe. The years spent abroad helped her gain a deep-seated appreciation for designing with clean-lines, the Bauhaus style, and German-engineering. These same appreciations are what brought her to bulthaup and Kitchen Distributors.
As a Colorado native, Carolyn gets inspiration from the world that surrounds us, and she enjoys almost any activity outside including skiing, cycling, kayaking, soccer, and running. She also takes great pride in listening to clients’ needs and desires for their kitchens to create beautiful spaces to fit their life-style. Design challenges are like the ultimate puzzle for her, and she looks forward to helping you put together all the perfect pieces for your new kitchen and other interiors.
Team Member
Ashley Lawhead
Role :
Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life” perfectly encapsulates Ashley’s unwavering passion for her profession.
Her academic journey commenced at the University of Denver, where she diligently earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Daniels College of Business, with a sharp focus on Marketing.
But Ashley’s pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there. Driven by her passion for interior design, she embarked on a deeper educational quest, securing a second degree in Interior Design from ACC (Arapahoe Community College). This unique fusion of marketing acumen and design expertise empowers Ashley to approach her work with fresh innovation, effortlessly harmonizing these two disciplines.
Beyond her professional life, Ashley finds happiness at Wash Park, where she enjoys lively games of fetch with her loyal companion, Maggie. She’s an avid traveler, always planning her next exciting adventure, and enjoying time with her friends and family. Notably, her encyclopedic knowledge of Denver’s culinary delights, neighborhoods, shopping hotspots, and more has earned her the affectionate nickname “Walking Yelp” among her friends and colleagues.
Team Member
Michele Bowden
Role :
Michele Bowden’s journey in the world of luxury kitchen design has taken her from the charming town of La Crosse, Wisconsin, to the bustling creative hub of Los Angeles, California. Michele began her quest for design excellence by earning an Associates degree in Interior Design from Western Wisconsin Technical College. Her pursuit of design mastery led her to the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, where she worked for Cooper Pacific Kitchens in the Pacific Design Center (PDC) of West Hollywood. She also achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from American InterContinental University.
With over 27 years dedicated to the art of kitchen design, Michele thrives on the unique challenges each project presents. For her, every space is a blank canvas, and each kitchen design brings fresh opportunities. Witnessing the sheer delight on her clients’ faces as they behold their newly transformed kitchens remains a constant source of inspiration. Michele’s expertise extends to mastering AutoCAD two/three-dimensional drafting, space planning, and project management. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering work ethic shine through in every design blueprint she creates. As the visionary architect of Kitchen Distributors.’s designs, Michele plays a pivotal role in bringing the client’s vision to life, allowing them to glimpse their dream kitchen long before construction begins. Her passion for turning these visions into reality is a driving force behind Kd.’s commitment to exceeding client expectations and achieving their dreams.
Team Member
Martin Nordin
Role :
Originally from Durban, South Africa, Martin has called Colorado home for two decades. His journey into the world of design commenced in London, where he ventured after completing high school. There, he honed his skills at an esteemed Interior Design Firm, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.
After four transformative years in London, Martin returned to South Africa to pursue a degree in Interior Design at the prestigious University of Cape Town. His dedication to the craft led him to obtain an Associates Degree in Kitchen Design in 2005, an accomplishment that set the stage for his enduring presence in the industry.
Martin possesses an innate talent for spatial arrangement and organization, coupled with a mastery of AutoCAD Drafting to translate intricate design elements into easily digestible concepts. His true passion lies in the technical facets of design, and he derives immense satisfaction from assisting clients in defining their dream spaces while guiding them through the intricate design process. With years of experience, Martin is a highly experienced professional poised to transform your vision into reality.
Team Member
Luis Fernando Temprana
Role :
Accountant/ Bookkeeper at Kd.
Luis Fernando Temprana was born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico. Growing up in a family of hardworking parents—a businessman father and a Chemist and Faculty of Medicine teacher mother—he was instilled with the values of determination and resilience. With unwavering support from his parents, Luis pursued his academic endeavors with dedication, ultimately earning his title as a Public Accountant and Auditor from Cristobal Colón University in his hometown in 1983.
Even before completing his degree, Luis embarked on his professional journey by joining a public accounting firm, laying the foundation for his career. Over the years, he worked in various roles across different sectors, accumulating valuable experience. In 1985, driven by curiosity and a desire for personal and professional growth, he accepted an invitation from close friends to visit Denver. Falling in love with the city, he decided to stay and devoted a year and a half to mastering the English language.
After gaining extensive experience working in his hometown and collaborating with his father’s rolling doors business, Luis seized the opportunity to return to Denver in 2016. He joined Kitchen Distributors as an Accountant/Bookkeeper, bringing his strong sense of responsibility and creativity to the team. A relentless pursuit of knowledge drives Luis, and he consistently seeks self-improvement to provide the best possible contributions to the company and derive personal fulfillment from his endeavors.
Team Member
Heather Wooldridge
Role :
Heather’s journey into the world of design began amidst her family’s home building business. Immersed in this environment, she gained valuable insights into interior design and marketing for development projects across various states, including Pennsylvania, California, and Florida.
Her educational path led her to Pepperdine University, and shortly after graduating, she decided to call Aspen her home. In Aspen, Heather has managed showrooms, taken on design projects, and excelled in project management for tile and stone interior surfaces at Aspen Tile. Her passion for the industry extended beyond Aspen’s borders. She served as the Wholesale Business Development Director for a boutique tile line in Pasadena, CA. Additionally, she lived and worked in Monterrey, Mexico, where she managed customer relationships for US and Canadian clients of a Mexican boutique tile manufacturer.
Heather’s commitment to her professional life is equally matched by her dedication to her family. She treasures the moments spent with her two daughters and two loyal canine companions. During her leisure time, you’ll often find Heather skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or embracing travel adventures with enthusiasm.
Community involvement is a core part of Heather’s life. She actively participates in events at her daughters’ schools, serves as a board member for Aspen Sister Cities, and volunteers as a hotline advocate for Response, a local domestic abuse organization.
Team Member
Debbie Fowler
Role :
Debbie Fowler, originally from Rhode Island, has been an artist and designer since her early years. Raised by parents with diverse creative interests, she developed a passion for art and design. Her educational journey led her to the Rhode Island School of Design for Apparel Design & Illustration and a BFA from the University of New Mexico with a major in Printmaking. She furthered her skills with graduate courses in Furniture Design at CU Denver.
Upon moving to Denver, Debbie immersed herself in furniture design, upholstery, and woodworking. Her technical skills in AutoCAD and a deep love for modern design led her into the kitchen design industry, where she excels in high-end European cabinetry and contemporary interior design.
Debbie’s love for the West was kindled during family road trips, where she explored the national parks and landscapes of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Her adventurous spirit, paired with a passion for music and the arts, makes her a vibrant and energetic member of the KD team.
Outside of her career, Debbie remains an artist at heart, indulging in printmaking, sewing, woodworking, and woodcarving. She finds joy in creativity and enjoys spending her free time hiking and dancing.
Client Testimonials
bulthaup Showroom
our showroom partner
Kitchen Distributors is honored to be an authorized bulthaup partner in the U.S. and the owner/operator of the company’s Denver and Aspen Showroom. Founded in Germany in 1949, this internationally respected brand is inextricably linked with the development of the modern kitchen. Both rooted in tradition and devoted to innovation, bulthaup kitchens are not influenced by kitchen design trends, but are instead designed to change our perceptions of what a truly timeless kitchen should be.
European design + Colorado spirit: it’s a match truly made in heaven.