Introduction: Ellen Brotzman, the owner and founder of The Top Drawer, is a former designer at a high-end cabinet showroom in Columbia, MO. From her years of experience there, Ellen learned that the overhead costs in an upscale showroom necessitate substantial mark-ups, often making the cabinetry unaffordable. Also, the rigid hours, and client overload make it difficult for a designer to offer the prompt, outstanding service, and attention to detail that customers deserve.
She knew there had to be a better way to do business. So, she started a cottage industry, selling cabinetry from her home in Missouri. With virtually no overhead expenses, she was able to offer personalized service, flexible hours, and great prices.
Ellen experienced remarkable success with this new approach to selling cabinetry, and wanted to transplant this idea when she relocated to Cary, NC in 2005. But as a newcomer to Cary, Ellen knew she could no longer operate her business from home. So, she decided to open a decorative hardware store called The Top Drawer. She knew that folks looking for knobs and pulls might also be looking to buy cabinets; hence, a small, quaint hardware gallery could be a means of spreading the word about her cabinet business.
Even though cabinets are Ellen's business, The Top Drawer is not a cabinet showroom, but rather a small, gallery-like space, displaying a fantastic collection of cabinet hardware. The reason Ellen chose not to employ a large cabinet showroom is because the overhead expenses incurred in doing so would drive up cabinet prices. Instead, she uses the revenues generated from the sale of knobs and pulls to pay for overhead expenses, which has allowed her to continue offering offer her customers the same highly personalized design services and quality cabinetry at more affordable prices than those found in fancy cabinet showrooms.
A huge asset to The Top Drawer is Ellen herself. Not only is she an exquisite cabinet designer (see the testimonials on her website), she is also experienced at life: Married 28 years, mother of four, homemaker, and creative renovator of many fixer-upper homes.
Ellen continually delights her customers with her insight into what makes a kitchen beautiful, functional and affordable. She is passionate about her work, and truly cares about the thousand tiny details that work together to make even the tiniest kitchen be the best it can be. Ellen herself oversees every aspect of each job herself: From the design to the measuring and ordering of every last piece of cabinetry to overseeing the installation. So, you will have her complete attention, and never have your project passed off to anyone, ever. You won't find this kind of service in any large cabinet showroom.
What else is inside The Top Drawer? The most unique and exquisite collection of cabinet hardware you've ever seen -- a feast for the eyes in every imaginable shape and size. Why settle for something ordinary on your cabinets? Our collection includes the latest styles in pewter, bronze, hand-blown glass, ceramic, wood, bamboo, chrome, leather, and crystal. Like cabinet jewelry, these pieces can be a tantalizing final touch for your new cabinets, or a fabulous facelift for old ones.
Come experience The Top Drawer's gallery atmosphere, and browse our amazing collection, with wonderful selections starting at just $4.95. Consider us your cabinet knob and drawer pull experts!
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