Lori Pacanowski

What’s the best part about working in the kitchen and bath remodeling industry, according to you?

I love seeing the new products and design trends. The industry is constantly evolving and it’s fun to be a part of that.

What inspired you to pursue a career in kitchen and bath remodeling?

I have always loved design. My mom would tell you that I spent more time rearranging the furniture in my doll house than playing with the dolls. After graduating with my degree in interior design, I worked for a local tile distributer for a few years. It was there that I fell in love with designing kitchens and bathrooms.

What are a few of your favorite things?

My family, the ocean, and the mountains.

Share a funny or memorable incident that happened during one of your renovation projects.

I will never forget the time I was measuring a kitchen in St. Charles several years ago. I slid my take measure behind the homeowner’s refrigerator, when all of a sudden there was a pop and burning smell. Unknowingly, my tap measure had his a receptacle that did not have a cover plate on it. My tape measure was burned and cut in half. I felt terrible, thinking that I had zapped their refrigerator, and they felt even worse. When they came in for their next appointment, they brought along a new tape measure for me.

Do you have family or pets?

I am married and have two daughters (and 2 beagles)

What do you do for fun in your spare time?

I love to spend time with friends, hike with my family, and go on Jeep rides when the weather is nice.

What’s your favorite tradition or holiday and why?

I love baking with my girls over the holidays. This is something that we used to do with my grandma every year, and I enjoy carrying that on in her memory.

What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?

I love going to Cardinals and Blues games. I haven’t been to a St. Louis City game yet, but hope to in the near future.

How long have you been in the kitchen and bath industry?

I started working in the industry in 2003.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job, and why does it matter to you?

The relationships that I build with clients are the most rewarding part of my job. From the initial meeting, to the design process, to being involved throughout the entire construction phase, it’s hard not to build a relationship with the clients. I’ve had customers send me pictures, years later, or their grandbaby in their new kitchen sink. I’ve had customers call me, years later, to tell me about how their daughter recently elopes. It’s the relationships that matter most!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Always work hard – “Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today.”