“Seeing someone’s dream or vision become a reality, that’s what it’s all about.”
Every day is a little different for Brooke Langdon. As a designer for StarMark Cabinetry in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Brooke works to make dreams a reality.
She started working for StarMark right out of college.
“I started in the design department working with dealers across the country. They would send plans and we’d draw them up and then send them out for them to sell. I saw so many different scenarios of how things go together, and I think it was a great starting point for me. I just loved it so much that I spent the next 21 years here,” Brooke shares.
Today Brooke spends her time in the showroom working directly with customers, builders, contractors or DIYers.
“Sometimes they bring in plans to us at StarMark, or we can work off blueprints, architectural drawings, hand-drawn sketches of space – kind of whatever works,” says Brooke.
The process is a harmonious one.
“We work together to pick out their finishes and style. We talk about their current space and what their hopes and dreams are for their new one. Then we pick out what is needed or what they want to put in and compile the design that way. Sometimes we have to make little tweaks here and there. Our goal is to make sure they’re happy with it,” Brooke explains.
Every project is a little unique and a bit of a puzzle at times. It’s what drives Brooke every day in her work.
“When you work with the customer directly, you get to pull in their influences, style, wants and needs,” notes Brooke. “You want to incorporate all of those ideas, but
still have it be functional and look nice. Even when it’s a challenge, it’s fun.”
Brooke’s meticulous attention to detail is one of the things that makes her such a great designer though it’s a career Brooke says wasn’t always on her radar.
“I like to say I kind of just fell into this career,” jokes Brooke. “I actually thought I wanted to be a psychologist or psychiatrist. But it just wasn’t the right fit. So, I have a minor in psychology, actually.”
But it was an intro to design class that led her to her job at StarMark.
“I just instantly fell in love. Whenever people come in, they’re just generally always excited about the process: picking out new things and sharing ideas. It’s something people don’t get to do often, and some people only ever do it once. So, it can be a big thing. It’s a lot of responsibility and trust that they’re putting in us and we make sure we deliver,” adds Brooke.
Delivering high-quality craftsmanship and quality products has been Starmark Cabinetry’s mission since opening in 1978.
“Everything is built right here in Sioux Falls,” shares Brooke. “Supporting our local community has always been important to us and I think we have the best top end products as far as quality goes.”
From custom finishes, topcoats, stains, paints and glazes, you can expect the best from StarMark Cabinetry.
“I really think our customer service is what also sets us apart,” adds Brooke. “We are here for you every step of the way. If there is an issue, we are right here to help fix it. We also bring an exceptional level of knowledge of products and hands-on experience to every project.”
StarMark’s long history in South Dakota has created positive relationships with contractors, builders and installers.
“We are able to help facilitate relationships between customers and contractors, builders and installers that they may be looking for. They’re not on our staff but we can help give customers options to choose from and connect them.”
Brooke says connection and community is at the root of all they do.
“We are really passionate about growing the communities we live and work in. Over the years StarMark has donated materials and time to several projects including ones for veterans and Habitat for Humanity. It’s important to us to support the community that supports us. Our goal is to not only build cabinetry, but community as well.”
