JEFFREY GARABEDIAN, OWNER
Jeff is a 1984 graduate of Southern Connecticut State University. He resides in Hamden, Connecticut with his wife and two sons. He has been in the kitchen and bath industry for over 35 years. He started as manager of a very successful kitchen and bath showroom in 1987 taking it from meager beginnings to a 6+ million dollar operation. After 22 years working in that capacity, Jeff opened Kitchen Advantage in 2008 with business partner Joseph Smith. The 1600 square foot showroom in North Haven caters to builders, re-modelers and retail clientele offering design services and in-home consultations.
JOSEPH SMITH, OWNER
Joe started his design career as manager of the kitchen and bath department of a big box store. After managing for 3 years, Joe went to work as a designer and outside sales person for cabinetry, for a local lumber company increasing his sales volume to 1.2 million. Before designing as a profession, Joe spent a lot of his free time woodworking and making one of a kind furniture pieces in his East Hampton work shop. On September 11, 2008, Joe partnered with Jeff Garabedian to open Kitchen Advantage. Joe is responsible for the day to day financial operation of the business.
LISA ELLIS, DESIGNER
Lisa worked as a custom furniture designer for Expressions Custom Furniture for three years. After leaving the furniture business, she moved onto selling and devising luxury homes for a PGA Tour Golf Course Development and an Active Adult Community for 13 years. This included making floor plan refinements to blueprints and interior finishes to be sure each home was unique to the Homeowner. The contriving of interior homes has lead her to a new passion focusing mainly on kitchens and baths. Lisa has been with Kitchen Advantage since day one.
DARRYL PRUE, DESIGNER
Darryl is a life-long wood-worker, residing in Wallingford Connecticut with his family. In addition to fulfilling the duties of Designer and Outside Sales at Kitchen Advantage, he has built furniture and cabinetry in his own shop for many years prior. He operated his own remodeling company in Middletown CT specializing in kitchen and bath renovations, and was the installer of choice for many area kitchen & bath showrooms and lumber yards. His kitchen remodeling work has been published in the LesCare Kitchens Design Guide featuring some of the finest kitchens and baths in the US. Darryl’s extensive experience derives from working directly with home owners and builders on residential kitchens, baths, multi unit condos and apartment complexes.
JASON PARDEW, CUSTOMER CARE
Jason worked with Jeff Garabedian and Joe Smith for 5 years, at their previous employer, before they recruited him to work with them again for their business. Jason has been with Kitchen Advantage for 3 years. He is responsible for warranty items, managing stock and all customer deliveries. Customer Service is of critical importance to our company and Jason is on the road taking care of customers needs and warranty repairs after the new cabinets are installed.
JOCELYN IVES, OFFICE MANAGER
Jocelyn Ives is the backbone of Kitchen Advantage’s daily operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. With a keen eye for organization and a commitment to exceptional customer service, she plays a vital role in coordinating schedules, managing client communications, and supporting the design team. Her dedication ensures that every project stays on track, providing a seamless experience for both customers and staff.
