Our Team
Kitchens By Bruce began 12 years ago as a young entrepreneur's dream, and a one-man operation with a little help from friends and family. Since then, we have hand-picked each member of our primary staff, and subcontractors. One thing that has not changed, despite our continued growth, is the small-business mentality; We support each other, and have developed a system of respect, trust, and communication that is rare in the industry. Happy employees are those that are treated well. In return, our team’s promise is to make our customers feel the same.
Bruce Gottier
Founder, CEO
Head of Construction
Bruce has always been an entrepreneur. He developed his love for construction early in his high-school years, and quickly picked up “tricks of the trade” by working with knowledgeable mentors. For some time, he worked with his family to remodel forsaken homes for resale and rent. Eventually, he was determined to start his own, small business, and persevered through the good and bad years.
Believe it or not, Bruce began his work as a one-man operation. As a result of his persistence, the business continues to grow, and he enjoys seeing his business from the mile-high view, in order to develop efficiency and scope of business. Years have been spent finding the people he enjoys working with.
Laura Gottier
Head of Sales & DesigN
General business Management
Behind every good man is a better woman. Did you know that Laura, Bruce’s wife, is a Registered Nurse? However, after a few years of this profession, she quickly realized that more support was needed for Kitchens by Bruce. In fact, she fell in love with designing new spaces for customers.
Despite having three wonderful kids, she worked in sales, design, project management, book-keeping, and customer correspondence. Still today, Laura is the glue that holds Kitchens by Bruce together. She is the first face you see when she arrives for a sales consultation, and it will be an experience you remember.
Paul hills
Head of Project Management
software administration
field management
Paul is a perfect fit for project management. He has his roots in teaching, and has four years of combined experience teaching 4th and 5th grade. 5 years at UConn, and a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction prepared Paul to make the decision that he desired a career change as of August, 2018.
He has a keen eye for detail and organization of the process for customers of Kitchens by Bruce, but also transfers that level of quality to carpentry on the job. When he is not checking off his office work, you can find him in the field, taking part in the hands-on process from demolition, all the way to finish. A well-oiled machine needs grease to maintain its efficiency, and Paul delivers the grease. Paul promises to keep you informed, and assisted.
Heidi Virkler
head of Design
Cabinetry order specialist
web services
Heidi has an impressive resume. She started with Kitchens by Bruce in 2017, and before that, she collected graphic design experience for over 17 years. As a talented designer, she has helped prominent businesses, and a host of other small business owners implement attractive marketing ideas, websites and visuals.
Personally, she loves helping people out with their wedding planning and design. She even designed her own house. Who else would you want on your side, when the heart of your home, or any other space needs updating?
Doug Flamino
EXTERIOR SALES
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We are extremely excited to have Doug on our team! With over 30 year in the industry Doug has become a household name in the town of Ellington, and is loved by many for his exceptional work as owner of CD Builders. In 2022, Kitchens By Bruce aquired his reputable business and is so excited to continue to uphold the same high standard of quality, professionalism, and itegrity that the CD Builder named carried for decades.
When not in the office or driving around to a job site, you'll find Doug relaxing at his home in Vermont, enjoying life at a (slightly) slower pace.
Nathalie Thibodeau
Reception, Secretarial, Accounting
Project management
Nathalie’s personality is like a warm hug. When you enter a building, the first impression you have is the front door. For Kitchens by Bruce, Nathalie fills that role perfectly, and more. You will meet her early on in the process if you decide to inquire about a project, and one of her favorite things to do is to meet new clients.
As a mother to a special needs child, she has a built in super power, namely patience, and this translates to the workplace. She is highly personable, an effective communicator, and extremely organized. Before beginning with Kitchens By Bruce, she spent numerous years in office settings, and has become capable at handling multiple tasks. If she had it her way, you’d find her in the great outdoors, with a quality cup of coffee nearby.
Jason Cordeira
BATHROOM saleS
project management & OPERATIONS
Jason’s newly acquired college degree (a major in communications and a minor in business management systems) and several years of experience in the customer service industry make him a pleasure to be around. He brings an upbeat and enthusiastic attitude to any task at hand.
The attributes Jason provides will go a long way as Kitchens by Bruce continues to develop best products, practices, and refines efficiency. His creative eye helps him to keep you informed with new and fresh content from jobs completed and in progress.
Ben Wagenbach
KITCHEN SALES
CUSTOM WOODWORKING & FINISHING
If Ben looks familiar, that's because he has aided Kitchens By Bruce for years through his company Wagenbach Woodcraft. In 2023 Ben officially joined the Kitchens By Bruce team, bringing with him an incredible ability to create anything from gorgeous furniture, custom mantels and built-in cabinetry to stunning wood countertop surfaces and so much more.
During his time building Wagenbach Woodcraft from the ground up, he built a very reputable company that came to be a dependable source of cabinetry refinishing and any other custom woodworking endeavors. His skill set allowed a seamless transition to Kitchens by Bruce giving them the ability to build any custom dream you can imagine. Ben is polite, reasonable, has a keen attention to detail, and loves what he does.
STEPHEN PETRI
HEAD OF CARPENTRY & INSTALLATION
We dare you to find anyone else like Steve, there is no challenge too daunting for him provided he has finished his coffee. Keep an eye out for his trusty work table (and horse-hair hand broom passed down from his grandfather) or him in his brightly colored rain poncho under his EZ UP tent. He is a craftsman at heart, and his care for the finished product is evident.
He has certainly earned his place as our lead carpenter. Prior to joining the Kitchens By Bruce team, he put in countless hours with CD Builders. Many years of exterior work (windows, doors, siding), framing, and finish carpentry make him very experienced and well-rounded.
HEIDI BEUTEL
KITCHEN SALES
CUSTOM WOODWORKING & FINISHING
Heidi is a perfect and natural addition to the KBB team. She started out with over 13 years of experience working for a prominent website company where she designed and deployed hundreds of websites, earning her the skills to go from design to project completion. In 2021 she transitioned to working for a local kitchen and bath remodeler where she became a jack of all trades. From sales, design, and cabinetry finishing, she has vast experience in all aspects of home design and remodeling. We are so thankful to now have her on our team with her easy personality and efficient work ethic.
In her spare time Heidi likes to travel and spend time to with her family and friends.
MICHAEL FEHR
CARPENTRY &
Cabinet INSTALLATION
Mike is the youngest member of the Kitchens by Bruce crew, and is also its most enthusiastic. He brings an infectious passion to every task and enjoys the challenge of each new project.
His hustle and drive make him very enjoyable to be around. Putting great effort into his work, he works quickly on any task ranging from demo to job site setup to installing cabinet hardware.