Meet Our Staff
Meet Our Staff
MODERN KITCHENS OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
Email: mks@dreamscape.com
Kirby Holekamp
Sales Manager
Ext. 105
A graduate of Texas A&M University, member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association and proud family man, Kirby is a sales and marketing professional with decades of experience.
Kirby has in-depth knowledge of our appliances and stays current with frequent factory training.
His abilities to establish key relationships with manufacturers and communicate effectively with his sales team have been keys to his success.
Kirby’s enthusiasm, motivation and solid leadership skills ensure that our clients continue to receive the finest customer service in the industry.
David L. Jureller, CKD
Designer/Sales
Ext. 120
David Jureller , CKD, strives to meet and exceed your design expectations. David creates unique and attractive spaces with innovative products and ideas. With David, the client’s needs are foremost on his mind. In fact, because of his ability to please clients, he was asked to be a co-presenter at a seminar on “Earning Your Next Referral” at a National Kitchen & Bath Show. David has earned the Merit Award from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and is a chapter officer in the NKBA, where he regularly attends new-product seminars.
In addition to 31 years in the kitchen and bath industry, David attended Lehigh University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry where he received Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering degrees in 1980.
When David is not designing, you can find him with his family, tending his yard and garden, rowing crew with the Cazenovia Rowing Club or playing golf with family and friends.
Tracey Shults
Designer/Sales
Ext. 119
In addition to 10 years of kitchen and bath design, Tracey brings 12 years of home remodeling and construction experience to his role as a designer. He believes in being thorough and innovative on every job. Tracey tells clients, “The kitchen is the heart of the home, where everyone gathers. It’s important to create a space that is functional but also comfortable and indicative of your personal taste.” He views himself as a trusted adviser to guide clients through their home investment. During the design phase, Tracey is an active and empathetic listener to his clients. During the project execution phase, he often works with builders and remodeling teams to ensure that the detail in his design is brought to fruition.
Tracey earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Susquehanna University, graduating magna cum laude. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, camping and boating. He also loves his Boston terrier, George.
View Tracey’s kitchen design projects
View Tracey’s client testimonial letters
View Tracey’s Houzz profile
Richard S Hardter
Designer/Sales
Ext: 118
Richard Hardter has over 20 years
designing, selling, and installing
kitchens and baths in and around
the Syracuse area. For as long he can remember he has
always had an interest in home improvements and began
his career pursuing a degree in Architectural Technology
and Interior Design at Onondaga Community College.
Rick has a diverse portfolio including a vast knowledge in
construction and design. Rick has a reputation for detail,
creativity, and professionalism. He understands the
importance in having flexibility in both design and budget.
Throughout the entire consultation he will listen to your
wants, needs, and desires and will create a design to
accomplish project goals and make a lasting impression.
Rick feels the best accomplishment is to always exceed
his customers’ expectations. To know each of his client’s
needs were met and that they were satisfied when the
project came to completion. With knowledge, experience
and reputation this is possible.
When Rick is not working, he looks forward to spending
time with his family. He enjoys the outdoors and can often
be found traveling, camping, boating, attending outdoor
concerts and attending his kids’ events. His favorite sport
is baseball followed closely by football. Ricks also an Avid
SU basketball and football fan. Rick enjoys taking day
trips and getting out on his Harley as much as possible.
Darren Zirbel
Designer/Sales
Ext. 124
Darren Zirbel first began at Modern Kitchens in 1986 after earning his degree in Architectural Interior Design from Cazenovia College. Having developed a passion for wood working, he later owned a Custom Cabinet and Millwork shop where he designed, built, finished and installed cabinetry and furniture. With his wealth of Design and Construction knowledge and experience he returned to Cazenovia College as a Teacher in the Interior Design program and Head Coach of the Women’s Crew Team as well as Cazenovia Rowing Club’s Scholastic Team. Darren has returned to Modern Kitchens to continue his devotion to design, construction and building positive relationships with his clients.
When not in the office, Darren enjoys his wife, family and exploring the great outdoors !!!
MODERN KITCHENS OF ALBANY, NEW YORK
Email: mks@dreamscape.com
James Marrocco
Branch Manager
Ext. 206
Meet James Marrocco. His design philosophy is simple: A kitchen should be workable with your cooking style, as well as attractive to the eye.
Jim attended Wood-Mode Cabinetry’s Training and Advanced Design Schools. Since 1984, Jim has been continually recognized by this cabinet company as a member of their Silver Star Club (1984 – 1986) and Gold Star Club (1987 – present).
Wendell Parsons
Builder Sales/Designer
Ext. 204
Wendell Parsons, Design Specialist
First introduced to kitchen design while working with a home decor supply company in the mid
1970s, Wendell explored opportunities in financial sales, marketing and management before
returning to the cabinet design world in the early 1980s. Since then, with over 35 years in
kitchen and bath design, Wendell has worked with builders, remodelers, and homeowners
bringing several hundreds of projects into reality. Using a consultative approach, he believes
that a successful design project emerges from the interplay and idea exchanges between
customer and designer.
Trained in traditional paper and pencil design layout, Wendell became an early advocate and
adapter of computer aided design and remains an enthusiastic supporter, recognizing the power
of seeing the kitchen or bath as close to the final project as possible.
When not working, Wendell and his wife, Mary, enjoy spending time with their 3 grandchildren,
and watching a variety of foreign television programs and films.
MODERN KITCHENS OF BUFFALO, NEW YORK
Email: mks@dreamscape.com
Kevin Thompson
Branch Manager
Ext. 410
Meet Kevin Thompson. He is the branch manager for Modern Kitchens of Buffalo.
With over 20 years of combined experience in retail, management and, of course, kitchen design, Kevin directs an acclaimed crew.
Kevin is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, National Association of Home Builders and American Institute of Architects. He has enhanced his design background with industry schooling at the Wood-Mode factory school.
Jim Meyer
District Manager
Ext. 404
Jim Meyer is one of the many talented staff you’ll meet when you walk through the doors of Modern Kitchens of Buffalo. He handles Western New York dealer accounts.
He graduated from Buffalo State in 1989 and is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. He has over 19 years in retail and wholesale combined.
Thomas Halloran
Designer/Sales
smnyjt5462@aol.com
Ext. 406
Thomas Halloran is out to achieve the best design possible for every client. His almost 24 years in the kitchen and bath industry make it easy for him to be adept at doing just that.
Tom holds a degree in interior design from Bryant and Stratton College in Interior Design.
In his spare time, Tom enjoys rollerblading, Nordic and Alpine skiing, gardening and collecting antiques.
David Mascia, Sales/Designer
dmascia@modernkitchens.com
Ext. 405
With over 34 years of collective experience in kitchen and bath design, interior design, drafting, home remodeling and CAD, David can help you design your dream kitchen. David designs to suit your lifestyle while staying within your budget guidelines.
In his spare time, David enjoys fitness and woodworking.
Jill Westcott
Sales/Designer
Ext: 402
At a young age, Jill found that she had a passion for design. Whether it be helping family or friends design and decorate areas in their homes or creating designs for her “dream house”. Jill was working on creative ideas long before she turned that dream into a reality. She attended both Villa Maria College and Buffalo State University obtaining two degrees in Interior Design. For the past 24 years, Jill has specialized in kitchen and bathroom design. Her projects range from kitchens, bathrooms, on-suite master bathrooms, laundry rooms, home office spaces, basement designs and more. In addition, Jill has designed many universal design projects meeting national ADA guidelines as well as several commercial design projects. Jill works closely with numerous builders and contractors throughout the Buffalo/Niagara Region creating beautiful and functional rooms in new and existing homes. Jill enjoys creating designs for her clients whether it be areas in investment properties or high – end custom homes. Her designs can be found in hundreds of homes throughout WNY.
Jill prides herself on being a good listener and really helping her clients turn their visions into reality. Jill considers all aspects of a project when meeting with the client such as style of the home, age of the home, decor of the home, investment parameters, longevity etc, but truly considers listening to the clients’ needs and wants as the foundation needed to build from for any project. In addition, Jill believes educating clients on available products and innovative ways to achieve their needs and then utilizing them as the best way for their space in a design is the key to a successful project. She always says “I love what I do. Every project, every client, every room has different needs and different budgets. Even though my design process is the same, every project is that much different than the last which allows me to be creative and innovative in different ways. That is one of the things I enjoy most about being a designer.”
Jill is actively involved in several organizations. She is a member of the Interior Design Association. She also is a member of several community organizations, holding positions on the board in some of those organizations. Jill also is a co-chairperson with local events in her community throughout the year. She fills her time with traveling and several other hobbies. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending events that they are involved with.