Cutting Edge Kitchens grew to become what it is today from rather humble beginnings: a cabinet guy and a side project. The owner, Ben Kalkman, was managing a cabinet-shop crew at the time and had made a few granite countertops on the side for various customers. When he realized that the “countertops on the side” gig was taking more time and reaping more profits than his actual job, he took the plunge into full-time granite work and bootstrapped the business from essentially nothing. Over the years, Cutting Edge Kitchens has grown into a top-tier countertop business and collected a stellar crew of dedicated employees. We specialize in beautiful high-end and custom work that explores new creative vistas, and work with a broad assortment of materials including natural stone, engineered solid-surface quartz, and large-format gauged porcelain tile.
CUTTING EDGE KITCHENS – BOISE
Countertops, Cabinets, and Flooring
At Cutting Edge Kitchens, it is our goal not only to ensure that you are in love with your new countertops, but that you continue to enjoy them for years (or decades) to come. When you begin work with us, we will happily assist with technical advice and/or selecting raw materials from a number of local suppliers or importers. Working with stone is our forte but our years of industry experience give us a unique advantage and the ability to manage a variety of kitchen and bath remodel projects, big or small. We supply cabinetry, flooring, sinks, and more!
The Process
Once your slabs have been delivered to our fabrication shop and all technical details are ironed out, our team of skilled craftsmen will cut and polish the material to your customized specifications. After doing finalized quality checks, our expert installation crew will deliver the countertops to your location and assemble and install them in-place. As a final step, they will clean the countertops and apply a basic stain-resistant pore sealer. We offer a limited warranty on manufacturing flaws and repairs and are always available to answer questions or assist with further countertop work.
CEK Team
Cutting Edge Kitchens started as a small granite shop, and has since grown into a trusted source for full kitchen & bath remodels. We have a reputation for pushing the limits and attempting the absurd to achieve the impossible. We are a small, close-knit team, united in our objective to transform spaces and have fun while we do it!
Ben Kalkman
Owner
What brought you to CEK?
I’ve always had a passion and talent for building and remodeling and chose to make a career of it. I successfully ran a remodeling company through the recession of 2007/2008. Work was becoming more and more difficult to find but we were grateful for each project. Amidst a kitchen remodel we learned the granite fabricator we had grown accustomed to using was closing their doors. I saw this as an opportunity to buy a company, and hyper focus on being the best in the valley. It’s easy to sell a product when you truly know, and believe, that there is not a better product out there to serve the customer’s needs. We started out in an 800 sq. ft. shop and quickly outgrew it and have moved several times over the years until purchasing the property we now call home. I have always had a dream and vision of providing the best quality products and services while giving homeowners an experience that exceeds their expectations.
What do you like about working at CEK?
I love the team I get to work with and the culture we have built. We are much more than coworkers that are getting paid to do a job. The people here bring passion, new ideas, and solutions to often-impossible situations. We have each other’s back more as a family than coworkers. This translates into the type of work we do and the experience that out customers get to enjoy.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An adult. I didn’t necessarily know “what”, but I knew I couldn’t wait to be an adult and make my own decisions. I do recall wanting to have a job where I could wear scrubs to work due to their extreme comfort, or a suit because who doesn’t like dressing nice!
What activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
My family and kids are my driving force. I enjoy watching my daughter perform her passion, competitive dance. I enjoy coaching my sons Optimist Football team, and supporting him with every sport he gets into. I appreciate a sunny afternoon on the lake or ocean with my family, crabbing and fishing are some of my favorite ways to spend some down time.
What is your favorite stone/material?
I love marble and its unique characteristics and what most would consider “flaws”. It is truly a timeless stone and has been in use as far back as the 3rd century BC in Greece. It's look is often mimicked in other products, but nothing compares to real deal!!
Jeremiah Bush
Sales
What brought you to CEK?
An opportunity to change pace and embrace my creative side, while helping to make customers dreams a reality.
What do you like about working at CEK?
There is never a dull day when working with friends.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Architect
What activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
Hiking, paddle boarding, photography, wood working, and spending time with my wife and three wonderful kids.
What is your favorite stone/material?
Steel Grey Granite
Leanna Slothour
Sales
What brought you to CEK?
I was looking for a career change! I joined the team originally to be a receptionist but fell into sales and being a team player in all aspects right from the beginning.
What do you like about working at CEK?
I love the positive atmosphere, everyone is a team player! I really enjoy seeing the finished product once our work is complete and in our customers home. CEK is part of my family now and I love coming to work everyday!
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher.
What activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my son Kyle & husband Chris. We enjoy being outdoors and exploring different trails. I enjoy cooking and baking.
What is your favorite stone/material?
Quartzite is my favorite stone! I haven't seen one that I don't like, they are all so unique!
Anne Denham
Office Manager
Stephanie Mejia
Showroom Assistant
Austin Marsh
Programmer/Sawyer
What brought you to CEK?
An eagerness to learn a new trade.
What do you like about working at CEK?
The family like atmosphere!
Programmer/Sawyer
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A firefighter.
What activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
Spending time with my family and playing guitar.
What is your favorite stone/material?
Tiffany Quartzite.
Andy Johnson
Stone Medic
What brought you to CEK?
While coaching a local youth football team I became fast friends with the owners of CEK. Through that friendship, I was exposed to the challenge and beauty of working with stone. As my first career wound down towards retirement, they sent me to schools where I obtained my certifications and I have happily not looked back since! It is a great place to work with wonderful people.
Stone Medic
What do you like about working at CEK?
I like the combination of professional autonomy coupled with the amazing support of the staff at CEK. They want both our employees and our customers to have the best experience possible and work hard behind the scenes to make that happen.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A police officer and a soldier, luckily, I was able to do both. I also wanted to be a husband and father, which are what I take the most pride in and obtain the most joy through. I am that guy that has been able to have my childhood dreams come true
What activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I love to coach youth sports, wrestling, and football especially. I enjoy traveling and fishing, but I most enjoy having all my family and their families under the same roof for holidays or special occasions. It is then that I feel the happiest and blessed.
What is your favorite stone/material?
I love marble, but only if it is properly protected, otherwise granite and porcelain are neck and neck with each other.
Bobby Romagnano
Fabricator
Haiden Phomphackdy
Fabricator
Michael Schilling-Faust
Fabricator
Tony McClure
Installer
Austen Thomas
Installer
Don Doemner
Templater