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GLENVIEW, IL — It has been four years in the making, but Alex and Renata Gherghiceanu have fnally made their dream come true: Their family-owned business opened its frst showroom earlier this year, with a focus on supporting local suppliers. The owners of Glenbrook Remodeling held their showroom grand opening on January 14, 2016, hoping to bring in not only potential customers, but also the local community. Several years ago, the Glenview residents de- cided to open a showroom in order to display their capabilities as contractors. At a time when small businesses are increasingly using the Internet to exhibit their work instead of opening costly show- rooms, this family-owned and operated company has turned this project into a labor of love. "The two brothers, Alex and Mike [a partner in the business] – with the help of their crew – put the showroom together, from hand-scrap- ing the foor to designing and installing the freplace, creating a custom-made mudroom display from reclaimed lumber, installing cab- inetry, etc.," says Renata. "They had visions of creating a showroom that is inviting and cozy, where customers can see several displays and make their selection but not feel overwhelmed." In fact, the partners say the company's pri- mary concern is for the customers' comfort and ease, whether that be fnancially or physically. "Our main goal is to ofer afordable quality. We are taking away the middle man by being the contractor," says Alex. KEEPING IT LOCAL Located on a busy corner in the northern Chicago suburb, the 2,300-sq.-ft. space is all about giving back to the local community. On display are products from local suppliers from surrounding Chicagoland suburbs that Glenbrook Remodeling uses on a regular basis. "By having local sup- pliers, it makes it easier to deal with unforeseen is- sues. We can serve custom- ers better and provide more reliability," states Alex. He continues: "Be local, shop local; we want our customers to be happy and have a great product." Some of the local suppliers they use in- clude the Lockport, IL-based Arbor Mills [for custom cabinets]; a semi-custom cabinet house brand, Orchard Hill Cabinets in Chicago; J&K; Cabinetry Inc. in Elk Grove Village, IL for stock cabinets; UGM Granite & Marble in Chicago; the Niles, IL-location of HanStone quartz from Hanwha, and The Tile Shop in Skokie, IL. Other products carried include those from Top Knobs, Atlas Homewares and Grohe. The company's primary clients are home- owners on the North Shore of Chicago, as well as contractors and designers. Glenbrook Remodeling ofers full interior remodeling. In addition to Alex, a licensed general contractor and carpenter, and Renata, who works part-time overseeing A&M;, PR and bookkeeping, there is a staf of three as well as the construction crew. The staf is comprised of Family-Owned Showroom Keeps it Local BY ASHLEY LAPIN OLIAN A Chicagoland remodeling frm celebrates the grand opening of its frst showroom with a focus on local suppliers and afordable quality. This bathroom vignette has a semi-custom vanity with a Hampton Carrara marble countertop, Carrara marble foor and wall tile, and a freestanding tub. This modern concept kitchen vignette in the showroom features glass tiles in the backsplash, a Grohe faucet and a Bosch electric cooktop and cofee maker. Photos: Peter Bradica 30 Kitchen & Bath Design News • March 2016 OPENINGS Quality ~ Style ~ Performance 7 Year, In-Home Warranty—Best in the Industry! 800.851.4192 ~ www.imperialhoods.com American Made Since 1961 Custom Duct Covers; Made to Order 600-1300 CFMs LED or Halogen Custom Sizes Circle No. 19 on Product Card