Dylan Estabrooks was born in New
Hampshire and raised in northern Vermont.
Dylan is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying
skiing, mountain biking, camping and
gardening, though he also claims he can
build a replica of any kitchen out of
LEGO. Dylan is a graduate of the
University of Vermont and has spent his
career as a carpenter and woodworker
before joining Kennebec Company and
transitioning to the design team.

Karla Gagnon, a Montana native, has
lived in Maine for 40 years. She’s attended
the University of Montana and the
University of Maine Orono and has
worked in hotel and restaurant
management, call center and technical
support management, and retail
management. A resident of Bath,
Karla enjoys cooking and baking,
continuing a 40-year exploration of
Maine, and reading to her grandchildren.

Heather Krausse attended Endicott
College and College of the Atlantic,
graduating with a degree in Human
Ecology/Architecture. Having worked
as a landscaper and contractor and a
residential carpenter, Heather moved on
to apprentice under one of Frank Lloyd
Wright’s apprentices, James Schildroth,
and launched her own organic design firm
before joining Kennebec Company.
A New Jersey native, Heather enjoys
tennis, kayaking, camping and
dressage, among many other interests.

Kevin Owen was born in
Tacoma, Washington, but has
now lived in Maine for nearly
35 years. He’s a graduate of
Baker High School, is an
exceptional elder caretaker
and has worked commercial
fishing in Alaska.

Over his long career with
Kennebec Company, James rose
from cabinet maker to company owner
through hard work and an unsurpassed
dedication to craft. James’s ability to
help people with a common passion
work together, fuels a company culture
that aims to excite our craftspeople
as much as our kitchens elate
our homeowners.

A University of Maine Orono alum,
Eric Tirrell was born in New Hampshire
and has lived in Maine for 54 years.
Before joining Kennebec Company,
Eric worked as a builder, remodeler,
and creating cabinetry and finish
installation. Eric is a secret fly tier
and enjoys high school sports, night
sky photography, spending time
at camp and, of course, fly fishing.

David Bennett was born and raised in Portland, Maine, where he developed strong small-town values that have shaped his work ethic. With an associate degree in architecture from the University of Southern Maine and a background in engineering, David started his career as an architectural draftsman before transitioning into contracting and design. Eventually, he moved into cabinet making, preferring indoor work.
Now a resident of Topsham, David, along with his wife and their two dogs, finds joy in boating and restoring classic cars during his free time. His family includes two grown sons—a son and a stepson. David takes pride in his work at Kennebec Company, where the unique blend of custom and production work excites him most. Not many people know, but in his younger years, David often found himself in a suit and tie.

Fred Hatch was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, but raised in Maine, where he takes pride in being considered a true Mainer by those who know him. A lifelong learner, Fred started working at 14, bagging groceries. Over the years, his career has spanned lumberyards, boatyards, boat builders, and cabinet makers, leading him to the Kennebec Company. He enjoys being surrounded by knowledgeable people and learning from the best in the business.
Fred lives with his wife of 10 years and their chocolate lab, Odie, who is always looking for food. He also has two wonderful stepchildren, each with their own family. Fred enjoys playing golf and hiking outside of work, including a memorable trek up Mt. Katahdin with his stepson. In addition, Fred and his wife have been foster parents for the past four years.

Dylan Brown was born and raised in Centre County, Pennsylvania, where he learned the value of a strong work ethic early on. His woodworking journey began in 2020 with cabinetry, and he quickly fell in love with the craft. When searching for a new opportunity, Kennebec Company caught his eye with its inspired line of cabinetry and craftsmanship. Now, Dylan is excited to work alongside such talented team members, feeling driven and inspired to keep improving his skills.
Dylan is married to his best friend and the most wonderful woman he’s ever known. They’ve been together since 2011 and married since 2017, and they have two children—a son born in 2013 and a daughter born in 2022. The family enjoys weekly movie nights, beach outings in the summer, and pumpkin carving in the fall. Their black cat, Binx, completes their household.
In his free time, Dylan enjoys fishing with his son, watching woodworking videos for inspiration, and occasionally playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends. He is also deeply interested in history, folklore, and world religions. Still, he finds time to write poetry when inspiration strikes.

I was born and raised on farmland in Maine where I learned that you get what you give. My extended family owned a sawmill which helped to develop my childhood woodworking hobby into a career in manufacturing that has lasted over 25 years. My wife and I have 3 wonderful boys. We love sliding in the winter, swimming in the summer, and hiking anytime. My family is as excited as I am to have joined this respectful and talented team building a product that so many adore.

Kristen LaValle, born and raised in Yarmouth, Maine, draws inspiration from the colors of the Maine coast and the traditional New England architecture that shapes her thoughtful designs. With a background in Studio Art from Hartwick College and Interior Architecture & Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Kristen has worked in interior design since 2006. She has run her own firm for the past two years. Kristen enjoys skiing with her husband and two daughters, watercolor painting, and exploring Maine. Fun fact: she lived in Lake Tahoe for 12 years as a ski coach and designer.