Our homes are good examples of this fact, and our kitchens are model representations of how much has changed over the years. Gone are the days when the housewife in her perfectly starched dress disappeared into the kitchen to later magically emerge with perfectly cooked meals. OK, so that was never reality, more like TV Land, but you get my point. With some of the greatest chefs being men, the home kitchen is no longer viewed as a testosterone-free zone. In fact, the kitchen has become a gathering place for couples, families and their guests. Floor plans have opened up so that instead of the kitchen being a tiny, hidden space in the home, its design invites traffic flow and company. House parties, more often than not, now include the kitchen, enabling hosts to mingle while torching the Crème Brulee or dressing the salad.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) understands the enormity of a kitchen remodel. Their conclusions are based on extensive market research (by Oregon-based CNW Research) that draw from more than 3 million home improvement projects and include over 1 million respondents. The study concludes that the remodeling of kitchens “consumes more attention, energy, finances and complex decision-making” over any other project – short of building a new house.

Enter Marty Hall and Mike Williams of Builders Source, Inc. These two Albuquerque natives have combined their years of industry experience to create a unique business that has flourished from one employee in 1993 to approximately 65 and counting. Marty, whose father was in the appliance industry, is very proud of his roots. “Both Mike and I love New Mexico,” says Marty. “We’re not transplanted from New York or Chicago,” he goes on. “We are natives, we love the environment and the architecture and we are familiar with the regional trends.” Though there are many keys to the success of their business, one thing they stress is the importance of a qualified staff. In fact, many of the employees have 20 plus years of experience in the appliance industry.

Because of their growth and the demand for their expertise, Marty and Mike have now opened a second location in Las Cruces. With the help of area interior designer, Connie Hines, they have been able to create a flowing series of showrooms that demonstrate just how state-of-the-art their industry has become. Each showroom features the appliances of a different manufacturer and custom cabinetry from one of the region’s leading kitchen cabinetmakers. Instead of trying to visualize how a certain appliance might work into your building or remodeling plans, via Builders Source, you can now see it beforehand…and even make changes if you see a need or have the desire.

And, in keeping with what brought them their success in Albuquerque, they have applied the same concepts to the Las Cruces location. Of Sales Manager, Dan Salas, Marty says, “I met him over 19 years ago. All of our employees are highly qualified.” He explains that their business goes beyond simple product knowledge. “Everything we do is focused around a relationship with our customer. We want to maintain local flavor and personalized attention and follow that through all the way to installation. It’s important for us to make sure everything is right.”

In the end, this company is not just about where you can find top of the line appliances or even a place to help conceptualize your dream kitchen – though it is both. It’s about people, community, relationships and industry. It’s the perfect marriage of the down-home philosophies of the old “Mom and Pop” stores and the innovation of big business.

1. Appliances from the GE Monogram collection and cabinets by W. Kowalski.

2. Wolf Sub-Zero appliances set in cabinetry from Wolf Sub-Zero Living Kitchens.

3. The entryway to Builders Source whisks you into a magical kingdom of kitchen appliances, set in cabinetry and adorned with accessories from area designers, suppliers and manufacturers.

4. Wolf Sub-Zero appliances are shown in cabinets from Mark Kowalski, Signature Design Group.

5. GE refrigerator and Bosch Built-in Coffee Maker were installed in Habersham cabinetry from The Studio Design Center.

6. KitchenAid appliances are surrounded by cabinets from Kitchen Kraft.

7. Whirlpool appliances are highlighted by Kitchen Kraft cabinetry.

8. Asko washer and dryer units are enclosed in a cabinet from Kristie’s Kitchens. The faux finish on the door was applied by Janice Hartog with general direction from Connie Hines.

9. Wolf Sub-Zero grill and warmer are shown in cabinetry by Wolf Sub-Zero Living Kitchens.

10. GE Café series appliances are mounted with cabinetry from Sher-Wood Fine Wood Designs.