Executives to Know: Zach Nolte, Director of Operations at Kitchen Solvers

The La Cross, Wis., native and Kitchen Solvers director of operations was always fascinated by businesses and how to grow them, but the application of that interest was always a little vague. That is, until Kitchen Solvers president Gerry Henley created the perfect opportunity for Nolte.

Nolte learned about Kitchen Solvers after his father bought the company in 2010 with his business partner after scouring the cabinetry industry for the perfect venture. His father was a longtime friend of Kitchen Solvers president Gerry Henley and the two bonded over their desire to make kitchen remodeling a stress-free—and, dare say it, enjoyable—experience for customers.

Just as his father was signing on the dotted line to acquire Kitchen Solvers, Nolte began reevaluating his own professional path. After graduating from the University of Minnesota at Duluth with a degree in organizational management, Nolte began working for Matthew Incorporated—the number one bow manufacturing company in the world—for nearly three years.

What Nolte was seeking was a “more fulfilling” professional pursuit. He’d accrued plenty of experience on the operations side of things, but what Nolte craved was interpersonal interaction. In March of 2014, director of operations at Kitchen Solvers fit the bill perfectly.

“I wanted to make sure that I was working for a company that stands by quality, is ethical and holds itself accountable to higher standards,” Nolte said. “Kitchen Solvers does just that. I’m passionate about the product, I love meeting our customers and it fits my background. It encompasses everything I wanted in a job.”

As director of operations at America's premier kitchen remodeling franchise, Nolte oversees the brand’s overall quality control and franchise program. With over 40,000 kitchens remodeled and a brand culture that exudes a commitment to quality and appreciation for customers, Nolte has his hands full—and he couldn’t be happier.

“I think that, for anyone who has remodeled their homes, it’s known that it’s a big hassle to coordinate,” Nolte said. “Kitchen Solvers lives and breathes by the pleasant remodeling experience. Our contractors are presentable, friendly and transparent with our customers. We strive to make it a memorable experience in the best way possible.”

By coaching, training and on-boarding new franchisees regularly, Nolte appreciates the interaction and satisfaction that his job offers. Working to foster a passion for quality workmanship and transparency in the home renovation industry, there is no shortage on the possibilities of Nolte’s position.

There’s much less vagueness in Nolte’s professional life these days, and he plans on keeping it that way. His path from today to tomorrow, and the foreseeable years ahead of him are fairly linear—and that path leads to big plans for Kitchen Solvers.

“I want to see this company grow bigger than ever,” Nolte said. “I want to take the franchise program into new directions and become more of a big-picture operation.”