Meet Our West Palm Beach Team
In February, we unveiled our new, state-of-the-art showroom in West Palm Beach, Florida. This marks the sixth dedicated space for the Bakes & Kropp brand, further solidifying and expanding our national presence. With a new space comes new team members, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Senior Designer Russell DeBose, a seasoned industry professional intimately familiar with the South Florida clientele, and Senior Designer Amanda Napier, who is excited and ready to help clients make their visions a reality. Read on to learn more about our newest team members, and feel free to call 888-206-0015 to speak with them today!
Tell us about your backgrounds.
Russell Debose (RD): I was architecturally trained in Chicago, working on everything from historic preservation to movie set design. I began working more specifically in cabinetry in 1993, opening showrooms in the Chicagoland area before moving to Florida in 1999 to run the southeast for a couple of higher-end brands, then designing on my own for some years before joining the Bakes & Kropp team.
Amanda Napier (AN): I earned a degree in interior design in 2000 and found my niche in cabinetry right out of the gate. Prior to moving to Florida in 2020, I worked for a few custom cabinetry companies in Kentucky. I ended up working remotely with the Kentucky company until finding Bakes & Kropp in January 2023.
(From left) Head of Design Bob Bakes, Director of Marketing Joyce Malavé, Senior Designer Amanda Napier, and Senior Designer Russell Debose
What drew you to Bakes & Kropp?
RD: Initially, the styling and presentation of the product and after speaking with the team, the company’s vision and my experiences matched.
AN: The cohesive, beautiful designs are visually stunning, and I admired how effortlessly they blend materials. What truly sold me is the sheer craftsmanship that goes into a Bakes & Kropp design; it is above and beyond impressive.
What do you like most about your job?
RD: The “season” we are in. A nationally recognized and admired brand with a clear vision for growth.
AN: I love helping people create a space that truly reflects their personal style while giving them a space that functions well for their family and lifestyle.
Tell us about your favorite experience in the showroom so far.
RD: My favorite experience certainly includes the grand opening but also being a part of the entire process to get us here. It’s been a remarkable and rewarding experience.
AN: I would echo Russell and say our grand opening in February was certainly memorable! There was a palpable excitement from the whole Bakes & Kropp team and their families. We all came together and worked so diligently to make it an incredible night. It’s great to be a part of a team that works together so well toward a common goal.
What’s your favorite part of the showroom? (Specific vignette, seating area, etc.)
RD: The sense of “excited calm” the space projects.
AN: It’s SO hard to choose just one because I love it all, but I do love our Soft Modern kitchen. It just exudes a beachy Florida vibe to me. The warmth that the rift-cut oak accents add makes it a more approachable take on a contemporary look.
What do you like most about the West Palm Beach community?
RD: The clientele. It is always more fun working on projects where our level of design and product is not simply appreciated but expected.
AN: There’s always something to do here. I love being outdoors—the weather, culture, and food here are top-notch. Everyone has been quite welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know new clients and helping them realize their dream kitchens.
What can people expect from their experience at Bakes & Kropp’s West Palm Beach location?
AN: People will see that we take a refined approach in leading them through a very streamlined process to creating a space they will truly love being in daily.
RD: I agree. We offer a refined yet comfortable atmosphere and experience.
What’s your kitchen design must-have?
RD: The perfect balance of form and function. The “structure” has to offer a space that is an environment as thoughtful and pleasureful to work in as the “skin” is to admire when the day is done.
AN: I have a few I always present as they can make life so much easier! A double pull-out wastebasket, drawer inserts (silverware, cooking utensils, knives, and frequently used spices), cookie sheet dividers, and at least one pot and pan drawer.
