Designer I at Ckf, Co. in Des Moines, IA | Kablio

Designer I at Ckf, Co. in Des Moines, IA | Kablio

Company

Overview

Founded 1923

Year Established

CKF was established as a wholesale building materials supplier.

1954 Expansion

Midwest Expansion

Expanded operations into Iowa, broadening its regional presence.

1986 Ownership Change

New Era Begins

Changed ownership and diversified its product offerings beyond lumber.

Employee-Owned 2019

Employee Stock Ownership

Became fully employee-owned through an ESOP program.

Transformed alongside evolving kitchen trends.
Diversified its product range beyond lumber.
Entered countertop fabrication in 2000, initially with Corian, then stone by 2003, growing into a premier Midwest fabrication facility.
Rebranded to CKF in 2015.
Now operates multiple Midwest showrooms and fabrication shops, supplying homeowners, builders, contractors, dealers, and remodelers.
Specializes in custom cabinetry, stone and solid-surface countertops, and closet design.
Typical projects include residential kitchen remodels, commercial builder partnerships, and fabrication of specialized countertop surfaces.
Unique for its century‑long evolution from lumber wholesale to a design‑focused, employee‑owned regional leader in kitchen and countertop solutions.

Culture + Values

Adaptive: ability to experiment, innovate, and adapt to cultural norms in response to constantly shifting circumstances.
Committed: fully committed to working together with all stakeholders in a positive and constructive manner to fulfill promises and achieve exceptional outcomes.
Better Planet: growing through sustainable practices, innovative products and materials that reduce environmental impact.
Better Business: creating value for stakeholders through productivity, continuous improvement and superior performance.
Better Community: conducting business in a safe, socially responsible manner with integrity and respect for the individual and the community.

Environment + Sustainability

60% GHG Reduction

GHG Emissions Per Tonne

Achieved a 52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of production since 2012, with a target of 60% by 2025.

40% GHG Efficiency

GHG Emissions Per Shipment

Aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of product shipped by 40% since 2012.

170% Waste Diversion

Waste Diversion Increase

Increased waste diversion by 170% between 2014 and 2022, with a target of 50% by 2025.

100% Packaging Goal

Recyclable Packaging

Aiming for all packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2025; 58% compliant in 2015, with moulded pulp packaging already at 100%.

Operate dams providing low-carbon hydroelectric power supporting operations and local grid.
Received Health & Safety awards including Fantastic Four Risk Control Leader (2021, 2023), Soaring Eagle Leadership Award (2023), and COR certificate (2023).

Inclusion & Diversity

No publicly disclosed DEI strategy, goals or gender-related statistics available.

Articles