Our company is mainly family operated and was founded by Radu Soos in 2008. "After immigrating from Romania and having worked for six years as a customer service associate at a large commercial cabinet manufacturing company in Coquitlam, BC, I went to school to be certified as a Project Manager after which I decided to try my luck at having my own business". So, Radu quit his job and cleaned up the garage to make space for his new business: SOFO Kitchens, Ltd., which produces high-end residential custom cabinetry and millwork. “I remember spending countless hours in the garage, having dinner with my wife on top of plans and cabinet boxes.”Soon word got out about the quality of his work and the orders started pouring in. Before long, Radu rented his first commercial space. Monika, who worked at the University of British Columbia, helped out with bookkeeping and marketing. Only a year later, SOFO Kitchens was bursting at the seams and so moved into a larger workspace. At that time, Monika joined the team full time. Today, SOFO still relies almost exclusively on referrals for its business, “even though we have a strong online presence ,we don't really advertise” says Monika.SOFO Kitchens is now in at its fourth location, a 12,000-square-foot facility with 1,000 square feet of showroom space, where Radu hopes to stay for at least the duration of their lease. The main reason for our impressive growth is our talented team and the commitment to having the best in technology. Most of our people have been with the company since the beginning, and they bring decades of skill and craftsmanship to the table, “Everybody is like family; we spend birthdays together, go on cottage get-aways; we’re there for each other.”
Business-partners or lovebirds?
Monika was recently promoted to "CFO" (Chief Fun Officer). Her background is in the medical industry; having been on the Health and Safety and Ergonomics Committee at the University of British Columbia and at the BC Cancer Research Centre she is an invaluable link to the safety of our company.
And on her time off she also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Cabinetmakers Association.
Flavius, our operations manager comes with over 20 years of experience in management, he ran the textile department of a Lacoste factory in Europe for 13 years after which he switched over to woodworking.
Gabriel Doftoreanu, our Director of Manufacturing Operations, brings with him over 15 years of hands on experience in management. His background is Civil, Industrial and Farming Engineering. After immigrating in Canada in 2005 he started working for a granite countertop company, where he advanced as a production supervisor in one year. After 5 years in granite business, he started to develop a love for woodworking. He moved to PREPAC, a successful North America RTA ( Ready-To-Assemble) home furniture, as a supervisor where he become a production manager
Matt our shop foreman, a trained master craftsman from Germany. He has been in the cabinetry industry since he was a kid.
Anja, who transitioned from cabinetmaker to finishing assistant, and is currently in the role of the Design Drafter while also handling project management responsibilities, graduated from the BCIT Project Management program. Her prior experience in the tourism industry, coupled with a profound affinity for nature, enriches her personable and engaging approach in interactions.
Davie
With a UBC wood engineering degree and a decade in the industry, he passionately integrates engineering into wood trades, optimizing processes and balancing tradition with innovation. As a seasoned Process Engineer, he contributes to the ongoing evolution of the wood industry.
Patrice, Service Manager. Although we won't give away his age, it is safe to say that his cabinetry installation experience started when he was a kid
Everyone that has had anything picked up or delivered from us met Francis. He was Radu's dad.He was with us since the beginning. Sadly he passed away March 15,2020. He will be missed and forever in our hearts
Iacob, custom cabinet maker, with over 25 years of experience in custom wood working. He can literally build anything. He loves nothing more than a good challenge and is always up to the task.
Sandu our sander. Quality Control technician with his infinite wisdom just retired but still visits at least once a month
Nicu , cabinetmaker, trained woodworking machinist in Athens Greece. Very hard worker, super energetic and takes pride in coming to work every day .
Mario joined us in 2017 as cabinetmaker. He is always eager to learn new things and impresses everyone with his strive towards continuous improvement.
Ajmer recently immigrated from India where he studied CNC technology
Andrea. Former hair stylist She is now studying Wood Finishing at UBC
Jesus D. Baquilod Jr., hailing from Eastern Samar, Philippines,
brings six years of dedicated service as a Carpenter
Lucas. Installer in training
Luci, Monika'a mom works as QA in the finishing department - nothing gets past her !
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So here we are, having been in business since 2008 and with no signs of slowing down , we have a long list of satisfied clients, in fact we can safely say: we work 99% on referrals , and it's all due to our simple philosophy: " Take care of the client and the money will take care of itself! "