In 1996, Ray and Karen Bialkowski purchased The Kittinger Furniture Company and the intellectual property. They re-established the company in the Tri Main building in downtown Buffalo, New York. Many of the original craftsmen were brought back as the company began production again.
Ray completed successful carpentry training at McKinley High School in Buffalo, and while attending College, he began working at Kittinger as an apprentice in the sanding department in 1979. He quickly advanced from apprentice to cabinetmaker and then master cabinetmaker and even into a leadership role in cabinet department. When Kittinger closed their doors, he started American Executive Furniture in 1995 with Kittinger craftsman, and eventually purchased The Kittinger Company. The “New Era of Kittinger “ began.
Karen, a graduate of Buffalo State University, with both a BA and MA, has completed many hours of certification to pursue her passion in interior decorating and design. She has branched off to develop The Kittinger Gallery, as a new concept locally to serve retail and to the trade clients.
Together, they both continue to grow Kittinger in the Buffalo area, the USA and abroad. Most recently, Kittinger relocated to their own building, new corporate headquarters and factory in Northern Buffalo.
The Kittinger family’s original philosophy remains the cornerstone of the company’s business today. The Kittinger Furniture Company still produces the world’s finest handcrafted furniture, using the same care, detailing and innovation for which it has been renowned throughout the century. We take great pride in the fact that we have served many customers again and again, including families across several generations. The Kittinger Company has also built custom furnishings for many of the finest offices in this county and throughout the world, including many Government offices at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue for more than two centuries. |
