Winner: 10 or Fewer Employees: Kitchens by Kerrie

Kerrie Lehnert makes a mean “homeless stew” — a concoction she developed from her grandmother’s recipe and began serving to the homeless on the streets of San Francisco years ago. Her partner, Robert Dinan, is known for his German and Polish recipes such as sauerbraten and dumplings. So, it’s no surprise that this couple has found success in the kitchen. But, although they cook for fun, their recipe for success is Kitchens by Kerrie, a kitchen-design company that also collaborates on a variety of design and remodeling projects.

The company started in 2004 with Lehnert, who worked out of her home in the early years before opening a studio. Dinan joined her in the business approximately four years ago. And, earlier this year, they opened a studio and showroom on Longboat Key. Both Dinan and Lehnert say they’re working toward their goal of becoming a top resource for homeowners and contractors on Longboat Key and in Sarasota.

And, already, their entrepreneurial spirit is rubbing off: Their son, Henry, 4, has made some extra cash by clipping the flowers outside of the Longboat studio and selling them.

Bottom line
Kitchens by Kerrie

Location: 5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 996 LaGuna, Venice

Start date: 2004

Number of employees when started: “Just me working out of my house and car,” said owner Kerrie Lehnert.

Number of employees today: Five

First job ever: Robert Dinan worked for a boat-washing business; Lehnert performed in Magic Johnson’s AIDS Theatre Project.

Something you wish you knew when you started: “I wish I would have learned to delegate sooner,” Lehnert said. “I would have done more research and found more qualified people in the field,” Dinan said.

Typical day on the job: Lehnert is up by 6 a.m. checking email and getting their son, Henry, ready for school before a day of drafting, designing and research. Dinan is constantly making contact with people who have recently bought homes in the area, along with Realtors, contractors and other industry professionals. Both Lehnert and Dinan also attend any networking event they can.

Favorite way to spend a day off: Fishing on their boat

Business idol: “Thomas Edison and my dad,” Lehnert said. “My dad told me never to punch somebody else’s time clock and to find a niche that nobody else wants to do and be the best at it. And Thomas Edison, because he said there’s always a better way to do something. Find it.” Dinan’s heroes are authors/coaches Anthony “Tony” Robbins and Mark Victor Hansen, “both for their success and that they share their success unselfishly with others,” he said.

Biggest challenge: “Trying to inform everyone that we do more than just kitchens,” Lehnert said. “We can be involved with something as simple as a bedroom to a total new construction or remodeling.”

Where do you see your business in five years? “We want to see the Longboat Key Design Center of Kitchens by Kerrie be the No. 1 design center and the No. 1 resource for homeowners and contractors for Longboat Key and Sarasota,” Dinan said.