KBB

KBB

News: 

Celebrating Clarke’s 30th Anniversary

April 22, 2021

Clarke’s 30th anniversary is this month, marking 30 years as New England’s official Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove Showroom and Test Kitchen. In 1991, Tom Clarke leveraged his extensive knowledge of cabinetry and close relationships in the kitchen industry to create a distribution business like Sub-Zero and other kitchen manufacturers had never seen before. Now with three award-winning showrooms (Boston Seaport, Milford, MA and South Norwalk, CT), Clarke continues to be on the cutting edge of kitchen design. In 2000, Tom’s son Sean joined the business and, after working in every department, became president of the company in 2015. Together Tom and Sean have revolutionized the way kitchen appliances were considered in New England and Clarke has actually led every appliance distributor in the country with new, innovative concepts. In 1999, Tom won the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 2017, Sean followed in his father’s footsteps being named one of the “Top 50 Innovators” in the kitchen and bath industry by Kitchen & Bath Business. Shortly after that, Tom was distinguished by the design industry with the “New England Design Hall of Fame Award” recognizing his pioneering achievements. Tom’s first employee, Nancy DiCicco, helped Tom launch his first cabinet business almost 50 years ago and is still a key member of the Clarke staff today.

The experience that Clarke pioneered –their showrooms are dedicated solely to educating architects, designers and homeowners about the latest in kitchen appliance technology without any pressure to purchase – is still their hallmark. Nothing is sold at Clarke; their products are sold through an exclusive network of independent retail dealers throughout New England. Clarke welcomes visitors to tour their showrooms before, during and after their project is completed. In fact, their monthly product demos, offered by Clarke’s professional chefs, help homeowners learn about which appliances to purchase to fit their lifestyle and then offer valuable cooking tips for those who already own Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

After 30 years, Clarke is still innovating. During the past year, Clarke added “Ask the Chef,” a dedicated online appointment service, where Sub-Zero and Wolf owners can book time to speak with a Clarke chef via Zoom, Facetime or by phone about recipes, appliance care and use questions or any other culinary concerns they may have. Sean Clarke likes to say, “When you buy Sub-Zero, Wolf or Cove products in New England, your appliances come with a professional chef.” This is the kind of service and innovation that has earned the Clarke family a reputation of excellence and allowed them to build a successful business.