S&W's rich history began with our founder, Joe Steenbeke Sr. Joe was a NYC police officer with a passion for carpentry spending his off days working the saw and hammer. After an early retirement from the force due to health reasons, Joe moved to New Hampshire to join the family business, Steenbeke and Sons. There, he took the helm of the cabinet design sales business for many years.
A new chapter unfolded when Joe, his wife Peggy, and longtime friend, Roger Whitcher, set their sights on Florida to start S&W Kitchens. The Steenbeke children gradually migrated south to lend a hand in building the family business.
Our first showroom was located in Casselberry, Fl on 436 and 17-92. In 1985, we moved to the current Longwood showroom location and partnered with Ed Milcarsky, who did the appliance side. At that time, Seminole and Orange county were growing so fast. Builders were throwing whole neighborhoods up like Alaqua and Heathrow. It was an amazing time to operate a remodeling business in Central Florida!
From L to R: Joe Sr. (red shirt) and an employee in front of our very first showroom in Casselberry in 1977. The Steenbeke family in front of the current Longwood showroom in 1985.
A Testament to Our Legacy: A Customer from 1979
We love seeing the lasting impact of the early days. Our team went out to a customer's house for an estimate on a cabinet refacing. When we removed the countertops, we discovered the original cabinet shipping label dated March 27, 1979, the exact date S&W installed them. The current refacing customer was looking for a fresh new look, but was comfortable with the cabinet boxes, drawers, and interiors which were as strong as the day we installed them. The cabinet brand Quakermaid, was our flagship brand 30 years ago and we were proud to discover that 30 years after installation the kitchen was still in fine shape.It is a perfect example of our reputation for trust and durability. Whether we are executing a high-end luxury overhaul, a traditional update, or a mid-level cabinet refacing, our commitment to lasting quality remains exactly the same today.
Original Quakermaid shipping label dated March 27, 1979
Family-Owned Pillar in Local Remodeling
Over the years, S&W has remained a constant pillar in the local remodeling industry. We've expanded our footprint with seven showrooms across Central Florida and Tampa and employ a team of over 150 people in the community.
Being a family-owned local business is a badge of honor for us, and we're proud to bring over four decades of expertise to the table. Whether it's customer service, design, or building services, we're committed to delivering the best to our customers.
Whatever your reasons for remodeling, know that you’ll be in good hands with this long-standing, local, family-owned business who will work with you and for you to make your home remodeling dreams a reality!
The Steenbeke family today from left to right:
Lewis Triacca, Jeanette Steenbeke Triacca, Joe Steenbeke Jr. and Brian Cummings