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More Room to Vent
Best by Broan Hoods (pictured above) is an Italian-influenced, high-end range hood line that meshes form with function for practical purposes and eye-catching design in the kitchen. Broan-NuTone LLC, North America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of residential ventilation products, recently recognized Roth Distributing for its accomplishments with the line. Roth is a Lenexa-based company that offers high-end appliances, including Sub-Zero, Wolf, ASKO and Best, to the Kansas City area. Roth representatives received a crystal award designed by Italian artist Mario Cioni, representing the chic style of the Best line. With soaring popularity, the ventilation hoods have smooth lines, electronic controls, a heat sentry feature that adjusts blower speed, and internal and external blowers. www.rothdistributing.com or www.bestbybroan.com

Certifiably Green
As of March, Schutte Lumber Company in Kansas City, Mo., became more environmentally friendly, obtaining the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification from the Society Generale Surveillance (SGS). The certification means that products sold at Schutte Lumber come from companies that practice forestry consistent to FSC standards, which ensures forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way. Many green building programs across the country, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (LEED), are turning toward FSC-certified wood, as are numerous builders and remodelers. FSC-certified products found at Schutte Lumber include molding, siding, softwood, hardwood and plywood. The company’s 13- acre facility features 100,000 square feet of covered storage, a contractor showroom and an onsite mill for custom work. 816.753.6262 or www.schuttelumber.com

Floors Redone Fast
Rob Phillips was looking to spruce up his wood floors when he found Mr. Sandless and liked what he saw. But the company didn’t have a store location anywhere close. So Rob started a franchise that serves Topeka, Lawrence and the Kansas City area. Mr. Sandless has more than 50 franchises across the country and has refinished more than 10,000 floors in its nine-year existence. With a five-year warranty, Mr. Sandless deep cleans each floor with its own solution, a process that mimics sanding, then finishes it with fast-drying satin or high-gloss finish. “We arrive in the morning and are finished in the afternoon,” he says, “and the clients are putting their furniture back in place by nighttime.” It’s an affordable alternative to sanding, plus it’s odor- and dust-free. 913.894.6691 or www.mrsandless.com

Size Matters
According to owner Paul Whitaker, 60 percent of Granite Transformations’ new sales comes from referrals, which means business is booming and it was time for an expansion. Located at I-435 and Lackman Road, the new showroom is twice its original size, including a large kitchen with two center-top islands, cabinetry and kitchen appliances, the company’s signature diamond-polished Italian granite surfaces, and backsplash featuring Italian mosaic hand-blown tile, the company’s newest product. 913.492.7600 or www.granitetransformations.com

“Top” of the Line
An 8-year granite veteran, Guang Qiu has worked with granite countertops since he can remember. “Instead of playing basketball and baseball like other kids, I stayed in the shop and learned about   granite,” he says. Formerly from New York, his parents owned the granite company where Guang developed his expertise. Taking his talent on the road, Guang helped his family open their business, Granite Center Inc., in Lenexa, Kan., in March. The 3,000-square-foot showroom and 8,000-square-foot warehouse is down the street from Oak Park Mall and features numerous granite countertops. “We install, fabricate and direct import all of our granite from around the world,” Guang says. And it’s easy to see just how much he loves what he does. “Don’t look at fabricating as work, look at it as art, the way you cut, polish and care for granite — it’s quality that exceeds your expectations, not your budget,” he says. 913.492.3333 or www.granitecenterinc.com

Once KC, Now Northland Treasures
After spending 23 years in the historic River Market district, Darrell and Judee Porter, along with their two sons, Jeff and Cregg, recently moved the family-run business, Cheep Antiques, to the Northland. “Northtown has been absolutely hospitable to us, and we’re eager about   our customers up north,” Judee says, “but we still have a following from south of the river, and we’re very grateful for that.” A Northland resident for 47 years, Judee’s happy with the move. Although the building is smaller than the previous location, it’s on one level, making it easier and more convenient for employees and customers. The five air-conditioned showrooms come with a warehouse in the back and a complete repair and restoration department, which has been busier than usual since the onset of the green movement. Customers can find European and American antique furniture, accessories and other treasures. 816.471.0092

Setting the Pace
One of the first-ever healthy-concept homes, the KC Health Home, built by H&S Covenant Homes, has made quite a splash not only in Kansas City but around the country as well. Because of its energy efficiency, environmentally friendly products and reduction of indoor air pollutants, it grabbed the attention of Custom Home magazine, a business publication. One of only 14 custom builders to win a 2008 Pacesetter award from the magazine, H&S Covenant Homes received the award in the innovation category because of the KC Health Home. Other categories included marketing, business management, design, production management and community service. www.hscovenant.com or www.kchealthhome.com  

Stone Options, Precisely
Stone is hugely popular for many applications in Kansas City, and homeowners have a new place to find it. A four-year veteran in the stone industry, Brian Divelbiss started Precision Stoneworks LLC, offering a variety of countertop choices. “Many people are looking for alternatives to marble and granite tops,” he says. “I saw an opportunity to bring other creative options to them.” His company focuses on countertops, backsplashes, hood ranges, fireplace surrounds and tub decks. Brian installs Shirestone custom countertops, which he says is a popular item, along with Alkemi hard surfaces (LEED-certified) and granite fabrication. Adding credibility, he’s partnered with 28-year veteran Tom Lamping, a fourth-generation stone fabricator and owner of LTJ. Together, their quality and precision has them booked months in advance. 816.835.6139 or www.precisionstoneworkskc.com

Handbag Haven
Among numerous purses out there comes one of a different color — several, actually. Designer Cindy Lero launched her website, www.elitestreetbags.com, in January 2008 to promote her new creation. “It’s long been a dream of mine to use my sewing skills to create wearable art and share my creations with others,” she says. “I also have a love for fabric.” Combining her skills and passion, she came up with an inaugural line of 10 handbags, ranging from $95-$125, sporting white zebra stripes, embroidered silk, colorful earth tone circles, and Western and Cape Cod motifs. Each one comes fully equipped with a place for your keys, phone and cosmetics. Cindy also takes custom orders, allowing you to choose the fabric, handles and size you want, which makes   a great addition to your closet or a jaw-  dropping gift for a friend. Also find new spring and summer additions on her website, and visit her on July 17 at the Haute Market at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park for more selections. 913.710.9904

Local PLANET President Named
Jason Cupp, CLP, is not only president and CEO of Olathe-based Highland Outdoor, but as of March 2008, he’s also taken over as president of PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network. The   international association works with lawn care professionals, contractors and designers on bettering their business foundation to increase profitability. With more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates, membership benefits include access to marketing tools, updates on legislative issues, industry-specific publications and networking opportunities. Formerly serving as the president-elect since November 2006, Jason joins a team of board members that range clear across the country and Canada. www.highland-outdoor.com or www.landcarenetwork.org

A Birthday Celebration Long in the Making
The historic Elms Resort & Spa in Excelsior Springs, Mo., is celebrating its 120th birthday on July 4. Since 1888, the hotel has been a spa and resort destination, with a rich history that’s definitely worth sharing. The town and hotel, known as “America’s Haven of Health,” first came into the national spotlight in 1888 because of its supposedly healing mineral waters. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the hotel in 1898 and again in 1910, but in September 1912, another building, the current hotel, was up and running. In the 1930s, new ownership rescued the hotel from bankruptcy, and later welcomed celebrity guests like Al Capone, Jack Dempsey and Harry S Truman. The Elms closed its doors in 1970 only to reopen in 1981 with new ownership and an all-new spa renovation, including the European-style lap pool, jogging track and waterfall tub. A $16 million renovation in 1998 added   guestrooms, state-of-the-art conference facilities and a new spa. The 120th anniversary will feature a 4th of July celebration, 120th anniversary hotel package and a Missouri Wine Festival on July 5. It’s a hotel worth checking into. 816.629.2580 or www.elmsresort.com