At Cabinet Depot, we believe that the people on our team are the most important part of our business.

Brendan Wilkes
President, Owner and Designer

Brendan Wilkes is the team leader here at Cabinet Depot. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he truly enjoys helping customers that come in with unusual requests. You will often find Brendan in the showroom working alongside the designers solving the unique challenges that come along with making old spaces new.

Years in the business: “I’ve been working at Cabinet Depot for many years. I started designing kitchens in 1998 and then purchased the company in 2013”

Past jobs: “I’ve had quite a few jobs over the years, including fish fillet-er, tire changer, pizza dude and waiter. I also worked as a home inspector, so I am very familiar with construction techniques and know the right way to tackle complicated remodeling projects.”

What’s your favorite thing about Cabinet Depot? “Over the last decade, my wife Mandy and I have been able to assemble a fantastic team of people that care. I would put my team up against any team, for any challenge, up to and including a 3 legged sack race.”

How do your co-workers describe you? “Dedicated, funny, a leader and almost a nutty professor.”

What are your favorite current trends in cabinet design?  “I have always enjoyed a European or modern look, with some old world accents thrown in. The European style, or full access cabinetry, is finally making its way to the Gulf Coast. Although we’ve had it available for years, customers are just beginning to ask for it. We’ve had quite a few customers ask us to incorporate repurposed wood and antique furniture into our designs lately as well.”

What’s the most unusual job you’ve been asked to design? “Custom cabinets for an Airstream RV. It was a real challenge fitting everything they needed into that tight space. The most notable unique space I have designed cabinets for is the UFO house on Pensacola Beach. ”

What’s your favorite food? “Anything you can order as a variety and share. So… Tapas”

Favorite color? “Hunter Green”

What hobbies do you enjoy in your off time? “Fishing. My favorite fishing trip isn’t actually for fish. Once a year around Labor Day we go to Port St. Joe to scallop. If you have never been scalloping, I highly recommend it. ”

We hope that you will stop in to our showroom at 4109 N. Davis Highway in Pensacola and say
hello to Brendan and the whole Cabinet Depot team.

Favorite Quote:  “You will find whatever it is you are looking for.  Look for something good.” – Unknown

Cats or Dogs? Both!  I have a sweet pup named Flint. You can find him here “working” some times.  I also have a cat named Kettle who is the bravest animal I know.  She is savage.

Favorite Food? I am obsessed with Thai food!  But I literally love all food, with the exception of turtle. And I don’t care if you tell me I didn’t have it cooked right. It is disgusting!

Favorite thing about Pensacola?  Easy access to salt water and fishing!

What is the most inspiring part of your job?  The most inspiring part of my job is working with a team of folks who are not only extremely hardworking, creative and talented, but also really enjoy helping people.  They inspire me to be a better person every day.

When I am not killing it at work, I enjoy…?  Spending time with family and friends, fishing, camping, thrifting.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?  Integrity, kindness, and helpfulness are everything around here.  A sense of humor is a must!

Favorite Quote: “Don’t Give Up, Don’t Ever Give Up”-Jim Valvano

Favorite thing about Pensacola? It’s a great home base. It’s close to major cities, sport complex’s, & concert venues. The beaches and weather make it a great place to live, as well.

What is the most inspiring part of your job?  My co-workers are like family and the customers fuel our creativity by supplying their own which makes what we do that much more enjoyable.

What is something that homeowners have to deal with in our industry that you want to fix? I feel that some businesses over promise and under deliver leaving some bitterness/disappointment within the relationship. I enjoy flipping the switch by providing a customer with overwhelming service while going above and beyond without expectation.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? We take our work seriously, not ourselves, so being able to roll with the punches and go with the flow is a vital piece of how we operate.

Fun fact people may not know about me…? Prior to accepting the position with Cabinet Depot as a Kitchen & Bath Designer, I spent 15 years in the hospitality industry working at a Country Club, in Pensacola, booking and running special events such as weddings, birthday parties, proms, reunions, etc. The experience within hospitality has helped me be successful with communication skills and building positive relationships.

Favorite Quote: If you run into a wall, don’t give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.

Favorite thing about Pensacola? The sugar-white sand, and the emerald-green waters. Also love the downtown area

What is the most inspiring part of your job? To collaborate with clients to bring their new kitchen, or bath to life.

What is something that homeowners deal with in our industry that you want to fix? Workflow.  I will always work to design, and give the client the best workflow for their specific needs. To educate, and the explanation of sometimes the understanding of pricing in kitchen, and bath products.

What is something that you wish our community knew about our company? Small family owned business that takes pride in customer, & employee relations, and offering high quality  US-made products.

When I am not being a rockstar at work, I enjoy…? My hobbies when away from the workplace is spending time with family that includes shore fishing, walking and spending time with our 2 dogs, cooking together, and watching college basketball.

What advice would you give someone who wants to join our team of superstars? Small family owned business that takes great pride in customer satisfaction. Very dedicated in training, and having an atmosphere for the success of the employee.

Fun fact people may not know about me? I really like being a part of the community. I grew up in the suburb of Richmond Va., and lived there for most of my life. I always have had the mindset of if one cares about the success of the  community they have to be part of it. I volunteered for years teaching  a carpentry class at a jobcorp program in Richmond Va. I learned a great deal about what I could learn from others while also sharing my knowledge.  I also enjoyed volunteering to projects for Homes for Heroes, and Wounded Warrior projects. I hope to dedicate my time to the great community of Pensacola soon.

Favorite Quote:  “The life of the individual has meaning only insofar as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful. Life is sacred, that is to say, it is the supreme value, to which all other values are subordinate.” – Albert Einstein

Favorite Food? All of it

Favorite thing about Pensacola? Being only 48 minutes from the Gulf, and the small town feel in a “big city”.

What I enjoy most about working at Cabinet Depot is…? I love meeting new people and fixing their problems.

What is something that homeowners have to deal with in our industry that you want to fix?  Seeing their dreams through to completion

When I am not killing it at work, I enjoy…?  Spending time with my son.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?  Be prepared to have an awesome family, but at the same time work your butt off for it.

Fun fact people may not know about me…?  I love to travel and experience new cultures.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...  at Scenic 90 Diner having mullet and cheese grits or cooking on my own.

When I am not working, I am happiest doing….? Hanging out with my coworkers, friends, and son.

My personal motto is? If you need a tool and you don’t have it, then you are already paying for it.

Favorite Quote: “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” Stephen Covey

Favorite thing about Pensacola? The Blue Angels fly right over my backyard every Sunday evening!

What is the most inspiring part of your job? Being surrounded by a team of genuine people who wake up every day excited to help transform
people’s homes.

What is something that homeowners deal with in our industry that you want to fix? It’s easy to imagine your dream home, but it can be daunting to understand the process it takes to get there. My goal is for a job to be complete and the customer says “That was way easier than I thought it would be”. I love keeping all the behind the scenes details organized and on track so our team can ensure an enjoyable experience for our customers.

What is something that you wish our community knew about our company? Everyone here truly shares the goal of prioritizing the customer’s experience.

When I am not being a rockstar at work, I enjoy…? Spending time with my son, gardening, baking, cooking or writing music.

What advice would you give someone who wants to join our team of superstars? Be ready to share some of the best meals ever with our team. We’re always celebrating each other over good laughs and delicious meals!

Fun fact people may not know about me…? I play the harp.

In case you’re wondering who the Boss is around here… Meet Flint!

He’s our Official Showroom Greeter!