Our Story
Since 1958, Kitchen Associates has built its reputation on craftsmanship, innovation, and a deeply rooted commitment to homeowners in Central New England.
Beginnings (1958-1971)
In 1958, founder Bob Sponenberg moved from New York to Fitchburg, MA after getting married. With just about $200 in tools, he began doing kitchen installations and smaller carpentry jobs around the Leominster/Fitchburg area — most of his early work was for Angel Cabinets in Fitchburg.
By 1962 Bob expanded from installation into selling cabinets and doing design work out of his home office in Leominster.
In 1966 he built a garage adjacent to his house to store cabinetry and fabricate laminate countertops.
Growth and Incorporation (1972-1990’s)
In 1972, after Angel Cabinets went out of business, Bob pivoted the business: he became a dealer for Wood-Mode cabinets, purchased property at 112 Whitney St. in Leominster, and launched his first showroom and combined shop/office under the newly incorporated name “Kitchen Associates.”
By 1976 he acquired a former furniture store and warehouse at 104 Mechanic St., Leominster, which opened after remodeling in 1979.
In 1987, responding to increasing demand for both cabinetry and solid surface counters, Bob secured land on Route 12 in Sterling, MA to build a new 20,000 sq ft facility (with ~5,000 sq ft dedicated to a showroom).
In 1989 Kitchen Associates moved into its current location at 76 Leominster Rd. (Rte 12) in Sterling. A separate company, Sterling Surfaces, was launched at that time to handle the expanding solid surface fabrication work.
Expansion & Commitment (2000’s-Today)
In 2004, an additional 12,000 sq ft was added to the facility to give more capacity for fabrication, warehouse space and to support a broader range of solid surface and cabinetry offerings.
In October 2014, after more than five decades of leadership, Bob Sponenberg officially retired, and his son Jay Sponenberg was named President. This generational transition ensured that the company’s founding values would continue to guide every project and relationship.
In May 2022, Kitchen Associates received the “Wood-Mode Peak Performer” award, marking the firm’s consistent position in the top 25 nationwide Wood-Mode dealers since 1985.
Beyond product awards, the company is proud of the legacy of quality, professionalism and customer respect instilled by Bob and carried forward by the Sponenberg family and their team.
Honoring a Legacy
On January 9, 2021, founder Bob Sponenberg passed away. It was a deeply sad time for the entire Kitchen Associates family and the many clients, builders, and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Today, the second generation proudly carries forward Bob’s legacy — upholding his values of craftsmanship, integrity, and personal service. His long-time team continues to reflect the same commitment to quality and care that he instilled in the company from the very beginning.
Our Values Today
Craftsmanship & Innovation — From humble beginnings to full design-build solutions, we continue to evolve while maintaining our dedication to detail.
Family & Community — Built on relationships that last generations — both within our team and with our customers.
Quality Service — Respecting your time, your home, and your vision every step of the way, whether it’s a small remodel or a full custom kitchen.
Legacy & Forward Thinking —Building on 60 + years of experience while embracing new materials, technologies, and design trends to serve today’s homeowner.
