Haden Fesenmeyer

Don’s Custom Cabinets & Countertops

Rocky Mountain Chapter

Early on-the-job training prepared Haden Fesenmeyer to one day lead the family business founded in 1981 by his father Don, even if his first responsibilities at age 10 were sweeping floors, taking out the trash and eating free burritos. 

After briefly exploring alternative careers — at age 23 he tried firefighting and farming — Haden realized his true desire was to help move Don’s Custom Cabinets & Countertops forward.

“It’s fun to sell to people when you know their expectations will be exceeded.”

With business now equally divided between cabinets and countertops, Haden goes on in-home sales appointments and helps walk-in customers compare kitchen and bath options at the company’s modern showroom — a major upgrade from the chicken-coop-turned-workshop where Don founded the business. Taking pride in the firm’s high-quality work is Haden’s favorite aspect of the job. “It’s fun to sell to people when you know their expectations will be exceeded,” he says. Another differentiating detail: When work is done, customers receive a small gift, such as a trivet made out of leftover materials or a small item the salesperson thinks they would like.

Don’s is also all about efficiency — what Haden calls a lean culture — and employees spend 30 minutes each day focusing on small changes that can increase productivity. While Haden is keen to learn about products, processes and technologies, with proficiency in ProKitchen design software and CKBD certification as goals, family life and enjoying the outdoor are equal priorities. Haden, his wife Genna and their daughter Bristol, live on a small farm with their two mini Australian Shepherds, Doris and Donny, and enjoy fishing and riding ATVs. His ultimate ambition is to build a much larger company that doesn’t depend on him being there every day to run it. That way, he says, he’ll have ample time to coach his kids in their favorite sports.