An emotional makeover journey concluded on December 19, 2024, when the Christiansburg showroom location revealed the Founder’s Conference Room. This space, former office of Ideal’s founder and president, Ken Rakes, was transformed into a multi-use space in his honor. Ideal Cabinets hosted all staff for a Christmas party at the showroom and the grand reveal of the space. Ken’s family was present for the big moment.
Ken’s wife of nearly 60 years and business partner who continues as the accountant in the Christiansburg location, Virginia Rakes, shared her sentiment that Ken would be quite proud of his office transformation. Ken’s son, Pat, hosted the room dedication which included some memories about his dad and gratitude for those who helped create the space. He thanked the staff at Ideal Cabinets that continue to support Ken’s values and spirit. Ken’s grandchildren were present for the celebration of their “Papa’s” legacy and to show their appreciation for everyone who is part of the Ideal family. The Founder’s Conference Room has been a busy place since it opened. In addition to hosting client meetings and vendors, it is used for birthday and work anniversary celebrations and monthly staff meetings. Always reminding occupants in this special space of Ideal’s founder, Ken Rakes, is the wall of panels documenting the history of the business. Additionally, the famous “bell” that was installed at each showroom location that a designer rings when a job was sold, music to Ken’s ears, is mounted with prominence in the room Ideal lovingly and respectfully named The Founder’s Conference Room. We invite you to stop our Christiansburg showroom to say hello and experience what a family owned and operated local business can offer you. 2025 marks our 55th year in business in downtown Christiansburg thanks to our founder and friend, Ken Rakes.
