Don’t Miss UPCOMING EVENTS
September 13-14 & 20-21, 2025 Fall Parade of Homes
October 4-5, 2025
Showcase of Remodeled Homes
February 27-28 & March 1, 2026
Sioux Empire Home Show
May 9-10 & 16-17, 2026
Spring Parade of Homes
Cory Hjellming
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Cory Hjellming, Hjellming Construction
Vice President: Craig Wynia, Red Rock Builders
Second VP: Kyle Cosand, Cosand Construction
Associate VP: Adam Balding, Budget Blinds
Secretary: Sabrina Meierhenry, Land Title Guaranty
Treasurer: Jim Dunham, Jim Dunham & Associates
Past President: Joel Ingle, C-Lemme Companies
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Austin Katje, Veldhouse Construction
Daniel Glammeier, Glammeier Homes
Jason Whiting, Stewart Title
Jesse Deffenbaugh, Deffenbaugh Homes
Jon Beatch, Beatch Construction
Julie Redlin, Rainbow Restoration
Kris Graff, Anthem Title Escrow Service
Ruth Ann Scott, The Living Door
Ryan Brouwer, Choice Builders
Tom DeHaven, CorTrust Mortgage
Executive Vice President: Teddi Mueller
Government & Safety Director: Todd Anawski
Director of Member Engagement: Lisa Contreras
Communications Director: Marissa Bertram
Where Style Meets Everyday Living: Designing Kitchens That Work for You
The kitchen has always held a special place in the home. It’s where meals are made, conversations unfold, and life’s everyday moments take center stage. More than just a place to cook, the kitchen has become a true reflection of how we live and how we want to live.
As homeowners take a more intentional approach to design, one element continues to make a lasting impact: countertops. These surfaces aren’t just functional; they help shape the overall look and feel of the entire space. Whether it’s a spacious island where friends gather, a prep area that handles daily wear and tear, or a sleek surface that anchors a modern design, the right countertop makes a difference.
Today’s designs embrace both beauty and practicality. Homeowners are choosing materials that express personal style while standing up to real-life use. From polished quartz and granite to warm butcher block or concrete, countertops now serve as statement pieces and workhorses at the same time.
What’s especially exciting is how much freedom exists in kitchen design right now. You can blend materials, play with bold colors or calming neutrals, and incorporate smart features that enhance daily routines. Whether you’re designing a kitchen for entertainment, functionality, or a little bit of both, your choices can turn an ordinary space into something extraordinary.
Of course, great kitchen design doesn’t stop with materials, it’s also about thoughtful planning. Countertops, cabinetry, lighting, layout, and appliances all work together to create a cohesive, comfortable space. It’s about designing a kitchen that not only looks great but also supports the way you live.
Bringing a well-designed kitchen to life takes more than just inspiration. It requires experience, thoughtful planning, and a team you can trust. That’s exactly what our members offer.
The Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire is proud to represent a community of professionals who combine creativity with practical know-how. From skilled designers and builders to countertop fabricators and expert installers, our members are equipped to guide you through every decision and detail. Whether you’re remodeling, building new, or just exploring ideas, they’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your kitchen works as beautifully as it looks.
Designing a kitchen can feel overwhelming, but with the right team by your side, it becomes an exciting and rewarding journey.
Visit hbasiouxempire.com (or scan the QR code below) to connect with local professionals who are ready to help.
SCAN HERE FOR HOME BUILDERS BUSINESS DIRECTORY
By: Sarah Grassel
our dream home starts with cabinetry that’s built better, right here in Sioux Falls. StarMark Cabinetry offers more than just products. They offer partnership, passion, and a legacy of quality.
Whether you’re taking on a full kitchen renovation or just ready to replace that dated vanity, it all begins with a conversation and a stroll through the showroom.
General manager of the Sioux Falls showroom, Dale Goetschius shares, “I just remodeled my own kitchen. Simplifying things and solving my daily clutter problems makes all the difference. That’s what we help our customers do every day.”
For homeowners dreaming of a space that’s not just beautiful but functional and enduring, StarMark Cabinetry takes pride in all of its products and customer service.
In a world of mass production and fleeting trends, there’s something deeply comforting about craftsmanship that’s built to last. That level of craftsmanship might just be closer than you think if you live in the Sioux Falls area.
Tucked just off I-229, StarMark Cabinetry has been transforming homes across the country since 1978; one handcrafted cabinet at a time.
At the heart of this local success story is Dale, not only showroom manager, but also a 36-year veteran of the cabinetry world. If there’s anyone who can talk cabinetry with equal parts technical know-how and genuine passion, it’s Dale. He’s not just someone who sells cabinets, he’s worked in nearly every department, starting fresh out of high school.
“I started in the plant in ’89,” Dale recalls. “I worked through various departments, went to technical night school, and transitioned into customer service and quoting. From there, I got into national sales traveling the country helping showrooms and reps bring the StarMark experience to life.”
While kitchens remain the most popular project, StarMark cabinetry is showing up in more places than ever.
Dale adds, “Mudrooms, laundry rooms, bathroom vanities, built-in desks; we’re seeing people really invest in making their space work for them. Especially in the last few years, with high interest rates, people are staying in their homes and reimagining how those spaces can serve them better.”
Each cabinet undergoes rigorous inspection and quality audits, ensuring that both visible details and those hidden behind countertops or under drawers meet the same high standard. You’re not just buying cabinets; you’re investing in something thoughtfully built.
One of the reasons homeowners trust StarMark is their thorough attention to detail. Every cabinet that leaves the Sioux Falls manufacturing facility carries the mark of skilled hands. From hand-sanded doors to hand-applied glazing, the process is as much about artistry as it is about precision.
Dale explains, “There’s just no substitute for the human touch when it comes to quality. Our people take a lot of pride in what they do.”
Today’s trends favor light, earthy tones paired with natural textures of Quartersawn White Oak and walnut woods. Painted cabinets continue to dominate, especially in shades of white and light gray, but Dale notes there is a rising interest in bold color choices too.
Color is making a confident return to the kitchen, with everything from muted greens and blues to bold yellows and oranges showing up in modern designs. Thanks to a wide selection of wood species, StarMark Cabinetry can help bring any vision to life, without compromising on style or budget.
With StarMark’s in-house team of designers and the ability to help connect clients to trusted contractors, the remodeling process is as smooth as the finish on their cabinetry.
Since relocating their showroom to the factory in 2004, StarMark has been able to offer a more immersive, hands-on experience. New styles and finishes debut regularly, and clients can explore a full “door room” to see, touch, and compare options in real life.
“A lot of people come in with Pinterest boards or magazine clippings,” Dale explains. “But when you can actually open a cabinet, feel the finish, see the color in natural light, and that makes all the difference.”
This fall, StarMark is making one of its largest debuts in years. The major product launch will include new stains, door styles, and accessories. Right now is the perfect time for homeowners to get inspired.
As part of the MasterBrand Cabinetry family, StarMark is backed by national resources while maintaining strong local roots. They’re proud supporters of United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and a host of community projects. And while they’ve evolved with the times, Dale says their core values have never changed.
“We still believe in being honest, trustworthy, and doing what we say we’ll do,” Dale shares. “We listen to our customers. In one of the first project planning steps, we ask, ‘What’s not working for you?’ and then we help to solve those problems. That’s what sets us apart.”
Ready to start your home cabinetry upgrade? Explore more at StarMarkCabinetry.com or visit the showroom at 600 E. 48th St. N. in Sioux Falls.
location: Northeast of Madison Street and Veteran’s Parkway types of homes: Single Family
on
lot
Nestled among the rolling hills of northeast Sioux Falls, a stunning modern farmhouse serves as both an architectural showcase and a personal retreat for its owners. The 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom ranch at 100 N. Sanctuary Drive seamlessly blends eastern South Dakota’s natural beauty with sophisticated design and thoughtful luxury touches.
Built by 1J Homes in the upscale Sanctuary Development, this home stands apart through its combination of stellar design and cleverly hidden conveniences that elevate everyday living.
The main level’s showpiece is its expansive living, dining, and kitchen area, where wooden beams accent soaring vaulted ceilings that reach nearly 20 feet. A massive stone fireplace anchors the living space, complemented by chic built-in cabinets and floating shelves that create both storage and visual interest.
“We typically work with mid- to upper-end material selections,” explains Nick Mimmack, Sioux Falls market lead for 1J Homes. The home features upgraded engineered wood floors throughout the main level and custom birch cabinetry. In the kitchen, durable Cambria quartz serves as both countertops and full-height backsplash, creating a cohesive, elegant look.
The kitchen’s large island becomes a natural gathering point, while patio doors open onto a spacious covered deck that is designed to
By: Tanya Manus
be screened in. A hidden pantry tucked out of sight provides ample storage plus deck access— perfect for seamless outdoor entertaining and grilling.
Both main-level en suites offer luxury and functionality. The master suite features large windows that flood the space with natural light while showcasing peaceful prairie views. Its bathroom includes a custom tile walk-in shower, freestanding tub, and dual vanities with abundant storage. The walk-in closet connects directly to the laundry room, which offers dual access from both the closet and hallway—a convenience that streamlines daily routines.
Throughout the home, LED lighting beneath the cabinets provides subtle illumination that’s both practical and ambient.
The walk-out basement transforms into an entertainment haven with its gas fireplace, built-in wet bar, and patio doors opening to a backyard patio. In-floor heating in both the basement and garage ensures comfort during South Dakota’s colder months.
The homeowners have personalized the three lower-level bedrooms to suit their lifestyle. One serves as a guest room, while another has been transformed into a spectacular home office featuring dual built-in desks, floor-to-ceiling lighted bookshelves, and a rolling ladder to access their extensive personal library.
| Photography By: Dakota Drone Company
The homeowners added thoughtful details, such as sconces that softly illuminate the bookcase and a rolling ladder that enhances both the beauty and functionality of the space.
The third bedroom functions as an exercise room, complete with mirrored walls and a flatscreen TV.
With 4,378 square feet of finished space and 978 square feet of unfinished area, the home maximizes every inch. Storage beneath the two-stall garage, accessible through the basement, accommodates equipment like riding mowers. The garage even features a salt chute system that eliminates the hassle of carrying salt bags to the water softener. “Instead of having to carry salt bags and dump them into your water softener, you dump the salt into the chute and it goes directly into the salt tank,” Nick explains.
Huge windows and patio doors throughout both levels frame unobstructed views of the surrounding prairie, farmland, and visiting wildlife. The homeowners have embraced this natural setting by landscaping with native prairie grasses that attract deer and turkeys.
As the residential division of the Journey Group, 1J Homes has earned a reputation for crafting exceptional luxury homes. What truly sets us apart is our proven process—thoughtfully designed to remove the stress from the homebuilding experience and deliver a final result that feels like a dream come true.
We invest significant time upfront refining the detail of each project, allowing us to deliver highly accurate pricing. As a result, it’s common for us to complete projects under budget— something that’s rare in our industry.
Nick explains, “We have a systematic process that takes a lot of the questions out of budgeting and decisions throughout the project. We try to take the stress out of building a home.”
Their systematic approach begins with identifying each client’s style preferences, followed by in-house design services that create custom floor plans and assist with all selections from flooring to fixtures.
This Sanctuary Drive residence exemplifies how thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and attention to both grand gestures and subtle conveniences can create a home that’s truly a sanctuary—one that honors its prairie setting while providing modern luxury and comfort.
Upgrade your home with the unmatched beauty and craftsmanship of Cambria quartz surfaces, available at Creative Surfaces. Scan the QR code to see inspiring spaces at CambriaUSA.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Sioux Empire Fall Parade of Homes // September 13-14 & 20-21, 2025
Showcase of Remodeled Homes // October 4-5, 2025
Sioux Empire Home Show // February 27-28 & March 1, 2026
Sioux Empire Spring Parade of Homes // May 9-10 & 16-17, 2026
Showplace Cabinetry is turning 25—and we’re celebrating the way we know best, by sharing the experience of beautiful, American-made cabinetry with one lucky homeowner.
We opened our doors in 1999, building and shipping our very first cabinet in early 2000. Since then, we’ve proudly grown into one of the top 5 cabinet manufacturers in the U.S. (KCMA 2024). We’re 100% employee-owned and committed to creating spaces where life happens.
To thank the homeowners who’ve made our journey possible, we’re giving away $25,000 in Showplace cabinets—custom-designed and crafted just for you.
By: Tanya Manus | Photography By: Drift Media Co.
When a dog-loving family wanted a custom home that combined luxury with pet-friendly features, they turned to Start to Finish Builders in Brandon—a decision that resulted in a stunning 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom masterpiece at 1516 W. Legacy Drive.
“What’s unique about our business is we’re very open to communication. We deal one-on-one with people,” explains Start to Finish Builders owner, John Koupal. “We’re with you every step of the way, helping you and advising you on design and product choices.”
The rustic modern home makes an immediate statement with massive cedar timbers and stone columns framing one of the largest porches the company has ever built. Inside, cathedral ceilings soar over the great room, where a stone-and-wood gas fireplace anchors the space. A dramatic wall of windows showcases rolling hills and Split Rock State Park views, while a large covered deck extends the living space outdoors.
The kitchen seamlessly blends style with smart functionality. Birch cabinetry, a massive island, and quartz countertops create visual impact, but the thoughtful details set it apart. Drawers beneath the kitchen sink replace traditional cabinets for easier access, while a hidden walk-in pantry disappears behind a spring-loaded cabinet door that integrates seamlessly with surrounding cupboards. A motion detector automatically illuminates the pantry for ultimate convenience.
Most uniquely, integrated dog gates in the kitchen and mudroom—a first for Start to Finish Builders— disappear into walls like pocket doors when not needed, allowing the family to safely contain their pets without compromising the home’s elegant design.
The main-level master suite opens onto a private deck adjoining the larger outdoor space. Its spa-like bathroom features a quartz-topped double vanity, makeup table,
zero-entry shower, and heated floors for year-round comfort.
Gorgeous hardwood stairs lead to an upper-level guest suite with a full bathroom and a landing overlooking the great room below. Throughout the home, customized wainscoting and tile give each space distinctive character.
The lower level transforms into an entertainment hub, featuring a custom bar, electric fireplace, and 16-foot patio doors that open to views of the stamped, concrete patio, which mimics natural rock. Two additional bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom, while extra space serves as a playroom.
With 4,820 square feet of magazine-worthy finished space, this home exemplifies Start to Finish Builders’ commitment to quality over quantity. The company’s business model focuses on building fewer homes with superior craftsmanship and personalized attention.
Seykora Remodeling proudly uses:
THE ESSENCE OF CABINETRY
Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. offers over 30,000 door styles and finish combinations for all rooms of the home — kitchen, baths, entertainment centers, offices, closets, mudrooms, garages, pantries, wall beds and more. All Wellborn cabinetry is proudly crafted in the United States of America and is known for its quality craftsmanship. Making houses homes for over 53 years. So why go anywhere else?
ON TREND
By:ArticleGeek
The kitchen countertop must withstand considerable abuse, including the heat of pots and pans, cutting with knives, and exposure to abrasive cleansers. The ideal countertop should resist heat damage and knife cuts while maintaining its appearance over time.
Here are six of the most popular kitchen countertop materials used today!
ON TREND
GRANITE
A natural stone, granite is a popular choice for its classic beauty and exceptional durability. Granite is the hardest and densest of all natural stones, creating kitchen countertops that are extremely scratch-resistant and maintain their luster longer than most materials. While granite slabs are among the most expensive kitchen countertop surfaces, they remain a practical investment due to their virtually indestructible nature.
Another natural stone, marble, is considered the height of elegance and will outlast most kitchen renovations. However, it is very expensive and requires careful maintenance. Acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop, leaving permanent marks that detract from its beauty.
MARBLE
ON TREND
SLATE
Due to its richness and natural beauty, slate is frequently used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and fireplace surrounds. It works well in both modern and traditional kitchens and can be effectively combined with marble. Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand heavy use while remaining less expensive than marble.
CONCRETE
Concrete represents one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today. It provides an excellent aesthetic for clean, industrial, and contemporary kitchen designs. The surface can crack if the concrete contracts over time. Concrete can be stained in any color, with natural gray being the most popular choice. The top layer can be finished according to your specific preferences.
ON TREND
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel offers several advantages, including superior hygiene, easy cleaning, and the ability to withstand extreme wear and heat. It provides an excellent aesthetic for ultra-modern kitchens. However, stainless steel has some disadvantages: it can be noisy during food preparation, and scratches may develop over time, affecting its appearance.
TILE
Tile surfaces are tough and hard-wearing, capable of handling hot pans while remaining heat and stainresistant. The variety of available tiles is extensive, including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone, and mosaic options. Available in numerous colors, sizes, and textures, tile offers excellent design flexibility and can be used for trim or backsplashes.
Your Dream Kitchen, Made Just for You
Discover the perfect blend of custom craftsmanship and personalized design with StarMark Cabinetry. From initial concept to final installation, our local manufacturing and in-house designers ensure your kitchen reflects your unique taste. Backed by our comprehensive warranty, we’ve got you covered.