Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulie Serrone.
Hi Paulie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins about 15 years ago in the restaurant industry, where I spent many years working, including time at La Bodega—still one of my favorite restaurants in Kansas City. While I loved the energy and creativity of that world, I always had a strong pull toward art and working with my hands. During that time, I started experimenting with reclaimed pallets, seeing what I could create from raw, discarded materials. What began as a hobby slowly gained momentum, and I discovered a genuine passion for craftsmanship.
With the support of my wife—who has believed in me from the very beginning—we made a bold decision to leave the restaurant industry just two weeks before our wedding and fully commit to building something of our own.
In the years that followed, I launched a business named Pistachio Approved, inspired by my late dog, Pistachio. As my skills sharpened, I transitioned from pallet projects to working with real hardwoods, invested in better equipment, and continued refining my craft. Before long, my two-car garage could no longer keep up with the demands of the business.
That growth led to an unexpected opportunity. My wife’s uncle, who owned a cabinet shop called Klassic Creations, invited me to move my tools into his shop and operate out of his space. As time went on, I found myself increasingly intrigued by the commercial cabinet operation happening around me. I became interested not just in building, but in understanding the business side of the industry.
I approached the owner and asked if he needed help in the front office. I started at the bottom, working part-time, with a clear goal: to learn every aspect of the business. I saw an opportunity to make a real impact, and I was determined to earn it. Within three years, I had worked my way up to running the business, and during that time I made the difficult decision to close Pistachio Approved so I could focus fully on growing Klassic Creations.
While my professional life was progressing, my health was rapidly declining. In 2012, I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). For the next ten years, I lived with a pump connected directly to my chest. As my condition worsened, my doctors determined that a double lung transplant would be my only chance at survival.
After years of evaluations and waiting, we were accepted into the transplant program at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, in June of 2022. Just six months later, I received the life-changing call. On December 5, 2022, I was given two new lungs. Since then, my recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am grateful every day for the second chance I’ve been given.
That brings us back to Klassic Creations. Once I was back on my feet, I made the decision to take ownership of the company. On September 13, 2024, I officially purchased Klassic Creations. Since then, the business has continued to grow and thrive. By focusing on efficiency, investing in new tools, and prioritizing customer service, we have significantly increased sales and strengthened our overall brand.
Our mission now is bigger than just building cabinets. We are committed to modernizing a traditionally stale industry and making it more approachable, more consistent, and more customer-focused. Our goal is to be the Houston’s Restaurant of cabinets—a company known for quality, consistency, and an exceptional experience at every touchpoint.
From the moment a client signs on with us, through installation, and even years down the road, our standards do not change. Quality and customer service are non-negotiable, and we work every day in this shop to ensure that commitment never wavers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not everything unfolds the way you plan it. I’ve always been a dreamer, and at times I’ve put vision ahead of finances. I truly believed that if you built something great, the business would follow. Over the last year, I feel that belief has proven true.
We’ve built a strong foundation, and now the work continues every day—refining our processes, strengthening the business, and making consistent improvements so the vision and the finances finally move forward together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are Klassic Creations, a custom commercial cabinet company specializing exclusively in commercial spaces. Many people don’t realize what goes into our industry, yet they are surrounded by our work every day. Veterinary clinics, grocery stores, gas stations, car dealerships—if you take a moment to look around, much of what you see is plastic laminate cabinetry. There is a true craft and precision to doing it right.
What sets us apart is our commitment to industry-leading hardware and building materials. While some competitors focus solely on the lowest price and short-term profit, my mindset has always been different. Our priority is delivering a product that will perform and hold up for years to come. I tell my employees often: if you wouldn’t put it in your own home, it doesn’t leave our shop.
Beyond the work itself, we are intentionally building a brand. We want our clients to know that when they choose Klassic Creations, they’re choosing a partner who will maximize the potential of their business. We are willing to go above and beyond to bring your vision to life—because your space represents your livelihood, and we take that responsibility seriously.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been lighthearted and naturally giving. Making others happy brings me genuine fulfillment, and I make a conscious effort to approach each day with a positive mindset. I believe attitude matters—especially in business and leadership—and I try to lead with optimism, respect, and gratitude.
I truly believe that the energy you put into the world is the energy you get back. When you show up with integrity, kindness, and effort, it shapes the people around you and the culture you build. That belief influences how I treat my team, how we work with our clients, and how we show up every day at Klassic Creations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://klassiccreations.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klassiccreations_kc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Klassic-Creations/61554545850151/
