Our Team
hayley holt
Designer/Sales Associate
Hayley was born and raised in Alaska and can typically be found working on a milieu of different crafts and DIY projects. These projects range from building cabinets and bookshelves to redoing fireplace surrounds and upholstering furniture. All of these interests naturally attributed to a passion for design. After honing her home improvement skills over the past ten years, Hayley has gained insight into creating spaces of unique design as well as a deeper understanding of construction and functionality. She is passionate about taking what she’s learned to help others create beautiful spaces they truly love. When she is taking a break from all things creative, you can find Hayley enjoying her rich community of friends with her fiancé and two dogs.
ALLISON SCHMIDT, AIA NCARB
Architect/Designer/Sales
Allison has over 20 years of experience as a licensed architect in residential and commercial design. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Architecture, Allison uses her knowledge and expertise to develop design solutions that translate the clients’ ideas and goals into a space that encapsulates their vision.
Allison moved to Anchorage from Texas with her husband, son, and two adorable corgis. When away from the office she is often cooking or expanding her photography work. She spends the summer months running her corgis in coursing ability competitions.
Anthony Kaercher
Vice President
For over three decades Anthony Kaercher has helped people transform houses into homes. Anthony is a licensed Alaska Building Contractor. His ideal project involves working with clients from start to finish, transforming and personalizing the room or house into one they really love. Although Anthony enjoys working on complete remodels, he also specializes in updating kitchens and bathrooms. In his free time Anthony enjoys fixing up classic cars, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his grandchildren.
John Stiner
Superintendent
John Stiner is a superintendent at K&W Interiors, estimating and managing remodeling projects. He enjoys pulling from a lifetime of experience to aid homeowners in transforming their home space into the place of their dreams. He grew up working in the family remodeling business, and then carried on working first with local builders before launching out on his own as a tile and flooring contractor. Outside of work, John is a father to five amazing children, and enjoys experiencing the great Alaskan outdoors.
Judy rusch
Projects/Office Manager
Judy joined the K&W Interiors team in May of 1996. She started out as a front desk receptionist and over time has progressed to her current position as projects manager 24 years later. The thing that she enjoys the most at work is the comradery between all the employees. Judy says “it is like being part of one big family”. She moved to Alaska from Idaho with her husband, a longtime employee in the oil and gas industry, over 26 years ago. When not working, Judy and her husband spend as much time as possible at their lakeside cabin in the valley. Favorite pastimes include fishing, picking berries, yard work, camping, sewing, and enjoying the great outdoors that Alaska offers.
TIM STOUT
Project Manager/Estimator
Tim is a true Alaskan, born and raised in Anchorage. He grew up in the remodeling business, working with his parents in their family business. Tim started doing residential remodel work in Anchorage in the early ‘90’s and went on to graduate with a degree in Engineering from UAA in the early 2000’s. Tim says his “claim to fame” is that he speaks both laymen’s English and technical engineering and enjoys bridging the gap between clients and technicians. When Tim is not busy working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and little boy enjoying an Alaskan lifestyle of snow machining, atv’ing, hunting and fishing.
Julie Dubbins, CKD
Certified Kitchen Designer
Julie has been with K&W for more than 24 years. She has been a National Kitchen & Bath Association certified Kitchen Designer since 2005. Julie is a valuable asset to our team, who can answer any questions you may have in regards to the industry, she truly is the expert on kitchen design. She finds joy in seeing clients she worked with years ago when they were building new homes now returning to remodel and update. Julie enjoys Alaskan summers by gardening during the week, and has been a master gardener since 1988. She adventures out of town on weekends in her camper, exploring the wilderness on her four-wheeler. In the winter you’ll find her racing around on a snowmachine.
NikKI Van Vleet, CKBD
Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer
Nikki moved to Alaska from Colorado where she completed her Associates Degree of Interior Design, her Kitchen and Bath Certificate, and two rigorous internships in the field. Through her experience of school and working at K&W Interiors, she has found the most enjoyable moments of interior design to be helping customers find beautiful materials that fit their needs of functionality. When Nikki is not at K&W, she is spending time with her husband hiking, camping, or playing sports. Her personal favorites are soccer and racquetball. With this exciting job and the activities of Alaska, Nikki is rarely one to sit still.
Avery Irish
Designer/Sales Associate
Avery has been a part of the K&W team since 2006 when he started in the warehouse. From there he moved into tile and floor covering installation for many years before deciding to hang up the kneepads and become part of the K&W design team. He has a passion for art and creation and has been excited to continue his journey in a position that utilizes those skills to help people realize their design dreams. He is a lifelong Alaskan who loves animals and spending quality time at home with his wife and two pets. In his time off he likes painting, making sculptures and participating in local art shows and events around Anchorage.
Dale Kaercher
President
Dale started K&W in 1985, with the concept of offering upscale-full service interior finishes to builders and retail clients all at reasonable prices. He realized how difficult the remodeling process can be and the goal was to develop a system that offers a complete package to the client, from design to completion, keeping it simple and easy. He enjoys working with all of the staff and watching them grow with the business, K&W is really like a big family. Dale majored in Art & Design at Montana State University. He spends his leisure time in Homer Alaska at his seaside cottage fishing and gardening.
jessica irish
Accounting
Jessica has been in the customer service industry for over 18 years. She was born and raised in Big Lake, Alaska and enjoys the beauty and adventures our state beholds. Jessica is a certified heavy-duty diesel mechanic which has been her profession for many years before joining the K & W team. She had a calling to be part of the family environment and would love to make a difference in people’s lives. She enjoys animals, gardening, cooking, Halloween, exploring Alaska with her husband, creating art and listening to an eclectic range of music. Jessica loves to spend time in Homer, Valdez and Tok but ultimately Hatchers Pass holds a very special place in her heart.
Kari Gladieux
Designer/Sales Associate
Kari has always had a passion for Design. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Interior Design. Kari’s 28 years of experience demonstrates how focused she is on building strong relationships with her clients, peers, and the community. She enjoys taking spaces and revitalizing them to exceed the clients’ expectations. Kari gives back to her community through building Play Spaces for Kids, Beautification of Veteran Housing and Community Revitalization projects. During her career, Kari has had the opportunity to live in multiple cities throughout the U.S. Eventually re-locating to Alaska in 2009. Kari and her Husband have three dogs and a cat that thinks he’s a dog. In her time off, Kari enjoys travel, the outdoors, camping/fishing, cooking with her husband, and entertaining family and friends.
kaitlyn crump
Designer Assistant/Sales Associate
Kaitlyn was born in Anchorage Alaska and has always had a love for planning and designing. Her goal with every client is to build strong relationships with them and help them design their dream home! In 2024 she will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communications which will further help her create strong relationships with clients so they always feel their opinions are heard. With Kaitlyn’s free time she enjoys teaching and dancing at Studio 49, rock climbing, camping, and in the summer, spending her time outdoors either hiking, on the lake, or at the cabin.
mike kaercher
Senior Vice President
Mike has been with K&W since the start in 1985 and has been an active member of the Anchorage building industry since 1982. He takes great pride in the work done by K&W and is always trying to improve the process for each client. Problem solving items that come up during construction are things he enjoys about renovation. Making projects better in the end is his goal. During his time off he enjoys backpacking, skiing, riding his motorcycle or snow machine, and being with his family. Mike also loves to play hockey and golf – although he gets the distinct impression that golf doesn’t return the love.
Patty Kaercher
CFO
Patty has been part of K&W since the business was founded in 1985. She learned that she enjoyed accounting while working for a CPA at age 15 and has been in the accounting field ever since. She has enjoyed watching the business evolve and grow and especially likes the team approach to the work environment. “It’s nice to see our professional and caring team working for the client at K&W”. Patty and Dale have lived in south Anchorage since 1983, where they raised two kids and enjoyed the Alaskan lifestyle of boating, fishing, skiing, four wheeling, snow machining, hunting, and hockey. Current hobbies include gardening and fishing in Homer and spending time with her new grandson.
Aaron Brees
Warehouse Manager
Aaron has worked for K&W since the early nineties, he started out as an apprentice doing job estimating for new construction, then in 2008 moved into the Warehouse Manger position. Aaron has great industry experience as he installed flooring for 15 years prior to working for K&W, he’s always happy to help out. Aaron finds pride in having a clean and organized warehouse. He enjoys watching professional sports, especially when the Seahawks are playing. Aaron spends summers fishing in the Cook Inlet for salmon, halibut, or whatever bites his hook. He prioritizes spending time with his family, especially his son, and grandson.
Karson Frisk
Warehouse Assistant
Born and raised in the great state of Alaska. Graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a minor in Business Administration. Been with K&W Interiors warehouse department since November 2021 and always comes to work with a smile, positive attitude and is willing to help anyone out whether at the warehouse or at a job site. During his free time, he likes to play sports, lift weights at the gym, hike, fish, camp and hang out with friends and family. He’s a very passionate for sports especially hockey.