Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Oz& Tony Kaplan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our business was originally established in 2015 as the Houston branch of USA Cabinet Store headquarters. A few years later, Joseph joined the business in late 2017, and Tony came on board the following summer in 2018. We both shared a vision—not just about cabinets, but about helping people transform their kitchens and bathrooms into better, more functional, and beautiful spaces. In 2019, we made the decision to take over the business together and create Upper Kirby Kitchen & Bath, becoming partners. Since then, we’ve been working side by side, focusing on quality, service, and design, and taking pride in creating homes that our clients truly enjoy living in. To stay ahead of industry trends and bring fresh, creative ideas to our work, we attend the KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) every year – it’s an essential part of how we continue to grow and improve the business.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When we took over in 2019, the transition came with its own set of challenges. We had to create and adjust to new roles within the company, which meant learning how to balance responsibilities while keeping the business moving forward. At the same time, we were training ourselves and our team on new products, which required a lot of time and effort. Another big challenge was addressing mistakes and inefficiencies left from previous management—fixing those took patience and persistence. On top of that, we were working hard to save and close out existing debt. None of it was easy, but overcoming those struggles helped us build a stronger foundation, and today we’re proud of how far the company has come. One ongoing challenge has been operating under our DBA name, USA Cabinet Store, which supplies us with cabinets but not the other materials or labor needed to complete full kitchen and bath renovations. That gap meant we had to source everything else ourselves—from countertops and fixtures to skilled tradespeople. To streamline that process and better serve our clients, we created Upper Kirby Kitchen & Bath Design Center. It’s allowed us to take more control over the quality and coordination of our projects, and it’s been a game-changer for how we operate.”
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Upper Kirby Kitchen & Bath, we specialized in full turnkey kitchen and bathroom remodels. From start to finish, we guide our clients through the entire process, offering a true one-stop shop experience. We carry several cabinet lines and a wide variety of countertop options, and other materials like plumbing fixtures and lighting. We handle professional installation as well. One of the things that sets us apart is our 3D design service—this allows customers to visualize their new space before any work begins, which makes the process smoother and more exciting.
What we’re most proud of, brand-wise, is our reputation for honesty, transparency, and excellent customer service. We believe remodeling a kitchen or bathroom should be exciting, not stressful, and our team works hard to make sure every client feels supported at each step. Whether it’s design, product selection, or installation, we aim to make it seamless and enjoyable. At the end of the day, our goal is to not only improve kitchens and bathrooms, but to improve the way families live in their homes
Who else deserves credit in your story?
We definitely didn’t get here on our own. USA Cabinet Store headquarter office in Virginia has been a huge support system for us, providing guidance and resources that helped us navigate the challenges of running and growing the business. Just as importantly, our families have played a major role. Taking over the business meant long hours, working late, and making sacrifices—including cutting back on personal spending so we could reinvest into the company. Their patience, encouragement, and understanding gave us the strength to keep pushing forward. Without that support—both professional and personal—we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.upperkirbykitchenandbath.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upperkirby_kitchenandbath/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upperkirbyremodeling
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Upperkirbyremodeling
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/usa-cabinet-store-houston
