Crofut & Sager: Grandview Top

Grandview Top. Honestly, when I arrived to interview the owners, I had no real idea of what they did. Entering into a magnificent show room of counter tops and cabinets in every style, type an color, I was ecstatic. Now, this is good, I thought. I want to find out about these people who would devote their lives to making kitchens (and more) something that could be in House Beautiful.

Eric Crofut comes from a family of wood workers and enjoyed working with his hands as far back as he can remember. It’s no wonder he attended vocational school, specializing in construction trades. Lucky for him, because when he was a senior, Jim Stewart and Dean Huth, original owners of Grandview Top Co. looked to that school for a new craftsman. Wisely they chose Eric. In 2000 Eric Crofut and his wife, Kim, bought Grandview Top, custom countertop and cabinet makers.

Recently, Eric did what the first owners of this community business pillar did: he brought in a partner who shared his passion for woodworking and quality. Brian Sager enjoyed building trades and woodshop in high school, too. But unsure what exact path to take, he did a four year tour with the U. S. Air Force. After that tour, he attended college for drafting and started part time in the shop just like Eric had.

This company has a long heritage that Eric and Brian are proud to continue. “Our original owners were a great inspiration to me,” Eric shared. “They taught me that if you treat people well and go beyond the call of duty, they will always come back.” Grandview Top continually does repeat business, some from as long ago as 20 years. Pride in the quality of workmanship is the cornerstone of their business success.

Brian considers himself fortunate to work at something he enjoys. Being such a young business partner is good, too. “I can benefit from Eric’s experience as both an accomplished tradesman and businessman. He knows what he’s doing.” About his own journey here? Going to school made all the difference for him. “The same things I said I would never use, like algebra, are the same things I use day in and day out today. I hated it then and I use it now. Education pays off.” We both agreed that we never really know what we’ll be doing years after high school, so we’d be better off just learning what the schools think we should.

Eric puts in long days at Grandview Top. He and Kim were thankful when she was able to join the workforce in the front office about six years ago. And though it takes a lot of time to build a successful business, Kim said, “Absolutely,” she’d do it all over again. Eric’s experience has taught him much. New entrepreneurs might want to consider his guidance: “Have a passion for what you do. Your heart and soul must be in it. Always prepare for lean economies. Networking helps build and keep businesses going. Develop contacts; don’t burn any bridges. Be a wise investor; don’t put your company in debt; save for a rainy day.” And, finally, “Give back to the community.” Buying the building for their showroom made him feel a part of Grandview’s on-going plan to restore its image.

In this partnership, Eric and Brian have equal pride in their work, put equal emphasis on quality, know what each other does to the smallest detail and can pitch in or take over as needs arise. They know that when a job goes out with one man’s name, it really bears the name of both. They are confident in that knowledge. When you’re considering quality countertops or cabinets, with top notch customer support, keep them in mind. I know I will. Stop by their showroom Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 at 614 Main Street, in Grandview, MO because their confidence translates to high quality for your next countertops or cabinets.