MEET THE TEAM:
THE FACES BEHIND TIN ROOF
At Tin Roof Kitchen and Home, it’s not just about the beautiful custom pieces we create—it’s about the amazing people who bring them to life. From carpenters to project managers, each member of our team plays a vital role in making sure every project is a success. Take a moment to meet the people who make Tin Roof the company it is today.
Kathy Socha
OFFICE / SALES MANAGER
Kathy is the heart and soul of our team. She started as Kurt’s babysitter (yes, you read that right!) when she was 12 and worked her way through every Pratka family business before landing at Tin Roof full-time. Kathy brings creativity and dedication to everything she does, and her knack for designing unique products—like our best-selling Charcuterie Cone Stand—keeps us ahead of the curve. She’s the friendly face who makes every customer feel like part of the Tin Roof family, and when she’s not working, she’s probably baking up a batch of her famous kolaches.
KEN GATES
GENERAL MANAGER
Ken is the glue that holds it all together at Tin Roof. He’s the one who ensures the team stays focused, the operations run smoothly, and nothing slips through the cracks. Fun fact: He is fluent in Spanish! A fan of both hickory and mesquite (perfect for building and BBQing!), Ken swears every home should have a beer cooler wrapped in pecan wood. Outside of the office, you’ll find him listening to blues or cheering on the Astros and Texans.
JASON THURMOND
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
If it’s custom, Jason’s probably behind it. Known for his mastery of epoxy work, Jason loves using walnut—its rich color, unique grain, and even its scent make it his go-to choice. He’s the genius behind some of our most impressive builds, including a 30-foot dining table and a horseshoe-shaped mahogany conference table. When he’s in the shop, you can count on rock ‘n’ roll blasting while he brings designs to life.
SHAWN PONCIK
PROJECT MANAGER
Shawn enjoys the variety of projects Tin Roof offers—it’s never the same thing twice. His work has sharpened his math and geometry skills, which he uses to elevate every build. One of his favorite projects? A copper-clad vent hood—an impressive challenge that turned out beautifully. If Shawn could build anything, it’d be a handcrafted office desk; designed with ample workspace and hidden compartments for that perfect blend of style and functionality.
TERESA SALAZAR
SHIPPING
Teresa is the backbone of our shipping department. She’s made sure that every order gets where it needs to go, safely and on time. Along the way, she’s also learned how to run CNC machines and perfect tongue-and-groove joints. While packing orders, you’ll probably find her listening to her favorite Pandora playlists. When she’s off the clock, Teresa is cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.
DONALD STAVINOHA
CARPENTER
Donald’s commitment to quality craftsmanship means every single piece is built to last. He believes that every home should have a solid cutting board (and we agree). When he’s not working with wood, Donald’s usually listening to old-school rock and blues or rooting for the Astros.
WALTER MONTALVO
JACK OF ALL TRADES
Walter’s our go-to guy for everything. From woodworking to fine-tuning the smallest details, he’s always on hand to make sure everything comes together just right. His work with glue (yes, it’s an art!) and positive attitude make him an indispensable member of the team. Walter enjoys listening to rock ‘n’ roll or Tejano music while working, and when he’s off the clock, you can find him cheering on the Houston Texans.
HUMBERTO CRUZ CABELLERO
PRECISION WOODWORKER
Humberto is known for his attention to detail and precision, whether it’s perfecting tongue-and-groove joints or getting the lacquer finish just right. He has a real appreciation for pecan wood and its natural beauty. Humberto’s dream project? A sleek U-shaped desk with blue epoxy. If he swapped roles for a day, he’d team up with Walter to learn more about working on countertops.
BRAD NEIDERHISER
WOODWORKER
Brad’s a dedicated woodworker who enjoys working with durable woods like African Padauk and Hackberry. Each of these woods has something special to offer, and Brad’s skill ensures that every piece he works on is built to last. His dream project would be a heavy-duty workbench capable of handling anything. While working, Brad prefers listening to podcasts, always learning something new with each project.
VINCENT JUAREZ
GENERAL HELPER
For Vincent, the busier the shop, the better! He’s got a knack for routing handles and loves working with hickory, especially when it’s used for cutting boards. If Vincent could design something for himself, it would be a sleek, polished walnut table that’s both functional and beautiful. When he’s not working, you can find him tuning into 107.5 The Eagle for some music to keep the energy high.
GEORGE JUAREZ
SANDMAN
George is the one who ensures every piece leaves the shop with a perfect finish. His favorite wood to work with is alder because it stains beautifully. Known for keeping a clean and organized workspace, George makes sure that every project is done to the highest standards. When he’s not sanding down a project, he’s creating a work environment that allows everyone to do their best.
This is the team that makes Tin Roof Kitchen and Home what it is today—hardworking, skilled, and always ready for the next challenge. Whether they’re building our best-selling cutting boards, designing one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, or managing day-to-day operations, each team member contributes something unique. Next time you visit, you’ll see them hard at work, turning ideas into lasting creations.
If you’ve got a big vision — or even a small one that matters to you — we’d love to help bring it to life. Reach out to us at Tin Roof Kitchen & Home, and let’s make something truly unforgettable together.
WORK TOGETHER