Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilker KALALI.
Hi ilker, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am an industrial engineer by training, and for more than 20 years I built my career in corporate executive roles across several countries, including Italy, Germany, Romania, and Mexico. That international journey gave me extensive experience in engineering, operations, project management, and leading people from many different cultures.
Five years ago, my family and I moved to the United States, beginning an entirely new chapter in our lives. Today, I am the owner and president of Set Kitchens Coral Springs, where I have found a craft that brings together so many aspects of my professional background: engineering, design, technical problem-solving, and project management.
What makes this work especially meaningful, however, is the personal connection. A kitchen is much more than cabinets and countertops—it is where families gather and everyday memories are made. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing clients watch the kitchen they imagined become a reality, and knowing that it will become a place they enjoy and share with their families for many years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has certainly not been a completely smooth road, but challenges are an important part of building something meaningful.
One of my biggest transitions was moving from more than 20 years in the corporate world into entrepreneurship. In a large organization, responsibilities are shared among many departments. As a business owner, everything ultimately comes back to you—from design and operations to finances, customer service, and solving unexpected jobsite issues.
Relocating my family to the United States and learning a new market also required adaptability. South Florida is dynamic and competitive, and earning trust takes time—especially in remodeling, where clients invite us into their homes and make a significant investment.
Each kitchen also involves many interconnected elements, and even a small change can affect the entire project. My engineering and project-management background helps me anticipate problems and find practical solutions. These challenges have taught me that success is not only about delivering a beautiful kitchen; it is also about communicating clearly, taking responsibility, and giving clients confidence throughout the process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Set Kitchens Coral Springs, we believe the kitchen is the heart of the home—the place where families gather, conversations happen, and everyday moments become lasting memories. Our purpose is to help homeowners create a space that is not only beautiful, but truly reflects how they live.
Serving Coral Springs, Parkland, and the surrounding South Florida communities, we guide our clients through the complete kitchen transformation—from the first conversation and 3D design to cabinetry, countertops, installation, and project coordination. Every kitchen is personalized around the client’s style, needs, and vision.
What sets us apart is the way we combine creativity with technical discipline and genuine personal attention. We do not simply sell cabinets; we listen, imagine, plan, and bring many interconnected details together to create one harmonious result. We want every client to feel supported and confident throughout the journey.
What makes me proudest is the trust behind every completed project. Across the Set Kitchens brand, more than 340 five-star customer reviews reflect the trust we have earned and the care our teams bring to every project. Being invited into someone’s home and helping bring their dream kitchen to life is both a privilege and a responsibility. Our ambition is to be more than a remodeling company—we want to be the local partner families remember for thoughtful design, dependable execution, and a space they will love sharing for years to come.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is part of our business growth model. We embed it into our processes through a “design of experiments” mindset: test thoughtfully, measure the results, learn quickly, and expand what works. To me, intelligent risk is not acting without preparation; it is moving toward something meaningful even when the outcome is not guaranteed.
Throughout my life, I have taken several major risks—building a career across different countries, relocating my family to the United States, and eventually stepping away from more than 20 years in the corporate world to become an entrepreneur. Taking responsibility for Set Kitchens Coral Springs meant exchanging the structure and predictability of a corporate career for the uncertainty, accountability, and opportunity of building a business.
My engineering background naturally influences how I make these decisions. I evaluate the possibilities, understand the potential downside, prepare carefully, and create a plan. However, no important decision comes with complete certainty. At some point, you must trust your experience, accept responsibility, and move forward.
I believe the greatest risk can sometimes be remaining comfortable for too long. Growth requires placing yourself in situations where you must learn, adapt, and improve. For me, calculated risk is not about chasing excitement—it is about having the courage to build the life and business you truly believe in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SetKitchensCoral.com
- Instagram: @setkitchenscoralsprings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/setkitchenscoral/
