Atlantic Kitchens

If you've found yourself drooling over the beautiful cabinetry and closets in the Wilson and Suggs homes on "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," you have Atlantic Kitchens of SC Inc. to thank. The Murrells Inlet-based company has lent its craftsmanship and experience to the ABC hit show twice — for the Wilson family in 2007 and the Suggs family in 2010.

"We thought it was a once in a lifetime event; we found out it was twice in three years," said Rich Konopka, retail operations manager for the company.

For both builds, Atlantic Kitchens President and owner Mike Dixon and his company assembled and installed cabinetry, built-in closets and closet systems, providing the labor and on-site modifications needed to make the home a showstopper. Konopka said the crew worked the evening shift on the build after a full day of regular business, but the effort was worth it.

"That feeling of satisfaction, pride and great accomplishment only happens once every so often," he remarked.

The second time Sterling Homes asked Atlantic Kitchens to participate, the company was ready with a new game plan. Applying the lessons they learned from the 2007 event, a few days prior to the actual build, they went through their materials piece by piece, making sure all the parts were accounted for and as close to ready to install as possible. Every moment is precious during a 100-hour build, Konopka explained.

The time on-site is so hectic that the only way you know another day has passed is because you've seen the sun come up and go down, Konopka said. And the only thing making it work is the community. From the volunteers passing out drinks and sweeping floors to the people in charge of disposing of garbage, everyone plays an important role.

"Without everyone's help, a job like that just doesn't get done. It's a testament to the community," Konopka said.

For more information about Atlantic Kitchens of SC, Inc., call (843) 651- 6161 or visit www.atlantickitchen.com.