AIM Kitchen & Bath > Meet The Team

Meet The Best Renovation Team In Des Moines

Remodeling A Kitchen Or Bathroom Is A Team Effort!

Teamwork makes the dream work, and AIM Kitchen and Bath wants to help make your dreams a reality! Contact us by phone at (515) 255-0731 or by filling out the form at the bottom of our contact us page.

Our Team

Ryan and Deb Pudenz
Owners

Design Team

A Little More About the AIM

Theresa M. Gruetemacher, Designer

From a young age, I’ve been passionate about residential design, inspired by what a home can represent and how it makes us feel. My journey in Interior Design and Architecture began with a degree from Iowa State University, marking just the start of my expertise. My mother often told me, “Do what you love for work because, honey, life’s short and workdays can be long.” That advice led me to AIM for the best.

When it comes to design and assisting clients, I’m deeply passionate about space planning, creating the perfect color scheme, and, most of all, using visual aids. Architectural drafting is incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to help clients visualize something that doesn’t yet exist. In this way, I feel like a superhero, bringing their dreams to life.

Melissa Furne, Designer

I grew up in a small town in Iowa, spending my childhood drawing house plans, rearranging the house with my mom, and taking pictures with my 110 camera. My love for creating beautiful images and spaces has been a lifelong passion. After graduating from John Brown University, I began my career as a video editor, writer, and producer, creating music videos, commercials, and promotional content. However, my true passion lies in home spaces. Nine years ago, I transitioned into design and found immense reward in seeing plans come to life for our AIM clients and witnessing their excitement when everything comes together.

I have a wonderful family: my husband, Chris, and our two kids, Grant and Grace. We also have two fur babies, Bella and Cami. In my free time, I enjoy binge-watching Netflix shows, reading, antiquing, and creating memories with my family.

Caroline Ramaekers, Designer

Born and raised in a small town in Iowa, I discovered my passion for creativity through my constant need to make things unique. It wasn’t until I was studying photography in college that I realized I was meant to be an interior designer! As a child, I enjoyed touring homes with my father and his realty team, and I often rearranged the furniture in our home when I wasn’t outdoors with friends or taking photos. To my parents’ surprise, they’d find a new living room layout every other week!

With an associate degree in Interior Design and nine years of industry experience, I’ve found great joy in bringing clients’ dreams to reality. My favorite aspect of design is blending the old with the new, creating something special for clients using heirloom furniture pieces and trinkets. I love to create experiences through design and enjoy being part of a focused and ever-evolving team.

When I’m not designing, you’ll find me socializing over a patio cocktail, kayaking, biking, or enjoying the outdoors with my golden retrievers.

Abby Woodward-Wallig, Design Manager & Product Coordinator

My journey into design started with a love for floral arrangements and a fascination with color and texture. This passion led me to pursue Interior Design at Kirkwood Community College, and I’ve spent over 15 years in the remodeling industry helping families transform their homes into spaces they love.

What I enjoy most is seeing a project come to life and knowing it has a positive impact on a family’s daily life. For me, the greatest reward is when homeowners truly embrace and personalize the space we’ve created together. I’m proud to be part of the talented team at AIM, where we’re committed to quality craftsmanship and making sure our clients are satisfied every step of the way.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me gardening, enjoying a coffee with my husband Joe, supporting our sons Greyson and Easton in their activities, or spending time with our dogs: Abe, Oakley, and Koda. Whether it’s relaxing on the deck or staying active with my family & friends I love making the most of my free time!

Brian Lyddon, Senior Project Manager

With 30 years of experience in the remodeling industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. I have been a dedicated member of AIM for 17 years, including 14 years in installation and the past 3 years as a project manager. My comprehensive understanding of the remodeling process allows me to oversee projects from start to finish seamlessly.

I am passionate about engaging with customers, from the initial design measurements alongside our creative designers to working closely with our skilled installers throughout the project. I ensure that every detail is meticulously executed, culminating in a final walk-through with both the designer and the customer. My commitment to excellence and personalized service guarantees that our clients’ visions are brought to life with precision and care.

Joe Matthews, Project Manager

With over 30 years of experience in construction on the residential side, I’ve built a career based on hard work, craftsmanship, and always being open to learning something new. For the last 18 years, I’ve been with AIM as an installer, where I really got to know the ins and outs of remodeling from the ground up.

Recently, I’ve stepped into a project manager role—an exciting move that lets me take everything I’ve learned over the years and apply it in new ways. I’m all about making sure our projects run smoothly, our customers are happy, and our team feels supported every step of the way.

I take a lot of pride in what I do and am always looking for ways to improve, grow, and deliver the best experience possible—for both our clients and the AIM team.