At Valley Design, we take pride in the people who make our company what it is today. One of the key figures in our growth and success is Luke Isensee, our VP of Sales. As the son of co-founder and current owner, Butch Isensee, Luke’s story is intertwined with the company’s – spanning from his early years with Valley Design to the leadership he provides today.
Growing Up with Valley Design
For Luke, Valley Design has always been a part of his life. Growing up with his dad running the company, he was surrounded by employees who quickly became an extension of his family. One of his favorite memories from those early days were the staff picnics held at the speedway just outside of Rochester. These gatherings were filled with go-kart racing, good food, and lots of fun with the other employees and their families – creating a sense of community that still defines Valley Design today.
Starting with the Company
Luke’s start at Valley Design came when he was young, helping out with small tasks like shredding paper for a few dollars here and there. It was an informal introduction to the company, but over the years, his involvement grew. By his teenage years, Luke was working summers at Valley Design, learning the ropes in assembly, helping with material prep at the family shed off-site, and eventually taking on more responsibility in the business as he grew older.
While attending college, Luke had the opportunity to travel to Germany to get a behind-the-scenes look at a key supplier’s operations, a pivotal experience that deepened his understanding of the furniture industry and adjustable-height development. Following college graduation, Luke began working full-time at Valley Design, diving into inventory management and later transitioning into business development and sales. His hands-on experience with the company’s products provided him with a unique insight into what made Valley Design’s offerings stand out in the market.
Learning from His Dad
In addition to his formal education, Luke has had the opportunity to work closely with his dad, Butch. Not many people get the chance to learn the ropes directly from a parent, but after spending years watching and working with his dad, Luke has gained a lot of wisdom about running a company and navigating the ups and downs of business and the manufacturing industry. But despite the work, they always made sure to separate their professional relationship from their family one, making time to enjoy life outside of the office.
Working as VP of Sales
In his current role as VP of Sales, Luke spends his days balancing client needs with leadership responsibilities that keep Valley Design running smoothly.
Strong client relationships have always been central to Luke’s approach. He stays closely connected to customers through regular communication, occasional visits, and direct involvement in key accounts. Whether it’s collaborating on custom solutions, ensuring accurate lead times, or simply picking up the phone when a customer has a question, Luke understands that the best partnerships are built on transparency, reliability, and genuine care for the person he’s talking to.
“Our clients aren’t just order numbers, they’re partners in what we do,” Luke says. “Whether we’ve worked together for years or just started a new relationship, it’s important they know we’re here, we’re listening, and we’re committed to delivering quality table bases that meet their specific needs.”
That same mindset carries over to how he leads within Valley Design. Luke spends a good part of his day delegating customer requests, managing order levels, and making sure his team has what they need to succeed. But it’s not all behind a desk. He makes it a point to walk the floor, stay connected to day-to-day operations, and check in with employees regularly.
“We have an incredible group of people here and many have been with Valley for 20+ years,” he says. “They do so much for the company – it’s important they feel supported and know how much they’re appreciated.”
Whether he’s improving internal processes or supporting the team through the busy season, Luke is always looking for ways to help Valley Design improve their products and internal processes to deliver the best possible experience for both the customer and his team.
Enjoying Life Outside of Valley Design
Outside of work, Luke enjoys spending time in the great outdoors hunting, fishing, or kayaking. One of his favorite activities is ice fishing during the colder months, but he also loves being out on the water when it warms up and spending time with his girlfriend Carly and black lab, Miley.
Luke is also actively involved in the community, volunteering as a firefighter and participating in the Chatfield Economic Development and the Chatfield Center for the Arts. These roles give him the chance to stay connected and give back to those who have supported him and Valley Design over the years.
Reflecting on Valley Design’s Growth
When Luke reflects on the growth of Valley Design, he’s proud of how far the company has come – both in terms of products and facilities. From a small shop with a few employees to the expansive 113,000 square-foot facility that exists today, Valley Design has evolved into a key player in the manufacturing industry while staying true to the values of quality and customer service that have always defined it.
Through the years, Luke has witnessed the company’s transformation, including the completion of the most recent facility expansion. “It’s incredible to see how much we’ve grown,” he says. “What started as a small operation has now become something much bigger, and I’m proud to be part of that journey.”
A significant part of this expansion took place during the 2020 pandemic, when Valley Design made a large investment towards the company’s future in the form of Building 5. This 13,000 square footage of building expansion to the facility – and home to the TruLaser Tube 3000 – allows Valley Design to evolve, staying competitive while manufacturing high-quality products for our clients.
Looking Ahead
As Valley Design looks to the future, Luke is excited for what’s next. He is looking forward to continuing to build on the solid foundation that’s been established, helping to lead Valley Design into the next chapter of innovation, quality, and customer service.
“Every year brings new opportunities to grow and improve,” Luke says. “There’s a lot of potential in front of us, and I’m looking forward to what the next chapter brings.”
Luke’s role at Valley Design is more than just about sales – it’s about shaping the company’s ongoing success and continuing to uphold the values that have made Valley Design a trusted name in the industry. We’re lucky to have him as part of our team as we continue our journey of growth and innovation.