Charie Dorfman stepped into the family business 30 years ago.  He is a third generation entrepreneur who worked part time at his grandpas' store as a teenager before enacting a soul searching travel binge which took him to Europe, Mexico and the Mideast.  In the 60's Charlie also studied at Berkeley, the Kansas City Art Institute and obtained his master at the Rhode Island School of Design, before settling down to the course of running the store with a higher vision in mind.  When Charlie's grandfather, Sam Dorfman, started his little hardware store in Kansas more than eighty years ago, he never imagined it becoming one of Kansas City's venerable commodities.  Since Sam opened in 1927, his son Allen and grand son Charlie with his wife Jo, have successively maintained a good stock of hardware and incrementally expanded the quality and variety of their plumbing ware while offering name brand collections of bath and kitchen products with good service, custom designs and professional installation. 

Today, Dorfman Plumbing has an expanded, two story showroom of 7,500 sq. ft. including displays of hot tubs, whirlpools, shower and kitchen configurations and much more.  In addition, one of the unique qualities of the Dorfman store is the art display, featuring original paintings of several Kansas City artists.   Jo still holds occasional open house galleries which benefit both local artists and customers who appreciate the art of remodeling. 

On the business side Dorfman's also has plenty of help for curious consumers wanting to learn about the latest trends with at least two sales staff on each floor.                              In one section of the showroom you'll find Soterra granite slab showers and bowl sinks with an old world flavor for example. On the other end of the room, designer kitchen and multi-valve displays with quality names like Hansgrohe for multi-valve configurations, as well as Fieldstone and Bertch Bath cabinetry.

It is not a business founded on fortuitous happenstance.  The successful operation depends on the vision of it's owners in concert with it's friendly staff.  With art laden walls, displays arrayed with chrome valves, colorful basins and rustic cabinetry, anyone who appreciates fine wares would feel comfortable in this inner-city establishment.  Dorfman offers an ample potpourri of marble and granite formations for counter tops and tile.  One stone display features three samples of limestone used in creating bath and kitchen tops cut from slabs shipped from Israel.  Jerusalem Stone is owned by Sam Nachum, who crafts his creations in a small shop in Kansas City.

Dorfman Plumbing has been able to combine good products and friendly service while promoting local artisans.  This has contributed in creating a coherent ambiance, touching it's visitors in a positive light.