Meet our staff

Merlyn “Mert” Kraai

Founder (1917 - 2008)

Born & raised in Orange City, Mert needed to drop out of school during the Depression of the 1930’s. After working with his father in the meat market, he decided to start a furniture business out of his garage in 1939. The business struggled during the early years when Mert was drafted into the Navy during World War II, leaving a wife & newborn son behind. He served in the Pacific Theater until the war ended. He returned home & resumed his furniture business and later added floor covering and mattresses. His business grew & prospered over the years to 3 different locations in Orange City. In 1974 he built the store we are in to this day. Mert donated many hours to community, church and fund raising activities. Still, he always put his family first. He was liked & revered by friends, family and business associates. He developed a culture of “helping people” which we carry on to this day.

Dan Kraai

Co-Owner

Dan has been in the furniture and floor covering business for most of his life. Delivering furniture during his high school years and helping install carpet during his college years. He went into the business full time with his father in 1972. Dan took charge of the business full time in 1982. During the 1990’s Dan became a shareholder in two buying group co-operatives: Carpet One and Furniture First. In 2007 he earned the title of Certified Flooring Executive and attained the certification of a Lead Paint Renovator in the state of Iowa. Dan has enjoyed his time working on civic committees and church endeavors. In his time away from work, he loves going to football games, spending time with his 3 boys and spoiling his 3 grandchildren. Dan believes “The customer doesn’t care how much you know, until he knows how much you care.”

Ryan Wrather

Co-Owner & Sales Manager

Ryan has over 15 years experience in customer service and sales. He delivered furniture when he was a teenager. Ryan, a father of 2, enjoys playing golf and watching his favorite teams, Oklahoma Sooners, Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston Celtics and MOC/FV school teams. Ryan loves “taking customers ideas and shaping their look to their home.”

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  John Crawford

  Sales Associate

  John has been in sales for over 32 years at Kraai’s. He also specializes in most of our upholstered furniture and ordering parts if needed and delivery scheduling. John is a father of 2 grown children. In his spare time he loves spending time with grandchildren and relaxing at Lake Okoboji with family. John loves “taking care of customer needs and building a relationship with them.”
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  “Skeeter” Garvin

  Sales Associate

  Skeeter has spent 12 years selling furniture & bedding. Six of those years have been at Kraai’s where he added flooring covering to his resume. He specializes in our mattress department and handles most aspects of consumer financing. Father of 3 grown children. He loves boating and relaxing at Lake Okoboji. Skeeter believes “customer service is the key to almost everything.”
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  Sharon Vande Steeg

  Sales Associate

  Sharon has worked at Kraai’s for 20 years. She has prior experience with decorating and drapes. Sharon enjoys taking care of her customers and goes the extra mile to make them happy.
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  Kathy Kraai

  Controller

  Kathy has been working at Kraai’s for over 29 years. She does bookkeeping, computer work and customer correspondence. Kathy raised 3 boys and enjoys her 3 grandchildren. She loves to “spend time with family & friends and cooking.” Kathy enjoys having a family feeling about the business and the store.