Meet The Team

Sharon Daroca

Sharon Daroca brings 25 years experience to Design Mart, both in wholesale as well as retail residential interior design. An award winning Interior Designer, who has been published nationally and appeared as a featured designer on HGTV, Sharon was a co-owner of a successful San Jose based residential design business for 12 years. She has also held numerous positions within the design and civic community related to interior design, education and pro-bono projects related to design.

Sharon’s experience provides a unique understanding of the designer’s perspective in addressing the “business of design”. Sharon served as the 2010 Director-at-Large for the California Peninsula Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Kevin Daroca

Kevin Daroca brings 25 years experience in Sales and Business Development to Design Mart. As a former VP of Sales in the Hi-Tech market, Kevin has been a pivotal member of the executive management team in building 7 start-up companies and guiding them to sales success. He has developed new business plans, worked to secure ongoing funding, and established and operated business offices in the US and Asia.

Although a relative newcomer to the home furnishings industry, Kevin’s knowledge of sales and business development affords him a keen understanding of customer relations at any level.

Ariana Barrett

Ariana, born and raised in San Jose, has always had a passion for interior design. After studying in Sacramento and working as a showroom coordinator at a design showroom there, she decided it was time to move back home and found a place here with the Design Mart team. Ariana is with us part time as she continues her education. In her free time, she likes to hike and spend time with friends and family.

Jonathan Byrd

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Jonathan Byrd, or just “Byrd”, joined the United States Air Force directly out of high school to see a little bit more of the world. He was fittingly stationed in Arizona where he spent the rest of his enlistment.

After separating from the military, Byrd then worked for Ashley Furniture starting out as a member of an inventory team, and eventually being promoted to an inventory team leader. A few years later, he joined the Design Mart Team and is currently involved in a little bit of everything within the company; from shipping and logistics, to customer service and inventory management.

Lyn Heart

Lyn brings over 30 years as a print designer for wall coverings, fabrics and bedding to Design Mart. After graduating with a BA in Graphic Design, she realized her passion: Design and Color! After managing a design studio in NYC , she had relocated to CA and freelanced for manufacturers around the globe as both a colorist and designer.

“Color is my passion! I thrive on assisting designers to find that perfect color match. Design Mart allows me to provide that service!”

In her spare time, Lyn teaches pottery on the wheel and designs graphics for fundraising events!

Kristen Eberhart Kottke

Kristen started her own design firm, Eberhart Interiors, in 1997 after returning to the west coast to pursue design. She joined Design Mart in 2014. Clients benefit from Kristen’s more than 20 years of art and design experience. She assists designers and their clients to make visions become realities.

Experience in helping assist them and their clients to make their visions become realities. In addition to being a mother of two, she finds the time to ride her horse Dakota, continue her own design firm, and water and snow ski..

Marie Lund

Marie Lund has over twenty years of experience in the furniture industry. She previously worked in Customer Service and Office Administration for Suburban House and Firenzi Drexel Heritage.

Her new role as Customer Service Rep at Design Mart has her tasked to assist with incoming sales, and the go-to-gal for any questions regarding quotes, order status, pricing, or invoicing.

Cheryl Reynolds

Cheryl is a wonderful addition to Design Mart, in particular because she has had her own soft home furnishings business, In Stitches, for many years, with clients such as Sunset Mazagine.

Her level of excellence in executing her creations makes her our “Fabric Queen” without compare.

Lesa Wheeler

With more than 9 years of experience as Public Relations Manager for multiple Hi-Tech start-up companies and 33 years of accounting experience, Lesa Wheeler joined the DMSV team in 2007.

As the accounting and HR manager, Lesa’s attention to detail, as well as her public relations background, is crucial in providing a higher level of quality service to Design Mart clients. In her off time Lesa enjoys travel and family time.

John Buhrman

Having a background in inventory control, John joined our team in April of 2018. With an eye for details and a can-do attitude, John will make sure your items are well inspected and ready to go should they come through his warehouse! On his off-time, John loves to golf and spend time with friends and family.

Riley

Riley joined the Design Mart team in 2010 and was quickly promoted to Chief Customer Experience Liaison. He brings several years of experience digging for that perfect chair. On that rare occasion when your order arrives damaged, Riley soothes the savage beast in all of us.