Our Staff
We are the best in the business and ready to help in any way that we can.
It takes an entire studio of highly skilled individuals working as a team to produce the level of quality and craftsmanship that goes out our doors each day. Over 24 pairs of hands touch each piece – that begins as a lump of clay and ends as a twice-fired piece of Deneen Pottery. Pictured to the right (in our always warm kiln room) is the whole Deneen Pottery team – even Olive, our shop dog. Please feel free to scroll down to learn a little bit more about leadership team.
Peter Deneen
CEOI have never had more fun than I am right now – and I remain focused on producing the best stoneware for our customers.
Niles Deneen
PresidentI love working with my parents and I especially enjoy talking about our stoneware. Growing up around this creative medium has given me a real appreciation for the art but also the business that allows OUR art to continue. I'm blessed with two wonderful children who keep us on our toes...Little TT Buddy and Weezie-Beezie.
Sara Kube
General ManagerI’m back in Minnesota after living in Philadelphia for over 11 years! What luck to land amongst friends at Deneen Pottery. I love cheerleading our awesome staff, helping customers with billing questions and energizing the office with my dance moves. My current favorites are: riding my bike on the Midtown Greenway, eating popcorn and strolling around Lake of the Isles!
Kristen Adam
Executive Assistant – Customer ServiceI enjoy helping people, especially customers, and I am a type ‘A’ person so Niles is extremely lucky to have me. Time off is just as fun – going for bike rides, walks, and helping my husband brew beer… Le Petit Saison is my favorite.
Texas Teena
Art Director, Creative GeniusI love doing the drawings and making them GREAT. Give me a hula hoop and some open space and look out. My family is very important to me especially my mom, Elaine, who is back in Texas. I am an artist in my own right and love creating my own work each and everyday.
Martha Winter & Mary Deneen
The “Mothers” of Deneen Pottery.We enjoy being creative consultants and helping tend to this wonderful “business family.” What a joy it is to see it grow and flourish because we strongly believe that…”Nowhere is beauty more important than in the objects we use everyday” – Marguerite Wildenhain
Annie Deneen
Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable / Payroll
Carrie Austin
Office Administration – Customer SupportAfter living in Montana for four years, I have finally moved back home to Minnesota and am looking forward to living in the Twin Cities again. As a true Minnesotan, I enjoy playing hockey and spending time on the lake.
Emily McDaniel
Marketing and DesignI love all things DESIGN! When I’m not busy hand-lettering in my sketchbook, you can usually find me indulging in a Harry Potter marathon with a wedge of BellaVitano cheese. I also adore the newest addition to our family (a senior terrier mix and my soulmutt) Glenn!
Nicole Hilgendorf
Customer Service Assistant
Olive
The Shop Dog – Minigolden DoodleNothing makes me happier than getting to greet people when they come to visit us! I’ve got a pretty sweet set up in the office – my own leather chair to sit on, and a custom doggie dish with my name on it. When you come please bring me a treat, I love treats!