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Dennis Yandell: A Layered Approach

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

Dennis Yandell’s path to the bathroom remodeling industry began long before he ever stepped into a showroom or managed a sales team. His family moved frequently when he was growing up, which taught him the value of working with his hands and solving problems on the fly. That early exposure to manual labor led him to Kmart’s building department, where he expanded his general construction knowledge while continuing to develop his hands-on skills. “I learned how to do everything from tile to painting, but I also learned how to deal with customers and understand what they actually need,” he recalls.

In 1980, Dennis moved to California, where his career expanded into property maintenance and real estate-related projects. From there, he moved into roofing, taking on roles as a sales manager, branch manager and designer. Each step added another layer to his understanding of construction systems and customer expectations. Eventually, he transitioned into bathroom and kitchen remodeling with a company that supplied countertops to Costco.

When that business started struggling, Dennis found himself at a turning point. Thankfully, a former colleague referred him to a growing company where his background would fit seamlessly: Shicker Luxury Bath. “I met with Peter [Schicker, former president] and he hired me on the spot,” he details. “We had similar backgrounds and he respected some of the people I had previously worked with, so it was a good fit.”

Today, as sales manager at Schicker Luxury Bath, Dennis plays a central role in training and guiding the company’s design team while ensuring customers move through a highly structured and carefully managed remodeling process. His focus is less on individual transactions and more on communication and accountability throughout the experience. “My role is really about developing our team and making sure we’re doing things the right way, from the first call to the final walkthrough,” he explains.

A major part of Dennis’ work involves educating homeowners about risks in the remodeling industry—something he says is often overlooked. He believes in helping clients understand the range of factors that can affect their projects, from insurance coverage and licensing to accountability and project structure. “People don’t realize how little protection they actually have in this industry,” he asserts. “Part of what we do is make sure they understand what’s at stake.”

Schicker Luxury Bath’s approach is intentionally structured to reduce those risks. The company relies on an employee-based model rather than subcontractors, manages permits internally and oversees every project under one coordinated system. Dennis often compares the difference to building a car versus buying one. “We don’t just sell you parts—we build your bathroom,” he says. “That means we control quality and responsibility from start to finish.”

Outside of work, Dennis enjoys a quiet life in Discovery Bay with his wife, Dee, and an extended family that spans multiple generations. Family is at the center of his free time, with regular gatherings around holidays and birthdays bringing everyone together.

Ultimately, Dennis says his approach to bathroom remodeling is rooted in the belief that trust is the foundation of every successful project. “I’ve found that if you keep communication clear and expectations honest, the work has a way of taking care of itself.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: I’m a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but I also like the Oakland A’s and the Golden State Warriors.

Q: What’s your favorite band?
A: Led Zeppelin.

Q: Do you know how to play an instrument?
A: I can play guitar, banjo and harmonica. I’m not great at any of them, so I’m more of an enthusiast than a true musician.

Q: Do you prefer being somewhere cold or somewhere hot?
A: Neither. I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, so I know cold weather, and I’ve lived in hot climates, too. I like the overall climate in California—it’s more balanced.

Q: What types of TV shows do you like?
A: I like shows that fully immerse you and take you out of your day-to-day life, like “Outlander” and “Game of Thrones.”