Rebecca Flynn talks about the importance of mentors and building a professional network. By Loren Kessell

 

NKBA member Rebecca Flynn, CMKBD, began her design career in college, at her design instructor’s custom cabinet shop. He was looking for an interior designer who could assist with both design and sales to grow the company.

“He was an incredible mentor who encouraged me to pursue kitchen and bath design and to advance my design education through the certification program with the NKBA,” Flynn recalled

After 20 years, she achieved her CMKBD certification, and she continues to grow in the industry that sparked her career.

NKBA: How long have you been a member?

RF:I have been a member since 2003 and on the San Diego chapter board since 2005.

NKBA: What do you consider the best benefits of membership?

RF:The exposure to quality speakers, the educational resources and networking. I always encourage new designers to join all design organizations and to continue with their education.

NKBA: What is your role in your chapter?

RF:I’ve held all of them except treasurer and professional development. This year, I am the chapter president for a second time. We are working to get the younger generation to join the board.

NKBA: How have you benefited from belonging to your chapter?

RF:In many ways — networking with my colleagues and staying current with trends helps prevent my designs from becoming stale.

NKBA: Did attending meetings help you make professional connections?

RF:Yes — being on the board has allowed me to meet designers from all over the country. Especially while attending the breakout sessions at Chapter Officer Training, you really build a bond with designers in your field. It’s fun to discuss design or business issues and get a different perspective.

NKBA: What have you learned at chapter presentations?

RF:On our board, we really work hard to bring in well-educated speakers from various aspects of design, and we realize our members’ time is valuable. I’ve enjoyed, and have been inspired by, so many of our speakers. My favorite speaker, who was so inspirational, was Corey Damen Jenkins. He was featured on HGTV, and he talked to us about issues he’s come across as a designer. He taught us how to not be pushed around, hold our positions and manage plans. That was one of the best meetings we had. He taught us that it’s “okay to walk away from projects” sometimes and that your “work well-being is more important.”

NKBA: What do you like to do when you’re not designing?

RF:I’m an avid cyclist and I volunteer for our chapter and for RADY Children’s Hospital in San Diego. I also love to draw, and of course, cook.

NKBA: What are some of the top opportunities you’ve had as an NKBA member?

RF:Attending KBIS and seeing the different trends year after year, attending the Gala and, of course, the Cosentino party. I’ve been fortunate enough to become a lifetime Ambassador Member and to participate in the Professional Design Competition in 2008. That was an incredible experience. Also, making lifetime friends with so many members.

NKBA: Was it easy to complete your company and individual profiles?

RF:Yes, it was. It was very direct and easy to follow.

NKBA: What do you love about KBIS?

RF:I love that IBS and KBIS are combined. It has brought KBIS to a different, valuable level. I also like the design lectures offered. The show is exciting to walk through and see what’s coming up.

NKBA: How do you share your knowledge?

RF:As president of our chapter, I’m able to present the benefits of attending KBIS and CEDIA, and the value of continuing education.

NKBA: How do you mentor the next design generation? Have you created opportunities on the chapter level?

RF:In our chapter, we are very fortunate to work closely with Mesa College [which earned the 2018 College of the Year honor from NKBA]. We encourage students to attend our chapter meetings, and we hold both a professional and student design competition every year. We would like to expand our reach to high-school students and have them consider learning a trade in our industry.

NKBA: Why would you encourage other members to complete their NKBA profiles?

RF:I have been fortunate to acquire clients who viewed National’s website, interviewed me and hired me. Being a part of the National Kitchen & Bath Association gave me validation that I stand above someone who isn’t a member. I feel clients would rather work with someone who is educated in our industry. Having a design specialty has given me the knowledge and confidence to pursue projects I may have felt I wasn’t qualified for. I feel very secure in my abilities as a designer, and being a part of the organization played a big part in my success as a designer.

NKBA:What advice would you give to aspiring or current designers?

RF:Learn to network and establish a good team around you. For example, I may be in a situation where I may not know what to do, and having someone who is experienced and knows your work, and trusts you, will help you create solutions for the client. I may know a lot about everything, but I’m not always an expert! It’s important to have a group of tradespeople around you. It’s not a competition — you can really work as a team and help each other. And, support the younger generation! If it wasn’t for people mentoring me, I wouldn’t be where I am.