By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Fabuwood Acquires Plain & Fancy: Fabuwood, a leading semi-custom cabinetry company based in Newark, NJ, has acquired Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, a luxury handcrafted cabinet maker in Schaefferstown, PA. Plain & Fancy, founded by the Achey family in 1968, will remain a luxury brand and retain its name and fully custom offerings, operating under the Fabuwood corporate umbrella. P&F president George “Butch” Achey, son of founder John Achey, will continue in his role. Select Fabuwood dealer showrooms will have access to P&F’s high-end portfolio, and Fabuwood will use its operational and technological expertise to support P&F, including helping to cut lead times. More info here.
Moen Joins Florida Conservation Testing: Plumbing giant Moen is partnering with Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade Inc., to install Moen Flo Smart water monitors and shut-off devices in 200 Miami-Dade County homes. Rebuild Together is a non-profit group that helps impoverished communities and those impacted by natural disasters to rebuild. The project aims to prevent water leaks, lower residential water bills, reduce water-damage claims, and conserve water. The four-month project will evaluate the impact of the devices on water flow and costs, and demonstrate how the technology saves water, money and reduces damage. CE Pro has more.
Calling Industry Experts: NKBA Is accepting proposals for the 2025 Design & Business Webinar Series, a program dedicated to exploring the dynamic world of residential design on a global scale. This unique series will bring together leading designers, industry partners, and thought leaders to share insights, spark conversations, and inspire innovation. Presenters raise their industry profile and network with other professionals through this global platform. Subject Matter Experts are invited to submit a proposal for a webinar highlighting key topics, learning objectives, and takeaways. Proposals are due by Sept. 30. For more info and to submit ideas, click here.
Endeavor Buys SGC Building Brands: Endeavor Business Media has acquired the building and construction-related events and media platforms of Scranton Gillette Communications. Included in the deal are the ProBuilder Show Village, Women in Residential+Commercial Construction Conference, The Pro+Connect hosted buyer series, and media brands including Professional Builder, ProRemodeler, and Building Design+Construction. The acquisition nearly doubles the size of Endeavor’s buildings and construction group, according to Endeavor CEO Chris Ferrell. ProRemodeler has more.
Wendy Glaister Named HGTV Finalist: NKBA member Wendy Glaister, an award-winning designer and president/founder of Wendy Glaister Interiors in Modesto, CA, has been named a finalist for HGTV’s Designer of the Year honor. Glaister, a member of NKBA’s San Joaquin Valley Chapter, is a contender in the category “Outdoor Oasis,” for her four-seasons design concept. Live voting for this prestigious honor is on until Sept. 26 at HGTV. KBB has more.
Chapter Update
Mix and Mingle in Minnesota: Join the Minnesota State Chapter for its final Happy Hour of the year on Sept. 26 at the Full Tilt Tavern, 8301 Normandale Boulevard in Bloomington. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate, network with new colleagues, and catch up with old friends. Members are $20, non-members are $40, and students are free. Learn more and register here.
Industry News
Houzz Study Shows Pets Are Priorities: Pets are family — and a recent Houzz study confirms that they play a major role in home renovations. The 2024 U.S. Houzz Pets & the Home Study of more than 1,000 respondents found that 48 percent prioritize pets in their decisions when remodeling. Main considerations include pet-friendly flooring, products and materials (34 percent) and specific designs or functionality for pets, including built-in areas for bedding and feeding or grooming stations. More at houzz.com.
