By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Wilsonart’s Korzen Takes CEO Role: Wilsonart executive Andrew Korzen succeeded Tim O’Brien as president and CEO of the surfacing giant, completing a planned transition. O’Brien, who retired, served the company for 10 years. Korzen joined in 2014 and was VP of Sales, also responsible for warehouse operations, marketing and design, and prior to that, was VP of product management. Visit Wilsonart here.
California Faucets Launches Online Customization Tool: California Faucets introduced an online Bathroom Faucet CreatorTM to help designers give their clients a custom look. Designers may choose myriad fixture styles — including the Christopher Grubb Collection — from contemporary and industrial to traditional and transitional, pair any handles and spouts, and select from more than 25 finishes in nearly unlimited combinations. All faucets are solid brass and crafted in the company’s Huntington Beach, CA, factory. Learn more here.
AndMore Markets Names Top Execs: AndMore, the trade show operator that runs High Point Market, Casual Market Atlanta (outdoor furnishings) and other home décor, gift and apparel markets across the country, named Jon Pertchik CEO and promoted Dorothy Belshaw to president. Pertchik succeeds Bob Maricich, founder of AndMore, who becomes executive chairman. Pertchik brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in real estate, hospitality and finance. Belshaw has been with AndMore for 12 years in C-suite roles, most recently as chief growth officer. More detail here.
Cyncly Taps GMs: Cyncly, a global provider of software and content solutions for the design industry, named Wynn Grubbs general manager of Kitchen, Bath and Furniture Retail solutions and Mark Lukianchuk general manager of Flooring solutions. Grubbs succeeds Gordon Bartels, who is transitioning to a strategic advisory role. Most recently, Grubbs held GM roles and CRO Organization leadership positions for software firm PTC. Lukianchuk served as GM for several B2B software companies across multiple markets. More info here.
Chapter Update
On The Links with Chicago Mid West: The Chicago Mid West Chapter will host the 2024 Bridgewood Open golf outing on June 17 at the Village Links of Glen Ellyn, 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn, IL. Sponsored by Bridgewood Cabinetry, festivities start at 11 am. Greens fees are $300 and include 18 holes with cart, lunch, drinks on the course (sponsored by Wood-Mode), happy hour and banquet dinner. A foursome is $1,200. For happy hour and dinner only, starting at 5 pm, tickets are $85. Info and registration here.
Industry News
Millennials Eclipse Boomers in Home-Buying: Millennials (ages 25-43) surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest demographic of home buyers at 38 percent in 2023, according to National Association of Realtors research. Boomers (ages 59-77) fell to 31 percent from 39 percent, but remained the largest segment of home sellers at 45 percent. Meanwhile, Gen Z (ages 18-24) is entering the housing market, accounting for 3 percent of purchases last year, with 31 percent of Gen Z buyers being single females — significantly higher than any other group. Read more here.
Housing Starts and Completions Rise: The U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development said housing starts in April rose 5.7 percent over March, but slipped 0.6 percent compared to April 2023. Privately owned housing completions jumped 8.6 percent in April from March and spiked 14.6 percent YOY. More details here.
