NKBA Membership is a Family Affair for the Formicas in Johnstown, PA
Carmen A. Formica (CKD) of Formica’s Kitchen Designs has been associated with the NKBA for as long as he can remember.
When his father Patsy returned from serving in World War II, he enrolled in the Veteran Association’s carpentry program. At first Patsy picked up small jobs, then he bought a workshop where he handbuilt cabinetry. Eventually, he expanded into bath and rec room projects, took on dealership opportunities, hired a team, and became a CKD.
Carmen entered his pre-teen years at his father’s side, loading trucks, helping guys on the job, carrying cabinets, and of course cleaning up. When he went to college for business administration, he took his tools with him and paid his rent by doing construction projects for professors. During summers back home, he’d help run crews.
When Patsy became ill and passed away, Carmen said to himself, “We either have to grow–or go.” So he hired a foreman, allowing him to focus on the showroom and sales. He bought top-line equipment to get the woodworking done and kept expanding the shop.
Carmen and his wife Gayle have four children–Alicia, Patrick, Daniel, and Anthony–who have all worked in some capacity in the family business over the years alongside earning university degrees.
“I felt that a college education was very important for my children,” said Carmen. “The education and degrees they hold have helped to prepare them for their current and future roles in the business.”
Danny started out in the field and was mentored by one of the team craftsmen. He is now Operations Manager for kitchen installation, taking a very hands-on role in the process from sales to project completion. He earned his CKBD earlier this year–making him the third-generation NKBA Certified member in his family. He’s also a proud honoree of our Thirty Under 30 program.
Danny’s brother Anthony manages the Computer Aided Design program which assists clients to visualize the design process and bring it to life. Anthony specializes in bathroom sales and renovations and oversees facility management and the modernization of Formica’s physical plant. Meanwhile, Gayle is Vice President and oversees financial operations, human resources, payroll, and marketing.
For the Formica’s, NKBA membership is a key driver in the business, helping them stand head and shoulders above the competition.
“Between Danny and myself, we’re the only CKBDs in the entire Johnston area,” affirmed Carmen. “Membership absolutely helps to close bids–without a doubt.”
Formica’s currently maintains a full city block with the showroom, warehouse, garages, and workshop. The company is a franchise dealer for Crystal Custom Cabinetry and Wood Mode Custom Cabinetry, where they are honored to be in the Wood-Mode Million-Dollar Club.
“We hire the best people and continue updating on the latest trends,” said Carmen. “My generation worked hard, and my kids do too. When I walk away from the business, the next generation is well prepared for future success and will be in good hands.”
Our updated CKBD study program and exam will launch on June 1. The curriculum and exam are based on the latest edition of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines. Through this new offering, we will also be accepting “broadly experienced” designers–without a requirement for additional education.
