By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Monogram Series Wins Daytime Emmy: Luxury appliance brand Monogram earned a Daytime Emmy award for its digital series “My Mark” featuring acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelson. The series celebrates individuals who use their passions to “elevate experiences.” Samuelson, recorded in his home kitchen in Sag Harbor, NY, was chosen for his dedication to culinary excellence and passion for mastering cooking techniques, which he spotlights using Monogram appliances. KBB has more.

Kohler Unveils SR_A Line: Kohler Co. introduced its groundbreaking Kohler x SR_A bath faucet at the recent Design Miami expo. Formation 01 is the inaugural product collaboration between the plumbing giant and the industrial design studio of Samuel Ross. The initial launch comprises a limited edition of 299 authenticated faucets, available for sale after the expo. Visit Kohler for more.

Bertazzoni Opens Design Center in Canada: Bertazzoni, the Guastalla, Italy-based family-owned premium appliance maker, has opened a 428-square-foot design center with its exclusive Canadian distribution partner, Distinctive, at Trail Appliances in Vancouver. “Casa Bertazzoni” is modeled after the original experience and design center in Italy and designed by Vancouver-based Sarah Gallop. It is the brand’s fifth Design Center and features working kitchen vignettes that showcase the appliances through cooking demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Learn more here.

Miele To Build in Alabama: Premium appliance maker Miele has finalized the location of its first American manufacturing plant, in Opelika, AL. The facility is expected to come online by the end of 2024 and employ 150 workers in its first phase of operations, which will initially focus on ovens and ranges.  Miele said delivery time will be slashed from up to 10 weeks to just a few days, with many of the parts and raw materials also being sourced locally to reduce CO₂ emissions. Including the new plant, Gütersloh, the Germany-basedcompany’s international production network will include a total of 16 locations: eight in Germany and one each in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and the U.S.  Read more here.

Chapter Update

Countertops in Chicago: The Chicago Mid West Chapter will host “Countertop Chronicles: Unveiling Surface Secrets,” a seminar designed to answer any question about counters and surfaces, on Jan. 23, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Starved Rock Wood Products, 1170 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL. Chapter president Denise Butchko will be joined by Mitch Gomes, sales director of MSI Surfaces, and Gina Saran, owner of Precision Stone Design, for the discussion, followed by a showroom tour, chef demo, food and drinks. Registration is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Go here for more.

Industry News

Millennials Want Houses: Despite the stereotype that Millennials prefer “experiences” to “things,” a nationwide survey found that 89.5 percent of 25-to-44 year-olds say owning a home is a part of their American dream, and fewer than 1 percent say home ownership is not important to them. Cleveland-based marketing and research firm Falls & Co. found that 76 percent prefer a single family home compared to 3.6 percent who would choose a condo. Only 16 percent are interested in a fixer-upper, while 13 percent prefer to buy new and 32 percent want a move-in-ready home. Topping the list of potential home improvements were the living room/great room, cited by 52.5 percent, and the kitchen, at 48.4 percent. Learn more here.

Gold’s Next Chapter:

Wellness design consultant and award-winning author Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC, has published a bonus chapter to her 2020 book Wellness by Design (Simon & Schuster) focused on healthy living in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the worst natural disasters in history. The chapter, “Lessons for How We Live Now,” offers tips on making homes resilient against storms, wildfires and power outages, information on what new technologies and artificial intelligence can mean for our homes and much more. The chapter is available for sale online only and is free with the hardcover book, audio or e-book editions. Access the new chapter from the “Checklists & Resources” page in the original book or through national online retailers. Click for more info.

A look at the most popular content read by members on NKBA.org. 

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

The K&B industry was full of news in 2023 and NKBA members were all over many of these stories, but below is a list of the ones that got the most clicks.

1. Kitchen Trend Takeaways 

From hard-working islands to well-curated lighting, K&B professionals were eager to learn about the top findings from NKBA’s kitchen trends report, released in October. The report highlighted top trends in kitchen design over the next three years and featured emerging categories and shifts in products, color, materials and space. Read the article here.  

2. 2023 Design Winners

NKBA’s Design + Industry Awards at KBIS is one of the biggest events of the year…so it’s no surprise that this was one of members’ most popular articles. K&B professionals pored over this article to find out about the award-winning kitchens and baths and their designers behind these spaces. Read the article here.

3. NKBA’s New Board of Directors

Changes in NKBA’s governance were announced near the end of last year, and it’s no surprise that members wanted to learn more about the 2024 Board of Directors, especially Ken Williams, President & CEO of Caesarstone The Americas, who was elected Chair. Read the article here.

4. Trending Toward Minimalism  

Another major trend identified in NKBA’s 2024 Kitchen Trends report was minimalism and this article goes into how this will transform cabinetry, pantries and more to keep these spaces low-maintenance and clutter-free. Read the article here.

5. KBMI Shows 2024 Optimism

In addition to its popular trends reports, NKBA releases various reports throughout the year on the current and future state of the K&B industry. One of these is the quarterly KBMI report, with the Q3 release being the most popular in 2023 for industry insights, forecasts and more. Read the article here.

6. NKBA Takes Designers to Germany

For a second year in a row, NKBA invited a group of North American-based designers to experience the German Haus Fair, with a whirlwind trip that covered the Fair, some factories and special events. Read the article here.

7. W2W Goes to Charleston

NKBA’s successful Women2Women initiative has steadily gained momentum, as it works to mentor/support women in the K&B industry. This popular article showcased the 2023 event, which was hosted in  historic Charleston, SC, from Oct. 10 to 12, and featured attendees’ shared experiences, challenges and more. Read the article here.

8. Mariana De La Garza’s Favorite Finds

Near the end of 2023, NKBA released its Favorite Finds series, showcasing designers’ top picks at shows around the country. In this article, Mariana De La Garza, an Interior Designer with Coton House in Houston, Texas, and an alumni of NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 Class of 2023, featured her top five picks from the Design Edge show in Houston. Read the article here.

9. Jennifer Hutton’s Favorites from High Point  

Another popular favorite finds article featured High Point Market, from the point of view of  Jennifer Hutton, Design Manager, Grau Building Company and NKBA Eastern Carolinas Chapter member and an alumni of NKBA’s Thirty Under 30s, class of 2020. Read the article here.

10. NKBA’s First-Ever Showrooms Report

NKBA released its first-ever Independent Kitchen & Bath Showrooms report in 2023, highlighting important and in-depth details about the changing role of showrooms in the K&B industry. Read the article here.

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This is one in a series of 2023 Year in Review articles to be featured in January. 

Ken Williams, President & CEO, Caesarstone The Americas, elected Board Chair

Ken Williams, President & CEO of Caesarstone The Americas, has been elected Chair of NKBA’s 2024 Board of Directors, effective January 1. He succeeds Jan Heck, President & CEO of Miele USA. 

Jan Heck, as well as Kristen Elder, VP of Residential Builder & Showrooms at Ferguson Enterprises, completed their four-year terms and will be leaving the NKBA Board of Directors at the end of 2023.  

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of 2024 Chairman of the NKBA Board,” said Williams, who is serving his third year on the board. “Reflecting on my time serving on the Board for the past two years, I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable efforts dedicated to cultivating new opportunities and the next generation of talent for our industry. I look forward to this next chapter with the NKBA to further drive innovation and excellence.” 

Bill Darcy, named Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS at the association’s November board meeting, expressed a warm welcome to Williams and thanked the board members for their contributions. “They all bring a unique perspective from different sectors and roles in the industry, and NKBA benefits from the intelligent exchange of ideas that comes from this collaboration,” said Darcy, whose new title reflects the growing influence and importance of NKBA and KBIS in the international market. “I’d also like to thank our outgoing chair, Jan Heck, for his efforts in 2023.”  

In addition to Williams, NKBA | KBIS  also elected returning board member, Louis “Lou” M. Rohl, Founder of The House of ROHL, as Vice Chair, and returning board member Kerrie Kelly, Founder and CEO + Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, as Secretary/Treasurer. Rohl will be in his fourth and final year on the board, while Kelly will be serving out her second year. 

New 2024 board members include John Barkhouse, CEO of Cabinetworks Group, and Nicola Bertazzoni, COO of Bertazzoni Group, Italy & CEO Bertazzoni North America Inc.,  and both will serve four-year terms. Bertazzoni is the first-ever Board member to be based outside of North America, again underscoring the increasing global impact of NKBA and KBIS. 

Below is the complete list of the 2024 NKBA Board Members, whose tenure begins on January 1, 2024.

2024 BOARD OFFICERS

Ken Williams, Chair

President & CEO, Caesarstone The Americas, Charlotte, NC

Williams joined the company in 2016 as president of Caesarstone Canada, before being promoted in 2019 to president of Caesarstone North America, a newly created region that combined the U.S. and Canadian operations. Previously, he held various senior executive-level positions, including Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing in several Masco Corporation divisions and general management roles at Fortune Brands, Rehill Company Ltd., and Thorn Stevenson Kellogg Management Consultants. 

Louis “Lou” M. Rohl, Vice Chair

Founder, The House of ROHL, Irvine, CA

Before retiring in February 2022, Rohl served as The House of ROHL’s strategic thought leader in the U.S. and was responsible for relationships with key vendors and customers. Rohl started his career nearly four decades ago, working at St. Charles Kitchens in St. Charles, IL., and at KWC Faucets in Switzerland before becoming a founding member of ROHL. He is an industry partner at the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), an Interior Design Continuing Education Credited(IDCEC) Instructor, and a member of the executive coaching organization, Vistage International. 

Kerrie Kelly, Secretary/Treasurer

CEO & Creative Director, Kerrie Kelly Studio, Sacramento, CA

Kelly is an award-winning and nationally recognized interior designer whose work elevates everyday design, bridging the gap between design principles and life well lived. An author, product designer and multimedia consultant, Kelly is also an NKBA Global Connect Advisor. In addition, she is a Fellow, Design Luminary Award recipient and Past-Chair to the National Board for American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); a Houzz Advisory Board Member; and a Zillow Interior Design National Spokesperson.

2024 NKBA BOARD MEMBERS

RANDY WARNER | VP of Sales, LG Electronics, Englewood Cliffs, NJ

After leading the sales team for both Signature Kitchen Suite, LG’s luxury kitchen appliance division, and LG Builder, in May 2022 Randy was promoted to Vice President of Sales for LG Electronics. Previously, he was vice president of sales for the Luxury Division of Samsung where he successfully integrated the Dacor brand into the parent company. An Ohio native with three decades of experience in appliances, Warner began his career at Maytag where he worked for 15 years in sales and sales management roles in the U.S. He then joined Electrolux where he launched and oversaw the West Coast Builder Division as well as managed the National Buying Groups. Afterwards, he was named president of distribution of the West and Southwest for Sub-Zero, overseeing sales, marketing, operations and customer service. Warner holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of South Florida.

MIKAEL ÅKERBERG | CEO, nobilia North America, Miami, FL

Åkerberg, who has been CEO of nobilia North America since 2017, has over 20 years of experience as an international executive supplying products and services to the construction and remodeling market. At nobilia, he has focused on building sales and expanding logistics to fulfill the demands of the retail and wholesale markets as well as the construction industry in multiple countries. Prior to joining nobilia, which is Europe’s leading Kitchen manufacturer based in Gutersloh, Germany, Åkerberg held executive positions at Saint-Gobain S.A. and Jeld-Wen Inc. Åkerberg earned his MBA at IHM Business School in Sweden.

KEN ROBERTS | President, Atlas Roofing Corporation, Atlanta, GA

Ken Roberts joined Atlas Roofing company as president August of 2023. Prior to that, Roberts was with Delta Faucet Company for 29 years. Known for his ability to build teams and manage complexity, Ken has held a variety of leadership positions over his career in sales, international business development, manufacturing, engineering, forecasting, purchasing and logistics. He also spent three years overseas developing Delta Faucet Company’s China operations. Roberts holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology as well as a Master’s of Management in Manufacturing degree from Northwestern University.

EDUARDO COSENTINO | EVP Cosentino Group & CEO, Cosentino Americas, Miami, FL

Eduardo Cosentino is the Executive Vice President of Global Corporate Sales and CEO of Cosentino Americas. In the former, he oversees the Group’s sales efforts on a global scale, where he utilizes his multicultural background and sales experience to propel the company’s product design and R&D forward. In addition to his global sales role, he became CEO of Cosentino’s North America operations in 2010, leading the company’s growth in one of largest and most important markets for the organization. Eduardo has developed a substantial career within Cosentino Group, working his way up by serving in multiple roles that allowed him to profoundly understand the business. Prior to his current roles, he worked in multiple divisions, from workshop and commercial operations to sales and senior management roles both at the regional and international level. He is also a member of Cosentino’s Steering Committee, Executive Committee and Company Board. Since 2002 he has been VP of the Andalusian Marble Association, and in 2023 he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce, serving as Vice President. Eduardo is motivated by finding solutions to complex problems and developing the talents of his team while helping them develop professionally. Guided by his entrepreneurial spirit, intuition, and creative problem-solving, Eduardo is a key piece in the continued growth and success of Cosentino globally.

JOHN BARKHOUSE, CEO, Cabinetworks Group, Livonia, MI

John Barkhouse is the Chief Executive Officer of Cabinetworks Group, the largest privately held cabinetmaker in the United States. Under John’s leadership, Cabinetworks Group serves an expansive network of major home improvement centers, independent dealers, distributors and multi-family home builders as well as consumers, with the industry’s most comprehensive choice of cabinetry—including leading brands such as KraftMaid®, Medallion® and Merillat® cabinetry. John has spent over 25 years leading global mid and large-cap companies in the industrial, energy, and services sectors. Prior to joining Cabinetworks in 2021, John held leadership roles with Caterpillar, Newalta Corporation, Clarios, and Brookfield Asset Management. John has a proven track record of transforming and growing companies through service and manufacturing innovation, operational excellence, and teamwork while keeping customers at the heart of the business. John holds an MBA from Bradley and an Engineering degree from Dalhousie University.

NICOLA BERTAZZONI, COO Bertazzoni Group, Italy & CEO, Bertazzoni North America Inc., Guastalla, Italy

Bertazzoni holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Modena, Italy. Nicola started his professional career in the automotive business, working for the joint venture between General Motors and Fiat,  prior to holding management positions at Fiat Group in Italy, and Toyota Europe HQ in Belgium.

In 2008 he joined the 6th generation family-owned major appliance business. After serving in multiple roles, he assumed the position of VP Sales in 2012 with a focus on global sales, and set up subsidiaries for the corporation throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas as part of a business development strategy in the key markets. Nicola is President/Director of all subsidiaries, including Bertazzoni North America Inc., the US & Canadian business unit.

In 2021 he assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer for the entire Bertazzoni Group overseeing the company worldwide.

Go here to download headshots of the 2024 NKBA Board of Directors. 

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About the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS):

NKBA | KBIS  is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS). With nearly 50,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry, NKBA | KBIS  has informed, educated and supported the industry since the association was founded in 1963. NKBA | KBIS’s mission is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through community, professional certification and learning, and events. For more information, go to NKBA.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

NKBA® and  KBIS® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. 

These promising future K&B stars will be honored at KBIS 2024

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

Every year, NKBA selects 30 exceptional young professionals from across the kitchen and bath industry to join its prestigious Thirty Under 30 program. Nominees for the program were evaluated on their professional or educational achievements, commitment to excellence in the K&B industry and leadership in their organizations.

“We are very happy to announce our newest class of rising young professionals,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO, NKBA | KBIS. “These talented young individuals will grow into the future leaders of our industry and we hope this honor helps them in their continuing professional development.”

The Thirty Under 30 class are invited to attend KBIS 2024, where they will be introduced on the NEXTStage and meet with industry leaders and luminaries.  They will also choose the annual 30s Choice Awards, which spotlight the “Best of” products and innovations in several categories that are announced during KBIS at the NEXTStage on Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

Congratulations to the following Thirty Under 30 Class of 2024!

• Sophia Amiano, CKBD, Design-Build Specialist, Amiano & Son Construction
• Ruth Barnes, Interior Designer, Hatchett Design/Remodel
• Anna Blinova, Creative & Design Director, VIGO
• Rachel Burger, Lead Interior Designer, JL Design
• Ashley de Boer, Principal Interior Designer, Ashley de Boer Interiors
• Valerie Furazhenko, Owner & Lead Designer, Viola Designs
• Jake Hohman, Product Manager, Connected Products & Innovation, Moen Inc. 
• Kelsey Kinniry, Trade Marketing Manager, Delta Faucet Company
• Samantha Kunka, Cabinet Designer, Bolyard Lumber
• Victor Lebegue, Visionary & CEO, VL Builders
• Kaitlyn Martel, Director of Marketing, IMARK Group
• Olivia McMurtrie, Showroom Manager, Ferguson Enterprises
• Brittany McQueen, Designer, Hometown Homes
• Sydney Melnyk, Designer, Redl Kitchens
• Isaac Musket, Lead Designer, C&K Custom Remodeling
• Chrystalla Neocleous, Interior Designer, The Breakfast Room Ltd.
• Danielle Noah, Marketing Operations & Social Media Manager, AJ Madison
• Alexis Novacek, Public Relations Manager, ZLINE Kitchen & Bath
• Kiersten Reed, CKBD, Interior Designer, Monmouth Building Center
• Priscilla Saucedo, Designer & Outside Sales Builder, Ferguson Enterprises
• Lyndsey Seddon, CKBD, Interior Designer, Seddon Design. Co.
• Thomas Setnan, Senior Sales Manager, Rustic Kitchen & Bath
• Cortney Smith, Interior Designer & Owner, Torgy’s Home Design
• Katie Sneed, Owner & Interior Designer, K. Sneed Design
• Abigail Stojke, Project Designer, Peacock & Company
• Jamie Stoneking, Senior Marketing Manager, Residential Audiences, Wilsonart
• Luke Sweigart, Director of Information Technology, Green Forest Cabinetry/Indigo Strategic Holdings
• Kristin Tabor, Interior Designer, TABOR Design
• Abby Via, Right Bath Assistant Designer, Mosby Building Arts
• Devorah Werner, CKBD, Owner & Designer, WERKI by D

The Thirty Under 30 program was introduced in 2013 to recognize outstanding young kitchen and bath professionals who are the future leaders of the industry.  For more details about the Thirty Under 30 events at KBIS, go here — or to register for the show, go here. NKBA members get a discounted rate and can save even more by registering early before December 14.

Expanding on its monthly Government Relations Newsletter, NKBA unveils a new webpage offering members additional resources. 

By Steven Campeau 

Committed to educating its membership on legislative and regulatory issues that affect our professional community and the K&B industry overall, NKBA is pleased to announce the launch of its first-ever government relations webpage. This webpage serves as a one-stop resource for all of your government relations needs and includes: 

• Government Relations News: View the current monthly issue of the Government Relations Newsletter. Past newsletters as well as other government relations articles are also found on this page.

• Policy: Review NKBA’s official approach to determining public policy positions. NKBA’s official position statement on state Interior Design(er) Title and Practice Acts can also be found here.

• Legislative & Regulatory Tracking: This subpage features an interactive map that makes it easy to identify the legislation and regulations that NKBA is tracking in each state. Federal proposals are also included. Check out the issues that are important to you!

• Get Involved: Want to express your point of view on a topic that interests you or impacts your profession? NKBA offers resources to identify your elected officials along with their contact information, sample correspondence and tips on communicating effectively.

NKBA will continue to monitor relevant legislative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels, providing information to members concerning any pertinent developments. Check the new webpage often for updated content. If you have any questions regarding NKBA’s government relations activities or the new webpage, please contact NKBA Governance Manager Steven Campeau at scampeau@nkba.org.