Jamie Stoneking
Wilsonart
Chicago Mid West Chapter
Thirty Under 30: Jamie Stoneking
Jamie Stoneking is one of the outstanding young professionals in NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 Class of 2024.
By Donna Heiderstadt
Her official title may be Senior Residential Marketing Manager for Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces, but unofficially Jamie Stoneking is considered a marketing visionary. Dedicated to fostering B2B relationships within the kitchen-and-bath industry by empowering trade professionals to achieve growth, Jamie focuses on tools such as captivating photography, trend blogs and expert influencers to cater to the unique needs of designers, dealers, remodelers, builders and fabricators. Her net goal? To elevate the industry as a whole.
Jamie’s eye for detail and flare for creativity have been honed since her childhood on an Illinois farm where she used her dad’s scrap wood to build whatever came to mind: a chair for her mom or a jungle gym for her cats. Jamie also remodeled her bedroom far too many times to count. “I think I redecorated every year. Polka dots, stripes, there were many phases,” she recalled. “I have always loved creativity, but I also love strategy. That’s what drew me to marketing.”
Among her most memorable responsibilities for Wilsonart, Illinois-based Jamie cites coordinating the company’s 4,500-square-foot KBIS 2023 booth. “But I have to say my favorite project was one of my very first,” she said. “I researched with K&B dealers to see what they needed most from our loyalty program. The answer: help with marketing.” Jamie noted that it was so rewarding to assist local dealers and designers in growing their businesses by sharing her expertise and providing marketing ads, website UX help and more. “They grew their business, we grew our sales,” she said. “It was a win-win and I met so many great people along the way.”
Having grown up on a farm, Jamie’s personal design preferences reflect that aesthetic. “I have always loved a good farmhouse or rustic feel — but with a transitional twist,” she said. “I redid my kitchen two years ago with a great transitional-farmhouse look. It brings me home-comfort and reflects my roots.” But Jamie also admits to loving Scandinavian design, noting that her living room contains many Nordic accents.
In fact, global influences speak to her. An enthusiastic traveler who self-describes as “adventurous,” Jamie has already visited 25 countries and 40 U.S. states — and she has a hard time choosing a favorite. “I will say I have an affinity for Southeast Asia, as I lived in Singapore for six months,” she said. “Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and more — I loved them all. The culture is rich and it brings you out of your comfort zone to learn about Eastern cultures, which I am really passionate about.”
What’s next for newlywed Jamie and her husband, Joel? Besides enjoying the outdoors with their two dogs, Marshall and Reagan, they’re keen to get some more stamps in their passports. Africa is in her sights, says Jamie, who has been to every other continent (except Antarctica, which isn’t on her must-visit list). “Last one to check off! Hoping to go in the next few years.”
Class of 2024
Viola House
Bolyard Lumber
IMARK Group
Torgy's Home Design
K. Sneed Design
Peacock & Company