SEN to Host Design Sales Educational Program

Chicago, IL – SEN Design Group invites kitchen and bath designers and sales professionals to the Good-Better-Best Sales School, scheduled for September 8-9 at theMART in Chicago, IL. The GBB Sales School, sponsored by Custom Wood Products, Inc, Bridgewood Cabinetry and Exclusive Cabinet Agents LLC, will be conducted by SEN Design Group’s Senior Vice President, Dan Luck, an industry expert with over 43 years of experience.

The two-day program will deliver advanced training in the successful sales strategies that will help designers and sales professionals increase their gross profit margins by up to 40%. Participants will become proficient in the science of consumer decision-making, effectively drive the sale conversion and understand why the Good-Better-Best (GBB) selling system is so effective, according to SEN Design Group.

“As a cabinet rep wanting our dealers to maximize their sales and profitability, we are thrilled to be a partner in bringing this first class, impactful sales training program to the kitchen and bath industry,” says Vince Hodshire, principal of Exclusive Cabinet Agents, LLC.

“The GBB selling system leverages the prospect’s emotional engagement with the remodeling project,” says Luck. “Consumers like choice, but not too many choices. GBB pricing tiers remove the ‘to buy or not to buy’ step from the decision-making process.” Instead, it guides prospects through a pricing structure that offers a sense of empowerment. When consumers are presented with three options to choose from, most of them will select the middle option, which represents increased revenues.

“We at SEN Design Group seek to help businesses convert more sales and earn higher revenues,” adds Luck. “The GBB sales process has been proven to significantly increase gross profit margins, and this two-day program will give designers the most effective tools to achieve speedy closings.”

The regular tuition fee is $1,695 for this intensive two-day sales training program. Dealers who are part of a sponsor’s network can save $500, using a promotional code to register for $1,195. SEN members who have the SEN U annual education subscription as part of their membership can attend for under $300.

For additional information about the program and about membership, visit https://sendesigngroup.com.

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Registration for KBIS Now Open

Orlando, Fla., February. 8-10, 2022

 

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has opened registration for the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS): Where the Future is Defined. The annual event, owned by the NKBA and produced by Emerald Expositions, is the largest North American trade expo and networking opportunity for kitchen and bath industry professionals.

Building on the success of a nine-year partnership with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS) to create Design & Construction Week® (DCW), KBIS and IBS will co-locate at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, from Feb. 8 -10, 2022. The two shows are expected to feature over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space and showcase more than 1,000 design and construction brands.

Sign up for KBIS here; NKBA members register for free during the month of September.

The NKBA and Emerald Expositions are committed to creating an event experience where customers, partners and employees can safely and effectively conduct business in person, the agencies not. As a result, the CDC COVID-19 health and safety measures and protocols will be followed. A detailed list of precautionary measures being implemented for KBIS 2022 can be found in the KBIS Health & Safety Plan here.

In addition, the host site of KBIS 2022, the OCCC was one of the first facilities in the country to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star accreditation on outbreak prevention, response and recovery. Since receiving this distinction, the OCCC has instituted the industry’s highest standards for cleaning and disinfecting, it was noted.

The KBIS 2022 expo will include over 380,500 NSF and feature an expected 450 exhibitors, including legacy brands like GE Appliances, Kohler and SKS. Additionally, more than 40 new exhibitors such as Lefroy Brooks and CopperSmith will occupy nearly 20,000 NSF. More than 85 global brands from Germany, Italy, Turkey, Spain, Taiwan, China, Mexico and Poland will also be present.

“We are very much looking forward to getting the industry back together at the start of the new year,” said Suzie Williford, NKBA exec. v.p. & CSO. “KBIS is not only a place for old friends and colleagues to have the chance to catch up, but also a chance for new faces to become part of this talented and inclusive community.”

“We’ve had such a great turnout in Orlando in past years and are excited to host this much-anticipated event in person again,” said Jason McGraw, CAE, CTS, group v.p., KBIS and CEDIA Expo, Emerald. “KBIS 2022 is slated to be one of the most impactful events of the industry, filled with the latest innovative products and programming. We strongly recommend attendees register early to take advantage of discounted registration and hotel rates.”

 September: registration is free for NKBA members, $50 for non-members;

Oct. 1- Dec. 10: Early Bird Rates — $50 for NKBA members, $100 for non-members;

Dec. 11-Feb. 7: Advance Rates — $100 for NKBA members, $175 for non-members;

Feb. 8-10: Onsite Rates — $150 for NKBA members, $225 for non-members.

Expo and 3-day VFTI pass (access to all sessions plus on-demand program): $350 for NKBA members, $525 for non-members.

 

 

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Kitchen of the Month Winner for Cabinet Refacing for August

Kitchen Transformation by Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse

Project Location:  Rushford, MN 

Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing 

Type of door style: Shaker 

Remodel style: Transitional 

Color: Pearl for Perimeter Cabinets and Stone Gray for Kitchen Island 

Countertop: Quartz 

Countertop color: Cirrus 

Backsplash: 3” x 6” light gray Glossy Tile 

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse’s Blog.  

Find a location near you.  

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Spotlight Kitchens of August – New Cabinetry

  • Project Location: Sand Key, FL
  • Remodel type: New Cabinetry
  • Type of door style: Shaker
  • Remodel style: Modern
  • Color: White
  • Countertop: Quartz
  • Countertop color: Britannica Gold
  • Backsplash: Reflective Mosaic

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

  • Project Location: Eau Claire, WI
  • Remodel type: New Cabinetry
  • Type of door style: Scandia Flat Front
  • Remodel style: Modern
  • Color: Pewter
  • Door Material: Maple
  • Countertop: High Definition laminate
  • Countertop Color: Marmo Bianco
  • Backsplash: 3×6 white subway tile

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Eau Claire’s Gallery page.

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Spotlight Kitchens of August – Cabinet Refacing

  • Project Location: Mundelein, IL
  • Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
  • Type of door style: Raised Panel
  • Remodel style: Traditional
  • Color: Nutmeg Stain
  • Door Material:  Cherry
  • Countertop: Quartz
  • Countertop color: Toasted Almond
  • Backsplash: Zen Ease Mosaic

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Grayslake’s Gallery page.

  • Project Location: Spring Grove, IL
  • Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
  • Type of door style: Shaker Bevel
  • Remodel style: Modern
  • Color: Stratus Super Matte White 3D Laminate

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Grayslake’s Gallery page.

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LIXIL Plumbing Workshops for Women

New York — LIXIL Americas, the parent company of kitchen/bath plumbing products manufacturer American Standard, partnered with Tools & Tiaras Inc. to sponsor a plumbing-focused workshop as part of a multi-day summer camp designed to introduce young girls and women to the skilled trade industry, the company announced.

Tools & Tiaras is an organization dedicated to advancing the interests of young girls and women who want to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated trade professions. The initiative is one effort to help reduce the downward labor shortage trend in the skilled trade industry. The multi-day vocational camp featured female participants, ages 13-17, who are interested in learning more about the skilled trade industry, sponsors said.

“We are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work,” said LIXIL Americas spokesperson Debbie Drury. “Knowing that plumbers protect the health of the nation, yet the number of people entering plumbing and trade crafts is on a steady decline, we believe it is our duty to support programs that encourage the pursuit of plumbing as a profession.

“It is particularly exciting to be partnering with Tools & Tiaras, whose purpose is to empower ambitious and determined young women to knock down the social barrier of entering these trade professions,” Drury said.

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Small Remodeling Upgrades to Make a Big Splash in Your Kitchen

Have you been considering a remodel, but aren’t sure you want the entire commitment a full kitchen renovation brings? If yes, this article is most definitely for you. The kitchen is the hub of any house. It’s the place in your home where you prep your meals, your kids do their homework, your guests congregate, and where your morning coffee is enjoyed. A place with so many different meanings deserves to look and perform up to its utmost potential. That’s why remodels at all levels are so popular. Recently, homeowners have been asking for smaller scale remodels to just tweak previous remodels from past years. Here are four great small kitchen remodeling ideas.

Cabinet Refacing

If you’re happy with the design and layout of your kitchen but are unhappy with the current look your cabinets bring, refacing is the route for you. Kitchen cabinet refacing allows you to have the look you’ve always dreamed of without the additional expense and hassle of a large remodel. The process of a reface is quite simple. It just consists of replacing all the existing doors and drawer fronts with a door style, wood species and finish that you choose. We then apply a matching refacing material to all exposed end panels and face frames of your existing cabinets. Kitchen cabinet refacing installation takes just days to complete.

Go Darker

For years, kitchens have always been about being white, bright, and pristine. White cabinetry was anywhere and everywhere. And although it will always remain a classic, there’s a new trend which is becoming ever so popular in kitchens all around the globe. In recent years, we’re now seeing a strong transition into dark countertops and cabinetry. This new style works to create more depth and contrast within the room. Comparatively, it also holds up much better against the daily wear and tear than white cabinetry.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is great to implement in your kitchen. It’s cost effective and has a quick installation process. Not only does it make for easily accessible dishes and appliances, but it’s also a great opportunity to showcase your character and personality within your home. Some homeowners choose to use this surface space as a way to showcase their artwork i.e. paintings, vases, pots, or pictures.

Full Scheme Backsplash

Recently, there’s been more of a vertical appearance with backsplashes. It’s no longer just the space between the countertop and cabinetry. Entire slabs are going up to create more of a sleek look. Utilizing an entire wall for a backsplash presents a two-in-one opportunity. One, you get your much needed backsplash for your kitchen. And two, you now have a statement wall within the room. This statement wall works to truly bring your kitchen to life.

Kitchen Solvers

At Kitchen Solvers, we want to ensure that you, the homeowner, protect and preserve your beautiful kitchen. The most important factor in how to make a kitchen remodel easy is getting help from professionals. At Kitchen Solvers, our expert design team can help you create the ultimate kitchen that fits your budget and offers some of the best features and styles available. Once the plan is established, we’ll take care of the rest. Get in touch with our team today to get started designing the kitchen of your dreams.

And be sure to read our helpful articles: How to Make a Kitchen Remodel Easy and Confused about Cabinet? A Guide to a Cabinet Reface or Replace!

 

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High-End Projects Seen Leading Kitchen, Bath Market Surge

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — Although forecasts for low- and mid-range project spending have each been revised upward, it’s the high end of the kitchen and bath market that will “shine” in the months ahead, according to the latest forecast issued by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

According to the latest NKBA forecast, released this summer, the high end of the kitchen/bath market is now expected to surge by more 28% compared to 2020 ­– topping the association’s initial 19.8% projection) ­– as pent-up demand, robust savings and sharply rising home appreciation “encourage homeowners to go the extra mile” when it comes to spending.

In its latest market forecast, the Hackettstown, NJ-based NKBA revised its 2021 industry sales projection to $170.9 billion in kitchen and bath spending, up by 21.4% from 2020’s $140.8 billion and nearly 8% higher than the association’s initial estimate for the year. New construction kitchen and bath spending is now expected to exceed 2020 by 28.5%, while kitchen and bath remodeling expenditures are expected to climb by 12.5%, according to the NKBA. Total kitchen spending (new construction and remodel) is now targeted at $81 billion, with bath spending estimated at $89 billion, both more than 20% above last year and appreciably higher than the NKBA’s initial forecast.

The “red-hot market,” according to the NKBA “is a continuation of a positive ‘perfect storm’ that began in the second half of last year and hasn’t let up, all related in one way or another to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“First came the buildup of savings, as homeowners experiencing the unknowns of the COVID-19 lockdown decided to err on the side of caution,” the NKBA said, adding that “much of it wasn’t voluntary, as spending on dining, entertainment, travel and leisure came to a screeching halt.

“Adding to the dramatic savings growth were the generous government stimulus programs that poured $5 trillion into the hands of consumers. As homes suddenly began doubling as schools and offices, configuration changes practically became mandatory. The kitchen morphed into the family hub and previous health and wellness trends for both bathroom and kitchen accelerated in urgency. And all that extra time at home made more homeowners realize a makeover was badly needed.”

“Add to that record-low interest rates that have made home-related loans very attractive, and steep home appreciation with demand far outstripping supply, and all the elements have neatly fallen into place.”

Among the NKBA’s other key conclusions:

n Home Improvement Tops Discretionary Spending: Nearly 1 in 3 homeowners plan to boost their home-improvement discretionary spending this year, well above the 1 in 5 (or fewer) who plan such increases for eating out, entertaining, travel or health. In fact, the average home-improvement project price point is 25% higher than last year, according to the NKBA.

n Kitchen & Bath Are Top Choices: For those planning home improvements this year, kitchens and primary baths rank #1 and #2, respectively, among a dozen home areas offered. More than half of those surveyed (55%) said they planned to remodel their kitchen, while 40% cited their primary bathroom. Exterior (37%), patio/deck (29%) and primary bedroom (29%) round out the top five areas for anticipated remodeling, the NKBA said.

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Kohler Details Progress on Key Corporate Initiatives

KOHLER, WI — Kohler Co., the Kohler, WI-based manufacturer of plumbing products, tile, cabinetry and lighting, has outlined a series of steps the company is taking to adhere to corporate commitments tied to social, governance and environmental issues.

Kohler’s 2020 Believing in Better Metrics Report, released in August, addressed the progress being made to reduce the company’s GHG emission intensity, waste-to-landfill intensity, water-use intensity and other key initiatives.

“While Kohler celebrates creativity, diversity and innovation in all its forms, we know we can do more to protect the planet, build resilient communities and enrich the quality of life for everyone,” said Laura Kohler, senior v.p./human resources, stewardship and sustainability.

Among the highlights of Kohler’s “Believing in Better” initiative were:

n A reduction in operational intensities since 2008 that has cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 48%, operational energy use by 22%, waste-to-landfill by 47% and water use by 46%.

n  Generated more than $1 billion in sales from environmentally favorable products in 2020.

n Completed more “Design for Environment” (DfE) projects, an incubator for developing products that are better for the planet, than in all previous years combined.

n Pivoted manufacturing facilities to produce and donate 80,000 face shields for frontline workers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

n Provided 3,500 showers for the unhoused.

n 26 teams competed in the annual Innovation for Good I-Prize, an internal competition that encourages associates to develop solutions with a social purpose. Three ideas were awarded funding for incubation.

n  More than 1,600 associates from around the world united around various communities and their allies, including launching a “hate has no home” education and fundraising campaign.

“Kohler is committed to providing access to safe water for communities around the globe, delivering innovative solutions to address pressing social issues and strengthening its efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion,” Laura Kohler said.

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Lighting Supplier Acquired by WAC Subsidiary

PLATTSBURGH, NY — W Schonbek LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of WAC, has acquired the assets of Swarovski Lighting, Ltd., including the Schonbek Worldwide Lighting brand, the company’s factory in New York and all associated intellectual property, the companies announced.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“There will be a period of significant investment in the new W plant in Plattsburgh to ensure that it can execute this direction and is able to support products for the WAC, Modern Forms, dweLED, and AiSPiRE brands,” a corporate spokesman said. At the end of this phase of transition, the largest introduction ever of new products under the SCHONBEK brand is expected to be unveiled within the next six months, the spokesman added, noting that W Schonbek and WAC have also hired more than 100 employees at the company’s facility in Plattsburgh, NY.

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