NKBA Magazine Summer/Fall 2012

maga zine Members + Design + Business + News

SUMMER/FALL 2012 | NKBA.org

Outdoor Kitchens | Prepare for the new “Empowered Client” | French Fusion Design

A Q&A with Jeff Devlin From DIY Network’s “I Hate My Bath”

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Courtesy of DIY Network & Jeff Devlin

www.NKBA.org

Phoenix Photographic

Join us in celebrating 50 years

The Photo Shop LLC

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12 Summer/Fall

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Feature Articles NKBA Magazine

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18 A renaissance in renovation If you hate your bath or need to spice up your kitchen, Jeff Devlin’s your renaissance man.

24 Designing the outdoor oasis On The Cover Jeff Devlin From DIY Network’s “I Hate My Bath”

Customize your client’s home entertaining space by expanding to the back yard.

28 Capturing the attention of today’s online consumer Turning leads itnto clients.

Pg 18: A Renaissance in Renovation Photo courtesy of DIY Network & Jeff Devlin

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K+B Trends: K+B Design:

Prepare your business for the new “empowered client”

Paris without a passport

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 3

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Departments >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

38 Headlines + 39 Inside KBIS

+ 44 Leader Profile

+ 42 Industry News

Courtesy of House Beautiful magazine

contents

+ 46 NKBA Updates National Highlights, Learning & Development, Accredited Programs, Marketing & Communications, Legislative Matters

In Every Issue >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

10 FIRST WORD

56 LAST WORD

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maga zine Editorial

2012 NKBA Executive Committee

Editor-in-Chief | Annette Gray Associate Editor | Ash Sukumar

President | Alan W. Zielinski, CKD President-Elect | John K. Morgan Vice President | John A. Petrie, CMKBD Treasurer | Carolyn F. Cheetham, CMKBD Secretary | Maria Stapperfenne, CKD, CBD Immediate Past President | David Alderman, CMKBD

Art & Production Creative Director | Scott Dotter

Contributors Liza Hausman; Dawn DeLuca, AKBD, CAPS; Sean Ruck

Advertising Manager of Corporate Sales | Donna Baldino Ph: (302) 528-7302 | Em: dbaldino@nkba.org

Official Member Publication of the NKBA NKBA Magazine is published by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Copyright 2012 by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. All rights reserved.

Subscriptions are free to members of the NKBA. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission. Postmaster: Send address changes to The National Kitchen & Bath Association, 687 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

2012 NKBA Board of Directors Judith Adams Jenifer Bruno Ric Coggins, CGP, NCT Denise M. Dick, CMKBD Joseph Feinberg, CGC, CR Robert R. Gabert, CKD Karl Harte Jane Heiling Michael Juby Paula Kennedy, CMKBD Mark Kovich

Lorenzo Marquez Phyllis Davis O’Brien, CKD Anastasia Rentzos, CKD, CBD Debra H. Robinson, CMKBD Cathy Sparling, CKD, CBD Barbara Szurek, CKD, CKBR, CAPS Barry R. Turnbridge, CKD Michael E. Werner Bill Wyman Lilley E. Yee, CKD, CBD, CID

NKBA Management Staff Chief Executive Officer | Bill Darcy Senior Director of Finance | Steve Graziano General Counsel & Director of Legislative Affairs Edward S. Nagorsky, Esq. Director of Learning | Nancy Barnes Director of Marketing & Communications | Timothy Captain Director of Business Development & Member Relations Suzie Williford

Contact the NKBA National Kitchen & Bath Association 687 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

>>NKBA.org Customer Service Representatives are available Monday thru Friday from 9 am - 5 pm (EDT).

Ph: (800) 843-6522 | Em: feedback@nkba.org

Follow Us

8 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

NKBA Mission Statement The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show The NKBA is the proud owner of KBIS.

>>KBIS.com

“Leave the house. Take the bathroom.

(Breaking up is not so hard to do.)”

SUITE: Tresham TM—vanities, toilets, lavatories and furniture ARTIST: Zach Gold 1- 800 - 4 - KOHLER kohler.com/tresham

©2012 Kohler Co.

KOHLER: As I See It, #97 in a series

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A Message from the NKBA President >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I

am happy to announce some exciting developments at the NKBA. With October being honored as Kitchen & Bath Month, we have a strong marketing agenda in the pipeline, tapping into the interesting potentials of both new and traditional media. As a profes-

sional in the industry, you have a brand new opportunity, one which allows you as a subject matter expert to share your knowledge and ideas with your peers, through the recentlylaunched Voices from the Industry Conference Series to be held at KBIS 2013.

Take a fresh look at your promotional plans during National Kitchen and Bath Month. As the NKBA launches a new commercial spot, print and digital ad campaign, and social media initiatives, I would encourage you to make use of our range of promotional tools and customizable templates, which will help you position your business in local and regional markets for greater visibility.

With each year, our annual NKBA Design Competition raises the bar through ground-breaking designs, which emerge from the hundreds received. Your participation will ensure that you have the opportunity to have your design excellence acknowledged and marked as the new industry standard.

As we work towards an exciting and new KBIS, the NKBA is looking for industry professionals who have a topic to share and present. The all-new Voices from the Industry Conference Session Series will consist of 70 speakers that represent all industry segments and every level of professional. If you have an idea or a developed presentation, and this sounds like an interesting opportunity, read on in this issue or go to NKBA.org for complete details.

Also, in this issue, read about the 20-20 Virtual Planning Tool, which can be used as a relevant way to connect and engage homeowners, as they enter into a kitchen or bath remodel or new construction. This basic, user-friendly tool allows the homeowner to dream and envision themselves in a space, created by a skilled NKBA designer.

As I come to the final few months of my presidency, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the other members of the Executive Committee, as well as the dedicated members of the Board of Directors, Advisory Councils and Task Forces. Your opinions, input, friendship and support have been invaluable. Thank you also to all of the chapter officers who make the chapter efforts and activities a success. As a collective voice, we are strong, and I’m proud to say I’m part of the association that leads the kitchen and bath industry.

I look forward to seeing each of you in New Orleans next April!

Warm Regards,

Alan W. Zielinski, CKD, 2012 NKBA President

10 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

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k+b trends

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Prepare Your Business for the New “Empowered Client” Study finds homeowners choosing style over profit.

By Liza Hausman, Vice President, Houzz

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H

ome resale value is taking a big back seat to comfort and function as Americans feather their nests for

themselves. Homeowners may be staying put in their current homes, but they’re doing it in style, even cutting back on vacations and other big-ticket items rather than delaying home improvement projects. “Improving the look and feel of the space” is tops for 86 percent of homeowners, according to the Houzz & Home study conducted among users of Houzz. com. In contrast, less than half say increasing home value is their most important consideration.

And now, thanks to online tools such as Houzz, today’s homeowners know more about what they want and how to get it than ever before.

The importance of livability over profit is just one of several key findings from the Houzz survey. Houzz is a collaborative platform

of ideas and advice for their next remodeling project, while only 11 percent cited magazines, two

for home remodeling and design, bring-

percent cited television and another two percent cited vendors as their main resource.

ing homeowners and home professionals together in a uniquely visual community

Many of these tools are improving communication between homeowners and professionals, and

using mobile, local and social tools. More

increasing the probability that both consider the finished project a success. On Houzz, the new

than six million people use the website each

communication tool takes the form of ideabooks – sharable online folders of photos and notes.

month.

Meet the Empowered Client

Here’s how homeowners and professionals are describing the impact: + Self-discovery. One of the most basic needs for homeowners is the ability to find their own

The empowered client runs the gamut

style, or agree with a spouse on a mutual style. As one homeowner describes “Browsing the

from the well prepared to the quite literally

web is so frustrating! The ability to save photos to my ideabooks has been so helpful in help-

hands-on, and she is asserting herself at all

ing me recognize my own style and make decisions.”

income levels.

+ Articulating a vision. Says another homeowner “We are starting the process of building a

She relies primarily on online tools. 68

home, and the ideabooks have been invaluable, from communicating what we want to our

percent of homeowners surveyed cited

architect, to picking colors and finishes with the designer! We will use this tool through the

Houzz and the web as their primary source

completion of our project.”

12 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

K+B Design

+ The devil is in the details. Professionals are now taking homeowner ideabooks into the field to show contractors and subcontractors exactly how a detail or finish should look. Homeowners no longer have to cross their fingers that the small things they care about will meet expectations.

Kitchens & Baths are Top Priority The study brings good news for kitchen and bath professionals, with kitchen and bath remodels topping the empowered clients’ priority lists nationwide. The study found that in the next two years, 48 percent of homeowners surveyed are planning to remodel a bathroom, and 45 percent are redoing a kitchen.

Nationally, the average budget for a kitchen remodel came in at $26,800, however budgets vary widely by region and metro area. The New England and Pacific regions are allocating the most to kitchen remodels,

Kitchens and baths are also the most popular rooms in terms of activity on Houzz.com; in June 2012 alone, nearly three million kitchen and bath photos were added to homeowner ideabooks.

Saying “No” to Loans Homeowners may not be focused on making a profit, but sound financial decisions are still guiding their approach. Only 11 percent report that they the would definitely have to take out a line of credit to fund their remodeling project, and the majority say they are more likely to cut back in other areas, such as vacations and other big-ticket purchases, than to delay or decrease the budget for their home improvement plans.

Mountain residents the least. Newark, NJ,

It’s a good thing homeowners are staying within their means, as completing a project on bud-

San Francisco, CA and Boston, MA have

get remains a challenge for most. Only 35 percent of homeowners on Houzz reported staying

the highest budgets in the country, spend-

within budget for their most recent remodeling project. A whopping 43% went over budget,

ing upwards of 75 percent more than the

and 18 percent reported having no budget in place at all. Affluent homeowners – those with

national average, while Birmingham, AL, Salt

household incomes of $200K and above – and those who hired a professional for their project

Lake City, UT and Oklahoma City, OK have

are the groups most likely to have gone over budget.

the lowest, spending approximately half to two thirds of the average national budget for

Photos are changing how homeowners find pros

kitchen remodels.

Pictures are also playing a big role in how the empowered client is discovering what she wants and who to hire to help her execute her vision. 64 percent of homeowners surveyed cited

The average budget nationwide for bath-

“having seen and like their work” as a key factor in hiring a kitchen and bath professional. Let

room remodels is $11, 300, with similar

me introduce you to a few of them and share their stories:

regional differences when compared with kitchens. The Pacific region came out on top

Cynthia O. is a homeowner in the Pacific Northwest who has more than 400 photos in her

at $14,200 and the Mountain reported the

ideabooks and spends countless hours a day browsing for ideas on Houzz. Looking through

lowest average budget at $8,200.

her favorites, Cynthia realized that many of them came from the portfolio of a single designer,

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 13

k+b trends

and that he was local. Cynthia did some more due diligence, reading reviews and checking

project, discuss with your clients and

out his website, then contacted and hired him within a week.

put it in your contract. If you need a photographer you can find a host of

Homeowners Jagdeesh and Deepti searched the web for “modern kitchens” and found that

talent in the professionals section of

Houzz had the largest resource of modern kitchen photos, enabling them to agree on and

Houzz. If cost is an issue, work with

communicate their vision. Their ideabook collection of modern kitchen photos also led them

other professionals on the project to

to Dannenberg Design in Palo Alto, who they promptly hired for their project.

share the expense, or contact your local design school and engage a photography student. Be sure you secure the

“Make good photography a priority. Put a photography

plan in place before you start a new project, discuss with your clients and put it in your contract.”

rights to use the photos of your work beyond your own website.

+ Build your brand beyond the photo.

Demonstrating your expertise by answering questions and engaging in

Annette Denham, a kitchen and bath designer in Arizona was also discovered as a result of

discussions with homeowners who

her photo portfolio, “The homeowner looked at other kitchen and bath designers in the area

are still early in their process can be a

on Houzz. They told me by looking at the photos they narrowed it down to two designers that

worthwhile investment. Interacting with

they felt came up with ideas they wouldn’t have on their own, and then called and hired me.”

folks who aren’t yet ready to begin a project can net you a great referral or

Chris Jovanelly reports: “One of my current clients was looking for ideas for their bathroom

even a great client down the road. On

remodel on Houzz, saw a picture of a bathroom I did, picked up the phone, and now I’m help-

Houzz, kitchen and bath professionals

ing them with the whole house.”

are using these conversations – from answering questions about their own

Hiring is Up, Clients are Hands-on

work to helping someone decide on a

Another hopeful sign for the kitchen and bath industry is that while 25 percent of U.S. home-

finish – to build their unique brand and

owners on Houzz reported hiring a kitchen and bath professional in the last five years, nearly

showcase their expertise to the entire

35 percent are planning to hire one for their project in the next two years, a notable increase.

community.

But the empowered client is also becoming more hands-on, even among the affluent. While

+ Just do it. I speak with many kitchen

45 percent of homeowners at upper income levels ($150,000+) are choosing to hire a kitchen

and bath professionals who are afraid to

and bath professional, architect, interior designer, general contractor or other professional to

build out their presence online because

take on and complete a project, an equal number of them are combining professional help

it won’t be perfect on day one. It’s far

and DIY efforts. That’s only slightly smaller than the 49 percent taking this combination pro/DIY

more important to participate than to be

approach in lower income brackets.

perfect. Think of your online presence

Homeowners choosing pros earlier than ever The new empowered client is making connections to kitchen and bath professionals she likes much earlier in the remodeling process. Before new online tools and technologies, homeown-

as a living, breathing thing that evolves and gets better over time. Your business will thank you for it.

ers collected ideas over a long period of time leading up to a project, but began looking for professionals only when they were ready to move forward and begin their kitchen or bath remodel. Today, homeowners are collecting both ideas and professionals from the earliest stages in the process. One homeowner followed Teri Turan of Atlanta, Georgia for over a year on Houzz before hiring her. During that time she saved photos of Teri’s projects to her ideabooks while she saved up enough money to pay for her dream kitchen.

So what does the new empowered client mean for your business? + Make good photography a priority. Put a photography plan in place before you start a new

14 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

The Houzz & Home Survey analyzes the remodeling and decorating project history and plans among Houzz users in the U.S. and Canada, the desires behind these projects, homeowners’ plans for hiring remodeling and design professionals, the factors that go into selecting a service provider and the impact of the economy on residential decorating and remodeling plans. They survey findings are based on more than 29,000 respondents. To learn more visit: http://info.houzz.com/HHRelease.html

Voices from the Industry BECOME PART OF THE KBIS CONFERENCE The opportunity to develop and evolve as a professional is at KBIS. Introduce your topic and be a part of this all-new peer learning series. >> NKBA.org/IndustryVoices

Follow Us:

ADVERTORIAL

Develop a topic and let your voice be heard!

The National Kitchen & Bath Association wants to hear from you, as a potential presenter in the first ever, Voices from the Industry Conference Session Series, set to launch at KBIS 2013 in New Orleans.

The series will consist of 70 conference speakers that represent all industry segments and every level of professional. The NKBA is looking for industry-relevant topics to be presented by you. Who better to address the topics that are relevant to today’s kitchen and bath professional, than the experts in the field?

Do you have a topic you’re eager to share with other professionals; a subject you’ve researched already or one you’re ready to explore and develop? We want to hear from you!

All applications are due no later than November 2, 2012. Selected applicants will be notified by the end of December 2012, and should be prepared to speak at the 2013 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, April 19-21 in New Orleans.

1. ConferenCe PoliCies • • • •

Individuals submitting a proposal must be currently employed within the kitchen and bath industry, or a student pursuing education to further their career in the kitchen and bath industry Individuals may submit a maximum of two proposals with different topics Voices from the Industry conference speakers (1 speaker per session) will receive a complimentary KBIS 2013 show floor pass, conference pass, and entry to the Opening Keynote, a package valued at $699.

Voices from the Industry conference speakers will not receive reimbursement for travel expenses or any additional compensation

2. seleCtion Criteria • •

•

The NKBA will evaluate all proposals on key elements including: Content relevance | Practical applications | Delivery methods | Variety of speakers Video submissions are not necessary, but are strongly suggested for the selection committee. You are encouraged to include a video link which captures you speaking about your proposed topic. See the Providing a Video Example job aid on NKBA.org/IndustryVoices for additional information.

No more than three submissions will be selected from employees from the same company.

3. Content requirements •

• • • • • •

Please review the requirements carefully and refer to the video below to assist you with your proposal.

The Submission Planning Worksheet on NKBA.org/IndustryVoices can also be used when preparing your submission and drafting your presentation proposal.

All sessions must be for informational purposes only All submission topics must fall under one of four tracks: Design & Inspiration | Business Management | Focus on the Customer | Sales & Marketing All submission topics must include a title, description, presentation goals and delivery methods Choose the target audience(s) from the provided list The presentation should have 30-45 minutes of content, with up to 15 minutes allotted for questions after presentation delivery A strong proposal will indicate how the attendee will be able to apply your presentation goals back on the job

Please email all questions and inquiries to VFTI@nkba.org.

NKBA.org/IndustyVoices Submit your name and topic to be considered for Voices from the Industry

A Renaissance in Renovation If you hate your bath or need to spice up your kitchen, Jeff Devlin’s your renaissance man.

By Annette Gray | Photos courtesy of DIY Network & Jeff Devlin

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 18 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

H

e arrived at the evening gala, hosted by the NKBA, accompanied by an HGTV executive and another TV personality, host of I Hate my Kitchen, James Young, who was dressed impeccably in a suit complete with vest.

He wore appropriately faded jeans, a plaid shirt, with another layered beneath, and work boots bearing a patina that could only have been achieved with a consistent rub of drywall powder and sawdust. He appeared to be entirely comfortable socializing with ladies in sequined dress and men in tuxes, and they appeared not to care or notice. It seemed accepted, as if, well yes, “What else would a carpenter wear?”

This particular carpenter happens to be Jeff Devlin, carpenter and host/television personality appearing on numerous HGTV and DIY network hits. His home-centric lineup of shows includes: DIY Network’s Good, Better….Best; I Hate my Bath, and Hot Lists: Baths, filmed at KBIS, along with HGTV’s 10 Ultimate Kitchens, Spice up my Kitchen, 25 Biggest Decorating Mistakes, and Drill Team on A&E. You can also spot him on the HGTV hit Design Star.

NKBA: Where did you grow up?

JD: I grew up in Bucks County, and now live not too far away in Chester County.

NKBA: And how did you first find your way into remodeling and carpentry? JD: I basically started as a housepainter when I was about 15 years old. I was helping my brother, and the approach was like, here’s a brush, let’s see what you can do, and if you don’t destroy anything, then here’s a hammer and then maybe a drill.

NKBA: Did you receive any formal training at that point?

JD: Education really wasn’t where my head was at, after high

school. My parents really wanted me to go to college and I really wanted to go to a college where I could learn about skiing. I was interested mostly in sports. I was sort of this aimless child, but I found solace in building things.

NKBA: Where did the historic restoration aspect come into place for you? JD: Someone needed a painter, and I got this job working on an historic house. The renovators were a couple and they wanted to make the house like it had been before, in its time. And I really believe you learn on-the-job, the first time around. You learn by screwing up. But they started to instill

in me an excitement for quality and craftsmanship, where you begin to understand that what you give the project is what you get back. That’s what kept me going. I began to see that even though it took me three times as long, it was the right way, it was true craftsmanship. Teaching me to slow down is what really began instilling passion in me. It’s really a creative sport, contracting. You take what’s in the homeowner’s head and what’s in your own head, and turn it into something they can live in and live with.

NKBA: Would you credit this couple as being your mentors?

JD: Oh definitely, it wasn’t until I met Bill and Tammy and they

explained, “This is how you hold a brush and this is why you do it this way,” that I came to understand that there was a pay-off.

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 19

They were there pushing me a little in the back. They took so much extra time to give me that nudge to do things better. They would say, “Are you sure you want to leave it like that? Take as long as you need.” My Dad always said, “Surround yourself with good people.” And for whatever reason, I just got lucky. I get so excited thinking back to that time. First I was lugging bricks, but then I was setting bricks and I was like, what’s next? I was driven by nothing else before that.

Bucks County; an historic area of Pennsylvania founded by William Penn in 1682, and named after the Penn family home in England, called Buckinghamshire seems to have provided just the backdrop for a future craftsman and carpenter. It appears no wonder that Devlin developed an eye for detail and a talent for putting hand to task in historical restoration and woodworking. Such notable influences as Fonthill Castle, home of Henry Chapman Mercer, a structure he built entirely from concrete; Pennsbury Manor, a 17th century country estate situated on a 43-acre plantation; Andalusia, a prominent example of Greek Revival architecture in America, and the former home of Pearl S. Buck, Pulitzer award-winning author for her novel, The Good Earth, and winner of the Nobel Prize in literature, are situated within the relatively compact and scenic 608 square miles that borders the Delaware River.

NKBA: How did you go from a kid growing up in Bucks County to a licensed contractor, owner of Schoolhouse Woodworking, and host of multiple television hits on DIY and HGTV? JD: I had been doing construction, and I was tired of doing it for other people. I had the inspiration, but it was tough to get the homeowners to share my vision. I was also not a very good at the business aspect. Television was a complete fluke. I never wanted to be on-camera at this point. I actually began behind the camera. I had a friend who gave me an opportunity. I operated the camera at music events and sporting events. I got a gig with ESPN covering the Olympic trials. They needed someone to lug equipment to the top of a mountain, and so I was doing that, and I was operating the camera. For six months, I traveled to every ski resort in the Western States, and I was like, I’m getting paid for this? And then the snow would be too deep, and we would get the day off, and just go skiing. It was kind of amazing! All the while, I was still doing some of the construction jobs, when I could fit it in.

NKBA: And so how did you foray from behind the camera to

on-camera? JD: 8 months into the renovation of my second home, a friend of mine stopped by, and saw me working on the house, and he actually had realized the extent of my experi-

20 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

“My Dad always said, surround yourself with good people. And I just lucked out.

I get so excited when I think back on that time.”

ences in construction. So he came back the next day with his camera, and asked if he could just shoot while I was working, and so they rolled tape and shot this video. He wouldn’t give it to me, and I’ve still never seen it to this day. But I’m sure it was pretty embarrassing. I was drinking coffee and just talking and working. He sent the tape to Nancy Glass Productions, who was doing this show for HGTV, and two weeks later, I was at this audition where I was told they had decided I would be the carpenter and they were looking for another cast member. It was only a month from the time the tape was sent in to when we began shooting.

NKBA: Did your experience behind the camera help you to

adjust to being on-camera? JD: I knew the camera side of it and I knew the construction side of it. The on-air aspect was new, it made me nervous. The first day of shooting was a blast and I was like this is easy! The second day, I made a mistake in cutting a laminate countertop. I can’t describe it, you want to be great at what you do, you want to be the best, and you don’t want to show your faults. And you know that everyone is working and maybe they have their kid’s birthday party at the end of the day, so you don’t want to be the thing that holds people up. If you appreciate everybody’s job on-set, it makes it easier. Even though you’ve operated the camera, as the on-air personality you might forget and turn your back on the camera.

NKBA: You recently became an NKBA member and started

down the path of becoming certified. What made you want to focus on education? JD: You gain a different perspective, the older you become. You see how the world spins. If you’re sitting in a room with eight people having a conversation and you’re left out of the discussion, because you lack some bit of know-

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 21

“The design is where it all starts, in any of this process; it’s about having a designer who also knows about the construction aspect. I come from the construction side, and am now learning more about the design aspect.”

ledge and now imagine going on TV, talking about design and how things work together, without having the most amount of information that you can fill your head with. I see the benefit of it now. If I had seen the benefit of education at 17, I think things may have gone differently. The more information and knowledge you can fit into your head, the better off you’re going to be. It does translate, it will somehow, somewhere translate into financial gain, somewhere down the line. Simply reading, learning and acquiring knowledge, if you can turn that into money and be better at your craft, why wouldn’t you do that?

show. I’d rather demonstrate how to paint, but I don’t think the viewer would want to watch paint dry. So there’s that aspect, but the work is real, and at the end of the day, the homeowner has to love it, or it’s not a success. The design is where it all starts, in any of this process; it’s about having a designer who also knows about the construction aspect. I come from the construction side and I’m now learning more about the design aspect.

NKBA: When did you make the decision to be certified by the

> Filmed at KBIS 2012, Hot List: Baths Special

NKBA? JD: While I was filming a show at KBIS 2011, I was walking by the NKBA Booth and I said, “I’m doing this, I’m going to do it!” And then someone pulled me away and I got distracted.

I had a conversation with someone in the Booth and I took a business card, but then I never got back to it. In 2012, I was committed to moving forward with it. I was working myself up for a month before. When you keep having questions, and asking, “Why does this cabinet deserve to be there?” And when you stare at yourself in the mirror and say, why aren’t I doing this, why don’t I find out the answers? I’d been complacent. So, at 2012, I went to the Booth and I had James Young (Host of I Hate My Kitchen) with me. And he was interested in becoming certified also. So that made it easy, it’s like having a work-out buddy, only you don’t have to wear crazy colored spandex!

Premiere: Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT Host: Jeff Devlin, Licensed Contractor and Carpenter Host Jeff Devlin explores the latest in bathroom innovation at the 2012 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago. From auto lifting toilet seats to surround sound tubs, this convention showcases the latest style and technology in the bathroom. Jeff will take viewers on a backstage pass to see his “hot list” picks for the coolest designs and highest tech gadgets on the market.

NKBA: Are the projects that we see on TV the real deal?

Some feel they’re smoke and mirrors and not legitimate design projects. JD: We’re not magicians, what you see is what you get. We do have a contractor on the side, waiting to jump in and help if needed. And of course when they offer up the cost of the project, it’s not taking into consideration what my compensation would be as a contractor. There’s time lapse, when the camera goes off and the camera guys go away, the project still has to be finished. You have to prioritize what’s going to appear on the

22 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

Watch Jeff on the DIY Network, Tuesdays at 10:00 pm EST

> I Hate My Bath Episode 213: New House, New Bath

Aired: Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT Andrea & Mike made an agreement they wouldn’t even move in to their new home until making some improvements. First up is the small, dingy upstairs bathroom. Host and licensed contractor Jeff Devlin helps by ripping out the strange flower soffit lighting, decrepit 1960s vanity & the old white tile that covers the bath. He updates the space with modern double vanities, adds bright & easy to clean shower panels, all new top of the line sensor controlled fixtures and a custom-made fiber optic ceiling light turns the ceiling into ambient art. When he’s done with the space, these homeowners can’t wait to move in. > Find out more about Jeff at JeffDevlin.net

facebook.com/pages/Jeff-Devlin/131059473636847

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 23

Designed by NKBA member Thomas D. Trzcinski, CMKBD | Photo by Craig Thompson

Designing the Outdoor Oasis Customize your client’s home entertaining space by expanding to the back yard.

By Dawn DeLuca, AKBD, CAPS

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The outdoor living market netted 6.2 billion dollars last year alone. According to the 23rd annual Webber GrillWatch Survey, 71% of Americans own a grill, and 74% of the owners, fire up their grills once a week. Three out of ten grill owners feel that grilling is extremely important to entertaining, and people are showing increased interest in learning how to use new and untried outdoor appliances. Fifty nine percent say that their guests typically enjoy hanging out outside, with 26% of those congregating around the grill. This being the case, I’m surprised that several of my kitchen dealer/designer counterparts are passing up on this lucrative corner of the market.

Rob Feinberg, CKD, of Allied Kitchen & Bath in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, says, “Considering our location, we should be doing a lot more outdoor kitchens. The problem is twofold – first, the client doesn’t think of the need to bring in a kitchen designer. Secondly, when designers work with a client on an indoor kitchen, they should be asking if they have given any thought to their outdoor entertaining needs. We, as designers, should be introducing the idea.”

To better reflect on the existing trends in the outdoor kitchen market, I reached out to some professionals (thanks to LinkedIn!) who are currently designing outdoor kitchens - Landscape Designers, Architects, Contractors, and Appliance Manufacturers/Dealers. Every kitchen designer I spoke with shared my concerns. The majority of outdoor kitchens being built are too small for the number of appliances being used, and there is no thought being put into how the space needs to function. Often, there is no consideration of the actual placement of the outdoor kitchen in conjunction to the interior kitchen and the existing landscape. Where’s the shelter? And finally…get rid of the stucco (unless it fits aesthetically of course)! We can certainly say that many of these concerns are being addressed in 95% of the high-end outdoor kitchens we see today, and they are slowly trickling down into the mid-range and even the lower-end market.

Generally outdoor kitchens can be identified by one of the three size categories that I have labeled as follows: “The Taj Mahal” with every bell, whistle, amenity and appliance one could

Designed by NKBA member Thomas D. Trzcinski, CMKBD | Photo by Craig Thompson

O

ur economy is in a downward spiral; but ironically, this has led to an amazing growth of the outdoor living market. People are travelling less, and this is creating a need for more space at home. As the affordability of larger homes has become challenging in recent times, people are expanding their living space by moving outside.

imagine. “The Grand Central Terminal” which usually belongs to a true foodie/entertainer and has a good selection of working tools, but is designed poorly. Finally there is “The Kiosk” which usually consists of a combined prefab portable grill island, or a lonely grill with a TV, and a dinner tray for a shelf. Sadly, my very own “outdoor kitchen” falls into this category.

It was quite easy to identify five sectors of trending growth in the outdoor kitchen market - Technology, Product, Function, Aesthetics and Landscape Integration (or the dreaded word “green”).

Consumers want more bang for their buck and therefore wish to extend their ODKs into three season spaces. Shelter, then is key! So, consider adding overhead protection, be it a roof structure, trellis, leaf canopy or some amazing umbrellas. Check out Paraflex’s 5 Cluster Offset Umbrella - it’s amazing what you can do with it. Install ceiling fans for warmer months, and build a permanent fireplace, as fire pits are passé. If you find them expensive, a couple of portable heaters will do the trick. You can also use radiant heat countertops and floors in higher- end projects.

Julianne Stirling of Stirling Design Associates in Fairfield, CT, says, “Think outdoor man cave.” I have to agree. Give them a grill, smoker, keg tapper, Wi-Fi, TV, audio systems, some comfy seating, a little heat for the cooler months, and the Mrs. just moved the boys out of the house! At the same time, the gentlemen may have a fight on their hands because I don’t know a single woman who would pass up such a fabulous space.

Though outdoor TVs have been around since 2004, they were

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 25

quite cost-prohibitive. Thanks to innovations in technology, the cost is coming down and is more palliative for the mid-market consumer. For an American made TV, check out SunbriteTV. com or go to Outdoortvstore.com to see Mirage Vision’s WiFi capabilities. You can even offer your client some pop-up options! Thanks to outdoor audio speakers and MP3 players, one can create any mood of choice, be it for parties, an elegant dinner for colleagues or a romantic dinner for two.

When it comes to the placement of the ODKs, satellite kitchens are gaining ground on destination kitchens. While homeowners still like the look of the destination kitchen, designers are progressively encouraging them to shift from the idea. Why? Cost and convenience. Even the most fully-equipped “Taj Mahal” ODK can’t have it all! Frequent hauling of groceries and platters from across the house, to several yards of lawn, will quickly kill the novelty of that wonderful kitchen. Today most designers are recommending a satellite kitchen that works in harmony with the indoor kitchen. This gives us the opportunity to share the existing utility and water lines with the house, while also keeping the costs down. An overhang attached to the house can easily serve as shelter, and this trend towards satellite outdoor kitchens is making the possibility of owning one, an easier proposition for the average family.

On the other hand, if a destination kitchen is a must for a client, they expect it to be as functional as possible. A sink, tons of storage, larger space for multiple cooks, and a side burner are important. Outdoor dishwashers (visit kalamazoogourmet.com), along with multiple refrigeration pieces such as refrigerator drawers, standard under counter refrigeration, and ice-makers are in high demand. Ventilation is another strong trend that’s emerging, as more ODKs are being built with roof structures.

Installation of outdoor hoods is also on the rise. Most importantly, every outdoor kitchen should have adequate task and ambient lighting.

Russ Faulk, VP of Marketing & Product Development at Kalamazoo Gourmet says, “Whether it’s a satellite or destination ODK, the one trend that has remained strong is a galley style floor plan. That being said, we are trending towards larger spaces that are incorporating more of the NKBA guidelines for indoor kitchens. We are also seeing more attention being devoted to hot, cold, wet and dry zones. More thought is being put into the placement of the grill, so as to facilitate more interaction between the cook and the guests.” The demand is also rising for incorporating bar height seating close to the grill and prep area. Keeping this in mind, designers are carefully placing the

26 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

While homeowners still like the look of the destination kitchen, designers are progressively encouraging them to shift from the idea. Why? Cost and convenience.

grill downwind, so that the smoke is pulled away from guests.

Moreover, consumers are requesting flexible seating with varying table heights, sizes, and shapes which can be rearranged for both small and large groups of people. They also want lounge areas filled with comfortable seating for relaxing or watching TV. Aesthetically, we are trending towards paying closer attention to the style of the home, the materials used to build it, and ways of incorporating both into the ODK design. While California seems to be leading the way in this trend, the East Coast is still at a slower pace. Even though we are bidding goodbye to stucco masonry, built kitchens are still the most popular. Surface materials such as glass and ceramic tile, natural stone, and stone veneers are all in style right now. However, the use of cabinetry is growing, especially considering some of the currently available options that allow us to incorporate them into the existing style of the home and landscape.

The options are not limited to only stainless steel doors. During my conversation with Richard Brooks of Brooks Custom in Mount Kisco, NY, I asked him about his opinion on cypress, teak and marine grade polymer (look of painted cabinets), as well as stainless steel with a powder coat finish that mimics the look of wood. He said, “While concrete countertops remain a strong choice, I have noticed a movement towards glass, wood and stainless steel. Concrete is still a favorite because there are so many surface options you can apply to it to make each and every countertop unique to the homeowner’s preference and local taste.”

Designed by NKBA member Dawn Whyte | Photo by Phoenix Photographic

While the Tuscan Style ODK will never fade out completely, both designers and consumers are moving away from it and embracing a more modern, streamlined look in outdoor spaces. Particularly in the ever growing market for urban rooftop kitchens and living spaces, I know I would jump through hoops to have one. Even urbanites like to entertain, grill, and get away from it all!

down outdoor kitchens, designers are introducing permeable pavement/pavers to projects. Water is naturally re-absorbed into the ground instead of running off of the hardscape, sometimes overwhelming drainage systems. They also effectively trap suspended solids and filter pollutants from the water. If we plan to encroach on the land, we must do everything we can to give back and maintain balance.

Green. There, I said it. Even though many of us dread hearing the word, we are completely aware of how important it is, and so is the consumer. Integration into and less encroachment upon the existing landscape is becoming increasingly important to them, and they are asking for edible, vegetable, and herb gardens. Herb gardens are being built directly into outdoor countertops, and it’s important to continue the great work. When deciding on an ODK location, more and more designers are striving to provide clients with views of the landscape and not the vinyl siding. Clients are asking for, and designers are suggesting re-circulating water features which naturally restore groundwater. They want to reduce water consumption, and many are introducing rainwater collection systems. Since rainwater can be used to irrigate gardens and hose

I state the obvious when I say consumers are a well-informed bunch these days. Or do I? Sometimes I believe they (and we) are exposed to tons of information that just becomes space junk in the brain. Often, clients have all these powerful tools, but are unable to do anything with them. If they did know what to do with it, they wouldn’t be building outdoor or indoor spaces that are ill-conceived, non-functioning, and aesthetically unappealing. Consumers do not realize that they need us, and it is up to us as an industry to find ways to reach them and help develop the outdoor living areas they have come to crave these outdoor great rooms, which are wonderful extensions of their homes that bring family and friends together for dining, conversation and relaxation.

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 27 25

Capturing the Attention of Today’s Online Consumer Turning leads into clients.

Courtesy of 20-20 Technologies, Edited by Annette Gray

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2

0-20 Technologies; the company who first introduced the revolutionary software, which allows designers to create digital drawings as an alternative to hand-drafting, has recently developed a consumer planning tool. The Virtual Planning Tool by 20-20 was developed to create an engaging, inspiring, easy-to-use experience for the consumer, which will help generate more prospects and leads, by transitioning the lead into a client. The planner, which is an interactive point of engagement for your potential customer, can pave the way for dialogue between you and your future client.

Particularly for the homeowner, who may be intimidated by the idea of working with a designer, or who may not envision how that relationship works; providing them with a tool to help them understand the complexities involved in designing a kitchen or bath, may be just enough to get them off the fence and into your showroom or studio.

As more and more consumers shop online, and conduct a thorough investigation of whatever product or service they are seeking, savvy professionals will work to redirect their marketing efforts to capture this new wave of customers. Consumers planning a space in their homes will demand an outstanding customer experience in three areas: key visualization, personalization, and interaction. The planning tool affords the consumer all three of those areas of exploration.

Combining a 3D online planner with a qualified designer is a powerful approach that gives the best of both remote and instore channels and meets all three of today’s marketing challenges. This flexible approach is ideal for generating leads and capturing sales for all types of projects, especially when it is supported by an end-to-end technology platform delivered through the internet.

More and more consumers are looking for product information and shopping online. Forrester Research says online sales are climbing steadily at 10% a year, compared to only 2.5% for retail overall. And the higher a consumer’s income, the more they research and buy online. Marketing efforts are being steered away from traditional mediums towards online channels. In 2010, this trend continued; a survey of 1,000+ marketers revealed that two-thirds planned to increase their online marketing budgets, with 28% redirecting funds from traditional channels like advertising, telemarketing, and direct mail.

Customer challenge #1: Visualization

Few consumers can interpret floor plans, so they need to see a realistic 3D rendering of their new space. What’s more, they want to see it from multiple viewpoints. A recent survey by Autodesk showed that four out of five consumers are more likely to purchase a product when they see a 3D image of it online.

According to IBM, “Today’s customers are not only ready for 3D online shopping, they are demanding it.” In fact, 3D has been dubbed “the new business normal.”

Customer challenge #2: Personalization

Personalization has been called, “a need that is shaping our culture at every level.” Consumers do want their work and living spaces to express their personal style and values. They want to feel in control as they mix and match from a vast range of furniture, finishes, colors and accessories.

Customer challenge #3: Interaction

Tech-savvy younger consumers want anywhere, anytime access to their project from any device. The Millennials (aka Generation Y) are “history’s first always-connected generation, steeped in digital technology and social media.”

They want an engaging experience with a flexible system that enables them to explore on their own, share with their social network, or collaborate with a professional who can help them further their plans. The challenge is how to stand out from the crowd and gain the attention of today’s consumers by supporting visualization, personalization, and anywhere, anytime interaction.

The NKBA Virtual Planning Tool, powered by 20-20 Technologies can be found at NKBA.org/YourHome. On every screen throughout the Planning Tool, the consumers visiting the NKBA website can find a link to the ProSearch option, allowing them to not only begin to visualize their dream kitchen, bath, or laundry room but also find a qualified professional in their area. It allows them to gather ideas for a potential remodel or new space from the comfort of their own home or office. This tool is a free component of the consumer section of NKBA.org, and is one way that the NKBA is engaging the consumer market. This initial engagement is to create awareness and retain the viewer as they research their potential project and look at the ways they can benefit from working with an NKBA professional. The landing page of the Virtual Planning Tool contains information about the education and experience they can expect from an NKBA-certified kitchen or bath designer, and the value of using the NKBA as a resource for expertise.

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 29

2013 NKBA Design Competition OPPOrtuNitY is here – eNter tODAY! Multiple chances to win: six kitchen and bath categories plus specialty and honorary awards.

National Media Opportunities | Cash Prizes | Industry Recognition | Awards Event During KBIS

Enter Today>> NKBA.org/Competition

Designed by NKBA member Yuko Matsumoto, CKD, CBD 2012 NKBA Design Competition Best Bath winner

Follow us:

Douglas Johnson Photography

ADVERTORIAL

The Industry’s Premiere Design Competition the NKBA Design Competition is an exclusive opportunity for NKBA members.

• • •

entries postmarked by Oct. 5, 2012–$50 per entry Late entries postmarked by Oct. 26, 2012–$75 per entry Extended Deadline Late entries postmarked by Oct. 31, 2012–$75 per entry

What you have to gain National media attention, a special award and cash prizes presented at an event during KBIS 2013 in New Orleans, industry recognition, and your design(s) featured in NKBA Magazine, on NKBA.org and in the NKBA Booth at KBIS 2013 in New Orleans.

What’s needed Projects completed in the past year, clear, well-composed photos, a simple design statement, elevations and a floor plan to scale, and a completed entry packet available online.

Ways to Win six Categories First Place: $2,000 | Second Place: $1,000 | Third Place: $500 • Small Kitchen • Medium Kitchen • Large Kitchen • Small Bath • Medium Bath • Large Bath specialty Awards • Best Kitchen and Best Bath – $10,000 each • Budget-Friendly Kitchen and Bath– $2,000 each • People’s Pick Kitchen and Bath– $2,000 each

• Before & After Kitchen and Bath– $2,000 each • Green Design Kitchen or Bath– $2,000 • Universal Design Kitchen or Bath– $2,000

honorary Award • Builder/Remodeler Award – In honor of Clay Lyon, CR, 2012 NKBA Secretary (1962-2012) Enter Today>> NKBA.org/Competition Download a packet that contains the entry forms, a project checklist, category, specialty award and prize information, competition guidelines, and judging criteria.

Platinum SPonSorS

SilVEr SPonSorS

GolD SPonSorS

k+b design >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Paris Without a Passport French fusion in design.

By Sean Ruck | Photos by The Photo Shop, LLC

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F

or anyone who is in love with the idea of visiting Paris, but lacks the time, airfare or

ceiling was also lowered from what was

passport to head there, it may pay to make friends with a Texan. More specifically, you’d

originally specified and the kitchen table

want to get acquainted with the client of designer and NKBA member, Désiree Engram.

was moved into the space as well to create a homier, cozier atmosphere.

After graduating from Stephen F. Austin University, Engram, who currently works for Ellis Custom Homes, took the plunge into design six years ago. “It was always something I wanted to

The table, which was actually the client’s

do,” Engram said of her career path. She also shared her favorite aspect of design, admitting

kitchen table from her previous home,

design projects that are based on historically accurate representations are tops in her book,

served as the inspiration behind the look

with French and Tudor styles being particular favorites.

and color accents of the rest of the space and also provides a focal point– which

So, when she was approached to design in the classic French style for a new construction home, she was understandably enthused. And although as the saying goes, “everything’s bigger in Texas,” the kitchen itself is only mid-sized — it’s the design execution that delivers big.

Engram managed to stay true to a classic French design style without having overly contrived and heavy-handed accents and details muddle the look of the space.

As is typical, budget is the real design challenge, but along with a love of France, which she

Engram admits is probably her favorite component of the room. The original plans called for a traditional island, but an island wouldn’t be true to the design. “The fact that she was willing to go forward with the way an authentic French kitchen would be

had visited a number of times, the client had a reasonable budget for the design and was

laid out was great,” said Engram. “In an

open to suggestions and direction from Engram. Once the budget was taken into account,

authentic French kitchen, the kitchen table

Engram’s next challenge was dealing with a plan created by the home’s architect that wouldn’t

has a dual purpose of food prep and of

really deliver on what the client wanted. Fortunately, she had some freedom. “The client wasn’t

course, dining.”

completely happy with the architectural plan, so it was ‘here it is, you make it happen,’” recalled Engram.

Even though the kitchen delivers classic French design elements and an antiqued

After getting better-acquainted with the client’s likes and dislikes through a multiple choice

look and feel, it is in fact, all modern. From

questionnaire, which Engram says is less about design and more about psychology – a way of

the wood to the stone and everything in

getting an idea of who the client is – Engram was ready to move forward.

between, each piece is new, providing a chance to step back to earlier times without

“Overall, the layout of the plans were good,” she said. “It was really just tweaking and moving

having to sacrifice modern comforts and

things around, because she [the client] didn’t want to change the square footage at all. So we

luxuries. However, careful planning went

slid some walls and changed a few opening locations and sizes.”

The original plan had a huge opening between the living room and kitchen – something that would not have been seen in an old French home. “French homes are completely segregated, with rooms closed off from each other,” said Engram. “It’s not an open floor plan like what’s popular now, so the challenge was to create the feel of a closed-off space without actually fully enclosing it.”

into making sure those modern conveniences didn’t break the spell of the room.

With the concealed Bosch dishwasher, Thermador fridge and freezer columns designed to look like large cabinets located on either side of the hutch, it would be easy for a visitor to feel as if they were reliving

To meet the challenge, Engram adjusted the plans so that only a small window by the sink

history unless they were opening cabinets

looked into the living room, rather than a large opening as had initially been planned. The

and snooping behind doors.

32 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

K+B Design

DÉsiree Engram Ellis Custom Homes | College Station, TX

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 33

k+b design

“In an authentic French kitchen, the kitchen table has a dual purpose of food prep and of course, dining.�

Furthering the classic look, the exposed beams of the ceiling while new lumber, were rough-

The stove, a La Cornue, is the only com-

sawed to create the textured, older look and feel of beams that would have been shaped

ponent of the kitchen with origination in

using hand-tools back in the day. Meanwhile, mottled and pitted brick was sourced for the

France, and the Provence Blue, along with

brickwork around the stove, entranceway and alcove. The brickwork also provided some

the hand painted tile backsplash deliver

clever and unobtrusive storage space on either side of the stove, with the niches on the left

color to the room.

housing various cooking oils and those on the right supplying space for a full complement of spices and seasonings.

An abundance of storage prevails throughout the room, keeping supplies and dinnerware out of sight, but readily accessible and close at hand. A group of cubbies on the opposite side of the brickwork of the stove surround provides storage for wines from French vineyards or closer to home, while German antiqued glass allows for a glimpse of whatever treasures the homeowner wishes to show off. The hutch, housed between the Thermador towers, delivers ample storage for dishware with space for pots and pans in the cabinetry by the stove.

Under the farm sink, another traditional French kitchen touch is showcased, with

34 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

K+B Design

the use of curtains rather than cabinet doors closing off the space. Finally, a pullout appliance drawer is hidden in one of the tall uppers, giving easy access to the coffeemaker and the early morning jolt of caffeine that helps start the day, whether your day is starting in Paris, France or Paris, Texas.

Copper for a Pretty Penny While bathrooms don’t tend to provide quite as much of a canvas for the art of design, Engram still had plenty of room to practice her craft in the master suite bathroom. Her main challenge, beyond continuing the classic French design elements, was to make sure the room provided adequate storage. “It’s a large space, but again, we didn’t want it to feel that way. I also didn’t want to clutter it,” she said.

To solve the space problem, she went back to trying to make different components of the room look like furniture. “That’s what drove us to create the side hutch next to the vanity to give her [the client] linen storage without the linen closet,” Embry said.

There was also an effort to make the space look a little more upscale, hence the color palette of gold, bronze and copper throughout. There was also some guidance from one of the client’s personal belongings. “On display in the bathroom is a small, inlaid jewelry box, which helped to inspire some of the color tones used,” said Embry.

“On display in the bathroom is a small, inlaid jewelry box,

which helped to inspire some of the color tones used.“

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 35

k+b design

Embry’s favorite part of the room was also the most difficult piece to track down. “I love the tub,” she said. But the tub, a copper, claw footed affair, required extensive research and investigation before a vendor was located and the piece ordered and installed, serving as the show stopper for the room.

Research was also required for the linens.

“We eventually found a source in Italy and had them imported,” Embry said. The linens were “custom everything,” with the fabrics and style all being picked here and assembled there. One example of the custom linens can be seen hanging on the towel bar behind the tub.

Another totally custom design element that can be found in the room was not imported.

In fact, it was created in the confines of the space and is on display on the wall. “I created the stencils and did the painting,” Em-

As an added benefit, inspiration arrived early in the form of the sink. “That’s where everything else sprang from.”

bry said of the border edgings between wall and ceiling. Those curlicue designs unify the room, with somewhat similar shapes cropping up on floor tile, the wall lamp, the chandelier and even to some extent, reflected in the curls of the flower stems depicted in the painting hung above the tub.

The bathroom also hosts a separate shower space, with those same decorated tiles accenting the wall borders and the border of the large marble slab bench.

Finishing off the room, thick, dark wood doors provide privacy and escape into a world that represents some of the class and

guest bathroom was almost a cakewalk for Embry. Daunting challenges were non-existent with nothing difficult to source. The client wanted to treat the room as the design concepts for the secondary bedrooms were being treated – tying it in as a suite through the continuation of the theme.

elegance that we all wish we could escape

As an added benefit, inspiration arrived early in the form of the sink. “That’s where everything

to at the end of a long, hectic day.

else sprang from,” recalled Embry.

Making Guests Feel at Home – No Matter the Era

That’s not to say that she was a slouch in the design department. Again, some edits were

After the work of hunting down the key ele-

proposed closet for linens. “We went with furniture again, there’s a cabinet piece facing the

ments of the kitchen and master bath, the

mirror where the closet would have been built,” she said.

36 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

made to the original architectural design plan, with the chief change being the removal of a

K+B Design

By replacing the closet with a freestand-

of the removed space was rebuilt to provide two smaller drawers for the storage of cosmetics

ing cabinet, the bathroom became slightly

and toiletries. Embry distressed the piece to give it more of an antiqued look, pairing it with the

larger and there wasn’t an extra door taking

mirror perfectly.

up space better used by someone trying to get in or out. It also kept true to the French

Another claw footed tub makes an appearance, this time with a black enamel finish and a

design ideals.

rainfall showerhead mounted above it. The black and white of the tub is continued with the black and white echoed by the shower curtain, floor tiles, framed wall photo and of course, the

Some other creative touches found their way into the room. “The vanity was a

sink bowl that started it all.

repurposed dresser that we found,” said

Much Better than a Hole in the Wall–or Floor

Embry. The furniture piece had the insides

If a guest to this Texas home just lets her imagination wander for a moment or two while

of the top drawer cut out and then the

freshening up in the powder room, she could easily imagine she had just been transported to

drawer was sealed. Meanwhile, the bottom

a beautiful street in Paris, maybe to do some window shopping at the boutiques, or going to

drawer had an area removed to accom-

meet a friend at one of the famed sidewalk cafés or . . . heading to what might be considered

modate the sink’s plumbing, but either side

a somewhat primitive restroom. Fortunately, that’s exactly the type of imagery the home’s owner was looking to provoke.

“When I first met the client, she shared all these stories about her trips to France,” Embry said.

“Among them, she told me about the backstreets of Paris where there are these little niches with, basically a hole in the ground that people actually use as bathrooms.” Although somewhat shocked by the story, Embry forgot about it until it came time to create the powder room.

She wanted to stay away from the overly extravagant, but still wanted to present something original to her client. “I thought, I’ll put in a lamppost and make it the streets of Paris. Then, I remembered the story.” Once she fully thought it through, she presented the whole plan to the client and the client loved it.

“That’s why the tile is laid out that way – so it looks like a cobblestone road,” she said. She also made the one wall look like an exterior wall and treated the window in it as if it were an exterior window – as if one were on a street looking in. Knowing when authenticity could be a little too much, Embry was sure to outfit the powder room with a toilet, covering what would traditionally be just a hole in ground.

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 37

headlines

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39

InSIDE KBIS

> KBIS 2013

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INDUSTRY News

> 2012 Kitchen of the Year > Dwell on Design 2012

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LEADER PROFILE

> Clay Lyon, CR

46 46 48 50 52 54

NKBA UPDATES

National Highlights Learning & Development Accredited Programs Marketing & Communications Legislative Matters

38 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

Inside KBIS

KBIS 2013 is headed to New Orleans www.KBIS.com

Inside KBIS

Are You Jazzed?

KBIS 2013 hits New Orleans, April 19-21!

By Ash Sukumar

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A

city marked by perpetual festivity, New Orleans, perfectly captures the spirit and vigor of KBIS 2013. Raised amidst the multicultural landscape of Mardi Gras and the French Quarter Festival among others, New Orleans is a great spring time destination for

business and tourism alike. The identity of New Orleans is personified by its wildly diverse population, and the rich concoction of heritage, music, art, architecture, food, and events that make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Think New Orleans, think Mardi Gras. Packed with tourists from all over the country, the remarkable event features a grand display of music, parades, costumes, and beautiful floats among people adorned in purple, green and gold. Though we will miss the Mardi Gras season by a few months, the city has so much more to offer, making your trip to KBIS 2013 stimulating and exciting nevertheless.

The unique architectural styles of New Orleans epitomize the city’s historic roots – shotgun and bungalow style houses, creole cottages, and antebellum homes are some of the many kinds that can be seen throughout the city. In the famous St. Charles Avenue, you can tour around the neighborhood, which depicts awe-inspiring Greek Revival, American Colonial, and Victorian style architecture. The French Quarter is a 19th century architectural goldmine, filled with active tourists walking, biking, and riding bus tours around the district, which spans over 100 blocks.

Not only are the neighborhoods renowned for their architectural styles, they are also frequented for the city’s thriving food and party scene.

KBIS 2013 is bound to impress – trendsetting displays of the latest and best products in the industry, brand new conference sessions and panels, and great networking opportunities among others, will make your trip worth your while. And needless to say, the city’s winning combination of the local Creole, Cajun, and New Orleans French cuisines will spice it up by a notch – Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffe and the Beignets are some of the exotic flavors of Louisiana that cannot be missed! At the end of an action-packed day at KBIS 2013, enjoy all the pomp and show along Bourbon Street –brass bands, dancers, restaurants, and bars set the perfect backdrop to unwind. New Orleans will be a treat for your intellect and taste buds all the same.

For all the music buffs in the kitchen and bath industry, KBIS 2013 will be rubbing shoulders with New Orleans’ award-winning French Quarter festival, which features performances representing all musical genres including traditional and contemporary jazz, R & B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, classical, cabaret, opera, Cajun Zydeco, Latin World and International. It is the largest, free music festival in the South, and we are excited to launch KBIS 2013 in conjunction with this musical ensemble.

New Orleans is also the birthplace of Jazz, which is deeply woven into the traditions of the city.

Natives they take pride in celebrating life and death with jazz, and strongly believe that a visit to New Orleans is never complete without a jazz club experience. So, mark your trip with a

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 39

headlines visit to some of the famous jazz clubs in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Canal Street, or St. Charles Avenue, among several other neighborhoods in the city.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, more popularly known as the Jazz Fest, is yet another April event which represents the culture and heritage of New Orleans through local crafts, food, and a grand lineup of music.

While KBIS 2013 will have abundant artistic reflections of some of the industry’s most creative designers, you may not want to miss The New Orleans Art District, which is a neighborhood booming with art galleries and world-renowned museums. Apart from some of the “Art Walks” hosted by these galleries along St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street, it might also be interesting to watch out for street parties in April, which feature a harmonious blend of local art, music and food.

With its astounding architectural framework, world-class cuisines, original music, art, and stimulating cultural events, New Orleans is unique and inspiring to all who visit. Driven by the soul and essence of the city, KBIS 2013 will extend a platform for innovation and creativity, and establish new trends for the exciting year ahead. Get ready to pack your bags – cutting edge designs, innovative ideas, and thoughtprovoking discussions, against a refreshing backdrop of culture and heritage – that’s KBIS 2013 at New Orleans for you.

Save the Date 2013 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show April 19-21, 2013 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

40 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

Inside KBIS

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headlines Industry News

NKBA Members in the Spotlight The goings-on in the industry.

By Ash Sukumar

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Courtesy of House Beautiful magazine

Courtesy of House Beautiful magazine

polished stainless steel appliances, and the glittering glass-and-nickel cabinet

2012 Kitchen of the Year with De Giulio – Rockefeller Center, New York City House Beautiful magazine hosted the 2012 Kitchen of the Year from July 16-20, at Rockefeller center in New York City. The show featured a fabulous kitchen design from the top designer Mick de Giulio, as well as guest appearances from top chefs such as Sandra Lee, Gabrielle

knobs tied in seamlessly with the rest of the design. De Giulio’s Metal Boy design fashioned a functional walnut cabinet sculpture, which embraced hanging pots and pans. While the dining area featured a

Hamilton, Todd English and Carla Hall. The show also hosted cooking demonstrations from

rustic wooden table with an assorted style

New York City’s most renowned restaurants such as Gramercy Tavern, Blue Hill, and Aqua-

of chairs, the kitchen nestled a living space

vit, in a 2,500 square-foot kitchen area which was open to the public for tours, cooking and

with a fireplace, television and a cozy seat-

mixology demonstrations, and the ultimate strawberry jam contest among others. Some of

ing arrangement. The outdoor kitchen was

the products and building materials used in the show were donated to ReStore Habitat for

raised on a terrace built with “super strong”

Humanity.

paving blocks. While the island was topped with bluestone, the base sported a lighter

Mick de Giulio’s dream kitchen design sprawled on a huge kitchen space with a fully-func-

look with reflective stainless steel.

tioning indoor and outdoor kitchen, featuring a breathtaking butler’s pantry, morning area bar, stunning tiles and sink which were adorned with exquisite detailing. Mick de Giulio says, “If

Plenty of culinary events such as demon-

there’s a big story in kitchens today, it’s that kitchens are more than kitchens – they are living

strations from chef Jesse Schenker, who

spaces. A very successful design is when people come back to me and say, ‘We never go to

made burrata grilled cheese sandwiches

any other part of our house. We love our kitchens so much that it’s where we want to be.’”

from Whirlpool’s Gold 30-inch electric

True to his words, his design showcased the kitchen as the pivotal space of the house.

induction cooktop, specialty cocktails from Darryl Robinson, also known as DR Mixolo-

Built on a 100-square-foot space, the pantry was designed to feel more open, as it stood

gist, and a Maine Finnan Haddie gratin from

tall with glass fronts for the upper cabinets and mirror finish interiors. The cove ceiling had a

Luke Lobster’s Ben and Luke, contributed

Venetian finish and gilded iron lights. The striking navy blue sink designed by Jonathan Adler,

to the highlights of the show. Other mouth-

42 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

Industry News

Courtesy of House Beautiful magazine

ing exhibitors across eleven categories.

Participants were also awarded for overall achievement in Best Booth Design, Best New Product and Best in Show. Convection Steam Oven by Wolf and Sundeck by Duravit USA grabbed the spotlight in the Kitchen and Bath categories.

Exhibitors from the Kitchen and Bath zone were quick to impress – Duravit’s Sundeck tub featuring a tub, spa and lounge chair combination for small outdoor spaces, Obo Rain’s easy-toinstall outdoor shower, Kalamazoo’s sturdy stainless steel hybrid fire grill, and Sub-Zero’s convection steam oven among several other outstanding exhibits, showed off the industry’s best contempo-

watering tastings included Gabrielle Gamilton’s gazpacho and chilled beet borscht, Kohler’s

rary designs.

Paul Smitala’s lobster spring rolls with a chipotle fruit relish, Jason Roberts’ Thai fish salad, and Carla Hall’s BBQ pork tenderloin among many other farm-fresh foods and cocktails.

VividWorks, demonstrated their VividAR

Crowd-pullers also included an iRobot sponsored dance break with performers mimicking the

technology, a software solution that

robot and product showcases from the Container Store, Shaw Floors and more.

allows users to arrange virtual furniture, accessories, and products into photos of

The show’s opening witnessed House Beautiful’s associate publisher Sean K. Sullivan, editor-

real spaces or rooms. Show attendees

in-chief Newell Turner, senior vice president, publishing director Kate Kelly Smith, and designer

participated in the “i-design” competition

Mick De Giulio, who welcomed the crowd by showcasing an official proclamation from Mayor

which enabled them to place featured

Michael Bloomberg, announcing the week as the Kitchen of the Year week. The Editor-in-chief

exhibitors’ products into prefab structure

also reported that while the House Beautiful magazine will feature the 2012 Kitchen of the

interiors that had been photographed in

Year in the October Issue, the November issue will illustrate the exciting recipes that stole the

the Dwell Exhibitors. Two Round Winners

spotlight in the dream kitchen.

were chosen at the end of each day, among whom a final Grand Prize Winner was selected at the end of the show.

Dwell on Design 2012 – June 22-24, L.A. Convention Center

AirClad’s inflatable prefab pool house,

The L.A. Convention center buzzed with activity, as over 27,000 people gathered to partici-

Airsteam International’s Sterling, and

pate in Dwell on Design 2012, June 22 –24. Exhibitors displayed their latest furniture and gad-

CasaBubble’s Grandlodge were some

gets, and three stages showcased over 70 presentations, panel discussions and interviews.

among the most innovative fully-furnished

Along with 190+ of the industry’s most innovative and influential professionals, architects such

prefab houses, and inflatable and mobile

as Chad Oppenheim, renowned for his radical sustainability projects in Jordon, Switzerland,

residence designs that were featured on

and Miami, and Mitchell Joachim from Brooklyn, whose ideas range from soft cars for safer

a 25,000 square foot Outdoor zone. The

streets to a kit for growing a zero-impact arboreal home, engaged the audience with powerful

show gathered the finest and the most

presentations and dialogue.

innovative companies in the industry that focused on designs that were not only

The Dwell and Design Awards, which has grown to become one

modern and energy efficient, but cost-

of the most prominent features of the show, recognized participat-

effective and enduring all the same.

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 43

headlines Leader Profile

In Memory of Clay Asher Lyon Motion is my path, broad and gentle…

By Annette Gray

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

C

lay Lyon, CR, former 2012 NKBA Secretary, was the owner and operator of Lyon Construction+Design, a residential remodeling company he founded in 2002. With an educational background in science and mathematics, and a master’s degree in

business administration, his career in home remodeling and construction began in 1987. His professional experience included work in environmental and energy conservation consulting, real estate development, custom wood furniture-making and business consulting.

Lyon served on the Builders/Remodelers Advisory Council and Board of Directors, and had also been involved with various regional home association boards, urban planning projects and Habitat for Humanity.

A memorial service in honor of Clay Asher Lyon, who passed away on Monday, June 18, 2012 was held on Saturday, June 23rd at the Center for Spiritual Living in his hometown of Kansas City, MO. Lyon was born on December 17, 1962, and is survived by his wife, Robin and son Connor. He is also survived by his father, Don; brothers, Dan, Nick, and Skylar, and sisters, Leslie and Barbara, as well as countless friends and peers. The service, performed by Dr. Chris Michaels, was held at the Center for Spiritual Living in Kansas City.

“Our fellow Executive Committee member was a respected industry professional and passionate advocate for the Builder/Remodeler Segment. Clay will be missed by us all, and I’m certain

CLAY LYON, CR December 17, 1962 – June 18, 2012 Former 2012 NKBA Secretary

by many more in the association and his community. He was a creative thinker, who contributed a unique perspective and thoughtful leadership. I had great respect for him as an individual and member of the business community. His untimely death serves as a reminder for us all to live life

executive team in 2012. I remember getting

the way Clay did.”

to know “the guy from Kansas”. Clay had

-Alan W. Zielinski, CKD, 2012 NKBA President

an ability to really talk to people and listen

Clay was a man who questioned and sought to uncover what could be. He gently challenged, why was something the way it was, was it being done the way we wanted it to be, how could we change it for the better? Uniquely searching for and finding balance and harmony in his own life, he thoughtfully inspired those around him to discover the same. How do you and I change it for the better? … by carrying Clay’s spirit of examining what is to ascertain what can be.

-John K. Morgan, 2012 NKBA President-Elect

intently about what they did and who they were. Clay’s face lit up when he spoke of his son Connor. He spoke fondly of extreme hiking and rock climbing with brothers and friends. When I saw the pictures from KBIS, I noted that Clay was very comfortable and shining in his new role in NKBA leadership.

I had the privilege of working with Clay on the Education Task Force, a couple of years ago. I

He was also settling in with the executive

was looking forward to working with him this year as part of the Executive Committee. Clay was

team and proving to be a very key part of

often quiet, absorbing everything said and then adding valuable insight to the discussion that

our team. Clay was an integral part of our

helped the group as we worked to provide leadership and direction for the association.

industry, specifically speaking strongly on

-John A. Petrie, CMKBD, 2012 NKBA Vice President

behalf if builders/remodelers - he will be missed.

Clay and I first met in November 2008 for Board training. We served together on the board for 2009 and 2010. I moved to the executive team in 2011 and I was glad when Clay joined our

44 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

-Carolyn F. Cheetham, CMKBD, 2012 NKBA Treasurer

Leader Profile

Clay was a very hard-working and focused individual. My first real opportunity to work with Clay was on the Segment Review Task Force. I recall the Committee agonizing over an issue, and Clay was able to pare it down into a few short sentences that were exactly what the rest of us were trying to convey. Clay was an excellent addition to our EXCO team. He impressed all of us with his business acumen. I admired him for his willingness to speak up and his ability to be succinct in expressing well thought-out ideas. I was personally devastated when I learned of his untimely death. He was a highly valuable contributor to our association. He is and will be missed by the team.

-David Alderman, CMKBD, 2012 NKBA Immediate Past President

The following prose selected as adornment for the cover of Clay’s memorial service program, aptly and appropriately speaks to a life enjoyed and well-lived.

I Live in the Power of the Moment, By Julie Cameron

Every moment is a power point for creative choice. This realization is a great blessing. Knowing this, I choose to live my life consciously and concretely, moment by moment, choosing attitudes and actions, which cause my life to flourish and expand. I am an arrow shot through time. My consciousness carries my accumulated energy and wisdom. As I allow my fullest self to choose my thoughts and behaviors, I act creatively and expansively. My rich life becomes richer still.

I am alert to inner and outer promptings which cause me to recognize and respond to my everincreased opportunities, my ever-increased blessings. As I created for myself an inner expectation of enlarged goodness and potential, my life becomes adventurous, optimistic, and expansive. In each moment, I choose the highest good, the clearest path, and the most openhearted perspective. Each choice, each moment blesses me. I count my good fortune at every turn.

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 45

National Updates

headlines NKBA Updates

National Highlights Chapter and national leadership, events, and growth.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

influential leaders, shaping the future direction of design, brand and project The NKBA Hits International Frontiers International Design & Development Conference, South Korea 2012 NKBA President Alan W. Zielinski, CKD and CEO Bill Darcy represented the association as distinguished speakers at the 2nd annual International Design & Development Conference (IDDC) in Seoul, South Korea. The twoday conference, held on August 27-29, 2012, featured global visionaries, as well as urban planners and architects, who’ve created some of the most remarkable projects around the world. The theme of the conference, “Big Projects, Big Ideas,” enabled dynamic discussions on the challenges of massive scale develop-

development in Korea and throughout Asia.

The conference witnessed participation from architects, interior designers, purchasing agents, facility owners and operators, developers and investors, and executive level government officials, working on residential and commercial projects in Asia. As Asia is forging forward as one of the most dynamic regions for development growth, the IDDC provided the NKBA with the rewarding experience of sharing with international counterparts, the current trends and styles in the kitchen and bath industry in the U.S and Canada and networking with the creators of some of the biggest projects in the world.

ment and what it takes to translate a “big idea” to a reality. Focusing on commercial and residential design, architecture, and development from an internal perspective, Alan W. Zielinski, CKD, 2012 NKBA Prestdent and Young Sun Park, Mayor of Guri-City at IDDC in Seoul, South Korea

the IDDC featured the brains behind China’s Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa and the Dubai Creek Master Plan: Business Bay and Lagoons.

The IDDC provided a platform for dialog with thought leaders, who discussed design and development case studies of projects from various countries like China, Dubai and the Bahamas. Other interesting themes that captured the

NKBA AMBASSADORS CLUB NKBA members who recruit five new members within a 12-month period or a total of 15 members over any time frame earn their place in the NKBA Ambassadors Club.

NKBA Ambassadors Club Benefits: > Gain industry recognition and prestige > Be featured in NKBA Magazine > Expand your network on industry partners > Impress potential clients

spotlight include, “Trends in Urbanization: Creating a Living Design Experi-

Highest Recruiter Award:

ence,” “Re-discovery of Design,” “Hospitality Designers’ and Purchasers’

One club member who recruits the highest number of new member compa-

Perspectives on Great Design that Achieves Long-Term Returns on Investment,” and “Developing for Trans-local Hospitality: The Future of Experiential

nies between October and the following September will receive: > Full conference registration for KBIS

Hotels,” among others.

> Two night hotel accommodations for KBIS (incidentals not included) > $200 Gift Card

The President and the CEO of the NKBA presented on the topic, “Kitchen and

> Highest Recruiter certificate

Bath Trends: Explore the Design, Business Trends and Projects that are shaping the Future of the Kitchen and Bath Industry,” and walked the audience

Diplomat Award:

through the products, materials, and styles that are influencing kitchen and

Three existing Ambassadors Club members who recruit the most new member

bath design across the United States and Canada. The attendees also gained insight into how monthly sales volumes, average prices, and other industry

companies within a 12month period will receive: > Diplomat Award certificate

indicators have changed over the past two years in the North American

> $200 Gift Card

market.

> Recognition on NKBA.org > Additional exposure in NKBA Magazine

Seoul is being recognized as the new sustainable design city and Korea is increasing in its popularity for design innovation and inspiration. So it was

Become part of the NKBA Ambassador Club! For more information, email

no surprise that the IDDC was a perfect destination to interact with other

membership@nkba.org, call 800-843-6522 or visit NKBA.org/Club.

46 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

Transforming Life at Home

New Orleans | April 19 - 21, 2013 KBIS.com

headlines

NKBA Updates

Learning & Development Defining a new career or developing an existing one–the importance of continued learning.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Promote your NKBA Certification, Build your Business

Recently updated, the NKBA Kitchen & Bathroom Planning

IIf you are a certified member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, take

the following formats–spiral-bound softcover, eBook, and

a step further, and promote yourself as one of the finest professionals in the

mobile app.

kitchen and bath industry. You can strengthen your brand by using our professional sales and marketing tools available in the Member Center at NKBA.org/ Member. Be sure to tap into your exclusive membership benefits to access our logo, press releases, customized ad templates, printed brochures, and the ProSearch tool–use them to your advantage, as they’re specifically designed

Guidelines with Access Standards are now available in

New features include: > 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) and the ICC A117.1-2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Standards code references > Metric conversion of measurements

to augment the success of your business.

> Larger images for easier viewing

Make sure that your ProSearch profile is updated–consumers use our

Order the NKBA Kitchen & Bathroom Planning Guidelines with Access

ProSearch tool extensively, to hunt for NKBA-certified professionals like you!

Standards in your preferred format today! Visit NKBA.org/Guidelines.

Customizable tools like our press releases can be used to announce your NKBA certification and our printed brochures along with our magazine and newspaper advertising templates will help support your focused consumer outreach initiatives. As the NKBA is the foremost association in the industry, you can create a powerful impact on your business by using our certified member logos in your communications. Our new and upcoming Kitchen and Bath Planners will also include information for the consumers, highlighting the benefits of hiring an NKBA certified designer.

Call for Speakers – Voices from the Industry Conference Series, KBIS 2013 Have you been looking for the right platform to share new ideas and present relevant learning topics to professionals from all segments of the kitchen and bath industry? The National Kitchen and Bath Association would love to hear from you at the brand new Voices from the Industry Conference Series, which is all set to takeoff at the 2013 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in New Orleans.

Become a ceu provider

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) program provides NKBA members with the tools to excel in their profession or to promote their expertise to consumers. CEUs provide individuals with recognition for their efforts to update or broaden their occupational knowledge and skills.

From 20-20 Technologies to Sub-Zero/Wolf, the NKBA partners with other organizations that develop programs in continuing career education. The CEU Provider program offers providers of continuing education the opportunity to award NKBA CEUs for their training. A list of CEU Provider Partners can be found at NKBA.org. If your company would like to become a CEU Provider please contact the NKBA Certification Department for more information.

NKBA Kitchen & Bathroom Guidelines adopted by The Art Institutes

The conference series will feature 70 speakers representing all sectors of the industry, and you’re welcome to present a subject that you’ve researched before or one that you’re excited to explore and further develop. The NKBA welcomes topics grounded in one of the four following conference tracks which include: > Design & Inspiration - creative design solutions to common or new space challenges > Focus on the Customer - exceptional customer service and internal/ external mechanisms to continuously improve customer experience > Business Management - managing resources to achieve positive business results > Sales & Marketing - analyzing and prioritizing sales activities to increase market share, grow current accounts, and develop new customers Applications are due no later than November 2, 2012, and applicants

The NKBA is proud to announce that The Art Institutes have adopted the NKBA

selected to present at KBIS 2013 (April 19-21) will be notified by the end

Kitchen & Bathroom Guidelines in eBook format for its system of over 45

of December 2012. To review more details on proposal requirements, log

schools throughout North America.

on to NKBA.org/VTFI.

48 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

Learning Updates

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

NKBA Courses

NKBA Education Series An excerpt from the Professional Resource Library volume Kitchen & Bath Products

Whether you’re an experienced industry professional looking to enhance your design or business skills, a student striving to break into the industry, or a professional who wants to build professional credentials through NKBA certification, you’re certain to benefit from NKBA Education.

NKBA Education provides the most comprehensive knowledge and skills in the kitchen and bath industry and offers courses that are instructor-led through webinars, web-based sessions, e-learning, pre-recorded, and online learning. > Online Courses > In-Person Courses & Live Webinars > Course Paths for CKBP Certification Managing and Maximizing the Effects of Lighting - November 8, 2012 > Date: November 8 | Time: 2 - 4pm EST > Course Delivery: VILT (Virtual Instructor Led Training), VOIP (Voice Over IP) with headset is necessary. > CEU: 0.2 | NKBA Hours: 2 > Sponsored By: Lutron Electroincs Course Facilitators: > Staci Quirk, Product Marketing Manager for Luron Electronics > David Weinstein, Vice President of New Business Development for Lutron Electronics Description:

Transition methods from a tile floor to other interior floor surfaces

Surfacing Materials: Flooring > In renovation jobs, removing the existing floor covering is recommended.

Generally, this is necessary if vinyl tiles or cushioned vinyl floors are installed over a slab or wood foundation. In many parts of the country, tile is installed directly over old non-cushioned sheet vinyl. > Doors may require modification to accommodate a tile floor. With a

In this interactive session, you’ll discover how to enrich your kitchen and

mastic installation, the designer is only concerned with the thickness

bath designs with the right lighting techniques and light sources – as well as

of the tile. When a conventional mortar installation is planned, the

learn how lighting control creates more beautiful, comfortable, and functional

designer must allow clearance for a 3/4” to 1-1/4” thick mortar bed,

spaces, all while saving energy.

plus the thickness of the tile. A glass mesh concrete board installation will require a clearance dimension equal to the thickness of the board,

Lutron Electronics, experts in lighting and a leading manufacturer of energysaving light controls and automated shading solutions for both residential and commercial applications, will provide this fresh look at managing and maximizing the effects of light.

At the conclusion of this session, you will be able to: > Identify key light sources and fixtures and explain where they work best in an application > Describe lighting legislation and codes > Explain how simple lighting control solutions can improve your design and enhance your client’s lifestyle To combine any two or all three courses for the discounted rates above, please call NKBA Customer Service at 1-800-843-6522 with your selections and payment information.

plus the tile. > Allow enough time for the door modification. Interior hollow-core or solid-core doors are easy to cut down. Pocket doors must be the type that can be removed from the pocket. > If the new tile floor will be higher than the finished flooring of an adjacent room, the tile selected must have trim pieces or a threshold must be planned. Thresholds are generally marble or wood. Solid surface material can also be used as a threshold. > Make sure the distance from the finished tile floor to the underside of the kitchen countertop leaves enough room for a built-in dishwasher, and extend the flooring under the dishwasher. > Make sure a tile backerboard does not interfere with the toilet supply line escutcheon plate.

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 49

Student Updates

headlines

NKBA Updates

Accredited Programs Supporting the next generation of kitchen & bath professionals.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Outstanding NKBA students & Educators

> Emily E Moore, University of Nebraska & Kearney

The National Kitchen & Bath Association honors kitchen and bath design

> Jessica Brown, University of Southern Mississippi

students each year with the NKBA Outstanding Student Awards. There are also

> Brittany Usiak, Virginia Tech

NKBA-accredited colleges selected for the honor of the Excellence in Educa-

> Shalin Tucker, Weber State University

tion Awards. The NKBA announces these prestigious recognitions during the Educators’ Forum at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.

NKBA/GE Charette Competition

Three NKBA-accredited colleges were awarded the Excellence in Education

The term “charette” evolved from a pre-1900 exercise at the Ecole des Beaux

Award by demonstrating the highest standards of kitchen and bath instruc-

Arts in France. Architectural students were given a design problem to solve

tion. Each program submitted two student kitchen design projects, which

within an allotted time. When that time was up, the students would rush their

were judged using the NKBA Planning Guidelines and NKBA Graphic and

drawings from the studio to the Ecole in a cart called a charette. Students

Presentation Standards. Each of these three schools awarded met the NKBA’s

often jumped in the cart to finish drawings on the way. The term evolved to

challenging goal of earning an average score of at least 93 out of a possible

refer to the intense design exercise itself. Today it refers to a creative process

100 on its two student designs.

akin to visual brainstorming that is used by design professionals to develop

The winning schools and their kitchen and bath design program coordinators, announced this past Spring at KBIS 2012 in Chicago are: > Arapahoe Community, Littleton, CO, Dawn Viola, CKD > Brevard Community College, Melbourne, FL, Ann Raccon, CKD > BYU-Idaho, Rexburg, ID, Wendy Harris, CKE The NKBA Outstanding Student Awards Additionally, the NKBA recognized the top kitchen and bath design students at NKBA-accredited colleges across North America by rewarding top students with a $100 scholarship. Schools with kitchen and bath design programs accredited by the NKBA each selected a student to honor this year.

The top design students are: > Ellen Peterson, Alexandria Technical & Community College

solutions to a design problem within a limited timeframe.

The Challenge Design a kitchen utilizing the provided GE appliance specifications that best suits the needs of the owners while staying within the provided space. The catch is there will only be 3 hours to complete this task.

Awards The top three contestants per school receive a $50 scholarship and certificate of achievement. These three entries will be entered in the National NKBA/GE Charette Competition. The National winners will receive scholarships and be honored in NKBA Magazine. National awards are as follows: > 1st - $5,000 Scholarship > 2nd - $4,000 Scholarship

> Elizabeth Long, Arapahoe Community College

> 3rd - $3,000 Scholarship

> Jennifer Murray-Huffman, Baker College of Clinton Township

> 4th - $2,500 Scholarship

> Gayle McCaughin, Brevard Community College

> 5th - $2,000 Scholarship

> Kimberly Fetzer, Brigham Young University-Idaho

> Honorable Mention (5 awards) - $1,000 Scholarship

> Kirsten Malone, Canada College > Katherine (Kate) Roos, Century College

Who Can Enter

> Elizabeth A Mottashed, College of DuPage

Any students enrolled in an NKBA Supported/Accredited Program.

> Sara Gerdes, Harper College

For more information, the school facilitator should send an email with

> Courtney Federspiel, Lakeland College

NKBA/GE Charette in the subject line to gecharette@nkba.org.

> Jamey Cunningham, MSU-Gallatin College > Eric Poulsen, San Diego Mesa College

Visit the NKBA.org/Students to find out more about this and other NKBA

> Roberta Vincent, Sullivan College of Technology & Design

student competitions.

50 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

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Marketing Updates

headlines

NKBA Updates

Marketing & Communications Working hard to promote the association and gain awareness.

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The nkba is turning 50!

We’re excited to begin celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Kitchen & Bath Association in 2013. Join us in honoring our milestone year.

Look for the launch of our new 50th anniversary NKBA logo, as well as upevents. In the upcoming months, keep your eye on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter,

CLASSIC, CONTEMPORARY, ECLECTIC, TRANSITIONAL

and Pinterest for interesting facts and historical details about the association and NKBA.org will also be your source for information.

KBIS 2013 in New Orleans marks the site for the NKBA’s blow-out birthday

YOU COULD PROBABLY use some…

INSPIRATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE Someone to help you cut through the clutter.

series as well as an amazing line-up of featured speakers.

Do some creative thinking about the ways you can bring the celebration to your chapters. Look to national for more information on the history of the organization and we’ll look to you to share your story with us.

TRUST IN US.

on the NKBA Gala, Opening Keynote, NKBA Booth and an all-new conference

PLACE YOUR

bash. Be sure to look to KBIS.com and NKBA communications for information

The Professionals of the

Turn your dream into reality. >> NKBA.org/YourHome

Honoring Kitchen and Bath Month October is National Kitchen and Bath Month, and the NKBA began a fall kickoff with the launch of a brand new commercial spot, which has aired since

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S , M AT E R I A L S , S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y }

that has lead the kitchen and bath industry for the past 50 years. NKBA News

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dates and ideas about ways you can incorporate the celebration into chapter

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the end of August and continues through the end of October during This Old House Classics. You can also spot the commercial at NKBA.org/YourHome.

This is the right time to revisit your branding and marketing strategy, as

A fresh approach to NKBA advertising–bring it to your local market to promote your business.

the NKBA has introduced new customizable print ad templates specifically designed to elevate your business in this challenging and dynamic industry.

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the opportunity to be considered for specialty awards, which include Before & After, Budget-Friendly, and Green and Universal Design, among more. All

The Opportunity is here – 2013 NKBA Design Competition The 2013 NKBA Design Competition has plenty to offer – you can gain cash prizes of up to $10,000, special awards, media attention, and national industry recognition at an event held at KBIS 2013. Additionally, winners will have their designs featured in NKBA.org, NKBA Magazine, and in the NKBA Booth at KBIS 2013!

Enter your project in one of our six award categories which include Small

52 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

category winners will be automatically considered for Best Kitchen & Bath, as well as People’s Pick Kitchen and Bath Awards.

Participants should enter projects completed in the past year along with completed entry forms, clear photos, a concise design statement, elevations, and a floor plan to scale. Please note that the competition is exclusive to NKBA members, and the deadline for all entries is October 26, 2012.

For complete competition details, and to download our entry packet, visit NKBA.org/Competition.

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headlines

NKBA Updates

Legislative Matters Social media in the work place.

By Edward S. Nagorsky, Esq.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> requirements of the law. Before I discuss the model policy, some interesting insights into the NLRB’s stance on employer social media policies can be found by reviewing the agency’s analysis of the offending policies. For example, the Agency found the following provisions contained in company employee handbooks to be overly broad and in violation of the NLRA: > Prohibiting the release of confidential guest, team member or company

Could Your Social Media Policy Violate Labor Laws (You Have One Don’t You?) In our last issue, I discussed the National Labor Relation Board’s Office of General Counsel memo which provided guidance to employers on when a termination of an employee because of a social media posting could violate the labor law. See, NKBA Magazine, Spring 2012. Now, the NLRB has released a new report on employer policies governing the use of social media in the workplace which reviews six corporate policies that the agency alleges violates an employee’s rights under the National Labor and Relations Act (NLRA).1 As you will recall from my previous article, Section 7 of the NLRA protects the right of employees “to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection”, and it applies to every company, not only those that have union employees. Many employers may be surprised to learn that what seem to be rather typical and common-sense policies regarding an employees’ use of social media are regarded by the NLRB as a violation of federal law.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this report for small businesses is the inclusion of a model social medial policy that the NLRB says would satisfy the 1

http://bit.ly/KXMfXZ

54 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

information. > Instructing employees not to share confidential information with co-workers unless they had a need to know the information to do their job. > Cautioning employees to be sure that their posts were completely accurate and not misleading, and that they did not reveal non-public information on any public site. > Imposing a rule requiring employees to secure permission from the employer as a precondition to engaging in protected activities. > Prohibiting the posting of photos, music, videos, quotes, and personal information of others without obtaining the owner’s permission. > Prohibiting employees from using the employer’s logos and trademarks for non-commercial use. > Prohibiting posting “offensive, demeaning, abusive or inappropriate remarks” without giving examples of what language is offensive, demeaning, abusive or inappropriate. > Instructing employees to think carefully about “friending” co-workers. > Requiring that employees report any unusual or inappropriate internal social media activities to the employer. > Prohibiting employees from commenting on pending legal matters. > Directing employees to avoid topics that might be considered objectionable or inflammatory. > Prohibiting employees from using copyrighted material in their on-line communications without getting permission before reusing another’s content or images. > Encouraging employees “to resolve concerns about work by speaking with co-workers, supervisors or managers” rather than airing their grievances on-line. > Warning employees to “avoid harming the image and integrity of the company”. > Prohibiting all public communications, including any contact with media and members of the press, without prior authorization from the employer.

Upon reading these “over-broad policies”, you might think that they would be reasonable cautions that any employer would want their employees to take.

Unfortunately, the NLRB, in its continued quest to expand its role and the labor

Legislative Updates

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laws which it is charged with enforcing, does not share the private sector’s

dia posts, the honesty and accuracy of posted information or company news,

concerns. Please note, however, that the General Counsel memo is really

a caution against using social media while on work time or on equipment

just the Agency’s interpretation of the law and is very likely to be chal-

the employer provides (unless it is work-related and authorized), prohibi-

lenged in court. If you have been following my advocacy Twitter stream (@

tions on taking negative action against associates for reporting a possible

NKBAadvocacy), you already are aware that the NLRB has been on the losing

deviation from the social media policy, and a caution about speaking directly

side of a number of court cases which have reined-in the Agency’s efforts

to the media on the employer’s behalf without permission to do so (isn’t

to expand its authority in the private sector (see, for example, striking down the agency’s union posting rule, the invalidation of its union election rule vote and the Supreme Court holding class action arbitration waivers enforceable).

It is very possible that the NLRB’s social media policy interpretations will follow a similar fate. However, for the time being until our courts address the matter, this is the position of the agency which will likely seek enforcement action against offending companies.

this one of the provisions that the Agency found over-broad in it’s report?).

The proposed policy is surely not as complete and detailed as most social media policies that are in the workplace, and is not very useful in providing guidance to employers on what their social media policies should – or should not – say. Since the state of the law and the NLRB’s interpretation of social media policies are in flux, employers would be well advised to seek the assistance of counsel to make sure that at the very least, their policies

As mentioned above, the NLRB did include at the end of the report a sample

do not contain sections that the NLRB finds objectionable… unless they

social media policy which it believes satisfies the requirements of the Act.

wish to become the test case in the challenge of the Agency’s interpretation

The guidelines include approved language on being respectful in social me-

of the law.

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last word

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O’er Hills and Vales they Traveled 3 days & 200 miles on the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Submit your story for consideration editor@nkba.or

g

By Ash Sukumar

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T

his past July, NKBA Board Member Michael Werner and his Team Danze, rode their

30, and 40 this past summer. Most riders

way to success, raising over $25,000 for The Denver Children’s Hospital. The 23rd

come back year after year and proudly

annual Denver Children’s Hospital Courage Classic was a 3-day, 200 mile bicycle tour,

wear the only jersey in the world with a

climbing 15,000 vertical feet over the Colorado Rocky Mountains. At last year’s NKBA Board

toilet on the back. Bev’s team wears bright

Meeting, Michael Werner invited 2012 NKBA Vice President John Petrie, CMKBD, to ride for

pink uniforms, and they’re affectionately

the cause as part of his team - they share with us the experience of their incredible summer

known as the “hotties,” and with a toilet on

expedition.

our backs, we’re known as the “potties.”

There are over 2,000 riders participating in the Courage Classic, and most of them now know the “Hotties and the Potties.”

We start our trip to Colorado with a visit to the Denver Children’s Hospital and are given a tour by my niece Erin, whose passion for children’s medicine sprung in part from her mother’s involvement in the ride.

Erin has been a neonatal ICU nurse for the past five years, usually caring for preemies and other critically ill newborns and will earn her Nurse Practitioner degree next summer.

Knowing what’s in store for our riders, we make the second day all fun and games.

We raft down and zip line across the Colo-

Michael Werner

NKBA: How did you begin cycling? Tell us about the journey. MW: I started riding around the time I began to walk. I vividly remember the day the training wheels came off my Schwinn Pixie, as well as something special from each of the bikes I’ve owned over the past 50 years.

I gave them names such as Honda 222, Root beer, Splash, and Big Bertha. I used Big Bertha for my newspaper route! To me, bikes were more than just transportation – they were a way to earn money, they were freedom. I gladly rode fifteen miles or more per day to a little league game, job, school, or a friend’s house.

NKBA: Tell us the story about Danze, Inc.’s involvement in The Courage Classic. How did it all start? MW: My sister Bev has been riding on a women’s team in the Courage Classic for more than 20 years and has personally raised over $150,000. For many years she would regale me with pictures and stories of a magical ride, but would politely decline my request to

rado River to help people acclimate to the 10,000 foot elevation and begin to foster the camaraderie of Team Danze.

While we stay in condos at the Copper Mountain ski resort each night, the ride begins in Leadville, Colorado, an old mining town, and takes us up and down famous mountain passes, alongside rivers, and through the ski towns of Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone. The views are spectacular - blue skies, scenic mountains, and evergreen forests.

join her team. As I couldn’t stand missing the adventure, I started our own team and invited

NKBA: What were the most challenging and exciting parts of the ride? MW: The

co-workers, customers and friends to join us. The first year we had 15 riders, then 25, then

mileage is the easy part. It’s the combina-

56 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

Last Word

tion of the elevation of up to 11,500 feet and the climbs that make this a challenging ride. Over

that everyone on Team Danze has a memo-

the three days, we had to climb over 15,000 vertical feet or about 3 miles, all with 30% less

rable experience in addition to helping raise

oxygen than at sea level. Team Danze naturally divides into three groups: the Alpha dogs,

money.

who routinely ride 10,000 miles per year and could challenge Lance Armstrong, the Peloton, or middle pack of hobbyist riders like myself, and the Happy Turtles, who take great delight in finishing each day. We typically meet up at rest stops on the route and cheer each other over beers at the end of the day.

NKBA: What are your plans for next year’s event? MW: We’ll be back! While we would not want Team Danze to grow too quickly or get too large, we are likely to

We’re there for the kids, and the most exciting part of the ride is when current and former

have 50 to 60 riders next year. We have

patients who form Team Courage, bravely face physical challenges and cross the finish line

three basic membership rules for anyone

together. There’s not a dry eye in sight.

who would like to join Team Danze: 1. You have to enjoy life and people.

2. You will make an honest attempt to do

“We’re there for the kids, and the most exciting part of the ride is when current and former patients who form Team Courage, bravely face physical challenges and cross the finish line together. There’s not a dry eye in sight.”

the activity - in this case ride 200 miles in the Rocky Mountains.

3. And you have to care about the mission of helping other people.

While most of our riders are in the kitchen and bath industry, we have a lot of friends of friends on the team and are open to

NKBA: Your team has raised over $25,000 for The Denver Children’s Hospital - tell us how

anyone. Riding is great for your heart and

it feels to have made a difference and what keeps your team going. MW: Danze’s core

your soul, and we would love to see Team

value is to be a positive force in our industry and communities. Our involvement with the Cour-

Danze continue to grow. E-mail me at mi-

age Classic enables us to live this value while developing meaningful and fun relationships with

chael.werner@globeunion.com if you would

customers, suppliers, and co-workers. For most of us, riding on Team Danze is the highlight

like to join our adventure on behalf of The

of our summers. We all feel humbled and fortunate to be able to ride and are inspired by the

Children’s Hospital.

Team Courage riders. After our visit, we have a first-hand appreciation for the miracles that the Children’s Hospital helps deliver every day – in fact, it’s much more than a hospital – it’s a major research institution and the primary critical care facility for a nine-state region. Everyone feels good to be part of something special, and my colleagues at Danze work hard to ensure

John Petrie, CMKBD NKBA: When did you begin cycling and what do you enjoy the most about it? JP: I started cycling four years ago to ride with my wife who was training for a triathlon at the time. We were upgrading her bicycle, and the owner of the store asked me what I was doing for exercise. I paused because I wasn’t really doing anything at the time, and he said, “I know… you cut the grass!”

That made me so mad, and I bought a bicycle the next day. From then on, I was hooked.

It’s fantastic to ride along the great country roads through central Pennsylvania and enjoy the mountains and countryside. I’ve also met some great friends that I now ride

Summer/Fall 2012 | NKBA.org | 57

last word pedaling too fast trying to climb. I was quickly out of breath and realized I was 2 miles above sea level. I had to settle into the ride – 50 miles later, day one was complete.

NKBA: And what was the most exciting?

JP: Day two was a century ride - 100 miles! It was the second century ride in my career, but the first one at that altitude.

The most exciting part of the ride, besides the awesome views around every corner, was the finish line. Cheering and waiting to welcome every rider back with a medal were children (and their families), who were with. Cycling has also provided me with the opportunity to raise money for some great causes

at one point of time patients at the hospital.

like MS and The Denver Children’s Hospital.

NKBA: How was the experience of rid-

NKBA: How did you become a part of Team Danze? Tell us the story. JP: During an

ing with Team Danze? JP: Team Danze

NKBA board meeting in October last year, Michael Werner came up to me and said that he understood I was a cyclist. We talked about riding for some time, and he told me about the 200 mile bike ride through the Rocky Mountains that raised money for the Denver Children’s Hospital. I replied, “A ride through the Rocky Mountains? Are you serious?” I was excited and accepted his invitation to be a part of Team Danze.

was made up of about 40 cyclists from all around the country, and it was a first class operation. Before the ride we had the opportunity to meet each other in some team activities, and this gave us a great opportunity to know each other! Everything was thought out and provided-transportation,

“When we arrived in Denver the first day, Michael arranged

for the team to have a tour of the Children’s Hospital. It was a special tour, one that included a visit with his niece, a nurse in the neonatal care unit. The opportunity to see the hospital and the children we were helping, kept me spinning.”

meals, SAG support, and team jerseys, and I felt like I was a part of a real cycling team.

When we arrived in Denver the first day, Michael arranged for the team to have a tour of the Children’s Hospital. It was a special tour, one that included a visit with his niece, a nurse in the neonatal care unit.

The opportunity to see the hospital and the

NKBA: What inspired you to ride for The Courage Classic? JP: Cyclists tend to participate in long, hard rides for a cause. I researched the Denver Children’s Hospital and the wonderful care they provide for children. Having children myself (although they are 21 and 19 now), I was inspired to ride and raise funds to serve the cause. A ride through the Rocky Mountains with an elevation gain of about 15,000 feet and a total of 200 miles is a challenge, but it’s a small one compared to what most children face during their hospitalization.

children we were helping, kept me spinning.

NKBA: Are you planning to be a part of this initiative next year? JP: I’m sure hoping to be. It’s for a great cause and I was happy to help raise money for the children.

When I got back, I shared my story and

NKBA: What was the most challenging part of the ride? JP: On the first day, the ride

pictures with other friends I ride with, and

started with about a 4 mile gentle decent, and then a climb around a beautiful mountain lake

I’m hoping to add a rider or two to the team

outside of Leadville, which is about 10,000 feet above sea level. I was so excited that I was

next year.

58 | NKBA.org | Summer/Fall 2012

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