KBB - January 2015 - 75

KBIS SPECIAL SECTION

Jag Khangura, Kitply Industries
I hope to share my insights into the distribution side of
the kitchen and bath industry. I admire the design side of
the industry for its continuous innovation in design and
trends, but the same can't be said for the distribution
side. I'd like to share how we're innovating, setting trends and changing
industry norms on the distribution side of the business.

Katharine Hatcher, Southern Kitchens
My colleagues have told me that I have a unique
way of thinking and putting things together, so hopefully
that will translate during the program. I feel that I play an
integral role on my company's team and am active in
the sounding board we (designers) all rely on to bounce around ideas
and concepts. I aim to bring my enthusiasm and innovative ideas to
the program and hope to share my point of view and experiences with
the other participants.

Katie Roberts, Amerock
I think working for a manufacturer of kitchen
and bath products sets me apart from most of the
other candidates, but the passion for the industry is
something we all share. I feel more comfortable with the
development of products rather than the design of kitchen and baths,
but I hope to add my creativity and "behind-the-scenes" knowledge
of the industry.

Megan Greve, NCIDQ, Edmond Kitchen and Bath, LLC
Our job at KBIS 2015 is to be the voice of the next
generation of kitchen and bath professionals. At my
company, we utilize teamwork-oriented techniques on
a daily basis to produce beautiful projects. I hope to
bring my ﬁrst-hand experience with successful collaboration to this
team project. I am very passionate about the future of the kitchen and
bath industry, as well as my future within it.

Elizabeth Wesley, Lifestyle Kitchen Studio
Being a recent graduate, I am considered a
beginner, but that has not prevented me from persuing
my professional goals. I hope to bring some insight
and perspective of life after graduation. No matter the
educational background or level of experience, there is possibility for
everyone to pursue their dream. The continuation and improvement of
communication in the design world can bring a sense of community
and provide individuals with endless opportunity.

Emily Alt, DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen
I may only have a little over two years of experience,
but I am constantly improving and learning more about
the industry. There's such a diverse group of people
in this program that each of us will be able to share
our own individual experience and knowledge of what makes us
successful at what we do.

It's Showtime!

Deena Castello, Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures
As both a designer and business owner, I hope to
offer insight on business practices, expansion models,
integrating materials and inﬂuential design aesthetic.
Being given the opportunity to work once again with 29
other creative minds so closely and being able to share our knowledge
on the industry stage is an honor.

Kerri Plazza, Cabinets Extraordinaire
I respect designers and believe that without them,
our world would be far less interesting in terms of
aesthetics. I also believe that without people in my
position, the beauty of design wouldn't become a
reality. I am excited to share the "behind the scenes" world with people
that maybe don't get to be a part of it on a daily basis.

Danielle Bohn, AKBD, Creative Kitchen Designs, Inc.
I hope to be a leading example that by staying
connected and being involved in the NKBA is a
tremendous asset not only to the industry but to
design professionals as well. I took advantage of the
existing opportunities that were offered to me and was inﬂuenced by
extraordinary mentors.

Jonathan Barfell, Jenn-Air
From the manufacturing side, an extraordinary
amount of work goes into research, product
development and design prior to launching a new
product. As a bridge between the brand and the
design community, I would like to foster greater understanding of the
overall product design process. It's not about completing a project as
quickly as possible but understanding your client's lifestyle and how to
enhance it by providing the best possible options.

Amanda Rivera, Moen Incorporated
I've noticed that many of the program inductees
work in kitchen and bath showrooms or focus on design
consultancy of some sort. On the opposite end, coming
from a manufacturing company, I hope to bring a fresh
perspective on industry and product trends and share some of the
insights I've acquired in my four years at Moen. I've always believed
that KBIS is the best platform for showcasing and learning about new
products, innovations and technologies for the kitchen and bath.

Michelle Eglington, Euro-Line Appliances West
I hope to bring knowledge of European appliances
and how they work to the program. Some of the other
recipients are designers and create stunning kitchen
designs - I want them to see the beneﬁt of using our
products in their designs; that bigger appliances can be substituted
for compact versions to give more entertaining options to a kitchen.
At trade shows, I enjoy seeing how competing brands display the
appliances - determining what works well and what does not.

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KBB - January 2015

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