#TheProSourcePodcast Episode 4: Challenges in a Kitchen or Bath Remodel, and How to Overcome Them

Summary

In this episode of The ProSource Podcast, host Kevin Devine interviews Laura Treiber, a kitchen and bath designer with ProSource. Laura shares her journey into the industry, her role in the collaborative process with homeowners and trade professionals, and the impact of homeowner vision on project outcomes. They discuss the importance of the trade professional's experience, the evolution of design with technology, and the future trends in kitchen and bath design. Laura emphasizes the value of ProSource as a one-stop shop for home remodeling needs and the benefits of having a team of specialists working together to ensure a seamless project experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kevin Devine, the director of digital marketing content for ProSource Wholesale, hosts a podcast focusing on home remodeling, particularly kitchens and bathrooms.
• 👩‍💼 Laura Treiber, a kitchen and bath designer with ProSource, shares her experience of nearly a decade with the company, highlighting her role and the collaborative process in design projects.
• 🎓 Laura's entry into the industry was somewhat accidental, having pursued a certificate in kitchen and bath design after completing her interior design degree.
• 🛠️ The collaboration between designers, homeowners, and trade professionals is crucial, with each party's vision and expertise shaping the project's outcome.
• 🏠 Homeowners' visions are highly valued and integrated into the design process, with designers offering options and insights to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
• 👷‍♂️ Trade professionals' experience is essential, as设计师s must ensure their designs are feasible and can be executed as envisioned, considering the contractors' input and capabilities.
• 💡 The distinction between a kitchen and bath designer and an interior designer is highlighted, with the former focusing more on the technical aspects and specific to kitchen and bath spaces.
• 🖥️ Technology plays a significant role in design, with tools like 2020 Kitchen & Bath software being instrumental in creating 3D visuals and layouts for precise design planning.
• 🔍 Keeping up with industry trends is vital for designers, as they need to be aware of and incorporate new styles, materials, and technologies to meet client expectations.
• 🏡 ProSource is presented as a one-stop shop for home remodeling needs, offering a wide range of products and services, which simplifies the process for clients.
• 🌟 Laura finds motivation in the variety and challenge that each new project brings, as no two clients or projects are the same, keeping her work fresh and engaging.

Q & A

What is the main focus of The ProSource Podcast?

The main focus of The ProSource Podcast is home remodeling, with a particular emphasis on kitchens and bathrooms.

Who is Laura Treiber and what is her role at ProSource?

Laura Treiber is a kitchen and bath designer with ProSource, having been with the company for almost ten years.

What inspired Laura to enter the kitchen and bath industry?

Laura initially pursued a degree in interior design and then decided to further her education with a kitchen and bath certificate program. She fell into a job in the industry and discovered her passion for it.

How does Laura describe the collaboration process with homeowners and trade professionals?

Laura describes the collaboration process as involving close communication and coordination with homeowners and trade professionals from the beginning of a project to ensure everyone's vision and expectations are met.

What impact does the homeowner's vision have on the design project?

The homeowner's vision has a huge impact on the project as it guides the design process. Laura aims to incorporate the homeowner's desires while also suggesting options that might enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the space.

How does Laura ensure that her designs are feasible from a contractor's perspective?

Laura ensures her designs are feasible by considering the trade professional's experience and installation capabilities. She communicates with them to confirm that intricate designs can be executed as envisioned.

What is the difference between Laura's role as a kitchen and bath designer and that of an interior designer?

Laura's role as a kitchen and bath designer is more technical and focused on the specific needs and functionalities of kitchens and bathrooms, whereas an interior designer may have a broader scope across different areas of a home.

What technology does Laura use for her designs?

Laura uses a program called 2020 Kitchen & Bath, which is tailored for kitchen and bath design and allows her to create 3D visuals and layouts using pre-loaded cabinet manufacturer catalogs.

How does Laura handle projects with unique or complex requirements?

For complex projects, Laura spends more time on the design to ensure all details are carefully planned. She engages in thorough communication with all parties to address any potential challenges and to ensure the final result meets everyone's expectations.

What trends is Laura seeing in kitchen and bathroom design?

Laura is seeing trends towards more color, natural woods, mixing finishes and metals, and the incorporation of technology such as Bluetooth and Alexa-enabled features in faucets and other fixtures.

How does ProSource support trade professionals and homeowners in addressing issues that arise during a project?

ProSource offers support by providing solutions like expedited shipping, involving representatives, or finding replacement products to ensure projects proceed smoothly and meet the needs of both trade professionals and homeowners.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to The ProSource Podcast

The ProSource Podcast, hosted by Kevin Devine, focuses on home remodeling with an emphasis on kitchens and bathrooms. Kevin introduces Laura Treiber, a kitchen and bath designer with ProSource, who discusses her role and the collaborative process with homeowners and trade professionals. Laura shares her journey into the industry, highlighting the importance of understanding the homeowner's vision and the impact of trade professionals' experience on project design.

05:00

🛠️ The Role of Trade Professionals and Design Impact

Laura Treiber elaborates on the significance of trade professionals' experience in executing intricate design aspects and the necessity of open communication to ensure projects' successful completion. She distinguishes her role as a kitchen and bath designer from that of an interior designer, emphasizing her technical expertise and the synergy between their collaborative efforts. Laura also addresses the receptivity of designers to ProSource's services and the importance of understanding clients' needs and desires in the design process.

10:00

🎨 Balancing Personal Influence with Client Vision

In this segment, Laura Treiber discusses the challenge of detaching personal preferences from her designs to align with the client's vision. She acknowledges the difficulty but emphasizes the importance of suggesting improvements while ultimately respecting the client's decisions. Laura also shares her utilization of technology, specifically the 2020 Kitchen & Bath program, for design visualization and her educational background that prepared her for using such tools effectively.

15:02

🏡 Projects and Personal Preferences in Design

Laura Treiber expresses her preference for kitchen projects over bathroom projects due to the greater spatial planning and design opportunities in kitchens. She reflects on the variety of projects she has worked on, from small to large-scale renovations, and how each presents unique challenges and rewards. Laura also talks about the support ProSource provides in addressing issues that may arise during projects, ensuring customer satisfaction.

20:02

🔩 Product Knowledge and Trend Adaptation

The conversation shifts to the importance of understanding products and industry trends. Laura discusses her familiarity with certain cabinet lines and how that expertise streamlines her design process. She acknowledges the Midwest's slower adoption of trends and ProSource's efforts to keep showroom displays current. Laura also touches on the eclectic approach to design, where personal preferences play a significant role in material and finish selections.

25:03

🤝 Collaboration with Account Managers and Teamwork

Laura Treiber explains the collaborative relationship between her role as a designer and the account managers at ProSource. She highlights the account managers' initial interactions with clients and how they work together to ensure a smooth and comprehensive project experience. The discussion also covers the importance of ProSource as a one-stop shop for all home remodeling needs and the challenges of integrating products from external sources into the design process.

🌟 The Future of Kitchen and Bath Design

Looking ahead, Laura anticipates continued trends in color usage, technology integration, and innovative storage solutions in kitchen and bath design. She emphasizes the role of probing questions in uncovering clients' storage needs and the excitement these solutions bring to their daily lives. Laura also shares what motivates her in her work, citing the variety and challenge of each project as key factors that keep her engaged and passionate about her role at ProSource.

Keywords

💡Home Remodeling

Home remodeling refers to the process of renovating or making additions to one's home with the aim of improving its appearance, energy efficiency, and value. In the context of the video, home remodeling is the central theme, focusing particularly on kitchen and bathroom renovations. The script discusses how various professionals collaborate to transform these spaces, making them more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

💡Kitchen and Bath Designer

A kitchen and bath designer is a professional who specializes in designing and planning kitchen and bathroom spaces. Laura Treiber, who is interviewed in the script, is identified as such a designer with ProSource. Her role involves understanding the homeowner's vision and translating it into a functional and aesthetic design, considering space planning, materials, and fixtures.

💡Collaboration

Collaboration is the process of two or more individuals working together to achieve a common goal. In the video, collaboration is highlighted as a key aspect of the remodeling process, where designers, contractors, and homeowners work together to realize a vision for the space. The script mentions how the involvement of a contractor from the beginning can streamline the design process due to their expertise and input on feasibility.

💡Trade Professionals

Trade professionals are skilled workers who specialize in various aspects of construction and remodeling. In the script, trade professionals are mentioned as integral to the remodeling process, as they are responsible for the actual installation and execution of the designs created by designers. Their experience and input are crucial for ensuring that the designs are not only creative but also practical and installable.

💡Vision

Vision, in this context, refers to the homeowner's concept or idea of what they want their remodeled space to look like and how they want it to function. The script emphasizes the importance of understanding and incorporating the homeowner's vision into the design process. It's the driving force behind the design decisions and must be balanced with the designer's expertise and the trade professional's practical considerations.

💡Interior Design

Interior design is a multifaceted profession that involves creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. The script distinguishes between interior design and kitchen and bath design, noting that the latter is more technical and specialized. Interior designers may collaborate with kitchen and bath designers to ensure that the overall design vision is cohesive and tailored to the homeowner's needs.

💡Technology in Design

Technology in design refers to the use of modern technological advancements to enhance the functionality and efficiency of a space. The script mentions how technology, such as Bluetooth and Alexa integration, is becoming more prevalent in kitchen and bathroom designs. This trend allows for greater convenience and automation, contributing to a smarter and more responsive living environment.

💡Product Trends

Product trends refer to the popular styles, materials, and features that are currently in demand in the market. In the script, Laura Treiber discusses various trends such as the use of color, natural woods, and mixed metals in kitchen and bathroom designs. Staying updated on these trends is important for designers to offer contemporary and appealing options to their clients.

💡Customization

Customization is the process of tailoring products or designs to meet specific needs or preferences. The script highlights the importance of customization in kitchen and bath design, where unique solutions are often required to fit the homeowner's vision and the particularities of their space. Customization can range from the layout of cabinets to the integration of specialized storage solutions.

💡One-Stop Shop

A one-stop shop is a single location where all the necessary products or services needed can be obtained. In the context of the video, ProSource is described as a one-stop shop for home remodeling, offering a wide range of products and services under one roof. This convenience is emphasized as a key advantage, as it allows homeowners to access everything from flooring to cabinetry and countertops without having to navigate multiple vendors.

Highlights

Introduction to The ProSource Podcast focusing on home remodeling, particularly kitchens and bathrooms.

Interview with Laura Treiber, a kitchen and bath designer with ProSource, highlighting her extensive experience.

Laura shares her journey into the kitchen and bath industry, inspired by further education and a passion for design.

Discussion on the collaborative process between designers, homeowners, and trade professionals in remodeling projects.

Importance of the homeowner's vision in shaping the project's design and functionality.

Impact of trade professionals' experience on the intricacies of kitchen and bath design projects.

Distinction between the roles of a kitchen and bath designer and an interior designer in a project.

Receptiveness of designers and homeowners to utilizing ProSource's kitchen and bath design services.

Addressing homeowners' needs and desires to make the design functional and personalized.

Balancing the designer's influence with the homeowner's preferences to achieve a harmonious final design.

Utilization of technology, specifically the 2020 Kitchen & Bath design software, in creating designs.

Training and education in design and the use of industry-specific software like 2020 Kitchen & Bath.

Laura's extensive experience with an estimated 200 to 250 projects per year and her longevity in the industry.

Challenges in managing complex, high-end projects and the importance of detailed design and planning.

ProSource's support in addressing issues through expedited shipping, finding replacement products, or involving reps.

Importance of understanding product trends and incorporating them into designs to meet client expectations.

Role of account managers in the initial stages of a project and their collaboration with designers.

ProSource as a one-stop shop for all home remodeling needs, offering a comprehensive range of products.

Strategies to prevent clients from feeling overwhelmed by the variety of products and options available.

Future trends in kitchen and bath design, including technology integration, color usage, and innovative storage solutions.

Laura's motivation for continuing her work in design, driven by the diversity and daily challenges of each project.

Transcripts

Hello, this is The ProSource Podcast.

I'm Kevin

Devine, director of digital

marketing content

for ProSource Wholesale.

In this series

we’ll focus on home remodeling,

especially kitchens and bathrooms.

You'll hear from those in the know,

including our corporate merchandizers

showroom team members

and the trade professionals

who ultimately make it happen.

We're glad you've joined us.

Enjoy.

Well, welcome

back to The ProSource Podcast.

Today we're joined by Laura Treiber

from the ProSource showroom.

Laura, thanks for joining us.

Thank you for having me.

So we'll start with something simple.

Yeah. Who are you

and what do you do for ProSource?

So Laura Treiber,

I am a kitchen and bath designer with ProSource.

I've been here.

It'll be ten years this summer.

So I've been here for a while.

What brought you into the kitchen

and bath industry?

What inspired you to do this?

It's actually a funny story.

So I got my degree to interior design,

and at the time I wasn't ready to be

done with school yet,

so they came out with a kitchen and bath

certificate program.

So I was like, oh, I'll do it.

And kind of just after I finished it

kind of just fell into a job.

Another local kitchen and

bath dealer here in Saint Louis and

kind of fell in love with it.

So here I am. There you go.

Yeah.

I'm not going to ask why

you weren't ready to leave school.

Could be a variety of reasons there.

So you've got a lot of people

that get involved here

from your perspective.

Talk about that collaboration process

between you,

the homeowner

and the trade professionals. Sure.

So it's kind of it's really nice working

with ProSource in the model,

that is setup,

because having that contractor

involved from the beginning

that trade pro is

it makes my life so much easier.

They've given me measurements.

They told me what I can

and cannot do a lot of times.

So the client's coming in

and they're prepared

for what to expect on their projects

and the layouts and the design.

So what impact is the member

or homeowners

vision have on the project?

Oh, a huge impact.

So

because everybody sees

things differently,

I might see a kitchen project differently

the next designer, the homeowner.

So definitely

want to take the homeowners vision

with what can be done.

And then also my vision showing options

to elaborate that vision,

maybe something different

that they didn't think about,

or maybe position

of something

that would completely change

how the whole kitchen functions for them.

So it's definitely

a process and it definitely evolves

with all of our inputs and background and

knowledge.

So we're talking my background,

talking about knowledge.

How does the trade

professionals experience impact

some of the more intricate design

aspects of the project?

So I can only design a kitchen

as well as the contractor can install it.

So if I have an intricate design,

I want to make sure that that trade pro

can actually install it

and do it

to completion of how we all envision it.

So if it is more intricate

with a lot of different parts

and pieces or customizing on site,

we want to make sure that everybody

is on board with that before

we actually go through with the job.

Definitely, one of those things.

It's a lot of communication,

so talk to him a lot or her.

Make sure everyone is on board

if there's modifications and to be made,

then we'll do it to make things easier.

Maybe they see something different

that could be built easier way then great.

So we just kind of keep

that communication open

between all of us.

So the thought

just kind of hit me

as we talk about this,

your kitchen and bath designer

in-house kitchen and bath designer

for the showroom,

just so there's

no confusion,

how does that differ from the interior

designer, for example?

If that's the type of professional

the homeowner is working with

in that perspective. Sure.

So I guess you could say

I’m more technical.

So they're going to come in

and they're going to

they have a vision

for the project as well, the kitchen,

the bathroom.

So it's

we just kind of bounce each other

ideas off of each other.

So, you know, they have an idea.

And I it's my job to make that work

what they sold the client on.

So it is

you know,

we just kind of work back and forth

and see what

what we can do to get that

vision for them.

So it's it's just a collaboration.

Do you find

they're pretty receptive

to using your services?

Absolutely, yes, absolutely.

So I think also, too,

because a lot of times in here,

designers, they might

their background

is other things than my background.

So it's nice to sit down

and work with them

and show the process of me actually

setting out,

designing the kitchen with them

so that way they're familiar

with everything too.

They know why

I put drawer stack here

or why I put the trash cabinet here

because we've talked through it

all together.

So when they go to present

that to the client,

they can talk about the reasons

why we did that for them.

Ok, so let's take it the other way.

We're from the pro over to the homeowner.

We know that they have needs

that they're looking for

in every remodel

that that may come along.

How do some of the ways how did that

how does that become a focal point

within the design that you put together

with any particular need

or desire that they may have? Sure.

So any type of need or desire they have,

that's always number one on my list.

We want to make sure we accomplish

exactly what they want.

Typically, people don't

do these remodel projects very often,

so if there's something that they want,

let's make sure we get it.

Let's make sure

it's something

that functions properly for them

just because they saw it on Pinterest

or Houzz

or something like that doesn't mean

it always works for them.

But we can talk through the options

on that and things like that.

So it is very important to always see

the homeowner's vision is their kitchen.

I'm not living in it.

So I mean, if they want something,

then let's make sure it works

and function.

Do you find yourself

See, now you just sparked another idea.

Do you find yourself

letting your own influence

sort of come into their vision?

You say it's not your kitchen,

maybe not your bathroom, but

how,

how can you detach

yourself from that sometimes?

So, I mean, sometimes it's hard.

Sometimes it's it is what it is.

So everyone has their own opinions.

When I design something,

I always think about how

I would use the kitchen,

make sure everything is right

where I would need it.

I think also too, is it

once you start kind of talking through

why you did something,

they understand why I would do that,

why that makes sense in that location.

Why it would be easier for them?

So it's sometimes it's interesting,

you know, you can only suggest so much,

but ultimately it is their kitchen.

So if they rather have something

somewhere else

then I propose then,

then we'll do it that way.

So yeah, I mean, you have to be open.

Okay.

All right.

So you mentioned earlier

you're a little more technical,

so let's talk about that.

What technology

do you utilized for your designs?

So we use a program

called 2020 Kitchen & Bath.

It is geared towards the kitchen and bath.

So all of our cabinet

manufacturers have

their own catalogs uploaded.

So all the specs, the colors, the door styles,

everything is pre-loaded in there for us.

So then we can kind of

just go ahead and just use it

and get our 3D visuals

and our layout from there.

So it is pretty exact.

2020, meaning more

from a vision perspective

as far as the name goes, not necessarily

the year. No, no.

So a little a little bit behind.

Right.

So what sort of training

have you had to use that? Sure.

So I went to school.

Got my degree

my degree in interior design

and then the kitchen

and bath certificate program.

I learned how to use that program

in school.

Obviously, like any schooling,

you don't really learn anything

until you're in the industry,

actually using it.

So picked it up really quickly

and that's just kind of goes from there.

So there's updates every year

so that new things

come out within the program.

So keeping on top of that, of trends,

different kinds of visual

things they can do with there.

Just kind of keep you up to date with it

is the main thing. Okay.

So I know we talked about this before

and I'm going to ask the question anyway.

How many projects do

you think you've done? Well.

We could take a

pause here while you count.

I have absolutely no idea.

And that's a hard number.

I mean,

if I had to just throw a number,

I would say maybe be a pretty big gap,

maybe 200 to 250 a year.

Okay.

And I've been in.

Not quite one a year. One a day.

One a day. No, no, no.

And so I've been in the industry

doing this for about 14 years.

About 13 years.

So, yeah, so it's a lot of projects.

I don't

have my calculator in front of me,

so I'll just.

Yeah, that's a lot.

Yeah.

We'll just go with that number. Okay.

So now when you look back at all of this,

is there one that stands out

as being the most enjoyable,

the most fun that you worked on,

and if so, why?

And in fact, I'm not even going

to let you off the hook.

You got to tell me one.

So there's several of them.

So a lot of times do.

It's it's the clients that make it fun,

you know, it's the one it's

the projects

that we're transforming their whole home.

It's how they're there.

I mean, how they're living

is changing completely,

how they're functioning,

the kitchen of their families

and everything.

So any project that we are moving walls

and moving the kitchen

and completely changing

it is always been my favorites.

So many clients

that we've done big projects on

and it's just been fun.

Like a lot of repeat business too.

They'll come back

and do their master bath,

so it's great to always have those

clients to work with again

and I think also to

working with interior designers.

I think they also kind of

kind of almost push me a little bit

to do a little bit more extra, you know,

so they have visions

of different kinds of materials

using, maybe I can’t spec it

but maybe I can put it in the renderings.

And that way gives a real

realistic picture,

just kind of pushing the envelope

a little bit on customizing

and things like that.

So those are always my favorite projects.

I don't have one that

there's been

so many there's been so many amazing ones

that really kind of jump out at me

besides the ones that

we’re just really changing everything,

which is fun,

kind of starting from scratch.

So you like the ones that

are more intricate involved?

Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely.

Yeah.

Do you ever get some

that are so small, you're like, oh

alright fine?

All the time.

And you know, those are good too.

I mean, it's fun

because you share the excitement

with the client again,

this isn't something

people do all the time,

so

they're excited

to have be a part of the project.

And so you're excited for them.

You're excited to show them

the new trends, the

the new things in the cabinets,

the new organization stuff,

because it's it's a fun

and exciting for them.

So it's still,

even though they're small ones

and simple ones, it's still nice

to have those simple ones

every once in a while.

So somebody comes up with a half bath,

you're not going to be like

talk to somebody else.

No, there's still a fun one.

So yeah.

Do you have a preference

between

a kitchen project versus

a bathroom project?

I do like the kitchen projects,

but I like kitchens better.

I feel like there's been a big

wave of bathrooms lately, but

I do like the kitchens.

Well, just out of curiosity, why? Why?

I think the kitchens are more space

planning on my end,

more design on my part.

Bathrooms are typically just,

you know, there's

many things you can do with the bathroom

besides doing like the tile portion.

That's where you can kind of

have a little more fun

with is like the tile

and the finishes of the bathroom,

which that's more of the account

manager side.

So bathrooms are a little bit

more simpler on my side,

but I like the technical kind of space

plan more. The kitchen.

So let's take it the other way.

Is there a project that jumps out to you

that was just extremely challenging

and, you know,

how did you overcome

the obstacles

that you face there,

or is it a type of project

that you're like,

okay, this one's

going to require a lot more detail? Sure.

So I have certain members that definitely

have more of those

maybe higher end

projects

that are a lot more detailed

and lot more complex.

So those are definitely ones

that take a lot longer to set in design.

And it just it's just timing really,

you know, just to try to plan it all out

and make sure

you get all everything in there.

But the complex ones are good.

That's what keeps you

kind of more

engaged in learning as you go.

So are there projects

that people come to you

and you just know immediately

this is going to give you angst?

You could feel the ulcers

growing within you. All the time. Ok.

No, I'm just kidding

you know,

there's some of them

and it might be just more or less

maybe if it was a trade pro

that or a design or something,

maybe the last job didn't go

as was planned.

Maybe there's things that happen

and so have the next projects.

And so you do get a little more angst.

You want to make sure everything's

perfect, you know, the next go around.

So it can.

Yeah, it varies.

Yeah.

That’s like the etc. that you put in.

It varies.

A few variations. All right so

for some of the issues

that whether it's on the

trade professional side

or the homeowner side,

some of those issues that they run into,

how does ProSource as a whole

go about addressing some of those issues?

Sure.

So ProSource is great.

So they're they're open.

I mean, our main concern

is taking care of that trade pro

obviously and the homeowner.

So whatever we can do on our end,

whether it's expedited shipping

or maybe it's to get a rep involved

or maybe find just a replacement product

is something that's backordered too long

They're they're very supportive

of whatever

needs to be done to take care of them.

We'll do it.

So if it's using a vendor

that we don't normally order from

or at all,

if we can get it that’s great

let's do it. You know?

So they're definitely

very willing to make sure

we can take care of

anything that we can in our

and make anything smoother

for the trade pro and the homeowner.

Okay.

So this isn't necessarily

in order necessarily

from a project perspective.

It's just an idea that popped to my head.

Do you sort of

have like your go to products,

whether it be a particular brand

and we don't have to mention

particular brands,

but are there particular

brands or particular styles

that are like your go to ones

that you find yourself

leaning toward more often than not?

Absolutely.

So there's certain cabinet lines

that I work with a lot.

I mean, maybe 85%.

My business is these cabinet lines.

So I know the specs

like the back of my hand,

like I know what can be done.

It makes the things easier and quicker

for me designing.

So, you know,

those are kind of like my go tos.

I know what to expect with it.

So it's the same thing

with like plumbing fixtures,

anything like that.

You have your go to brand,

so you just know things work.

So you just kind of keep

selling the same things

on those basic things.

I guess

you just kind of get in your groove.

Okay, Yeah.

That's fine.

So how important from your perspective

is it to understand

all the ins and outs that go on

with not just product?

We'll talk about it from two fronts.

Okay.

With what's going on with the products,

but also what's going on

with the trends in the industry,

especially knowing

how often that can change.

Sure, yeah. Trends change quickly.

So it's definitely

we have to keep up on it.

And unfortunately being with Missouri

we're a little bit slower on the trend

side here, but that's okay.

So we try to, you

know, change our stuff in our showroom

and make sure have current doors styles,

make sure that we

we just have those things to show

because what people are seeing online

and, you know,

all those different kinds of platforms,

they're seeing all those trends.

So they want to come in

and they want to see that stuff

because they might want that

for their project.

So we always try to make sure

we have all those samples in our showroom

to show them

as well as that

we do change out our vignettes very.

I mean, every few years

we're changing up because things change.

So but also to

some trends don't always work

in everyone's house too.

So not every trend is for everybody.

You know,

I was actually talking

to a couple suppliers

about this the other day about how,

you know, the trends start in Europe.

Amazingly,

we think we're in the leading edge.

No, they start in Europe,

then they work to the east

and the West Coast.

But it takes maybe about four

or five years to get there,

then about four or five years

to get to us here in the Midwest.

So we’re already a decade

behind in that regard.

So the question becomes,

especially here in the Midwest,

do you find that

when it comes to trends, are people

trying to

adapt to trends

that they're hearing about or seeing,

or do they sort of create

their own trends in that regard?

Are we creating our own trend

just by what's popular in this area?

Sure, I think a little bit of both.

So kind of a common thing is a, you know,

trends right now, a lot of color,

things like that.

So people will be kind of like shy like

kind of stay away from,

but they want something.

They want something different.

They want something different.

So let's say that they do

an island in blue

well their comments always like,

well, we can always paint that later

if we change our mind.

So there you have it in their heads

that they

you know, it's safe for them

because it's something they

could change later easily.

So it is kind of hard.

I would say that

trying to get a lot of people on board

with certain trends,

but I feel like they're open to it.

If it's something that

they could change in ten years

when the trend might change.

So just hit on that

and say what trends specifically

are you seeing both

with kitchens and bathrooms?

Yeah, so a lot of color,

a lot of color, blues, greens,

just a lot of color,

a lot of natural woods,

a lot more lighter woods, natural looking

even.

We have some faucet lines are coming.

Not with natural wood faucets right now.

But there is some faucets out there

coming with wood

details on them.

With crystal details, acrylic details,

and then also to just the finishes,

mixing finishes.

You know,

faucet might have gold and black on it

or chrome and black, you know so

the mixing metals

also to you know, there's a faucet line

out there it's coming with

you know these

hoses that are

that are a pink and purple and orange.

I mean, there's all kinds of crazy

things that are coming.

So regarding the color

that's actually hidden.

And then you see it. Yeah.

So a lot of colors coming still.

So which is nice to see.

It's something different

than just your standard brushed

nickel finishes and white cabinetry.

How much in your designs

are you seeing technology fit into this,

especially in bathrooms,

the Bluetooth capabilities

that are out there now

you can just tell your shower to turn on

what temperature

to turn to,

which by the way, isn't in my home,

but I'd love to have that.

Are you seeing that a lot

and how do you incorporate that in

your design?

So yes, yeah,

we're definitely seeing that,

especially faucets, you know, Alexa,

everything within Alexa.

I mean, even

a client actually had a train me on it.

It was an exhaust fan

that was Bluetooth.

You know, and that they can.

Okay so,

you know, and I'm like, Oh, okay.

So I looked up and sure

enough, like,

you know, there's

just so many things, technology, ways

that are coming, things

you don't think of that, that, you know,

they might, you know, know before us.

So it

but definitely

a lot more technology and stuff.

I feel like we're getting

pretty pampered here.

Are we going to do anything

for ourselves? Or is Alexa just

going to do it all? Seriously?

Yeah.

So, okay,

so what sort of evolution overall?

I mean, we've touched on this,

but what sort of evolution

have you seen in the realm of kitchen

and bathroom products? Sure, a lot more.

I would say simple

simplicity in the designs

with cabinet door styles

with just the overall looks

very clean lines, definitely

kind of just going a lot more simple,

a lot more wood

tones, mixing finishes, mixing metals.

So it kind of like it's

almost like anything goes these days.

It's kind of personal preference.

Okay, so which is kind of nice

because you don't have to match,

you know, brush

nickel to your stainless, your,

you know,

everything has to match

it just kind of like

everything is what it is

and it's just kind of stands out

a little differently.

It's become

almost sort of an eclectic approach.

A little bit.

Yeah, absolutely.

Yeah.

Like in there's

no there's no right or wrong.

So, I mean,

if it's if it all coordinates,

that's our job.

Make sure it all coordinates.

It looks good.

But yeah, it's so, it's

a little bit funner these days. Okay.

So simple.

But with a touch of Alexa. Yeah.

Yeah, exactly. Gotcha.

All right,

so we talked, touched on this

a little bit earlier

to so let’s circle back to it.

How do you work in cooperation

with the account manager?

Are there specific lines drawn or is it

is it a true team effort?

They just collaborate together?

Sure.

It's definitely a team effort.

Absolutely.

So, you know,

they all have the first initial meeting

with the homeowner or the trade pro.

They will grab

they will gather all those informations.

They will start doing selections

with them.

So they're definitely the first one

up to do a lot of that leg work

that makes it easier on my end.

But then also to is

if sometimes they might pick

something out that I'm like

that might not be on budget

or you know

or this line actually is something

that might be better for them.

So those are all things

that, you know,

I can go back and talk to them

or we just discuss

in our next meeting with the client.

So I do rely a lot on them

to get all that

information, to give me a good start

before I go back to the client with it.

So is definitely a team effort.

Absolutely.

And so this was a question

we had asked Mark,

which is

do you find that the account managers

helping them pick the flooring first

before we get into the kitchen and

bath products,

is it more we're picking

everything all at once

and then

I guess you could take it

on the flooring side

because it seems like you're saying

you don't get involved

as much as the flooring selection,

so it's more to the account manager.

So how did those products to get chosen

impact your design

or your product recommendations? Sure.

So luckily, our account

managers are very well trained

so they know our product selection

very well so that it's easier for them

to kind of

know our cabinet lines

to put them in as their line.

So typically the account

manager will start with something.

They'll pick something first

and kind of just evolve after that.

It's not it's not like the account

manager just takes it to point

hands it off to you and walks away. Right

no. There's still an involvement there.

Absolutely. Absolutely.

They always are involved

because after after I did the design,

they needed to take a look at the design

and say, okay, for like a kitchen,

a backsplash.

Okay, so you want to take your backsplash

up again, up all around your hood.

It's your ceiling,

you know, stuff like that.

So they're still involved in that design

part of it,

too, because they

need to know for their end

as well for material.

So a lot of times, you know,

we kind of go tag team appointments.

So, you know, the initial meeting

that they might do

the selections

and then if there's time,

then I might sit down with them

and start doing some preliminary design

and then they go back out

with the account manager and start

looking at more specific on materials.

So we kind of work it.

However,

the client needs to work it as too,

but we definitely are a team

and it's both of us in that project.

So you think about the realm of products

that we offer,

and I've really just been

looking for the opportunity

to use the word realm,

but flooring, you've got

maybe carpet doesn't impact your designs

quite as much for

for a kitchen

or bathroom,

but you've got luxury

vinyl, tile, hardwood,

laminate on the kitchen side

cabinets, countertops, hardware

faucets and sinks in the bathrooms.

I'm not telling anything you don't know.

I'm saying

really, for everybody

that's watching and listening.

But bathtubs, showers,

vanities, faucets, sinks,

you've got it all covered.

Do you feel it's fair to say ProSource

is, in fact, a one stop shop? Absolutely.

Absolutely.

And clients

love that because they come in

and they don't know they don't know

that they need

all of these different parts and pieces.

Their project, they have no idea.

And they come in and they're like,

Oh, we can do everything here.

Like, absolutely.

And that helps us more too,

because we want to make sure

that like what we're picking out,

you know, if they go somewhere

else, like our floor and the

but the cabinetry here

doesn't match or the countertops

and we don't want that

to happen to a client.

We want to make sure they can see it all.

And everything works together too.

So it makes it makes everything

much easier.

I think on everyone's end

that they can do it all together.

Do you feel

too, that it could be confusing

if they go out

and they're looking at products

elsewhere in the coming back

and they're trying to cross compare

to what you've got,

especially in the kitchen and bath realm

cabinets and countertops are

often custom to that kitchen.

Atleast sizing wise and shape wise.

So is it even how challenging can that be

when they've come in

and the shop somewhere else

and they're trying to make

you compare to that? Right.

It is challenging.

You know, it's

one of those things that everybody

wants to shop around

and see different stuff.

They want to go to other places

and they want to see what else is out

there what’s on display

different combinations. So I understand.

But as long as they're coming back,

then we're going to hopefully

we'll be able to match them,

that they found something else different.

Hopefully we could cross over.

That is something that we offer

and get them still that

look that they're settled on.

So luckily,

ProSource offers a lot of different vendors

and manufacturers

that we have access to a lot.

So a lot of times

trying to find something

that crosses over, something

they found somewhere else

isn't a big deal.

So bringing them back in

beyond the product,

what do you feel

are some of the ProSource advantages

of if you're trying to say, look,

here's why ultimately

you want to go to us?

It's not just the product, it's

everything else. Right? Exactly.

So it's kind of like they instead of

they have a whole team working for them.

So they have that myself.

They have an account manager.

If they're doing windows and doors,

they got that specialist.

So they have all these people

that are specialists

in their individual departments

that are working for them.

They're part of their project.

It's not just

one person that may know a little bit

about this, a little bit about their

that's trying to pull it all together.

It's we all have our our specialty.

So I think they understand

and appreciate that that

that they have a team working for them.

So and also to like if

if they have a question about something

they can call that account manager

and or they can call me,

there's always somebody

going to be available for them to

to help.

Also, too,

is that usually by time

they get to us that

the the trade pro

has a relationship with us.

So they're they kind of already know

what to expect.

The trade

pro knows what to expect

from us and stuff

so it does make

a very seamless project.

So we talked a little bit

looking elsewhere

and we talked about the breadth of

products that we offer.

See I broke away from realm and used breadth there.

Were talking about it.

How do you keep a consumer

a trade professional

sort of get used to this,

but how do you keep a consumer from

just being overwhelmed

and looking at all of

this and saying, whoa, right.

Right.

So usually

we just try

to like narrow things down for them.

So, you know, if they're looking for

a specific tile,

then maybe that account manager goes

and pulls out

two different tiles

of what they're looking for

so they don't have to wander the aisles

of looking through everything themselves

and feeling overwhelmed.

So it's our job to kind of guide them

to what they're looking for,

not just kind of just be like,

pick something or here's a catalog.

Like it's our job to guide them

to what they're looking for

and to know our products.

So hopefully

that makes it easier for them

to kind of branch off from that.

Okay.

So when we talk about products,

where do you

what sort of the future

where do you see products

going from here

in both the kitchen and bathroom?

I think color.

Going back to the color again.

Dipping from that same well.

It's definitely color.

I mean, I think we talked a lot about it.

So bluetooth, Alexa,

I mean, all of that technology,

I feel like a lot of stuff is going to that.

And then also just creative

storage things

and cabinetry

to see all kinds of different things

coming out with that,

things that are in motion to

for your trash cabinets open.

If you kick your foot

underneath the toe kick,

you know, all that kind of stuff.

Again, that everything is just going

be working for itself.

You're not to touch anything anymore.

All right.

So it's the technology.

It's it's the trends, it's the colors.

It's it's everything.

Everything keeps changing.

New stuff keeps coming out all the time.

So actually,

because you brought up the storage,

I've often had that thought,

well, say

that the consumer doesn't know

what they don't know

how how is it that you can

they may not know what storage needs

that are even available to them

for what they have?

Or do you have like probing questions

that you get to them to say,

look, we have like 9,000

different storage options here.

What are your challenges

you facing so you could find them?

What would work for them?

Right? Absolutely.

So a lot of times

I always ask like, what?

What storage you need?

What do you have

that does not work in your kitchen?

Now, how can we solve that?

Is it your Tupperware drawers

does that drive you crazy every time?

Like,

you know, all kinds of things like that.

Just asking those questions

about how they live their life

and function in their kitchen,

it kind of helps you like, oh,

you know,

we have this great thing,

you know, it holds all your K-Cups

for you, right?

Your new beverage area,

you know, all that kind of stuff.

So all those little things is

what clients get excited about

because that does

help them in their day to day life

when things are new, organized and

in a certain spot. So

it's just one of those it's

just talking to them a lot,

just asking them

if they have pictures,

if they've seen inspiration, things

that they like.

Usually they're not

they're not shy

about telling you what they've seen

and what they like.

Okay. Yeah.

So what motivates you?

You've been at this now,

well, for 14 years,

but here at ProSource for for ten, Yeah.

What motivates you to keep coming in

and keep doing this each day?

Every day is different.

Every client's different,

every project is different.

Everything's different every single day.

So which

I think that's what

that's what excites me, is just that

every homeowner's different.

So if

I'm doing it, yes, I'm

doing the same thing every day,

but I'm doing it differently every day.

So I think that's

that's the fun part about it.

It's is the challenge

is it's just different every day.

Sometimes good, sometimes bad.

All right.

So we just call it challenging.

Gee, that's great.

Well, I appreciate you joining us today

and talking to us, Laura Treiber

everyone. Thanks for being here.

We appreciate you

joining us on The ProSource Podcast.

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