Friday, September 28, 2018

Seriously, the 2018 DPHA Sales Track Training Program is an Offer You Really Can't Refuse!

The Program and Showcase Committee, under the leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (Summit Architectural Resource), once again will provide our members with an offer that is almost too good to be true. You can bring multiple members of your sales team who are first-time attendees to the DPHA Conference for only $245 per person and have them participate in a custom sales training session developed specifically for showroom professionals by Bob Phibbs (The Retail Doctor). And for those who participated in the Sales Training Program at last year's conference, they may once again participate in the program at a reduced rate of $395. The Sales Training Program is a combination of both classroom learning and a roundtable workshop where your team can learn successful sales and showroom practices from peers across North America.          
 
The details:
  • Attendance is limited to individuals who have never attended, or only attended once, the DPHA conference previously, and offers a more "sales intensive" focus.
  • Cost to attend is $245 per person for first-time attendees, and $395 per second-time attendees (spots are filling quickly - there are a limited amount of seats remaining)
  • The special $245 and $395 rate for a participant in the sales training program is only available to those who have someone else from their company attending the conference on a full conference fee.
The special $245 and $395 rate covers admittance to the conference for the following events:  
  • Friday, October 12, 5 to 7:30 p.m - Cocktail Reception in the Product Showcase
  • Saturday, October 13
    • 8 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
    • 8 to 11:45 a.m. - Product Showcase
    • 12 to 1:30 p.m. - Awards Luncheon
    • 2 to 3:30 p.m. - General Education Session, presented by Bob Phibbs
    • 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. - Sales Training Track Program, presented by Bob Phibbs
    • 6 to 10:00 p.m. - Closing Banquet and Luau
The DPHA Product Showcase features new products, bestsellers and the latest technologies that will help keep your showroom fresh and on the cutting edge. The DPHA Annual Conference is the largest gathering of decorative plumbing and hardware showroom owners, manufacturers and representatives who understand that attending provides endless opportunities to improve their bottom lines.

The Annual Conference and Product Showcase is a great opportunity to not only get your staff more involved with the association and our networking, but to have them exposed to roughly seventy members exhibiting at the Product Showcase and their new cutting-edge product offerings. Here is the chance for your sales personnel to build even better relationships at the conference with those manufacturers usually seen only when they visit your showroom, which can only be better for your business while at the same time increasing their personal feeling of involvement with your business. 
 
How can you take advantage of new opportunities if you never leave the comfort of your office? The DPHA Conference not only helps you build relationships and expand your knowledge, but your participation also reflects that you care about the industry. 
 
Click here to download the Conference Prospectus and Registration Form.

The DPHA 2018 Annual Conference Isn't Just About Education - There's Networking and Fun Too!

In just a little more than a week, DPHA members will be congregating at the beautiful Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL for the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase. If you haven't registered yet, simply click here to download the conference prospectus, which includes the conference registration form on page 10.
 
There is outstanding educational content offered to attendees each year, but as those who have attended many of our past conferences will tell you, just because you're at our conference doesn't mean you can' have fun!

Several of the Fun Things to Do at the DPHA Annual Conference:

5K Fun Run and Walk: The 2018 DPHA Conference offers a 5K Fun Run/Walk that will allow everyone to spend more quality time with their DPHA peers in a healthy fun run/walk around the hotel property. The 5K Fun Run/Walk will take place Thursday, October 11 at 5:30 p.m. and there is no cost to participate. Email rebekah@dpha.net if you would like to participate.

DPHA Golf Tourney: On Wednesday, October 10th, join DPHA members for a day on the links at the iconic and famous TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Measuring only 137 yards from the back tees, the famous 17th hole's island green sees more balls hit into the water by the pros during The Players Championship than any other hole at any other tournament during the year. The cost of golf is $450 per person (not unreasonable for a course that most golfers have on their bucket list) which includes golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception. Email rebekah@dpha.net if you would like to participate.

St. Augustine Food and Wine Tour: Sponsored by Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham and Baci by Remcraft, a coach bus will depart the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa on Wednesday, October 10th at 4 p.m. and will return sometime around 9 p.m. Once in St. 
Augustine, this 3-hour VIP tasting extravaganza will visit unique and off-the-beaten-path local restaurants. From tapas to desserts, you'll taste your way through St. Augustine's colorful history via its rich culinary influences over the centuries, with your professional tour host. This award-winning tour includes a full glass of premium wine, hand selected by the chef, at four of the restaurants the group will visit. Come hungry and be ready for fun! Email rebekah@dpha.net if you would like to participate. The cost is $125 per person, with all proceeds being contributed to the Council of Fellows Scholarship Fund.

Opening Reception: On Friday, October 12, DPHA members will gather in the Product Showcase for our opening night reception, sponsored by Barbara Wilson/Sterlingham (#109) and ICERA (#510), who will both feature Ice Luge sculptures (with drinks) at their booths. The other bar drinks will flow from a host bar sponsored by Kartners' Bathroom Accessories, LACAVA and Lenova, and we will munch on tantalizing hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. The reception provides a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and see the latest and greatest in new and innovative products.
Saturday Morning Product Showcase: While touring the Product Showcase on Saturday morning from 9 to 11:45 a.m., don't forget that you can get a kick start to your day with a Bloody Mary at the Julien booth (#211) and/or a Mimosa at the Dornbracht booth (#412).   
 
Closing Banquet: We close our conference in style, Saturday October 13. A gourmet feast, sponsored by the House of ROHL, Perrin & Rowe, Riobel, Rohl, Shaws Since 1897 and Victoria + Albert Baths, is planned followed by music and dancing, and again drinks will flow from bars sponsored by LACAVA, Renaissance Design Studio and Samuel Heath.

Bar Time: The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa's bar will be hopping after the conference programs are over. DPHA members usually congregate there to discuss their businesses, what's working, what's not and what others are doing. There simply is no better networking opportunity in our business.  

Hear Ye, Hear Ye - Come One, Come All and Be Our Guest at Saturday Morning's Product Showcase

Want to have your showroom staff take advantage of the opportunity to see the latest products in our industry? Any member or non-member can attend the Product Showcase on Saturday, October 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at no charge. However, if you want members of your team to come, they still need to preregister by sending Rebekah Covay an email at  rebekah@dpha.net letting her know they want to attend that session. Remember, no one can access the Product Showcase without a DPHA name badge. The following is the list of companies exhibiting at the Conference: 
  • Accurate Lock & Hardware - 206
  • ACO Inc. - 203 
  • AMBA Products - 306
  • Amerec - 303
  • Americh Corporation - 207
  • AXOR/hansgrohe - 108 
  • BainUltra - 305 and 307
  • Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - 109 
  • Baril - 314
  • Bathroom Butler - 415 
  • Belwith Products - 413
  • Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware - 304
  • Bravo Business Media - 204
  • Brizo - 107 
  • California Faucets - 208
  • Dornbracht - 412 
  • Elkay - 402
  • Fairmont Designs - 112 
  • First Impressions International - 215
  • Forte Group - 512 
  • Frank Allart & Company - 316
  • Franke Consumer Products - 102 and 201 
  • Hamat USA - 508
  • Hamilton Sinkler - 407 
  • Hastings Tile & Bath - 312
  • House of ROHL - 302 and 401 
  • Hydro Systems - 511
  • ICERA - 510 
  • in2aqua - 100
  • Infinity Drain - 315 
  • Julien - 211
  • Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 308 
  • KEUCO - 212
  • LACAVA - 202 and 301 
  • Laufen - 518
  • Lenova - 502 
  • Lisa Jarvis Jewelry for Furniture - 214
  • LIXIL Brands - 408 
  • Mila International - 116
  • Mountain Plumbing Products - 507 
  • MrSteam - 311
  • MTI Baths - 411
  • Nantucket Sinks - 216
  • Native Trails - 503 
  • Nikles USA - 403
  • Nostalgic Warehouse - 416
  • Oceania Bath - 501
  • OMNIA Industries - 104 
  • Palazzani USA - 515
  • QM Drain - 105
  • Samuel Heath - 313
  • SH - Showroom Design Build - 414 
  • SIGMA Designer Faucetry - 406
  • Steamist - 405
  • Thermasol - 205  
  • TOTO USA - 404
  • Unik Stone - 514 
  • XOLogic Corp. - 504
  • Zitta - 113
Manufacturers and others interested in displaying this year at the DPHA Product Showcase should contact Assistant Director Rebekah Covay as soon as possible at 630-854-3911 or email her at rebekah@dpha.net. Do so now, because as you can see, time is running out!

They're At It Again - Did You Receive This Spam Email?

Well, those mystery emailers are at it again. If you or your staff received the above email earlier this week, please be advised it was not sent out by DPHA.  On September 25th, DPHA Staff was notified of a spam email circulating through the inboxes of our clientele (thanks to those who let us know, since our Apple computers automatically filed it in our Spam folders and therefore we never saw it originally). Please do not engage with those sending these emails to you. "Rebecca", "Emily" and any other emails from safeclicksolutionz.com or deltathoughts.com (or other such unknown entities, for that matter) are not associated with your DPHA Staff in any way.  In fact, the current 2018 attendee list for the annual conference is only distributed to those members who are exhibiting in our Product Showcase, and this is something that the Association does not (nor ever has) charged for.

The DPHA database, email accounts and contact lists have not been compromised, and again, rest assured that we do not sell your contact information to others in any form. Please contact Jim Babbitt or Rebekah Covay
with any questions or concerns you might have.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Time is Running Out, But It's Not Too Late - Register Now!


The early bird registration rate ended on September 10, but that doesn't mean it's too late to register for this year's conference.  After all, DPHA showroom customers expect you to have your fingers on the pulse of our industry, and our educational programs certainly help you do that.  Need a refresher?  Click on the following links to see quick video recaps from some of last year's speakers at our annual conference: 
In addition to our educational programs at the conference, the Product Showcase will be open during Friday's breakfast, lunch and evening reception. On Saturday, the Showcase is also open from 8:00am to noon to allow showrooms to meet with exhibiting manufacturers and their reps to discuss new products, business plans for the year (training, literature updates, display updates, customer service processes, etc.) and address issues related to customer service, product needs and problem resolution. Anyone not exhibiting but caught violating our "no-suitcasing" policy will forfeit their conference badge, and will be escorted from the premises. 
 
The manufacturers that have taken advantage of the opportunity to showcase their products and solutions in front of the leading showrooms in North America are:  
  • Accurate Lock & Hardware - 206
  • ACO Inc. - 203 
  • AMBA Products - 306
  • Amerec - 303
  • Americh Corporation - 207
  • AXOR/hansgrohe - 108 
  • BainUltra - 305 and 307
  • Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - 109 
  • Baril - 314
  • Bathroom Butler - 415 
  • Belwith Products - 413
  • Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware - 304
  • Bravo Business Media - 204
  • Brizo - 107 
  • California Faucets - 208
  • Dornbracht - 412 
  • Elkay - 402
  • Fairmont Designs - 112 
  • First Impressions International - 215
  • Forte Group - 512 
  • Frank Allart & Company - 316
  • Franke Consumer Products - 102 and 201 
  • Hamat USA - 508
  • Hamilton Sinkler - 407 
  • Hastings Tile & Bath - 312
  • House of ROHL - 302 and 401 
  • Hydro Systems - 511
  • ICERA - 510 
  • in2aqua - 100
  • Infinity Drain - 315 
  • Julien - 211
  • Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 308 
  • KEUCO - 212
  • LACAVA - 202 and 301 
  • Laufen - 518
  • Lenova - 502 
  • Lisa Jarvis Jewelry for Furniture - 214
  • LIXIL Brands - 408 
  • Mila International - 116
  • Mountain Plumbing Products - 507 
  • MrSteam - 311
  • MTI Baths - 411
  • Nantucket Sinks - 216
  • Native Trails - 503 
  • Nikles USA - 403
  • Nostalgic Warehouse - 416
  • Oceania Bath - 501
  • OMNIA Industries - 104 
  • Palazzani USA - 515
  • QM Drain - 105
  • Samuel Heath - 313
  • SH - Showroom Design Build - 414 
  • SIGMA Designer Faucetry - 406
  • Steamist - 405
  • Thermasol - 205  
  • TOTO USA - 404
  • Unik Stone - 514 
  • XOLogic Corp. - 504
  • Zitta - 113
To register for the conference, just click here to download the Conference Prospectus and Registration Form.
 

Want to Make a Difference?

There will be a lot of enthusiasm at the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and none more so than at DPHA committee meetings. Committees are "where the rubber meets the road" and value is created. DPHA committee service is a stepping stone to becoming an industry leader because serving on a DPHA committee offers skills, training and experiences needed to grow both personally and professionally. 
 
Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to give back? Do you want to lead? Consider joining a DPHA committee. Here are few of the returns on investment that you will receive from contributing your time to DPHA committee service.
  • An opportunity for meaningful involvement in the premier association serving the decorative plumbing and hardware industry.
  • The ability to direct DPHA activities and programs.
  • Leadership skills that enable you to advance your career and demonstrate to owners, corporate executives and others that you possess the qualifications and experience to accept increased levels of responsibility.
  • Delegation skills that enhance staff productivity and improve performance.
  • Public speaking and presentation skills that are easily transferable for new account presentations.
  • Budgeting skills that save time and money.
  • Strategic planning capabilities.
  • Performance monitoring skills that enable you to better direct staff and oversee day-to-day responsibilities.
  • Media relations skills.
  • Entrepreneurial skills that position individuals to accept leadership positions.
  • Access to an unprecedented source of decorative plumbing and hardware industry and business information.
  • Lifelong friendships!
DPHA is looking for a few committed volunteers who can help guide the association and give back to their industry while enhancing their individual skill sets and network. If you want to dip your toe in the water, you can attend any of the committee meetings that will take place at Sawgrass at the annual conference. The schedule is as follows: 

Thursday, October 11th:
  • 1 to 3 p.m. - Marketing Committee Meeting
  • 1 to 3 p.m. - Education Committee Meeting
  • 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. - Awards Committee
  • 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. - Council of Fellows Meeting
Sunday, October 14th:
  • 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Program & Showcase Committee Meeting
If you have questions or would like more information about serving on a DPHA committee, you may contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net.

Buy Tickets and Buy Them Often at the Council of Fellows' Scholarship Fund Raffle


The October 11-14 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase features a raffle whose proceeds benefit the DPHA Council of Fellows' Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship program. The Scholarship program provides two significant educational grants to a child or grandchild of employees of DPHA member firms to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate education. At the 2018 Conference, DPHA members have a chance to win the following raffle prizes: 
  • Holland Cruise for two for a week in the Caribbean or Mexico - contributed by Jim Babbitt
  • American Express Gift Cards (3) of $250 each - contributed by Hank Darlington, Bob Lando and Jim Babbitt
  • A rare bottle of wine - contributed by Tom Cohn
  • A $250 Gift Certificate for British Food - contributed by Sarah Jenkinson
  • A no-charge membership renewal dues for 2019 - contributed by DPHA
  • A no-charge 2019 annual conference registration fee - contributed by DPHA
Raffle tickets will be sold at the conference at the cost of one for $25 or 5 for $100, and can be purchased from staff or Council of Fellows' members.

Friday, September 14, 2018

The Faces-of-Our-Future Program Recognizes Jessica Brumley Griffin at TKO Associates

The DPHA Faces-of-Our-Future Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through September 2018, members will be inducted into the Faces-of-Our-Future Club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Jessica Brumley Griffin, a Sales Rep at TKO Associates in Dallas, Texas.
 
According to one of her nominators, Jessica originally learned about plumbing and hardware on her own, and did so pretty quickly.  A true self-initiator, Jessica is not afraid to sell luxury.  She also shows a remarkable ability to bond with a variety of clients, and is extremely customer service oriented. 
   
Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?
Jessica: 7 years. 
 
Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?
Jessica: Every day is different. Each job presents its own challenges, so I get to learn something new every day. 
 
Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?
Jessica: I would say language. Showroom people, architects, designers, builders and plumbers all use different jargon.  Translating what each person needs can be a challenge, especially when everyone feels that theirs is the correct language.
 
Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?
Jessica: Keeping up with new technology and new trends keeps this industry from getting dull.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?
Jessica: Thank you.

What You Can Expect in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL at the DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase Next Month

We have been receiving several calls about next month's DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. To answer any similar questions, the following is the schedule to help you plan your Conference time more effectively (this can also be seen by going to our website, www.dpha.net, and following the path "Calendar of Events > Conference Schedule"): 
 
Wednesday, October 10th:
  • 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Golf Outing at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Golf Course (optional)
  • 4 to 9 p.m. - Awards Committee St. Augustine Food & Wine Tour (optional)
Thursday, October 11th: 
  • 7 a.m. to Noon - Board of Directors Meeting (Players A Meeting Room)
  • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Exhibitor Move-in (Champions Ballroom)
  • 1 to 3 p.m. - Marketing Committee Meeting (Commissioners Meeting Room)
  • 1 to 3 p.m. - Education Committee Meeting (Governors Meeting Room)
  • 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. - Awards Committee (Commissioners Meeting Room)
  • 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. - Council of Fellows Meeting (Governors Meeting Room)
  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. - DPHA 5K Fun Run/Walk
Friday, October 12th: 
  • 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Product Showcase Open (Champions Ballroom)
  • 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast (Champions Ballroom)
  • 9:00 to 10 a.m. - Opening, President's Welcome, and Product of the Year Awards Announcement (Masters DE)
  • 10 a.m. to Noon - Keynote Address: Ding Happens! How to Improvise, Adapt and Innovate in an Ever-Changing World!, presented by Avish Parashar (Masters DE)
  • Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Lunch (Champions Ballroom)
  • 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. - Product Showcase Open (Champions Ballroom)
  • 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. - Friday Afternoon Speaker: Partnership is the New Leadership, presented by Ty Bennett (Masters DE)
  • 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. - Reception in Exhibit Hall (Champions Ballroom)
Saturday, October 13th: 
  • 8:00 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast in Exhibit Hall (Champions Ballroom)
  • 8:00 to 11:45 a.m. - Product Showcase (Champions Ballroom)
  • Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Awards Luncheon (Masters DE)
  • 2 to 3:30 p.m. - Saturday Afternoon Speaker: Selling Like a Pro, presented by Bob Phibbs (Heritage Ballroom)
  • 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. - Sales Intensive Training Program Breakout: You Can Compete, presented by Bob Phibbs
  • 6:30  to 10:00 p.m. - Saturday Night Beach Bash (Resort Pool Deck)
Sunday, October 14th: 
  • 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Program & Showcase Committee Meeting (Governors Meeting Room)
  • 9 to 11 a.m. - Board of Directors Meeting (Gallery AB)
For a more detailed description of the conference and our content, not to mention the registration information, click here to download the conference prospectus.

No Suitcasing at the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase


We want to remind representatives of manufacturers that have elected not to purchase display space in the 2018 Product Showcase that non-exhibiting manufacturers are not permitted to market their companies, their products or share catalogs, product literature, promotional and marketing pieces or any other similar items with DPHA Conference attendees in the Showcase or in the vicinity of the Showcase during Conference hours. 
 
We also ask dealers attending the Conference to respect the no-suitcasing policy by refraining from discussing products and other business while in or around the Showcase with non-exhibiting manufacturers and reps, and to remind manufacturers and representatives that the Showcase is neither the time or appropriate place to discuss their offerings without an exhibit.
 
We've made it easy to distinguish between exhibiting and non-exhibting manufacturers. Manufacturers with display space will have an exhibitor ribbon attached to their name badge.
 
There will be numerous other networking opportunities when everyone can schmooze with one another after the Showcase ends and Conference programs conclude. DPHA thanks all those planning to attend the Conference for honoring the no-suitcasing policy.

Here's Even More Icing on the Cake for Dealer Members at the 2018 DPHA Product Showcase


We've added a little extra spice to the DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 11-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.  The 2018 Passport-to-Prizes event offers an opportunity for our dealer members to leave the DPHA Conference with a little something extra. Each eligible attendee will receive a passport card that they need to have signed by the following exhibitors to be eligible to win one of the prizes listed below. 
  • Accurate Lock & Hardware (#206) - Amazon Fire Tablet
  • Amerec (#303) - Pacific Northwest Gift Pack
  • Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham (#109) - Gift Certificate for British Foods
  • Baril (#314) - Single Hole Faucet #B51-1010-1PL-CF
  • Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware (#304) - Apple Watch
  • First Impressions (#215) - Apple Home Pod
  • Hamat USA (#508) - $100 Amazon Gift Card
  • Hamilton Sinkler (#407) - $300 Apple Gift Card
  • ICERA (#510) - Vanity Ensemble of Choice
  • Infinity Drain (#315) - Yeti Prize Package
  • Kartners Bathroom Accessories (#308) - $400 VISA Gift Card
  • Laufen (#518) - Kartell by Laufen "All Saints" Mirror, in Gold
  • Lenova (#502) - SK100 Faucet
  • LIXIL Brands (#408) - American Standard Spectra Duo 4-Function Showerhead
  • Oceania Baths (#501) - Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones

Friday, September 7, 2018

Time is Running Out - Register for the DPHA Conference by September 9th to Save Money on Your Conference Fee


We recognize that many DPHA members are procrastinators. Well, guess what? This message is for those of you who put things off until the last minute, because the last minute is here! Sunday, September 9th is the last day to register for the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the discounted rate. Member registration fees increase from $825 per person to $925 per person on September 10. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.  Click here to download the Conference Prospectus and Registration Form or call DPHA at 888-871-6520 to reserve your spot at the October 10-14, 2018 conference being held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Spa & Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
 
Remember, DPHA showroom customers expect you to have your fingers on the pulse of our industry, and our educational programs certainly help you do that.  Need a refresher?  Click on the following links to see quick video recaps from some of last year's speakers at our annual conference: 
In addition to our educational programs at the conference, the Product Showcase will be open during Friday's breakfast, lunch and evening reception. On Saturday, the Showcase is also open from 8:00am to noon to allow showrooms to meet only with exhibiting manufacturers and their reps to discuss new products, business plans for the year (training, literature updates, display updates, customer service processes, etc.) and address issues related to customer service, product needs and problem resolution. Anyone not exhibiting but caught violating our "no-suitcasing" policy will forfeit their conference badge, and will be escorted from the premises. 

The Faces-of-Our-Future Program Recognizes Veronica Escobar at Belmont Hardware


The DPHA Faces-of-Our-Future Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2018, members will be inducted into the Faces-of-Our-Future Club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Veronica Escobar, Assistant Manager at Belmont Hardware in San Jose, California.
 
According to one of her nominators, Veronica instantly impresses people with her professionalism, wealth of knowledge and most importantly, her patience.  Veronica is extremely detail oriented, thorough, and it is not uncommon to see a line of customers waiting to spend time with her.  She creates and establishes a trusting relationship with everyone she comes in contact with, including her coworkers.  According to people who know her, Veronica is a true pleasure just to be around!  
   
Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?
Veronica: I have been working with Belmont Hardware since 2012.
 
Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?
Vernoica: My biggest surprise is still several of our walk-in clients. They surprise me everyday with the most random questions or ideas. For example, a client often shows me an image of a product ("oh, I saw this online and I loved it"), but then they see it in person and inform me they either changed their mind or loved it just as much, not knowing that they walked in to a showroom of almost endless possibilities.
 
Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?
Veronica: Sometimes I find that one of the biggest challenges may be showing all of the options to our clients. For example, when a client comes in asking for pocket door hardware, there are several questions running through my mind:
  • Does the door need to lock?
  • What color?
  • How soon do you need it?
  • What is your door thickness and is handing needed?
Clients will usually not be prepared for all of these questions, may feel overwhelmed by my asking, and they almost always respond with "Oh, I have a basic door." But as we all know, things are not always "standard" - we still need to know the information per door. So to speed things up,I usually present all options and then do a process of elimination once I have all of their door information.
 
Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?
Veronica: While I find the challenge in offering all of the brands we offer, I still enjoy doing research for my clients hoping to meet their needs, aesthetically, as well as being mindful of their budget. For example, when it comes to plumbing, I usually start with having the client look for a faucet for the sink. Once they select that (and the color or finish), I can then suite out the remainder of the bath. If they selected a higher priced finish such as satin nickel, but are also contemplating polished chrome, I almost always have them pick their first choice, then let them know there is usually a 25% price difference between the two finishes. Clients appreciate knowing the difference between the two. 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?
Veronica: I am always up for a challenge!
 

Discounted Room Rates End on September 10th, so Don't Forget to Reserve Your Hotel Room for the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference Now!


In case you haven't been paying attention (and why haven't you been?), the 2018 Annual DPHA Conference will be held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL from October 10-13, 2018 (34 miles from the Jacksonville Airport). Recently renovated and brimming with amenities, the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa sets the stage for a visit you won't soon forget. Next door to the legendary TPC® Sawgrass golf course, they proudly offer their guests special privileges at the courses. Elsewhere at the resort, you can make a splash in one of four pools, pamper yourself at the on-site spa or enjoy a meal at outstanding restaurants. Catch the free shuttle to TPC® Sawgrass or to the recently renovated private Cabana Beach Club. 
 
There are 493 rooms and suites that include a flat screen TV and high speed Internet access. It's a first-class resort in every way except the room price. DPHA members will enjoy a $189 per night (plus tax) rate during the DPHA Conference. Click here to make your hotel room reservations and make sure you don't miss out on staying at this fabulous venue at this special rate.

Saturday Morning's Product Showcase - Come One, Come All and Be Our Guest!

Want to have your showroom staff take advantage of the opportunity to see the latest products in our industry? Any member or non-member can attend the Product Showcase on Saturday, October 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at no charge. However, if you want members of your team to come, they still need to preregister by sending Rebekah Covay an email at rebekah@dpha.net letting her know they want to attend that session. Remember, no one can access the Product Showcase without a DPHA name badge. The following is the list of companies exhibiting at the Conference. For a look at the current Product Showcase floor plan, click here
  • Accurate Lock & Hardware - 206
  • ACO Inc. - 203 
  • AMBA Products - 306
  • Amerec - 303
  • Americh Corporation - 207
  • AXOR/hansgrohe - 108 
  • BainUltra - 305 and 307
  • Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - 109 
  • Baril - 314
  • Bathroom Butler - 415 
  • Belwith Products - 413
  • Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware - 304
  • Bravo Business Media - 204
  • Brizo - 107 
  • California Faucets - 208
  • Dornbracht - 412 
  • Elkay - 402
  • Fairmont Designs - 112 
  • First Impressions International - 215
  • Forte Group - 512 
  • Frank Allart & Company - 316
  • Franke Consumer Products - 102 and 201 
  • Hamat USA - 508
  • Hamilton Sinkler - 407 
  • Hastings Tile & Bath - 312
  • House of ROHL - 302 and 401 
  • Hydro Systems - 511
  • ICERA - 510 
  • in2aqua - 100
  • Infinity Drain - 315 
  • Julien - 211
  • Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 308 
  • KEUCO - 212
  • LACAVA - 202 and 301 
  • Laufen - 518
  • Lenova - 502 
  • Lisa Jarvis Jewelry for Furniture - 214
  • LIXIL Brands - 408 
  • Mila International - 116
  • Mountain Plumbing Products - 507 
  • MrSteam - 311
  • MTI Baths - 411
  • Nantucket Sinks - 216
  • Native Trails - 503 
  • Nikles USA - 403
  • Nostalgic Warehouse - 416
  • Oceania Bath - 501
  • OMNIA Industries - 104 
  • Palazzani USA - 515
  • QM USA - 105
  • Samuel Heath - 313
  • SH - Showroom Design Build - 414 
  • SIGMA Designer Faucetry - 406
  • Thermasol - 205  
  • TOTO USA - 404
  • Unik Stone - 514 
  • XOLogic Corp. - 504
  • Zitta - 113
Manufacturers and others interested in displaying this year at the DPHA Product Showcase should contact Assistant Director Rebekah Covay as soon as possible at 630-854-3911 or email her at rebekah@dpha.net. Do so now, because as you can see, there are only a few spaces left and time is running out! Again, for a look at the Product Showcase floor plan,  click here.