Friday, February 24, 2017

Did You Know? Just Because You Missed the 2016 Annual Conference Doesn't Mean You Have to Miss the Content

Although we posted this notice in the November 18th, 2016 issue of Connections, after talking with many of our members over the past 3 or 4 weeks, this item bears repeating.  So many DPHA members were thoroughly impressed with the quality of content presented at the 2016 Annual Conference, they wanted us to share the experience and knowledge with their coworkers. Now here's their chance. DPHA has posted the following videos on the DPHA web site:

  • Donald Miller: Mother Goose was Right: How to Tell Compelling Stories that Earn the Trust of Your Clientele
  • Jill Schiefelbein: Friends, Romans and Clients: Lend Me an Ear - Listen More, Sell More
  • Kerry Singh: Delivering Exceptional Customer Service (Even on Mondays)

To view the videos, log on to the membership only side of www.dpha.net,
click on the 2016 Conference Videos menu tab and then click on the link of
the video you wish to view. If you need your login information and/or the
password for the videos, please email Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net.

The DPHA February 2017 Showroom Spotlight is on Pierce Hardware, by Phil Hotarek (Lutz Bath & Kitchen)

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Erin Bittner, from Pierce Hardware in Dallas, Texas, that began as a spotlight interview but ended up becoming an insightful discussion about our industry.  I first met Erin at the DPHA Showcase in Nashville, TN in October of 2016 and found him to be very passionate about the decorative plumbing industry, which resonated in the round-table segment of the weekend.  Personally, I learn the most when I engage in discussions that revolve around business ideas and strategies with colleagues.  There is so much we can learn from each other, and implementing these talking points can become a catalyst in strengthening the value of our showrooms and businesses in the current market.  I hope you all enjoy the interview as much as I did.    
 
Erin Bittner is the C.O.O. of Pierce Hardware and JCR Distributors, which has Pierce showroom locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, and he has been in the DPH industry for the past 15 years.
 
Phil Hotarek: What do you see as the biggest surprises about our industry?   
Erin Bittner: The value and power of strong relationships, how complex product offerings are and how challenging product integration into the construction of the home really is.  The necessity to employ a quality professional who has tremendous product knowledge and experience matters!
 
Phil: The most challenging aspect of our industry?   
Erin: Keeping up with the constant change from manufacturers to reps. New price books, new displays, product discontinuations, price changes, etc., certainly make our jobs challenging, not to mention trying to utilize co-op funds to promote quality brands alongside our own branding efforts. 
 
Phil: Any success stories you would like to share?  
Erin: Our company was generously converted to an ESOP (employee owned), which had to be fronted by our former owner Mike McKenzie during the great recession.  It's hard to convey the value of what Mike did for this company - he carried a large financial risk for the benefit of longtime employees. He saw value in their tenure and experience and had a vision for how well that value would translate into an employee owned entity. That's a huge success story!
 
Phil: If there is one thing you can sell, it's...?  
Erin: If you're referring to a product, I would say The Galley Workstation.  If you are talking about my experiences though, I believe it is the value of using a quality showroom.  "We must be experts at communicating all that we do for our clients to ensure our full value is recognized... This is especially important when so many customers are using online tools for research and comparison.  New competitors continue to drive prices down and try to steal our clients, so we need to continue to innovate, execute well and always learn more."    
 
Phil: Have you registered for the DPHA Recognition Program yet?  
Erin: Yes.  All our new employees have been registered.  The Recognition Program at first was found to be complex and confusing because employees thought that simply going through the quizzes was the recognition program itself.  We are rediscovering how much the program, as well as DPHA, itself has to offer. I strongly encourage your showroom managers to reach out to the team at DPHA to review the tools available through the Aassociation you can use immediately.
 
Phil: Have you completed any category tests?
Erin: The team has.  I have a personal goal to finish 5 classes in 2017. 
 
Phil: How have you benefited from participating in the Recognition Program, if at all?  
Erin: In addition to helping our new employees get up to speed, participation in the program aids in the mental discipline of constantly learning, even if you are already fairly knowledgeable.  Our team's knowledge and experience sets us apart, so continuing education is essential to our future.  Just try to pass Jim Babbitt's 21 question sample quiz and you may be humbled on what all you could learn or re-learn.    
 
Phil: Is that face-to-face or online training?  
Erin: On-line and face-to-face.  It depends on the subject or the quality of the online material.
 
Phil: What are some key factors that set you apart from other showrooms?
Erin: We closed down our historic showroom in a boutique shopping mall area (retail space, 1500 square feet of showroom space) and moved everyone to a new location next to Love Field in Dallas, a more industrial area that allowed us to create a much larger showroom (more than triple the previous size).  People are now able to see both plumbing and hardware for the entire home.  We are currently remodeling the Fort Worth showroom and we continue to invest in our employees as owners.  The showroom is designed in such a way that the displays and decor can be frequently changed.  We show exclusive brands and products you can only see at Pierce. But at the end of the day, the quality, tenure and knowledge of our team is what matters most.
 
Phil: How do you compete with the surge in e-commerce sales?
Erin:  We constantly promote and communicate the value of buying from a professional. Our actions must back up our words as well.  We also use smart merchandising techniques to better convey the value of our authentic brands.  We focus on making Pierce Hardware a destination for seeing the latest and greatest products in the world and creating the strongest relationship possible along the way.
 
Phil: In your opinion, what do we need to do as an industry to further education in decorative plumbing amongst the masses?
Erin: We need to formalize and scale the educational process so we can take people who have the right DNA to sell decorative products and put them through a system.  We need to capture best practices from expert showrooms around the country and integrate them, and not limit to materials a manufacturer provides. A Rolls Royce may be the finest car made, but how you sell one every week is what really interests me! Having a formal program, yielding recognized credentials such as the ones architects, real estate agents and/or designers have validates the credibility of what showroom professionals are offering.  It could also lead to other elements such as certain manufacturers selling only to accredited qualified showrooms.  We live in a society where everything can be purchased online or is accessible through an app right at your fingertips.  An experienced professional saves the consumer time and hassle in addition to providing unmatched support to the trade.  Formalizing the education program may validate us as qualified professionals, providing a myriad of possibilities through recognition amongst manufacturers, reps, designers, and consumers.  
 
Phil: And just for fun, what is one thing your coworkers don't know about you?
Erin: I played the tuba from 3rd grade all the way through high school. I am sure there is a "hot air" joke in there somewhere.
 
Phil: When your friends ask, "You sell toilets?" you say?
Erin: Yes, lots of them, we sell the coolest potties you've ever seen!  
 

If You are Going to the 2017 ISH Fair, Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Members

If you are going to the ISH Fair, March 14-17, 2017 in Frankfurt, Germany, please make sure that your tour of the Messe Frankfurt includes the
following DPHA members:


  • Alape - Hall 4, Level 1, Booth G54
  • Axent International - Hall 3, Level 0, Booth C61
  • Cosmics - Hall 3, Level 1, Booth B02
  • Crosswater Ltd. - Hall 3, Level 0, Booth D60
  • Dornbracht - Hall 4, Level 1, Booth F99, G54
  • Duravit - Hall 3, Level 1, Booth B99, C80
  • Franke Water Systems - Hall 4, Level 1, E46
  • Gessi - Hall 3, Level 1, Booth B20
  • GRAFF - Hall 4, Level 1, E94
  • Hansgrohe - Hall 2, Booth 02
  • Keuco - Hall 3, Level 1, Booth A21
  • KWC - Hall 4, Level 1, Booth E06
  • Laufen - Hall 3, Level 1, Booth B51
  • Lefroy Brooks - Hall 4, Level 1, Booth G52
  • Mountain Plumbing Products (in McAlpine Booth) - Hall 4, Level 0, Booth D21
  • Nikles - Hall 4, Level 1, Booth J70
  • Palazanni - Hall 4, Level 1, Booth H95
  • PomD'or - Hall 3, Level 1, Booth B02
  • Steamist - Hall 4, Level 2, F04
  • TOTO - Hall 4, Level 1, Booth H05, J45
  • Victoria + Albert Baths - Hall 3, Level 0, Booth C86

Friday, February 17, 2017

Don't Forget - The Dealers' Choice Award Voting is Open and Running Through March 15


DPHA manufacturers are market and design leaders.  Their offerings represent best-in-class products that DPHA believes are deserving of recognition.  That's why the DPHA Awards Committee has added a new Dealer's Choice Award. This new award provides another opportunity for manufacturers to promote their products as award-worthy in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer.

Every product that was submitted last year for the 2016 Product of the Year is now eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award.  Voting opened on Wednesday, February 1, and will run though March 15.  All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login will be eligible to vote. One vote per person (unless you live in Chicago - just kidding!).  And in case you don't know your login information to the members-only side of the website, contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message), or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.netThe winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2017 Conference.
 
If you would like to refresh your memory on the various products that were nominated last year and eligible to win, just click here to download a copy of the 2016 Product of the Year Guide.  Participating in the Dealers Choice Product of the Year Award voting is easy and takes just a few minutes of your time. Just look for the voting menu tab (top menu item on the left) on the members-only side of the web site for more details.  The previous award winners were chosen by an industry-wide independent panel of judges, but this time, you have a chance to help determine the winner yourself.  So don't just sit there - vote!  
 

DPHA is Now Accepting Applications for the Memorial Scholarship

The DPHA Council of Fellows established its Memorial Scholarship in 2008 with two primary goals. The first was to honor the memory of an industry leader and the second was to provide grants to the children and grandchildren of any employee working at a DPHA dealer, manufacturer, representative agency or professional organization.

DPHA is currently accepting applications for the 2017 Memorial Scholarship.

Download the application.

Application Requirements:

  • Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Applicant must be the child or grandchild of a DPHA member employee.
  • Applicant must be a high school graduate currently enrolled in a college or university.
  • Applications must be accompanied by a high school transcript, and if in college, a college transcript.
  • Applicant must submit a double-spaced typed essay addressing the topic, "Why I Should Be Considered for the DPHA Memorial Scholarship." This essay should not exceed 1,200 words.
  • To be considered for the award during a given year, applications must be received at the DPHA office by the close of business July 31, 2017.

Selection Criteria: 
  • Applicant must fulfill all application requirements and complete the DPHA Memorial Scholarship Application Form.
  • Essays will be judged on content, writing skills and adherence to accepted grammatical standards.
  • Applicants must be well-rounded students, involved in extracurricular and civic activities and sports.
  • The DPHA Council of Fellows reserves the right to interview Scholarship finalists prior to selecting a recipient.

2017 Dues are Due!

If you have not paid your 2017 DPHA dues, what are you waiting for? Dues are only $715 per year. This is an incredible value given the benefits that the association offers its members. Second notices were issued a few weeks ago, and if we don't hear back from you soon, please be kind to Jim Babbitt when he attempts to contact you.  If you are unsure as to whether or not your membership has been renewed for this year, please don't hesitate to contact Jim at jbabbitt@dpha.net or via phone at 224-999-0434.  We truly appreciate everyone's past support, and hope we count on your continued support and participation in 2017.

Friday, February 10, 2017

A Message from the DPHA President, Cynthia Carter


Dear Fellow DPH Professionals:

I don't think anyone would argue that 2016 was an interesting year and many of us are looking forward to what 2017 brings us both personally and professionally.

It was an exceptional year for the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association, so I wanted to give you a recap, as well as announcing some exciting plans.

Our 2017 Conference will be October 11th -14th at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. This is the resort where we held our 2013 conference and because of the venue's luxury, great service, and ease of travel, we quickly booked the facility again.

Last year, we sold out of the Product Showcase booths for the Nashville conference just a few days after offering them to the general membership, so if you are contemplating getting a spot in 2017 be on the lookout for the announcement in May and act quickly. One way to increase your ability to get exhibitor space is to become a corporate sponsor. For more information on Corporate Sponsorship offerings and benefits, contact Jim Babbitt at  jbabbitt@dpha.net.

I am also pleased to announce we will be offering a sales seminar at a greatly reduced rate for your staff members who have never attended one of our previous conferences in 2017. As the economy and our industry's business continue to grow, so does the need for trained and passionate sales people. The program for these attendees will include sessions geared toward increasing your bottom line, as well as grooming them to be our future industry leaders.  More details about this exciting new program will be forthcoming shortly. 

Speaking of our conference, the 2016 event at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee was spectacular. Indeed, the location was beyond beautiful, the food and drink gourmet-worthy and the speakers were informative, but more than that was the energy level of our members. Everyone was completely engaged; it was networking and fellowship at its best and of course, the Halloween Party did not disappoint. The level of participation was amazing and the costumes were certainly memorable. We are definitely a professional and fun group.

I recently read in the February 2017 issue of Costco Connection an article by Paul and Sarah Edwards about creating new opportunities for your small business. Their big tip was to constantly network by belonging to a trade association within your industry. Where better to do this than the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association? It was further suggested that participating and making yourself an asset within the association increased your opportunities. So get involved. As the cliche goes, "You only get out of something what you put into it."   Your opinions and ideas are highly valued and add to our success; this is your association so help make it even better by joining a committee. Our committees include Marketing, Awards, Programs & Showcase and Education. If you are interested, please let Jim Babbitt know and he can start including you in any correspondences.

One of my goals this year is to increase communication about our association to the DPH community. Marketing has been my mantra and word of mouth is the best advertising. When you see a great movie or eat at a good restaurant, you let your friends know. I would ask you to do the same about our association. When talking to a manufacturer, representative, or dealer that is not involved, let them know you are a member and the many benefits you get from participating with our group.

It cannot be said enough that our association is exceptional because of its members. We hope you continue to see the benefit of belonging to an industry and association that we all love and are proud be a part of.

Hope to see you in Arizona,
Cyn

Cynthia R. Carter
2015-2017 DPHA President
214-864-5766
cynthia@nextgenerationmarketing.biz

A Valentine's Love Story

In honor of the February 14 holiday, Connections wants to re-share the real story of Valentine's Day. It dates back to the third century when Roman Emperor Claudius II ordered all Romans to worship 12 gods. Refusing to do so was punishable by death. You can certainly imagine that Christians did not take too kindly to Claudius' edict. One who
refused was named Valentinus, who was subsequently arrested and jailed. Awaiting his ultimate fate, his jailer recognized that Valentinus was an educated man and asked him if he would tutor his blind daughter, Julia.

Valentinus was a good teacher and Julia was a receptive student. After learning math, Roman history, biology and religion, Julia started to see the world through Valentinus' eyes. Then a miracle occurred. When Valentinus and Julia were praying together, there was a sudden brilliant flash of light in the prison cell. Eureka! Julia suddenly could see.

On the eve of his execution, Valentinus sent a note to Julia that he signed, "Your Valentine." He was executed on February 14, 270 AD. However, from that day on, messages of devotion, love and affection are sent around the world.

Now that you know the true story of Valentine's Day, don't you wonder where those heart shaped candies with corny phrases came from?

Saturday, February 4, 2017

Dealers' Choice Award Voting Now Open and Running Through March 15

DPHA manufacturers are market and design leaders.  Their offerings represent best-in-class products that DPHA believes are deserving of recognition.  That's why the DPHA Awards Committee has added a new Dealer's Choice Award. This new award provides another opportunity for manufacturers to promote their products as award-worthy in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer. 

Every product submitted that was submitted last year for the 2016 Product of the Year is now eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award.  Voting opened on Wednesday, February 1, and will run though  March 15.  All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login will be eligible to vote. One vote per person (unless you live in Chicago - just kidding!).  And in case you don't know your login information to the members-only side of the website, contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message), or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net.  The winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2017 Conference.

If you would like to refresh your memory on the various products that were nominated last year and eligible to win, just click here to download a copy of the 2016 Product of the Year Guide.  Participating in the Dealers Choice Product of the Year Award voting is easy and takes just a few minutes of your time. Just look for the voting menu tab (top menu item on the left) on the members-only side of the web site for more details.  The previous award winners were chosen by an industry-wide independent panel of judges, but this time, you have a chance to help determine the winner yourself.  So don't just sit there - vote!  

Did You Know?

Did you know that DPHA created
a library of educational videos
developed by DPHA manufacturers? The videos
range from how to install different
products that manufacturers
make to product and company
stories. There are more than 500
videos available to you and your
team for training and education, and watching these videos can help make you smarter and better informed. The DPHA Video Library can be found on the members' only side of www.dpha.net by following the path "Member Benefits > Educational Videos".

Friday, February 3, 2017

Isn't It Time for Your Sales Team to be Recognized as Professionals?


Lack of recognition is the number one reason top sales professionals and top performers change jobs. Nearly 70% of top performers do not believe that
their contributions to a showroom are appreciated. Do you believe your sales professionals receive the recognition they deserve for their product knowledge and the ability to use it to exceed customer expectations? Do you know? Are they likely to look for greener pastures? DPHA offers the only industry program that can help you recognize, retain and attract best-in-class talent. It's the DPHA Recognition Program.

The program's goals are to:
  • Provide an easily accessible and cost-effective program that showrooms can use to recognize the expertise of their staffs.
  • Demonstrate to showroom staff that they are involved in a professional
    industry that celebrates knowledge and sales skills.
  • Encourage ongoing professional development to help improve the
    quality of service that DPHA member showrooms provide to their clients
    and customers.

The Recognition Program is currently only available to DPHA members, and is housed on the members-only section of the DPHA web site (www.dpha.net).  The Recognition Program includes a series of exams based on a showroom professional's understanding of different products and their ability to explain the technical, functional and aesthetic differences of products sold in showrooms and those that can be found elsewhere. The test questions have been developed from content found in the DPHA Education Program manuals.  Currently, the following 22 different tests are included in the Recognition Program:

Bathroom & Kitchen Category:
  • Accessories
  • Bathroom Furniture
  • Bathroom Lighting
  • Baths
  • Drains
  • Faucets
  • Introduction to Shower Systems
  • Kitchen Faucets
  • Sinks
  • Steam Systems
  • Supplies and Waste Assemblies
  • Toilets and Bidets

Hardware Category:
  • Adorning the Door
  • Cabinet Hardware
  • Hinges
  • Locks and Latches
  • Multipoint Locks
  • Protecting the Door

General Knowledge Category:
  • Care and Maintenance
  • Finishes
  • Greening the Bath
  • Universal Design

The cost to participate in the DPHA Recognition Program is $60 per person per year. To sign up, visit the members-only side of the web site at www.dpha.net or contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net. In order to pass a test, showroom professionals need to answer all of the questions correctly.  Those who successfully pass all the Recognition Program tests in a category will be emailed a certificate that they can print and display at their work areas in their showrooms. 

The Recognition Program is dynamic. It will continue to evolve with the long term goal of DPHA eventually offering a showroom certification program for the industry. Don't be bashful. Many of your peers, other showroom professionals, have signed up to be part of this program. Why are you still waiting? 
  

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Become a Member - Trade Associate

DPHA offers the benefits below to its Trade Associate members.  DPHA Trade Associate members are architects, designers, custom builders, contractors or trade professionals involved in the specification and/or installation of decorative plumbing and/or hardware products or services.

Download a DPHA Trade Associate membership application.

As a Trade Associate member of DPHA, you'll have access to all of these benefits:

Program and publications that improve business operations
  • DPHA Members-Only Web Site. Features model employee manuals, job descriptions, information exchanges and chat areas addressing the leading issues of the day. 
  • Newsleak. DPHA's magazine is published twice a year.  Each issue features association and industry news, solutions to common problems and issues in our industry and other information to help you succeed in DPH.
  • Newsleak Advertising. Each issue of Newsleak features a limited number of advertising spaces to reach the leading showrooms across North America.  Contact our office for more advertising information.
  • Connections. DPHA's weekly e-newsletter is the leading source of new product information for the decorative plumbing and hardware industry.  Published 50 times ayear, each issue features association and industry news, solutions to common problems and issues in our industry and other information to help you succeed in DPH.
  • Connections Advertising. Each issue of Connections features a limited number of advertising spaces to reach the leading showrooms across North America.  Contact our office for more advertising information.

Programs and publications that improve staff performance
  • DPHA Education Program. DPHA's signature offering.  The 22-volume modular education program combines technical training, product knowledge, style guides and sales guidance for selling in a premium and luxury showroom.
  • DPHA Recognition Program. DPHA's optional program which rewards DPH showroom professionals for their product knowledge and sales expertise.  The program is available only to DPHA members.  The series of exams are based on information contained in the DPHA Education Program manuals, and each exam relates to an individual product category (i.e., lavatory faucets, tubs, cabinet hardware, etc.).  To be recognized in each category, participants must answer 100% of the questions correctly.  DPHA issues electronically certificates to those participants who successfully pass all of the plumbing, hardware and general knowledge programs.
  • Connections. A weekly e-letter for showroom sales staff, operation personnel, customer service specialists and other team members top improve their skill sets.  Topics covered include responding to customers who claim they can purchase products cheaper on the Internet to responding to angry customers.
  • Employee Assessment Program. Consists of tools to help you find and hire top-flight staff for your company.
  • Employee Assistance Program. Allows you to provide your employees with assistance in a cost-effective manner covering areas generally beyond the reach of small businesses.
  
A voice that advances and protects the independent DPH channel
  • "DPH Perspectives" Column in Kitchen & Bath Design News. Widely acclaimed quarterly column providing a voice for our industry in the leading magazine for the kitchen and bath industry.
  • DPHA Awards Program. Generates public recognition of outstanding products, individuals and performance in decorative plumbing and hardware.  Winners are announced in publications ranging from Kitchen and Bath Design News to Wall Street Journal.

A community where the like-minded professional come together to share solutions and ideas for making DPH businesses more competitive and successful
  • Annual DPHA ConferenceThe must-attend event for the independent channel.  The largest gathering of premium and luxury DPHA professionals in North America, featuring industry experts, hands-on workshops, roundtable discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities.
  • Annual Product Showcase. The largest exhibit of luxury and premium decorative plumbing and hardware products in North America.  Spotlights new products and design concepts from leading manufacturers.
  • Networking Opportunities. Membership in a network of leading showrooms, manufacturers and representative agencies passionately committee to advancing the independent DPH channel.
  • Committee Service Opportunities. Chance to build and expand upon peer network by serving on one of DPHA's committees and having a say in the future of your industry.
 

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Become a Member - Professional

DPHA offers the benefits below to its Professional members.  DPHA Professional members are businesses or individuals offering products and/or services to showrooms, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives and trade associates whose principal business does not qualify them for membership in another DPHA membership category.

Download a DPHA Professional membership application.

As a Professional member of DPHA, you'll have access to all of these benefits:

Program and publications that improve business operations
  • DPHA Members-Only Web Site. Features model employee manuals, job descriptions, information exchanges and chat areas addressing the leading issues of the day. 
  • Newsleak. DPHA's magazine is published twice a year.  Each issue features association and industry news, solutions to common problems and issues in our industry and other information to help you succeed in DPH.
  • Newsleak Advertising. Each issue of Newsleak features a limited number of advertising spaces to reach the leading showrooms across North America.  Contact our office for more advertising information.
  • Connections. DPHA's weekly e-newsletter is the leading source of new product information for the decorative plumbing and hardware industry.  Published 50 times ayear, each issue features association and industry news, solutions to common problems and issues in our industry and other information to help you succeed in DPH.
  • Connections Advertising. Each issue of Connections features a limited number of advertising spaces to reach the leading showrooms across North America.  Contact our office for more advertising information.

Programs and publications that improve staff performance
  • DPHA Education Program. DPHA's signature offering.  The 22-volume modular education program combines technical training, product knowledge, style guides and sales guidance for selling in a premium and luxury showroom.
  • DPHA Recognition Program. DPHA's optional program which rewards DPH showroom professionals for their product knowledge and sales expertise.  The program is available only to DPHA members.  The series of exams are based on information contained in the DPHA Education Program manuals, and each exam relates to an individual product category (i.e., lavatory faucets, tubs, cabinet hardware, etc.).  To be recognized in each category, participants must answer 100% of the questions correctly.  DPHA issues electronically certificates to those participants who successfully pass all of the plumbing, hardware and general knowledge programs.
  • Connections. A weekly e-letter for showroom sales staff, operation personnel, customer service specialists and other team members top improve their skill sets.  Topics covered include responding to customers who claim they can purchase products cheaper on the Internet to responding to angry customers.
  • Employee Assessment Program. Consists of tools to help you find and hire top-flight staff for your company.
  • Employee Assistance Program. Allows you to provide your employees with assistance in a cost-effective manner covering areas generally beyond the reach of small businesses.
  
A voice that advances and protects the independent DPH channel
  • "DPH Perspectives" Column in Kitchen & Bath Design News. Widely acclaimed quarterly column providing a voice for our industry in the leading magazine for the kitchen and bath industry.
  • DPHA Awards Program. Generates public recognition of outstanding products, individuals and performance in decorative plumbing and hardware.  Winners are announced in publications ranging from Kitchen and Bath Design News to Wall Street Journal.

A community where the like-minded professional come together to share solutions and ideas for making DPH businesses more competitive and successful
  • Annual DPHA ConferenceThe must-attend event for the independent channel.  The largest gathering of premium and luxury DPHA professionals in North America, featuring industry experts, hands-on workshops, roundtable discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities.
  • Annual Product Showcase. The largest exhibit of luxury and premium decorative plumbing and hardware products in North America.  Spotlights new products and design concepts from leading manufacturers.
  • Networking Opportunities. Membership in a network of leading showrooms, manufacturers and representative agencies passionately committee to advancing the independent DPH channel.
  • Committee Service Opportunities. Chance to build and expand upon peer network by serving on one of DPHA's committees and having a say in the future of your industry.