Saturday Morning's Product Showcase - Come One, Come All!

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 14, 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 Jim Babbitt an email at jbabbitt@dpha.net letting him 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 Product Showcase floor plan, click here! 

• Accel Group/David Hawkins Design Management - #113
• Accurate Lock & Hardware - #410
• AD Waters USA - #213
• Amerec - #403
• American Standard - #108
• Americh Corporation - #509
• Amerock - #607
• Ashley Norton - #608
• Axent Corporation - #209
• AXOR/hansgrohe - #302
• Baci by Remcraft - #205
• BainUltra - #202 and #204
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - #309
• Barclay Products - #602 and #604
• Bathroom Butler - #111
• Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware - #303
• Bravo Business Media - #402
• Brizo Faucet Company - #211
• California Faucets - #504
• Cement Elegance - #513
• Colonial Bronze - #203
• Dezi Home - #502
• Dornbracht Americas - #210
• DXV - #110
• Elkay - #300
• Fleurco, Inc. - #510
• Frank Allart & Company - #313
• Franke Consumer Products - #401 and #500
• Franz Viegener - #600 and #602
• GRAFF - #301 and #400
• Grohe - #110
• Hamilton Sinkler - #208
• Hastings Tile & Bath - #508
• Hydro Systems - #601
• Icera - #212
• Infinity Drain - #312
• Julien, Inc. - #412
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 405
• KEUCO Management Inc. - #201
• Lacava - #101
• Lenova - #404
• MCN European Enterprises - #413
• Mountain Plumbing Products - #409
• MrSteam - #501
• MTI Baths - #305
• Nantucket Sinks - #612
• Nikles USA - #503
• Oceania Bath - #505
• OMNIA Industries - #100
• Palazzani USA - #106
• Pentair Everpure - #310
• ROHL LLC - #408
• Ryvyr - #102
• Samuel Heath - #511
• SLIK Portfolio - #109
• Steamist - #304
• ThermaSol Steambath - #200
• THG USA - #311
• Top Notch Distributors - #411
• Valley Acrylic - #105
• Vicenza Designs - #104
• Victoria & Albert Bath - #308
• Water, Inc. - #603
• WETSTYLE - #512

 

Manufacturers and others interested in displaying this year at the DPHA Product Showcase should contact Executive Director Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or email Jim at jbabbitt@dpha.net. Do so now, because as you can see, there are only a fe spaces left. Again, for a look at the Product Showcase floor plan, click here! 

Congratulations to all Those Nominated in the 2017 DPHA Professional Award Categories

DPHA publishes a Product of the Year (POTY) Guide for all nominated products in five different categories (Accessories, Furniture, Hardware, Plumbing Fixtures and Plumbing Water Delivery) which is distributed each year to all conference attendees and then is available to anyone for downloading from the website (to see the 2016 Product of the Year Guide, simply click here).  However, we have never announced the nominated individuals and companies in the Professional award categories at any point in time.

This year the Awards Committee, under the leadership of David Crossley (Baci by Remcraft/Colonial Bronze), received a record number of award nominations, and is starting a new tradition.  We would like to congratulate the following companies and individuals for being nominated in one of the six Professional award categories:

Customer Service Department of the Year:

• Accurate Lock and Hardware
• Americh
• Crosswater Bathrooms
• EWS
• Julien
• Mountain Plumbing Products
• Newport Brass
• ROHL
• The Furniture Guild
• TOTO USA
• Valley Acrylic
• Victoria + Albert Baths

Manufacturing Professional of the Year:

• Abel, Avi (Watermark Designs)
• Beech, Ravi (Valley Acrylic)
• Bryant, Tom (BainUltra)
• Falby, Kim (Julien)
• Fedewa, Fred (Steamist)
• Gallo, Mark (Accurate Lock and Hardware)
• Hardy, Stephen (Samuel Heath)
• Howkinson, Steve (BainUltra)
• Kulig, Ziggy (GRAFF)
• Phelps, Eric (Victoria + Albert Baths)
• Paul, Ryan (GRAFF)
• Ridenour, Glenn (KEUCO)
• Salessi, Massoud (Franke)
• See, Mike (Newport Brass)
• St. Pierre, Marco (The Galley)
• Trook, Ben (The Galley)
• Vecchiola, Matt (Top Knobs)
• Washington, Deshawn (Hansgrohe)
• Weinberg, Steven (California Faucets)

Representative Agency of the Year:

• Foster Companies
• Premier Marketing

Representative Professional of the Year:

• Brannan, John (Magruder Associates)
• Chinitz, Daniel (Creative Bath Sales)
• D'Antoni, Traci (D'Antoni Sales Group)
• Domingue, Heather (Milestone Distributors)
• Earlie, Brittany (Pinnacle Sales Group)
• Garcia, Noel (DSA - Decorative Sales Associates)
• Gardo, Manny (Pinnacle Sales Group)
• Goldstein, Lori (Henry Podolsky Associates)
• Haralanova, Yana (Repcor)
• Jones, Mike (Pinnacle Sales Group)
• Rivas, Blake (TCB Sales)
• Van Landingham, Jim (Purcell Murray)
• Varian, Michael (Alpha Sales Company)

Showroom of the Year:

• B&C Custom Hardware
• Decorative Plumbing Supply
• Fixtures and Fittings
• Hastings Tile & Bath
• Jack London Kitchen & Bath
• Millers Elegant Hardware
• Naples Plumbing Studio
• Premier Bath & Kitchen
• ProSource Supply
• Rick's Hardware and Decorative Plumbing

Showroom Professional of the Year:

• Bittner, Erin (Pierce Hardware)
• Brady, Kate (General Plumbing Supply)
• Campbell, Richard (Belmont Hardware)
• Carter, Mindy (Fixtures and Fittings)
• Corbo, Dawn (Torrco Design Cengter)
• Cox, Wendy (General Plumbing Supply)
• Dissler, Lacie (Rampart Supply)
• Fleming, Jason (Central Arizona Supply)
• Hotarek, Phil (Lutz Bath & Kitchen)
• Laine, Aaron (Fixtures and Fittings)
• Lopez, Jennifer (ProSource)
• Marano, Sam (Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath)
• Martin, Tonya (ProSource)
• Tatosian, Jordan (Premier Bath & Kitchen)

Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 14th, during the Awards Luncheon.  For now though, congratulations to everyone listed above on being nominated - all of you should be very proud that you are being recognized as leaders in the industry!

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Sam Furrow at Pierce Hardware (Fort Worth, TX)

The DPHA 17-in-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Sam Furrow, a Sales Consultant at Pierce Hardware's showroom in Fort Worth, TX. 

Sam is new to the Pierce Hardware team, but has become quite a valued member in the Fort Worth showroom in a very short time.  According to one of his nominators, Sam is knowledgeable in both hardware and plumbing, but continues to work on increasing his understanding of products by remaining engaged during product knowledge sessions and asking well thought-out questions. Sam is also very passionate about our DPH industry and is focused on making it a career. Being attuned to the industry, Sam has also used his creativity to come up with innovative product ideas, which may one day be available. 

 

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Sam: 6 years
      

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Sam: I was surprised by how much we get comparatively shopped via the Internet. 

 

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Sam: It's been challenging but very rewarding learning 100's of different brands across multiple spectrums.

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Sam: I enjoy educating customers and helping design baths and kitchens of all different styles.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Sam: Thanks again, DPHA!

If you would like to nominate someone for the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry? 

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' Jack Fase Memorial Scholarship program. The Scholarship 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 2017 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 (2) of $250 each - contributed by Bob Lando and Jim Babbitt
• A rare bottle of wine - contributed by Tom Cohn
• A case (six bottles) of 2009 Brunello wine (valued at $350) - contributed by Ken Rohl
• A no-charge membership renewal dues for 2018 - contributed by DPHA
• A no-charge 2018 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.

What You Can Expect in Chandler, AZ

We've received a number of calls about the upcoming DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. To help answer others' questions, the following is the tentative Conference schedule to help you plan your Conference time more effectively.

Wednesday, October 11th:

• 12:30 to 6 p.m. - Golf Outing at the Whirlwind Golf Club (optional activity, fee is $200 per person)
• 5:30 to 9 p.m. - Arizona Food Tour (optional activity, fee is $175 per person, limited to the first 15 who reserve)

Thursday, October 12th:

• 7 a.m. to Noon - Board of Directors Meeting (Pipal Kave 2)
• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Exhibitor Move-in (Akimel O'otham Ballroom)
• 1 to 3 p.m. - Marketing Committee Meeting (Pipal Kave 2)
• 1 to 3 p.m. - Education Committee Meeting (Pipal Kave 3)
• 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. - Awards Committee (Pipal Kave 2)
• 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. - Council of Fellows Meeting (Pipal Kave 3)
• 5 to 6:30 p.m. - DPHA 5K Fun Run/Walk

Friday, October 13th:

• 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Product Showcase Open (Akimel O'otham Ballroom) 
• 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast (Akimel O'otham Ballroom) 
• 9 to 10 a.m. - Opening, President's Welcome, and Product of the Year Awards Announcement
• 10 a.m. to Noon - Keynote Address: The 5 Elements of a Remarkable Customer Experience, presented by Doug Stephens (Pipal Kave)
• Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Lunch (Akimel O'otham Ballroom)
• 1:30 to 3 p.m. - Product Showcase Open (Akimel O'otham Ballroom)
• 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. - Contented Cows Give Better Milk, presented by Richard Hadden (Pipal Kave)
• 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. - Reception in Exhibit Hall (Akimel O'otham Ballroom)

Saturday, October 14th:

• 8:00 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast in Exhibit Hall (Akimel O'otham Ballroom)
• 8:00 to 11:45 a.m. - Product Showcase Open (Akimel O'otham Ballroom) 
• Noon to 1:45 p.m. - Awards Luncheon (Pipal Kave: Please note that the Product Showcase is not open for booth tear-down until 1:30 p.m.)
• 2 to 4 p.m. - Five Commandments to be a Customer-Centric Company, presented by Chris Ramey (Komatke DEFG)
• 1:45 to 5:15 p.m. - Sales Intensive Training Program; Customer Experience - Make Customers Your Most Powerful Weapon, presented by Robb Best (Elkay) and then followed by a round-table session (Scorpion)
• 7 to 10:30 p.m. - Closing Banquet (Pipal Kave)

Sunday, October 15th:

• 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Program & Showcase Committee Meeting (Deer)
• 9 to 11 a.m. - 2018 Board of Directors Meeting (Scorpion)

For a more detailed description of the conference and our content, not to mention the registration information, click here to download the conference prospectus.

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Kylie Nelson from Premier Marketing

The DPHA 17-in-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Kylie Nelson, an Inside Sales Rep Agent in San Ramon, CA. 

When you talk about someone growing up in the industry and you live in the northern California area, there is a good chance that Kylie Nelson is the very person you are thinking of.  The daughter of Mary and Alan Labowitz (the owners and founders of Premier Marketing), Kylie can truly be said to have "DPH blood" flowing through her.  Now a co-chairperson of the 2018 Northern California Regional Committee, Kylie has been actively engaged in DPHA for the past few years, and may very will be part of the next wave of leaders for the Association.  

 

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Kylie: I have been a part of this industry officially for 3 years now, however, I grew up in this industry helping my family company for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would go into a hotel bathroom or a friend's home and see if I could spot our products. As you can see, I was born into this industry and the apple didn't fall far from the tree.     

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Kylie: The friendliness and sense of community. I have been delighted to discover that I am able to work with so many interesting and helpful people. Both in the showroom and with other rep agencies, I have thoroughly enjoyed developing so many relationships, many of which have become great personal friendships.

 

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Kylie: As a young woman in an industry of many well-established principals, I have to prove myself as a reliable and trustworthy sales rep. Respect and confidence takes years to establish, so I continue to work on building my reputation and gaining the experience needed to be well-founded in this industry. 

 

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Kylie: Being that I am in my mid-twenties, many of my friends do not understand how I have so much passion and interest in decorative plumbing and hardware. What they don't understand is there is so much more to this industry than just selling "toilets." There are mid- to high-end artisan-made products that can bring life and comfort to a kitchen or bathroom. My favorite thing is to hear a showroom sales associate say "thank you" to us for giving them a product to sell that not only makes their customer happy with the investment, but also the end result. It is an honor to be trusted enough to represent such amazing products. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that I have done everything I can to help a showroom take care of their customers.

 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Kylie: It has truly been a privilege to be nominated for the 17-in-17 Program. I have recently been more involved with all that DPHA offers and find great value in this organization. It is a great feeling to follow in the footsteps of my mother, Mary Labowitz, and see all of her hard work and commitment into this organization and be able to continue this family tradition.

 

If you would like to nominate someone for the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?

Just Because You're at the DPHA Conference, That Doesn't Mean You Can't Have Fun!

In a little less than 8 weeks, DPHA members will congregate at the beautiful Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ for the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase. We also know that many of you have reserved rooms but have not yet registered for the Conference. Please note that Conference registration fees increase by $100 on September 12. If you plan to participate, please click here to register now and thereby avoid having to pay the procrastinators' premium.

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

5K Fun Run and Walk: The 2017 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 12 at 5:00 p.m. and there is no cost to participate. Email jbabbitt@dpha.net if you would like to participate.

DPHA Golf Tourney: On Wednesday, October 11th, join DPHA members for a day on the links at the fabulous Whirlwind Golf Club from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Experience a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf course is also home to the PGA's Nationwide Insurance Tour, Gila River Golf Classic held every year in October. The cost of golf is $200 per person which include golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception.

Arizona Food Tour: DPHA foodies unite for this delectable tour of Old Town Scottsdale's most interesting food venues on Wednesday, October 11th. Sponsored by Baci by Remcraft and Barber Wilson/Sterlingham, the Taste of Old Scottsdale Dinner Tour is a walking and cultural tour full of stories of the old west, demonstrations and delicious gourmet treats and wine from several of Scottsdale's unique and exciting restaurants that will leave the hotel at 5:30 p.m. and return around 9 p.m. This tour was rated as the top food and drink activity in Scottsdale by TripAdvisor. The three-hour adventure takes you back to the wild west, explains how Scottsdale was established, how it has changed over the years and current-day attractions. You'll also stop at four of Scottdale's unique eating establishments to sample their fare. The tour is limited to the first 15 who register. The cost is $175 per person, with all proceeds being contributed to the Council of Fellows Scholarship Fund.

Opening Reception: On Friday, October 13, DPHA members will gather in the Product Showcase for our opening night reception. The drinks will flow from a host bar sponsored by Amerec and Barber Wilson/Sterlingham, 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.

Closing Banquet: We close our conference in style, Saturday October 14. A gourmet feast, sponsored by American Standard, DXV and Grohe, is planned followed by music and dancing, and again drinks will flow from bars sponsored by Julien.

Bar Time: The Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass 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.

There's No Debate About This Slate

The DPHA Nominating Committee has developed the following proposed slate of Officers and Directors for 2018. Each member was emailed a proxy ballot that was sent to the company's designated primary contact earlier this week. Please complete and return your proxy ballot to DPHA via fax at 866-623-6180 or email at jbabbitt@dpha.net by Monday, September 11.

Members are encouraged to return their proxy ballot even if they plan on attending the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 11-14 at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. Members who want their proxy ballots returned at that time will be able to obtain a copy from a member of DPHA staff.

Voting for Association leaders is one of the most important functions you do for your Association. We have always been very fortunate in having a strong, dedicated and knowledgeable Board of Directors. Your vote will help ensure that it remains that way. 

The Nominating Committee's proposed slate of Officers and Directors to serve on the 2018 Board of Directors is as follows:
 

Officers: 

• Gary Erickson (Renaissance Design Studio) - President (automatically moves from President-Elect to President)
• Cynthia Carter (Next Generation Marketing) - Immediate Past President (automatically moves from President to Immediate Past President)
• Ryan Paul (GRAFF) - President-Elect
• Traci D'Antoni (D'Antoni Sales Group) - Secretary
• John Smithman (The Plumbing Place) - Treasurer

Directors: 

• Michael Battista (Monique's Showroom)
• Oliver Bleich (Keuco)
• Kate Brady (General Plumbing Supply)
• Robert Calabrese (Oceania Baths)
• Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware)
• Tony Carter (Carter Hardware)
• David Crossley (Baci by Remcraft/Colonial Bronze)
• Robert Foster (Foster Companies)
• Sarah Jenkinson (Barber Wilson/Sterlingham)
• Nat Mucha (Fairmont Design)
• Michael Pechar (SIGMA Designer Faucetry)
• Eric Phelps (Victoria + Albert)
• Thomas Ramos (Thomas Ramos & Company)
• Debby Stehr (Stehr Enterprises)
• Enrique Vasco (Franz Viegener)
• Steve Weinberg (California Faucet)

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Heather Domingue from Milestone Distributors

The DPHA 17-in-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Heather Domingue, a Regional Sales Manager for Milestone Distributors in the Houston, TX area. 

Transitioning from a showroom to  becoming an independent representative is usually not an easy process, but according to one of Heather's nominators, she has made the entire experience appear almost seamless.  Her attention to detail borders on mind-boggling, and because she comes from the showroom side of things, she shows a great ability to anticipate exactly what the showroom salespeople need in advance.  Heather also actively participates on DPHA's Marketing Committee, and hopes to become even more involved in the future. 

 

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Heather: 7 years.    

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Heather: After working in the fashion industry for more than 8 years, I was surprised to learn the plumbing and hardware industry was just as innovative and creative with ever-changing trends and styles. It is much more technical than I imagined, however, that has been the most exciting part to learn for me.

 

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Heather: The biggest challenges I face are the vigorous demands of the end consumer. With a continuous influx of information readily available, it is harder to stay a step ahead of expectations and to handle issues at Internet speed. Although challenging, this keeps you on your toes and causes you to always be as knowledgeable as possible on the lines you represent.

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Heather: My favorite aspects of this industry are the constant evolution of products and the new technologies we learn about every day. This industry is constantly evolving with new styles, finishes and processes, which keeps it very exciting. I truly enjoy my position as a sales rep because I get to meet, train and work alongside interesting and new people, both near and far.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Heather: The decorative plumbing and hardware industry is a dynamic and worthwhile career path. It offers an outlet to be creative and to never have a dull day!

If you would like to nominate someone for the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?

I'll Gladly Pay You Tuesday for a Hamburger Today (aka, Register Now, Pay Later)

For those of you too young to remember this quote, it is from the cartoon "Popeye the Sailor Man." The character Wimpy would often utter this phrase. He consumed an extraordinary amount of hamburgers daily, but somehow never had the money to pay for them. He almost always had to convince someone to front him the cash to be repaid later. Similar to Wimpy, we understand the importance of cash flow. That's why we are making it easier for DPHA members to reserve for the October 12-14 DPHA Annual Conference. If you reserve today, we won't process your payment until September 12. That's the day before registration fees increase from $800 to $900 per person. Click here for your registration form, or go to the 2017 Conference On-Line Sign-up menu tab on the members only side of www.dpha.net.

DPHA Heads to Chandler, AZ for the 2017 Annual Conference and Product Showcase - Registration is Underway!

DPHA is accepting reservations for its 16th Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 11-15, 2017, at the 

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. Compelling reasons you should attend:

• Join author and internationally renowned consumer futurist, Doug Stephens, for an amazing tour of the future, where every aspect of the retail experience as we know it will be radically transformed. Stephens will present what constitutes a truly remarkable customer experience and explain how DPHA members can convert their customers into raving fans.

• One of the biggest challenges for DPHA members is attracting and retaining top talent. At this Friday afternoon workshop, you will learn what it takes to be an employer of choice. Richard Hadden believes DPHA members could learn a lot from a message echoed by generations of dairy farmers: "Contented cows give better milk." This workshop is not a management tome. Instead, it is testimony to the power of treating people the right way.

• Products featured in a decorative plumbing and hardware showroom is the sum of your customer's experience with your brand. Chris Ramey's presentation will address the intangibles that consumers value and how they relate to your decorative plumbing business. Case studies will be presented to illustrate how/why your success depends upon becoming a customer-centric
  resource. You'll go home with a roadmap to changing how you perceive your showroom and why what you do is so important.

• An Offer Too Good to be True:  Sales Training Track Program - The Program and Showcase Committee, under the leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (GRAFF), provide members with an offer that is almost too good to be true. You can bring multiple members of your sales team 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 the incomparable Robb Best (Elkay). 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. You can find more details in the Conference Prospectus on page 3.

• Have loads of fun at the DPHA Saturday Night Banquet!

• Expand your resource base to enable you to solve problems easier, recognize trends faster and make your job more professionally rewarding.

• Take advantage of the most successful marketing, technology, human resource and customer service practices in the decorative plumbing and hardware industry.

• It's fun and you earned it. 

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.

How can you recognize 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. 

Click here to reserve a hotel room at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.

7th Annual Terry Patters Golf Tournament

If you happen to find yourself in Northern California on Friday, August 11, consider participating in the 7th Annual Terry Patters Golf Tournament. DPHA has a long history of helping this event, and we want to encourage all members to support or participate in the 7th Annual Terry Patters Golf Tournament Benefiting Melanoma Research, Friday, August 11th, at the Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore, CA.

Don't golf? Don't worry. You can participate in the Livermore Valley Wine Tour and visit 3 Steves Winery, The Singing Winemaker and McGrail Wineries from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Proceeds from the $175 registration fees are earmarked for Melanoma Research. The fee includes the tours, boxed lunch and dinner with the golfers.

You can participate by signing up to play, touring wineries, just joining the group for dinner, donating a raffle gift or simply making a donation to this extremely worthwhile cause.

Register here, or please call Janie Bell Westcott at 925-997-8740 if you have questions or need more information.

Stand Up and Be Recognized, July 2017 Recognition Program Graduates!

DPHA is pleased to honor the July 2017 graduating class of DPH professionals who have successfully passed all of the new Recognition Program examinations. They are:  

 

Bath & Kitchen Category:

Dany Ortiz, Robinson Supply/The Bath Splash Showroom

General Knowledge Category:

Alan Roa, Robinson Supply/The Bath Splash Showroom

And for those folks who are current participants in the Recognition Program but who initially signed up for the testing program prior to January 1, 2017, don't forget, as we announced in earlier issues of Connections, that you will need to successfully complete the following four revised tests before being eligible to receive your 2017 category completion certificates:

1. Lavatory Faucets (Bath & Kitchen Category)
2. Kitchen Faucets (Bath & Kitchen category)
3. Locks and Latches (Hardware category)
4. Care and Maintenance (General Knowledge category)

The DPHA Recognition Program recognizes 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 (e.g. lavatory faucets, tubs, cabinet hardware, etc.). To be recognized in each category, participants must answer 100% of the questions correctly. DPHA will electronically issue certificates to those participants who successfully pass all of the bath and kitchen, hardware and/or general knowledge programs. 

 

Additionally, the Education Committee, under the leadership of Fred Felder (Simon's Supply) and Traci D'Antoni (D'Antoni Sales Group), along with the Recognition Program Subcommittee headed by Jerry Williams (WMS Decorative Resource), is excited to announce a new benefit for the Recognition Program participants - anyone who successfully completes all 22 testing modules in 2017 will receive a desk name plate announcing their accomplishment. 

For more information on the DPHA Recognition Program, visit the member's side of www.dpha.net or email Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net.