Thank You to My DPHA Family, from Jim Babbitt (Executive Director)

People who participate in the DPHA annual conferences, especially first time attendees, often comment on the "sense of family" that pervades the Association. That sense of family has never been more apparent to me than during this past year. Before proceeding on to 2019, I thought it imperative I thank you all for your support during 2018.

As many of you know by now, I was diagnosed with stage 2A cancer in March. This year has been both a physical and mental challenge. There were many times when going through treatment (chemotherapy followed by radiation) over the past 8 months that my spirits flagged. My family (headed by my wonderful wife, Michele) was there for me every step of the way. Their love and support was the steady rock I clung to every day.

But my DPHA family was always there for me too, and I also cannot begin to express my gratitude to all of you for your love and support. Whether it was a phone call, email or text message, it seemed that someone was contacting me almost every day - asking how I was doing, seeing if there was anything they could do for me or just trying to make sure I kept my spirits up. It is impossible to tell you how much this helped. Until you have gone through something like this, you can't imagine how much of a difference just hearing from someone can make.

Thankfully, the follow-up tests have been very good, and although I am not officially "out of the woods" yet, the prognosis is very, very positive - an expected complete recovery.

So thank you, thank you, thank you to my DPHA family for your love and support this year. May you all have a wonderful and safe New Years holiday, and a prosperous 2019!

Phil Hotarek (Lutz Bath & Kitchen) Recognized as 2018 DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year

Phil Hotarek (Lutz Bath & Kitchen) was announced as the 2018 DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year award winner at this year's annual conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The Award recognizes a DPHA showroom professional for his or her outstanding contributions to advance the decorative plumbing and hardware industry based on the following criteria:

• Degree of involvement in DPHA activities
• Personal achievements in the industry
• Pursuit of personal improvement and education
• Job performance and accomplishments
• Involvement in, and support of, other DPH-related organizations
• Public recognition of a deed or accomplishment, which may or may not pertain to the DPH industry but reflects favorably on the individual as a DPHA member.

In each of the criteria, Phil Hotarek stands out.  Since beginning work at Lutz Bath & Kitchen seven years ago, Phil has helped spearhead the growth of the showroom by strategizing their marketing and branding, launching the company's website and almost singlehandedly remodeling the showroom.  Not only has he dramatically helped increase the showroom's sales, but Phil has helped serve as the "bridge" between Lutz's plumbing department and their showroom.

 

Indeed, Phil's branding and marketing strategy has had quite the impact in advancing the company's success with their customers.  He has been instrumental in helping develop new relationships among Lutz's repeat customers - architects, designers, and contractors.  Phil also created the company newsletter, created and developed the company's new website, and manages their social media accounts and content - all helping to increase their customer's engagement.

 

Phil's experience in the field as a plumber also gives him a unique perspective of the decorative plumbing industry.  He has demonstrated a unique brand of personal service to customers and contractors alike through job site visits and follow up on troubleshooting procedures, while actively participating as a trade professional.  

 

Phil is not only a big advocate for educating the consumer and DPH professionals, he practices what he preaches.  Phil has been a member of the DPHA Education Committee for the past three years, has contributed several "Helpful Hints" articles to our electronic weekly newsletter Connections and wrote DPHA's "Perspectives" column for KBDN magazine in February of this year.    

 

Another reason why DPHA honored Phil as its Showroom Professional of the Year is his willingness to share his energy and efforts to help others. He leads by example - he currently sits on DPHA's Board of Directors, is the Association's current Secretary and co-chairs the Marketing Committee along with Patrick Weidl (Thermasol).  As Phil told us, "My belief is that gratitude is life's greatest currency.  What I do for our company and industry is done out of gratitude.  Plumbing gave me everything and having the opportunity to give back is a privilege that I am very grateful for."

 

For these reasons, among so many others, DPHA was honored to recognize Phil as the 2018 DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year!

Mark Your 2019 Calendars Now for the 18th Annual DPHA and Product Showcase

Be sure to block off your calendars to meet with the industry's best!  The Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association's 18th Annual Conference and Product Showcase will be held November 7th through the 10th next year in Seattle, WA at the Hyatt Regency.

 

Yes, the Program + Showcase Committee is already at work making the 2019 Conference better than ever.  'Save Your Exhibit Space' forms will be sent with 2019 Membership Renewal forms, which went out in the mail a day or two ago. All other remaining Conference information will be released mid-year of 2019.

App of the Issue

This is a new feature for Connections. Regularly, DPHA will highlight applications that can make your job and life easier. If you have an app that you particularly enjoy and that you believe could benefit your fellow DPHA members, please forward the information to Jim Babbitt at  jbabbitt@dpha.net.

   

FlightAware is a great app for those who travel frequently. FlightAware leverages data from air traffic control systems in over 55 countries, from FlightAware's network of ADS-B ground stations in over 175 countries.

 

FlightAware's HyperFeed® engine seamlessly integrates thousands of real-time, worldwide data sources combined with FlightAware's powerful, intuitive, responsive, and reliable web-based interfaces and data feeds, and yields the most capable and useful flight tracking application and service. 

In the Spirit of the Season

It's that time of year again when we anxiously await St. Nick's arrival and spend time with our family and friends, celebrating the holiday season. The entire DPHA staff wishes our Connections readers the happiest of holidays and best wishes for a healthy and profitable new year.

 

Please note that several elves have already kidnapped your intrepid Connections editor and plan on keeping him indisposed for a while. Connections will return next Friday, December 28th.

App of the Issue

This is a new feature for Connections.  Regularly, DPHA will highlight applications that can make your job and life easier. If you have an app that you particularly enjoy and that you believe could benefit your fellow DPHA members, please forward the information to Jim Babbitt at  jbabbitt@dpha.net.

  

Call Recorder by TOHsoft Co. is a free, feature-rich call recorder application that allows you to record both incoming and outgoing calls and also helps organize recorded calls. You can also add numbers to exclude them from the call recording list. This app also allows you to password protect your calls, so you know that your conversations are safe even if you lose your phone. It's one of the best call recording apps available.

Rick Wickham

It is with the utmost sadness that we report the passing of Rick Wickham on Wednesday, December 12 in Phoenix, AZ, who passed away with his family at his side. Rick was an industry stalwart for many years having been associated with Jado, Linkasink, Aquabrass, Clyde Hardware and most recently at Phylrich.  Rick had many friends in DPHA, not to mention the industry as a whole, and he will be most certainly be missed. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rick's wife Chris, his children and his many industry friends.

Barbara Kratus (Infinity Drain) Recognized as 2018 DPHA Manufacturer Professional of the Year

Barbara Kratus (Infinity Drain) was named as the 2018 DPHA Manufacturer Professional of the Year at  the 2018 DPHA annual conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The Award recognizes a DPHA manufacturer professional for his or her outstanding contributions to advance the decorative plumbing and hardware industry based on the following criteria:

• Degree of involvement in DPHA activities
• Personal achievements in the industry
• Pursuit of personal improvement and education
• Job performance and accomplishments
• Involvement in, and support of, other DPH-related organizations
• Public recognition of a deed or accomplishment, which may or may not pertain to the DPH industry but reflects favorably on the individual as a DPHA member.

Barbara likes to joke by saying that she received an MBA from the School of Hard Knocks. She originally got into the DPH industry by answering a Craigslist ad for an interior designer who had launched a line of bathroom cabinetry at KBIS and "whoops", she was in business. Neither of them knew beans about decorative plumbing, who the players were, or even how the discounts worked (Barbara was easily three months into the job until a kind rep explained the math on how 50/10 was calculated). They had no reps and possibly two customers, but Barbara had a marketing background and knew how to deal with demanding customers from her advertising agency days, so they had a place to start. 

 

According to Barbara, her time at Waterfall Bathroom Furniture remains one of her biggest personal achievements in this industry. They were a fledgling company who launched right before the recession, but somehow, they managed to learn an industry, gain a following of loyal showrooms and trade professionals who loved their product and mission, and built a 3-person business into a brand that was ultimately purchased by Artistic Tile in 2011. They trusted their mentors in the industry, did everything they could for their customers and built a business from the ground up. There is nothing more exhilarating or satisfying than that.  

 

Barbara's positive and energetic thinking is obvious from the moment you meet her, and she is passionate about educating others in the industry.  As one of her nominators said, "Barbara is a great educator. She's been training in showrooms and specifier conference rooms for 10 years. She's worked many, many trade shows for Infinity Drain and has a smooth, calm and engaging way of educating people about plumbing in general, and drains in particular."  Another person added, "Barbara is a CEU machine educating dealers, architects, designers and NKBA members in the U.S. and Canada. She does more CEUs than any other person I know."

 

Or as Barbara told us, "Educating members of the industry, whether they are selling, specifying, or installing product is my favorite part of the job. I will talk about drains to anyone who will listen. I pity the person who asks me what I do for a living because they are about to get a mini-power PK on Infinity Drain. Education is essential because the goal is to simplify a product to the point where the sales associate, specifier or installer has no excuses not to use your product." 

 

Barbara has most certainly led the charge with marketing Infinity Drain over the past ten years, where she has been the national sales manager since 2008.  Working along with the owner and staff, she has promoted the use of linear drains in general, and in particular for high-end linear drains. Barbara is also appreciated by showroom managers and showroom staff for her active involvement with all aspects of the sales - education, sales tools and after-sales follow-up. She is an organized manager who is great with social media and marketing savvy.  Barbara also is "hands on" in helping installers get out of their comfort zones while getting comfortable with the installation of high-end decorative drains.

 

For her professionalism, positivism, knowledge, expertise and humility, DPHA was delighted to name Barbara its 2018 Manufacturing Professional of the Year.

 

Go Ahead, We Triple Dog Dare You!

Many of our readers are under the impression that the DPHA Education Manuals are for people just starting out in our industry. Although that is certainly the target audience for many of our manuals, newcomers are not the only audience or the only demographic that can benefit from the content, sales tips and technical guidance offered in DPHA Education Manuals.

The manuals help showroom sales professionals become better. Taking a second or even third look through the material helps jog memories that make you a better and more trusted advisor to your clients.

The DPHA Education Manuals are also the source for the DPHA Recognition Program, which recognizes DPH showroom professionals for their product knowledge and sales expertise. The program is available only to DPHA members. Each Recognition Program exam is 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 issues certificates to those participants who successfully pass all of the plumbing, hardware and general knowledge programs electronically. For more information on the DPHA Recognition Program, visit the member's side of www.dpha.net.

So how about trying something during a few of those "kick back" moments during the holidays? Several people (both members and non-members alike) have tried taking our Recognition Program sample test over the past several years, and no one has come even close to passing the test, which includes one question from 21 of our current 22 Recognition Program tests. Needless to say, the results have been entertaining, fun and informative. So go ahead and click here, and see how you do.

As long as you enter your email address correctly, you should get an email almost immediately letting you know your results, and you may take the test as often as you like. The results will be known only to yourself and me (Jim Babbitt), and I know how to keep a secret. On the other hand, if someone successfully completes the sample test on their first attempt, I will be sure to announce that fact in an upcoming issue of Connections.  So sit back, grab another cup of coffee and see how you do. We triple dog dare you!  

The Best Bang for Your Buck? Become a 2019 DPHA Corporate Sponsor

As we prepare to welcome in a new year, DPHA wants to remind our members of the menu of sponsorship opportunities available to showrooms, manufacturers and representatives. Each level of sponsorship provides different marketing benefits. However, the most significant benefit that you receive when electing to serve as a DPHA corporate sponsor is the statement you make to the industry. Your sponsorship tells the industry that you believe in DPHA's mission and programs. You are not only talking the talk, you are walking the walk to enhance professionalism and improve quality in the decorative plumbing and hardware industry. 

 

PLATINUM ($11,000)

• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Newsleak
• 25% discount on Newsleak and Connections advertising
• A corporate/product profile in Newsleak
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Connections
• Product spotlight in Connections
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor on the Web Page
• Recognition in each updated and new installment of the DPHA Education Program
• First opportunity to reserve display space at the Product Showcase
• Two complimentary conference registrations
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference prospectus
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference program
• Profile in the conference program
• Product spotlight in the conference program
• Four ads in Connections

GOLD ($6,500)

• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Newsleak
• 25% discount on Newsleak and Connections advertising 
• A corporate/product profile in Newsleak
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Connections
• Product spotlight in Connections
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor on the Web Page
• Recognition in each updated and new installment of the DPHA Education Program
• Second opportunity to reserve display space at the Product Showcase
• One complimentary conference registration
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference prospectus
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference program
• Two ads in Connections

SILVER ($3,750)

• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Newsleak
• 25% discount on Newsleak and Connections advertising
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Connections
• Product spotlight in Connections
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor on the Web Page
• Recognition in each updated and new installment of the DPHA Education Program
• Third opportunity to reserve display space at the Product Showcase
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference prospectus
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference program

BRONZE ($1,750)

• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Newsleak
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Connections
• Product spotlight in Connections
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor on the Web Page
• Recognition in each updated and new installment of the DPHA Education Program
• Fourth opportunity to reserve display space at the Product Showcase
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference prospectus
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference program

Members that are interested in keeping their name and web sites in front of the most influential members of the DPH industry continuously and want to take advantage of DPHA sponsorship opportunities should contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or call him at 224-999-0434. You can also download the 2019 Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Form simply by clicking here .

Noel Garcia Sr. (Decorative Sales Associates) Recognized as 2018 DPHA Representative Professional of the Year

Noel Garcia Sr. (Decorative Sales Associates) was honored as the 2018 DPHA Representative Professional of the Year at the 2018 DPHA annual conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The Award recognizes a DPHA representative professional for his or her outstanding contributions to advance the decorative plumbing and hardware industry based on the following criteria:

• Degree of involvement in DPHA activities
• Personal achievements in the industry
• Pursuit of personal improvement and education
• Job performance and accomplishments
• Involvement in, and support of, other DPH-related organizations
• Public recognition of a deed or accomplishment, which may or may not pertain to the DPH industry but reflects favorably on the individual as a DPHA member.

In each of the criteria, Noel Garcia Sr. proves to be a deserving recipient. Noel began his career in plumbing in 1981, working for a plumbing wholesaler, which helped him build a solid understanding of what Noel refers to as "Plumbing 101." From there, he experienced different aspects of the DPH industry, including working as a sales and marketing director, owning and running his own showroom, and manufacturing and distributing plumbing fixtures.  Then in 1993, Noel decided to create Decorative Sales Associates, an independent manufacturer representative agency, at a time when decorative plumbing and hardware really didn't mean much to the general consumer (or as Noel likes to say, he was selling decorative plumbing and hardware products before most of us knew what to call it). The fact that his agency is still here and thriving 25 years later is just one of the many testaments to Noel's energy and vision.

 

Being involved at the different levels of what we now call the decorative plumbing industry has also given Noel the ability to go beyond the typical sale - he truly understands plumbing codes as well as product installation. As a "frustrated" engineer, Noel is very technical, which has helped him communicate effectively with plumbers while bridging the partnerships between them and DPH dealers.  Over the years, he has learned that even though the master plumbers would listen to Noel and attend his PK's, they weren't the ones who were actually in the field installing the products. Instead, over the past decade Noel has invested a tremendous amount of time in training the journeymen who actually install the products in the field. He welcomes their calling with issues, even if it's not a product that DSA represents, because he believes this ends up helping the entire industry in the long run. 

 

Decorative Sales Associates also calls on many specifiers to help drive business to their customers, while continuing to train showroom professionals throughout the year, not just when they get a new line or a new product offering. Noel's goal is to make sure all sales persons are knowledgeable and confident, not just with the products he represents but with the after-sale. Noel takes the time to do service calls when they are needed - any time there is an issue, or even a doubt or concern about something, he is on the job site and rectifies any and all problems that might have occurred.  

 

Noel's reputation among all industry segments is stellar, and he now has a second generation of family members proudly following in his footsteps. This not only brings an entirely new understanding of the evolving consumer to his agency, but shows that even at home, Noel has instilled in his family a firm belief as to what a great industry this is, and that indeed, a position in a DPH business can be more than a job - it can be a wonderful career path.

 

For these reasons and many more, Noel Garcia Sr. is indeed a most deserving recipient of the DPHA 2018 Representative Professional of the Year Award.

 

One More Time - Thank You So Much, 2018 Corporate Sponsors!

The Thanksgiving holiday reminded us that before the year is over, we wanted to take one more opportunity to thank our most generous and supportive 2018 DPHA corporate sponsors.  There are some that talk the talk; then there are others who walk the walk. So, a very special "THANK YOU" to the following DPHA members who expressed their commitment to the Association and the industry by becoming a 2018 DPHA corporate sponsor.  Their support enabled DPHA to develop new benefits that make our members and the industry better. Our heartfelt thanks go to:

Platinum Sponsor:

• The House of Rohl

Gold Sponsors:

• Elkay
• Franke
• LACAVA

Silver Sponsors: 

• BainUltra
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham
• Keuco
• Lenova
• MTI Baths

Bronze Sponsors:

• Alno Inc.
• AMBA Products
• Americh
• Baci by Remcraft
• Blanco America
• California Faucets
• Fairmont Designs
• GRAFF
• Hamilton Sinkler
• Hansgrohe
• Hastings Tile & Bath
• Hydro Systems
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories
• Mountain Plumbing Products
• MrSteam
• Perrin & Rowe
• Riobel
• ROHL
• Shaws Since 1897
• Top Knobs
• Ultimate Marketing
• Victoria + Albert

DPHA Corporate Sponsors receive a number of promotional benefits, including their name and logo (with active link) appearing in each issue of Connections. They also receive the recognition and gratitude of an industry that understands and appreciates their commitment to advancing the profession. If you are interested in becoming a DPHA sponsor, please contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net.

 

Why We Believe We Deserve Your Support Again in 2019

We just wanted to remind you that DPHA 2019 annual dues notices will be issued in the next few weeks. We are confident that we will continue to deliver the return on your dues investment that DPHA members expect and deserve. Here are just some of the things you can look forward to from your DPHA membership in the coming year:

• DPHA offers the industry's only showroom recognition program that rewards your sales professionals for their sales knowledge and product expertise.

• Take advantage of daily content on the DPHA Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram feeds and LinkedIn group postings that update our members on new products, new programs and new developments in the DPH industry.

• Keep your fingers on the pulse of your industry. Connections is a weekly communication laser-focused on industry and association news to help improve our DPHA member businesses.

• DPHA plans to update several existing education modules plus possibly expand educational programs to include videos.

• The best annual conference and product showcase in our industry that serves as the venue for introducing new products to the DPH industry.

• Enhanced communication that offers sales guidance to showroom sales professionals in order to better hone their skills while providing them with tools to knock the socks off their competition.

• An energized and dynamic organization that serves as the industry's home to network, exchange ideas and obtain competitive advantages.

• Even more improvements to our web site that serves as the go-to resource for staff training tools, industry news and networking.

• The industry's most prestigious awards program that recognizes best-in-class professionals and products.

• A staff and a creative team that understands the industry, is passionate about the Association and is committed to earning your trust and membership.

DPHA has tangible, productive, viable and valuable deliverables that help with daily operations, but we need your support and participation to assure that DPHA continues to develop products, services and deliverables that provide your business with competitive advantages. If you have any questions, give us a call or contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net. We look forward to working with you and helping to make your business better in 2019.

Take Note! The Dealers' Choice Award Voting Ends on Friday, December 15

DPHA manufacturers are market and design leaders. Their offerings represent best-in-class products that DPHA believes deserve recognition.  That's why the DPHA Awards Committee added the Dealer's Choice Award a few years ago. This award - that was announced at this year's conference for 2017 and which was California Faucets Morro Bay Single Hole Faucet - was added to place new products in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer. 

 

Every product that was submitted this year for the 2018 Product of the Year is now eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award.  Voting opened on Thursday, November 1, and runs through December 15.  All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login will be eligible to vote - one vote per person.  And in case you don't know your login information to the members-portal side of the website, contact Rebekah Covay at 630-854-3911 (if you get her voice mail, please leave a message), or via email at rebekah@dpha.net. The winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2019 Conference.

 

If you would like to refresh your memory on the various products that were nominated this year, click here to download a copy of the 2018 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. Look for the voting menu tab (top menu item on the left) on the members-portal 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!