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!