Yana Haralanova named 2019 DPHA Representative Professional of the Year

Congratulations to Yana Haralanova of Repcor for being named the 2019 Representative Professional of the Year!

Yana is a key player at the Repcor agency and serves clients in Northern California. She is also a very active member of the DPHA Marketing Committee and had a major hand in helping to create the needs of the upcoming DPHA website rollout. This is just a sample of the support and passion Yana gives back to the industry.

Here is what some of Yana’s clients' testimonials:

• Yana offers a personal, one on one approach to sales and knows her customers well.
• She always gives her sales managers a heads up if she sees a problem coming and always does what she can to help a showroom succeed.
• Yana is the consummate sales professional. She expects nothing but greatness of herself and the service she provides. She is very strategic in her thoughts, so success doesn’t come by accident, it comes through planned execution.

Happy Holidays from the DPHA Team and 2019 Board of Directors

There is no better time than the holidays to reminisce on the past year. Thank you to everyone that has helped support DPHA and the many changes of 2019. May you have a merry holiday filled with warmth and happiness.

Steven Weinberg of California Faucets Named 2019 Manufacturer Professional of the Year

Congratulations to Steven Weinberg of California Faucets for being named the 2019 DPHA Manufacturer Professional of the Year!

Steven is one of the few that has worked the trifecta of our industry; as a dealer, an independent rep and now works with one of our manufacturers. He is a past President of DPHA and as California Faucet’s National Sales Manager, he received several nominations in this category. If we had to boil his work into two words, it would be “Steven Cares”. That message rang loud and clear across the comments received, but here are a few:

• Steven is a leader, sales manager, coworker, father and friend. His dedication, loyalty and commitment are visible in every area of his life. 
• He puts himself in the salesperson’s shoes, considers their perspective and strives to assist them. 
• Steven always plays a strategic role and doesn’t worry about what competitors do. He continues to help his rep agencies to be more successful in the field and truly cares.

Level 5 Named 2019 DPHA Rep Agency of the Year

Congratulations to the Level 5 team for being named the 2019 DPHA Representative Agency of the Year! Level 5 covers southern California and is led by Sam Coker and John Matlack, with the field support of Val, Lester and Megan. This group was recognized for their ability to “get it done." With several associates coming from showrooms, they understand the needs from the ground level. Some feedback from client nominations:

• The team has strength in their training and believes in driving business to their dealer partners through lunch and learns, CEU’s and cocktail mixers.
• Level 5 has key managers in each part of their territory allowing coverage to be top tier and handled in a timely and respectful manner.
• They make their dealers' lives easier by resolving issues in the field and their ability to bird dog late orders.

Icera named 2019 DPHA Customer Service Department of the Year

Congratulations to the team at Icera for receiving the 2019 DPHA Customer Service Department of the Year Award! Some comments that were included in the nominations are:

• Icera is always diligent and never passes the buck when helping a client.
• Their customer service department works closely with homeowners to resolve issues in the field, easing the stress on our shoulders.
• Icera customer service provided white glove LTL shipment to an elderly client that developed an issue with a 20-year-old model. With the nearest dealer being 300 miles away, the team did what they needed to do to help a loyal customer in need.

2019 DPHA Showroom of the Year: Decorative Plumbing Supply

Decorative Plumbing Supply, Inc. is a decorative plumbing showroom family-owned by Jeff and Diane Steves. It has been in operation since 1993 and is locally known for providing personal and attentive service as well as excellent products in various styles and price ranges.

The state-of-the art 7000sf showroom is equipped with fully furnished vignettes, a shower demonstration area with Thermasol steam, more than a dozen bathtubs, several faucet displays, vanities, lighting, toilets, bath accessories and cabinet hardware.

The Steves’ family values shine brightly throughout their business, making their industry partnerships equally as strong. The only marketing tool needed for their success is exceptional customer service (the stunning showroom design is a mere bonus.) The team at DPS believes there is room for everyone in this industry and continuously support others as a reflection of their stance.

Council of Fellows' Newest Inductee: David Crossley

David Crossley joined the DPH industry at Phylrich, taking over the slowly evolving territories of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. The Texas design and building community never knew what hit them, but bathrooms moved from “blah” to elegant, spurred on in large part due to David’s passion.

With a just a few marquis showrooms, David set out to educate the underserved (and often ignored) decorative showroom sales consultants. He was there in the showrooms educating the salespeople on everything necessary to start selling luxury. Undaunted, David knew his most formidable weapon was knowledge - the more the showroom person knew about the product, the installation and what the customer wanted, the more “war” battles they would win. And win decorative plumbing indeed they did.

DPHA, with its focus on education (especially at that time) and guided by the fabulous Faye Norton as the Education Committee chair, was another place that David found he could support his industry in a “national war”. To say that David Crossley drank the DPHA Kool-Aid is a severe understatement. Very few people have been as actively involved in the association for so many years, and in fact, David has been (and remains) one of the greatest and loudest cheerleaders the association has ever had. His contributions to the association include:

• Past DPHA President 
• 2018 recipient of the President’s Distinguished Service Award
• 2007 Manufacturing Professional of Year
• Treasurer 
• Active Board Member 
• Awards Committee Chair
• Active member of the Marketing, Program & Showcase Committee and past seat on the Education Committee 

From day one, Mr. David Crossley had been all about building our Decorative Plumbing & Hardware industry and has done so through the education of our members, sales and support. David has truly been a pioneer of the DPH industry.

2019 DPHA Professional Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2019 DPHA Professionals of the year!

• Customer Service Department of the Year - Icera
• Representative Agency of the Year - Level 5
• Representative Professional of the Year - Yana Haralanova of Repcor
• Showroom Professional of the Year - Valerie Ezra of Grande Central Showrooms
• Manufacturing Professional of the Year - Steven Weinberg of California Faucets

We will be highlighting each winner over the next several weeks, so stay tuned!

DPHA Members' Blog - November 15, 2019

Houzz.com recently released its 2019 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, surveying 1,360 homeowners who had completed a bathroom remodel or addition project in the last year or who were currently working on one, or planning to start a project in the next three months.  The major trends in bathroom remodeling mirror the trends we are seeing in (name of service territory).

Power Showers:  More than 80% of homeowners renovating their bathrooms upgrade the shower, with more than 50% increasing the size of the shower. Manufacturers offer a tempting array of products that can convert an ordinary space for bathing into an in-home spa, featuring steam, light and aroma therapies, high-performing environmentally efficient showerheads, Bluetooth activation and control, music, digital controls and seats for relaxing...     

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2019 DPHA Council of Fellows Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Each year, DPHA provides two scholarships to the children or grandchildren of current DPHA members.  This year we honor the memory of Fred Silverstein of California Faucets – he was a Fellow, an industry icon and a huge supporter of this association.

The Fellows spend a lot of time evaluating the great kids who apply for these scholarships.  DPHA staff receives all of the applications and then crosses out all names and any other identifying marks so there is no chance of any personal biases getting in the way.  

 

This year's recipients are:

• Brianna Domingo from Sunland, California.  Brianna is currently a junior at the University of California Irvine and the daughter of Associated Sales’ Dale Domingo.
• Justin McCartney from Lake Bluff, Illinois.  Justin is currently a freshman at Michigan State University and son of Russ McCartney of Dornbracht.

Dornbracht RAINMOON Rain Panel Named DPHA 2018 Dealers' Choice Award Winner

If you have read Connections over the past few years, you may remember that the Awards Committee introduced the Dealers' Choice award with the intent of putting new products in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer. Basically, this award category works like this:

• Every product submitted last year for the 2018 Product of the Year was eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award.
• Voting took place after the conference last year and details on how to vote were emailed to all DPHA dealer members in our database and via Constant Contact on November 2nd and 16th, and December 7th. Additionally, several articles appeared in our weekly eletter, Connections, with the voting details.
• All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login were eligible to vote. There was one vote per person and no, this election was not rigged!

There were many votes cast for the various nominated products in 2018, and the winner was ...

Dornbracht RAINMOON Rain Panel

Water, light, energy – RAINMOON represents a new dimension of a highly-individual shower experience. The spa application permits a unique encounter with the element of water: two newly-developed flow modes and a unique moonlight are combined to create an emotional water experience providing new life energy.

RAINMOON is distinguished by its particularly minimalist design, attributing focus to the unique water experience. A dome in the ceiling forms the central element which is seamlessly integrated in its surroundings and practically merges invisibly with the bathroom or spa interior. The dome offers a particularly deep-view effect: by means of a concealed light strip inside the semi-sphere, RAINMOON creates the perfect mood lighting while generating a feeling of infiniteness when gazing upwards. The unique water experience is created by two innovative flow modes.

Please don't forget that all products that are listed in the 2019 Product of the Year Guide are now eligible to receive the 2019 Dealers' Choice award, which will be announced during the Friday morning opening session of the 2020 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase. Voting will take place shorty after the conclusion of this year's annual conference, so look for notices in upcoming issues of Connections. Additionally, details on how to vote will be emailed to all DPHA dealer members in our database and via Constant Contact in the near future. This process will take only a few minutes, but it gives every dealer member a chance to be heard, with no gerrymandering involved.

Thanks again to our members for their nomination submittals and congratulations to this year's winners. If you would like to see all of the products that were nominated this year, many of which you can see at this year's Product Showcase, simply click here to download the 2019 Product of the Year Guide. And if you aren't here with the rest of us at the conference right now, we hope we see you next year at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 22-25!

First Impressions' Glacier 1 Pull Named DPHA 2019 POTY Winner in the Hardware Category

The 2019 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Seattle, WA, and we are happy to tell those of you who were not able to join us this year that the POTY (Product of the Year) in the Hardware category was the -

First Impressions Glacier 1 Pull

The Glacier 1 Pull is only hand-chiseled on the backside of the grip - this provides the chiseled look without all sides being textured along with a gloss finish on the front. The newly designed brass mitered end mounts can be finished to your specifications. The Glacier 1 Pull has a modern feel to it due to the acrylic material used in the grip. However, when the mitered end mounts are finished in an antique brass or similar finish, they can be used in transitional to slightly traditional designs.

Honorable Mentions:

• Accurate Lock & Hardware's Jay Jeffers for Access
• OMNIA Industries' Small-Scale ARC Privacy Rose System

Thanks again to our members for their nomination submittals and congratulations to this year's winners. If you would like to see all of the products that were nominated this year, many of which you can see at this year's Product Showcase, simply click here to download the 2019 Product of the Year Guide. And if you aren't here with the rest of us at the conference right now, we hope we see you next year at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 22-25!

Robern Uplift Tech Cabinet Named DPHA 2019 POTY Winner in the Furniture Category

The 2019 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Seattle, WA, and we are happy to tell those of you who were not able to join us this year that the POTY (Product of the Year) in the Furniture category was the -

Robern Uplift Tech Cabinet

Designed to enhance the grooming experience while eliminating bathroom clutter and increase space-savings, Robern Uplift Tech takes innovation to an art form. Uplift Tech incorporates a range of styles and minimalist design sensibility. The creative vertical door application ensures it will not interfere with tall faucets and hanging light fixtures and provides an unparalleled flexibility to intimate spaces.

Honorable Mention:

• Fairmont Designs Ambassador 48-Inch Vanity

Thanks again to our members for their nomination submittals and congratulations to this year's winners. If you would like to see all of the products that were nominated this year, many of which you can see at this year's Product Showcase, simply click here to download the 2019 Product of the Year Guide. And if you aren't here with the rest of us at the conference right now, we hope we see you next year at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 22-25!

Kartners' Knurled Grab Bar Named DPHA 2019 POTY Winner in the Accessory Category

The 2019 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Seattle, WA, and we are happy to tell those of you who were not able to join us this year that the POTY (Product of the Year) in the Accessory category was the -

Kartners' Knurled Grab Bar

Kartners has created a sleek modern grab bar with knurling accents that make the product a great contemporary addition to the bath. The grab bar enables showrooms to design baths where their clients can age in place gracefully and with discrete modern style. The inspiration comes from industrial themes that knurling represents to create a grab bar that can work in multiple spaces.

Honorable Mentions:

• Baci by Remcraft Smart Mirror
• Keuco Shower Shelf

Thanks again to our members for their nomination submittals and congratulations to this year's winners. If you would like to see all of the products that were nominated this year, many of which you can see at this year's Product Showcase, simply click here to download the 2019 Product of the Year Guide. And if you aren't here with the rest of us at the conference right now, we hope we see you next year at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 22-25!

AXOR's MyEdition Faucet Named DPHA 2019 POTY Winner in the Plumbing Water Delivery Category

The 2019 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Seattle, WA, and we are happy to tell those of you who were not able to join us this year that the Plumbing POTY (Product of the Year) in the Water Delivery category was the -

AXOR MyEdition Faucet

The AXOR MyEdition faucet offers designers and homeowners the opportunity to pair a sleek, low-profile chrome faucet body with six different cover plate options that top the faucets including leather, wood, two types of marble, and a mirrored or black glass. With the AXOR FinishPlus program, an additional 13 finishes are available for the faucet body and cover plates, offering nearly limitless design combinations geared towards satisfying varying personal styles. Cover plates can even be retrofitted, meaning users can change ‘the look’ at a later date. AXOR MyEdition incorporates the company’s innovative new PowderRain spray technology, a micro-fine mist that has a powder-like feel.

The sleek design of the faucet coupled with the option to customize ensures that customers are able to create a bathroom space, which is completely tailored to their style and needs. The cover plate options are on-trend and unexpected materials including mirrored glass, black glass, black walnut, lasa covelano vena oro, nero marquina, gray nappa leather, polished chrome, brushed chrome, polish gold optic, brushed gold optic, polished nickel, brushed nickel, polished red gold, brushed red gold, polished bronze, brushed bronze, polished black chrome, brushed black chrome, polished brass, brushed brass and stainless steel optic.

Honorable Mentions:

• hansgrohe Raindance 180 Showerhead
• Waterstone Endeavor Wheel Pull-Down Faucet

Thanks again to our members for their nomination submittals and congratulations to this year's winners. If you would like to see all of the products that were nominated this year, many of which you can see at this year's Product Showcase, simply click here to download the 2019 Product of the Year Guide. And if you aren't here with the rest of us at the conference right now, we hope we see you next year at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 22-25!

BainUltra's VIBE Back-to-Wall 5828 Tub Named DPHA 2019 POTY Winner in the Plumbing Fixture Category

The 2019 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Seattle, WA, and we are happy to tell those of you who were not able to join us this year that the Plumbing POTY (Product of the Year) in the Fixture category was the -

BainUltra VIBE Back-to-Wall 5828 Tub

Specially designed for smaller baths, VIBE Back-to-Wall measures 58” x 28” x 21.” VIBE provides bathers in small urban bathrooms the ability to achieve the elegant feel of free-standing design and the power of hydro-thermo massage and other therapies without sacrificing a square foot. Offered in pure 100% acrylic and trend-setting finishes: UltraVelour matte white and black on white.

The Vibe Back-to-Wall concept was inspired by the next generation of bathers, especially urban Millennials who want to create an oasis of relaxation in space-challenged lofts or condos. VIBE Back-to-Wall helps marry the design elements of the wall and floor as a functional center piece of the bathroom. The VIBE Back-to-Wall tub fits smaller installations without compromising comfort or design.

Honorable Mentions:

• LACAVA Giulia Matte Black Bathtub
• Laufen Sonar Double Bowl Washbasin
• Native Trails Zaca Wall Mount Sink

Thanks again to our members for their nomination submittals and congratulations to this year's winners. If you would like to see all of the products that were nominated this year, many of which you can see at this year's Product Showcase, simply click here to download the 2019 Product of the Year Guide. And if you aren't here with the rest of us at the conference right now, we hope we see you next year at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 22-25!

DPHA Members' Blog - November 1, 2019

What Color Countertop Is Best For Your New Bath

Selecting the color of countertops for a new bath needs to account for how you want the space to look and feel.  The options are unlimited, and homeowners in (name of service territory) tend to choose from:

• White quartz or solid surface
• Speckled or flecked white, cream and lighter colored quartz or solid surface
• Black or darker quartz or solid surface
• Gray or other mid-tone quartz or solid surface
• Slightly veined quartz or stone
• Heavily veined quartz or stone

White countertops work well for homeowners in...

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Calling All Foodies! The Last Installment from Conference Co-Chair Kim Killgore

Hello all you foodies,

Seattle offers a wonderful tapestry of foods and restaurants.  From our rich agricultural (I'm sure you have heard of our apples) and fishing industries to our multi-cultural make up, a great meal is not hard to find.  

Seattle is a wonderland for the seafood loving foodie.  To start, we are all rather snobbish when it comes to seafood.  It better be fresh and it better be wild caught.  You can be assured that the Alaska Airlines flight each May with the first of the Copper River Salmon will be greeted like a rock star - papparrazzi and all.  It is a crying shame that you all will not be able to consume that delicacy - but hey - just an excuse to come back when we can guarantee some sunshine.  Don't be too disappointed, any fresh caught salmon you have while here will be delectable.  And there are plenty of places to do that. A local favorite with a colorful history and charasmatic founder is Ivar's.  There are several sit down locations including the one pictured which is on the north side of Lake Union.  The view of downtown while dining is beautiful.  The salmon can be had a million ways - alder plank is the best - just like the Northwest Natives have always done.  This particular location has a dock, so local boaters can tie up right at the restaurant and jump out for the fine dining or grab some fish and chips at the walk up window.  And although the salmon is fantastic, it doesn't hold a candle to the chowder.  So popular you can buy it at Costco.  If you are a clam, fan don't miss it!  Even if you are NOT a clam fan, don't miss it!  

As mentioned earlier, the Dungeness Crab (discovered at the Dungeness spits on the Washington Coast) is perhaps the best tasting crab on the planet.  A day on the water pulling pots and finding the keepers, than cooking them on the beach......can't wait to do it again.  You don't even need butter!  Don't miss having some of this if you are a shellfish fan.  Oysters Oysters Oysters - razor clams and the Geoduck!  I won't picture it here but have a little fun and google that one!  Apparently they are delicious. 

  

Other Seafood restaurants of note:  Another Ivars on the waterfront very close to The Wheel and Anthony's Home Port further north on the waterfront.  Seastar and Raw Bar just a few blocks from the hotel is another personal favorite.  And if your pocketbook is feeling too full, Aqua by El Gaucho is a bit north of Anthony's and always great for a celebration.

Other restaurants of interest for dinner:  Metropolitan Grill - most likely place to see a SeaHawk or other celebrity, Matt's in the Market - great food with birds nest view of Pike Place Market, and Canlis - the original "it" restuarant for fine dining in Seattle, you can't do much better (dress code strictly enforced).

Some great choices for less formal meals: Salumi - in the Pioneer Square area, this is an Italian deli owned by Mario Batali's dad.  Din Tai Fung - there are several locations around town - this is one of those "best in the world" Michelain Star restaurants and started in Taipei.  Seattle was one of the first US locations and they are currently in all 3 west coast states.  Their claim to fame is the Xiaolongbao - a dumpling with the soup inside.  I must say they are rather amazing.  My kids literally can't get enough of them, and you can watch them make the dumplings thru the giant glass walls.  For a late night crave, Dick's Burgers.  In-n-Out has nothing on Dick's!  Similarly short menu.  The french fries are gooey and salty and the vanilla shakes are real.  A local boat company has been floating around Husky Harbor during the football games throwing them out to sailgaters - yes please.  (The Best Setting in College Football thing is a whole other topic on its own - but I digress).

For the sweet tooth - Bakery Nouveau has a double baked almond croissant that you will dream about, and Molly Moons has the most interesting ice cream flavors you may ever see - Earl Gray ice cream anyone? Top Pot Donuts doesn't have the lines of Portland's VooDoo but they are still varied and delicious.  Last but not least for this post - Fran's Chocolates - Gray Sea Salt Caramels.  If you have them in town you will be grabbing a box to go in the airport - promise.  

Well folks, this is it for the pre-conference blogs.  I hope you are as excited to come as I am for you to enjoy my beautiful corner of the world.  Pray for sun, plan for rain, and travel safe - I'll see you all in one week! 

Now off to grab something new and different at the Starbucks Reserve - Definitely next level coffee shop!

What to Pack for Seattle: Tips from your Conference Co-Chair Kim Killgore

In today's tidbits I thought I would send along some valuable information for planning your packing for the Seattle conference, as well as offer another list of "What to do" in town.  

A little known secret is that we true Seattleites don't actually own bumbershoots. We DO have a questionable music festival named Bumbershoot, but we don't use them. You see, our rain is actually called the Oregon Mist. It missed Oregon and hit us. No joke. And although we DO make the top 10 for number of rainy days we are not even in the top 30 for the amount of rain that falls. You can basically dodge the rain drops. It's not that we don't like a good bumbershoot or umbrella - in fact most of us have received our fair share for birthdays and Christmases - its just that they are a bit cumbersome while one is going about the day. 

My husband Doug and I used to live in the Bay Area. Doug was a general contractor and of course has many friends in the trades. When we moved back many asked "what do you do when it rains?" In California the outdoor construction will usually come to a grinding halt with the first rain drop. Doug's reply - "you get wet."

And a little fun fact is that even with all of our hills that will rival San Fransisco and our 152+ days of rain, we still have one of the highest per capita rates of people who commute to work on their bicycle. Tough to ride one of those while holding an umbrella.  

Moral of the story - if you want to look like a tourist, bring your umbrella - or use one of the many you will find for your temporary use at hotels and outdoor shopping malls around the area. I've checked and yes, the Hyatt Regency has a supply.

So what exactly should you pack? I good raincoat with a hood and some water resistant shoes. 50/50 chance there will be rain and the temps should be around 50 for a high and 40 for a low. You Floridians should consider a parka and your woolies! We have several well know brands of outdoor wear for shopping around the hotel - and you can try your skills on the giant climbing rock in REI just a couple of blocks away. Throw some vitamin D in that suitcase while you are at it.  

Now that you will be appropriately attired, here are a few other fantastic things to go adventuring to!

The Museum of Flight is one of the best museums of its kind in the country and truly rivals the Smithsonian. In addition to the regular museum, which is close to the original Boeing factory and on the southern end of Boeing Field, there is a unique and rare opportunity to tour an authentic shuttle trainer and a couple of VR flight simulators, which are all the rave.

In the Pioneer Square area you will find the Columbia Tower which until recently was the tallest building on the west coast as well as the Smith Tower which was the first "skyscraper" on the west coast. The speakeasy style bar on the 35th floor is quite the hit.

Under the north end of the Aurora Bridge (Hwy 99) you will meet our Troll. He loves VW bugs and keeps one in his grasp at all times. He also loves for you to take pictures with him.

Seattle is the home to many world changing brands. From Boeing to Microsoft, K2 to Eddie Bauer, Costco to Starbucks, and even Amazon, Seattle businesses offers many things to see. The Amazon Spheres are an interesting urban jungle concept and just a couple of blocks from our hotel. And for true world changing inspiration, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center is sure to encourage your philanthropic spirit.

I am so excited that so many of you are coming to Seattle for our fantastic conference and I look forward to you enjoying my city!

For my next and final bunch of tidbits - Seattle Cuisine!

DPHA Members' Blog - October 25, 2019

Consider Maintenance in your new Bathroom Design

Maintaining your new bathroom not only will increase the useful life of vanities, water closets, faucets, shower systems and hardware; regular maintenance also will enhance your enjoyment of the space.  Questions we always ask clients in (name of service territory) is how often a bathroom is used, and for what purposes other than grooming and hygiene?  Other questions to consider are who will clean the bathroom, how often and how much time and effort do you want to keep your bath spotless?

The answer to those questions is to...

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Check out the Seattle Music Scene: Tips from your Conference Co-Chair Kim Killgore

Hi All,

Today's tidbits are for the music lovers. Seattle has a rich modern history of musical contribution, starting with early rock from Jimi Hendrix (you can visit his gravesite - still busy even today) then moving into Queensryche and Heart, the Grunge of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and who can forget Sound Garden...I certainly can't. The ACTUAL Sound Garden is about 2 miles from my house. As you can see, its just about impossible not to break out a song while you are there - flannel and all. You can't deny Sir Mix-a-lot and his impact on the female figure. Or the feel good party rapper Macklemore. And love him or hate him, Kenny G hails from my fair city and even went to University of Washington. The point is, if music is your thing, and you stop into one of the many clubs and venues around town - there is no telling who you might see before they make it big. (I'm still kicking myself that I didn't hang out at the UW student union building while in college when Nirvana and Pearl Jam were paying their dues.) 

If up and coming is your thing, check out The Crocodile (where Nirvana got their start), The Showbox at the Market and the Vera Project. If night clubs and jazz is more your style, try Pioneer Square.  

I briefly mentioned it before, but the MoPOP (previously known as Experience Music Project) is a great way to totally immerse yourself in Seattle Music. Current exhibits include Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix. In addition, you can see a cool guitar gallery, a Prince exhibit and a bunch of Fantasy/Science Fiction inspiration.

Pike Place Market will always have some pretty good buskers - and the people watching is epic!

With an average of 152 days of rain a year, its not surprising that we Seattleites spend so much time on indoor activities. Speaking of which - next weeks tidbits will be all about what to pack for your trip. Bumbershoots anyone?

DPHA Members' Blog - October 18, 2019

Opportunities to Live a Healthier, More Productive Lifestyle

Designing for health and wellness is no longer a fad.  It has become a staple of homeowners in (name of service territory) and for many good reasons.  In our ever-connected, technologically sophisticated world, we have found that our clients lack both personal connection and time, and those shortcomings are fueling demand for in-home spas and baths that provide a place for relaxation, comfort and stress relief.  

A bathroom serves functional purposes for grooming and hygiene, but those activities are improved with the proper lighting, ventilation and anti-bacterial materials and fixtures.  Today’s manufacturers are harnessing the ability of water, light, color, sound, smell and technology to provide therapies that promote health and wellness and a more enjoyable lifestyle.  The following is a list of common fixtures and design concepts that clients in (name of service territory) are employing to obtain healthier and more fulfilling lifestyles...

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