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.

Want to Make a Splash in Chandler, AZ? Join Other Member Companies with a Conference Sponsorship

DPHA offers a menu of conference 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 conference 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.  What follows are the conference sponsorship opportunities that are still available for the 2017 event, being held October 11-15 in Chandler, AZ: 

 

FRIDAY NIGHT RECEPTION SPONSOR ($3,500)

• Recognition as reception sponsor at the reception
• Recognition as reception sponsor in the conference Newsleak 
• Premier signage at the reception 
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the reception

SATURDAY AWARDS LUNCH SPONSOR (2 sponsorships available at $1,750 each or one sponsorship at $3,000)

• Recognition as luncheon sponsor at the luncheon
• Exclusive opportunity to show products on PowerPoint played during the lunch 
• Recognition as luncheon sponsor in the conference Newsleak 
• Premier signage at the lunch 
• Ability to show PowerPoint prior to lunch

FRIDAY LUNCH SPONSOR ($2,750)

• Recognition as luncheon sponsor at the luncheon
• Exclusive opportunity to show products on PowerPoint played during the lunch 
• Recognition as luncheon sponsor in the conference Newsleak 
• Premier signage at the lunch 
• Ability to show PowerPoint prior to lunch

WINE SPONSOR ($2,500)

• Company’s name and logo will appear on the wine label that is affixed to the wine bottles during the Friday night reception and Saturday night banquet
• Recognition as the wine sponsor in the meeting Newsleak 
• Premier signage at the bar 
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference sign-ups along with the other conference sponsors

GOLF OUTING SPONSOR ($2,500)

• Recognition as golf outing sponsor at the bar following the Wednesday outing
• Recognition as golf outing sponsor in the meeting Newsleak 
• Premier signage at the event 
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference sign-ups along with the other conference sponsors

BREAKFAST SPONSOR ($1,100)

• Recognition as breakfast sponsor at breakfast
• Exclusive opportunity to show products on PowerPoint played during the breakfast 
• Recognition as banquet sponsor in the conference Newsleak 
• Premier signage at the breakfast 
• Ability to show PowerPoint during breakfast

BAR SPONSOR ($1,100) (2 of 3 taken for Friday night; all 3 available for Saturday night)

• Recognition as a bar sponsor at banquet
• Recognition as a bar sponsor in the conference Newsleak 
• Premier signage at the bar

And thank you so much to the following members who have already agreed to serve as conference sponsors for the 2017 Annual Conference and Product Showcase:

SATURDAY NIGHT BANQUET SPONSORS - 

 

KEY CARD SPONSOR -

LANYARD SPONSOR -

 

COFFEE BAR SPONSOR, FRIDAY -



COFFEE BAR SPONSORS, SATURDAY -

  
SMOOTHIE BAR SPONSOR -



BAR SPONSORS (Still a few available) -
 

If you are interested in taking a Conference Sponsorship, email Jim Babbitt
at jbabbitt@dpha.net or click here to download a copy of the DPHA 2017 Sponsorship and Advertising Registration Form.

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Erik Eberhardt at Miller's Fine Decorative Hardware in Jupiter, FL

The DPHA 17-on-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 Erik Eberhardt at Miller's Fine Decorative Hardware in Jupiter, FL.

A few years ago while visiting a Verizon wireless store, management personnel from Miller's Fine Decorative Hardware were so impressed with Erik that they ended up offering him a job.  Since then, Erik has flourished in our industry.  As one of his nominators noted, in the two years Erik has been in the industry, he continues to amaze with his level of decorative plumbing and hardware knowledge.  He almost immediately absorbs new product knowledge that is thrown at him, and then instantly puts that information to use.  Erik is also unafraid to include add-on items in his quotes .  He believes the worst thing that can happen is the client says no. The primary tools Erik has used to familiarize himself with decorative plumbing and hardware have been the DPHA education manuals. 

 

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

Erik: My two-year anniversary was June 1.   

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Erik: The amount on money spent in plumbing on one project. I've done projects where the plumbing cost is more than an average middle class home.

 

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

Erik: Keeping up to date with ever-changing products and the vast variety of product lines.   

 

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

Erik: Being able to see the project complete from start to finish. Nothing is more gratifying then seeing the final product and how everything came together. 

 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Erik:  It's a pleasure having the opportunity to become one of the 17-in-17 honorees.

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?

 

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. 

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Sheryl St. Pierre at Simon's Supply

The DPHA 17-on-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 Sheryl St. Pierre Simon's Supply in Plymouth, MA.

Sheryl St. Pierre joined Simon's Supply approximately four years ago. Prior to that, she had been selling equestrian equipment (things like saddles, boots and crops). When joining Simon's she was part of a two-person showroom.  There she learned the basics of our industry. However, due to another co-worker's  departure, she was transferred to Simon's Plymouth, MA showroom and that is where she has really hit her stride. In Plymouth, she is the "first chair" salesperson.  Sheryl's organizational skills are exemplary.  She also remembers what it was like to be a new person in this overwhelming industry and takes pride in helping those who are new, guiding them with knowledge and strategy.

In her spare time, Sheryl is a dog person - she has a few dogs of her own and a foster at any given time.   

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

Sheryl: I have been in the industry 3 1/2 years.    

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Sheryl: The biggest surprise I found was just how many great companies there are out there that I had never heard of. This is a whole industry where the companies have great products and reputations that are not known by the average consumer until they get into the remodeling process and go beyond big box stores.   

 

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

Sheryl: The biggest challenge has been learning all there is to know. Just when you think you are getting an understanding of things, there is a new product or changes in current products. 

 

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

Sheryl:  I love helping people find solutions to their bathroom needs. It's a great feeling when a customer either calls or comes back in to say they love their bathroom and everything worked out great. I like it when you get to show people ideas they have never thought of before.  

 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Sheryl: Thank you. 

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? 

Something for Almost Nothing? It's Possible If You Submit an Awards Nomination

Many of our parents told us that you get nothing without a cost, but that is certainly not true in the case of nominating someone for an award in one of the following six categories:

• DPHA Showroom of the Year - 2016 winner was Pierce Hardware in Dallas, TX
• DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year - 2016 winner was Kymberly Weiner of Best Plumbing Tile & Stone
• DPHA Manufacturing Professional of the Year - 2016 winner was Cary Hergenrother of LIXIL Brands
• DPHA Representative Agency Professional of the Year - 2016 winner was John Matlack of Level 5 Sales & Marketing
• DPHA Rep Agency of the Year - 2016 winner was Associated Sales
• DPHA Manufacturer Customer Service Department of the Year - 2016 Winner was Infinity Drain

Anyone (other than a member of the Awards Committee or the Board of Directors) who submits a nomination in any of the above Professional categories will automatically be entered in a drawing for one of 15 seats on the Arizona Food Bus Tour, an activity occurring on Wednesday evening, October 11th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase in Chandler, Arizona.  This is a private tour that will visit classic food establishments in Scottsdale, allow you to sample their specialties, and learn the history, culture, architecture, and local entertainment of Scottsdale's Old Town district.

There are only 30 seats available on the Arizona Food Tour bus, and 15 seats that are available for purchase cost $175 per seat, so save yourself some money while costing yourself only a few minutes of time by submitting a nomination in one of the six Professional categories.  This is your final chance to recognize peers for their outstanding contributions to the industry and Association by clicking on www.dpha.net and logging into the members-only side of the web site. There is a link that takes you to an online nomination form that enables you to submit nominations. There is also a second link that will allow you to download award nomination forms in a pdf-fillable format.  The deadline for award nominations is Monday, July 31st, so don't wait any longer and have a chance to get something for (almost) nothing!

Time is Running Out - Council of Fellows' Scholarship Applications are Due July 31st!!!

We know that with so much going on in everyone's lives right now that many people forget our association has a way to help the children or grandchildren of a DPHA member with the cost of college.  But time is running out  - DPHA's Council of Fellows is still currently accepting applications for its 2017 Scholarship Fund, but applications must be received by Monday, July 31st, 2017.

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

Download the application.

Application Requirements:

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

Selection Criteria: 

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

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or phone at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message).  Having sent his own four children to college, Jim certainly can "feel your pain".

Please Note - The 2017 DPHA Award Nominations Deadline Been Extended Through July 31

Many of you have contacted us to request an extension to submit award nominations, so are pleased to announce that the final day for submitting award nominations has been extended to Monday, July 31.

Everyone wants to be appreciated and recognized for their contributions, but few of us take the time to say thank you to our exceptional peers for what they do for our companies, our organization and our industry. We want to change this trend by encouraging you to submit applications and nominations to the 2017 DPHA Awards program. To repeat, the deadline to submit applications and nominations for the honors listed below is now July 31.

• DPHA Showroom of the Year - 2016 winner was Pierce Hardware in Dallas, TX
• DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year - 2016 winner was Kymberly Weiner of Best Plumbing Tile & Stone
• DPHA Manufacturing Professional of the Year - 2016 winner was Cary Hergenrother of LIXIL Brands
• DPHA Representative Agency Professional of the Year - 2016 winner was John Matlack of Level 5 Sales & Marketing
• DPHA Rep Agency of the Year - 2016 winner was Associated Sales
• DPHA Manufacturer Customer Service Department of the Year - 2016 Winner was Infinity Drain
• DPHA Products of the Year (POTY) -
• Plumbing Product, Fixtures (sinks, tubs, toilets) - 2016 winner was the Alape 2step Sink
• Plumbing Product, Water Delivery (faucets, showerheads and valves) - 2016 winner was Axor's ShowerSelect SoftCube Thermostatic Trim
• Furniture - 2016 winner was The Galley Dresser
• Hardware - 2016 winner was Hamilton Sinkler's DP140Z Triangular Door Pull
• Accessories - 2016 winner was Mr. Steam's Linear Steamhead

Now is your chance to recognize peers for their outstanding contributions to the industry and Association by clicking on www.dpha.net and logging into the members-only side of the web site. There is a link that takes you to an online nomination form that enables you to submit nominations.  There is also a second link that will allow you to download award nominations forms in a pdf-fillable format.  

  

For the Product of the Year awards (POTYs), DPHA has again assembled an independent panel of distinguished industry editors, designers and professionals to judge the five different products of the year. Those judges are:  

1. Mary Jo Peterson, Mary Jo Peterson Design
2. Stacy Shoemaker, Editor Hospitality Design 
3. Eliot Sefrin, Editor Emeritus of KBDN 
4. Lindsay Crozier, Architect at Made LLC 
5. Nicole Wieland, Builder/Designer at Charleston Building & Development

Last year the Awards Committee added the Dealer's Choice Award, an award that provides another opportunity for manufacturers and representatives to promote products in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer.  The Dealer's Choice Award works as follows:  

• Every product submitted for the 2017 Product of the Year (POTYs) will be eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award.
• Voting will take place immediately following the annual conference and will be open for approximately six weeks. 
• All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login will be eligible to vote. One vote per person. 
• The winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2018 Conference.

Manufacturers - when was the last time you were handed a golden opportunity to have your new products analyzed and critiqued by leading journalists of publications that are read and respected by your clients and prospects? DPHA is providing you this opportunity. Be sure to take advantage of it.

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Yana Haralanova from RepCor

The DPHA 17-on-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 Yana Haralanova of RepCor in northern California.

In the last few years, Yana has grown from a novice to the leader of the luxury team at her company, where she now serves as their Director of Luxury Sales and Marketing. She is not only intelligent, but she is engaged in making herself and her entire company better. When her company recently began representing a very big product line, she stepped up by managing and training her team on the new line while at the same time keeping all of her customers up-to-date. She is enthusiastic about the DPH industry - to Yana, her work is more than just a job and her enthusiasm is contagious. We are also told that it's smart to hang out with her at ISH, since she speaks German. 

 

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

Yana: Almost 10 years now.   

Connections:What has surprised you about the industry?

Yana: Interesting question. There have been so many unexpected turns and astonishing revelations. To name a few - the importance of sustainable and sensible water management, emphasized by the drought in California (and the lack of understanding of the water system by the governing bodies), the commitment of the people in our industry to educate ourselves and get involved with associations and charitable organizations; the ongoing battle of brick-and-mortar stores and the internet players. Therefore, I have to say the biggest surprise of the industry is how ever-changing and perpetually challenging it is.

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

Yana: One of my favorite things about our industry is it's history and age. The plumbing system in the US predates the electrical and phone systems. As such though, we, it's members, are often reluctant to change, to accept new technologies, materials or even methods of communication. It would be great to see the application of technology spread further among industry members.  

 

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

Yana: This will sound a bit cliche, but truly, I enjoy the community. Throughout the years I have made numerous friends and even more so, I have had many colleagues actively engage with my career, providing guidance, advice and mentoring through rough times. I am extremely grateful for everyone's support and I try to reciprocate or pay it forward whenever I can. 

 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Yana: Thank you DPHA for this recognition. It has been such a great pleasure getting to know everyone and being involved with this organization. 

If you would like to nominate someone for inclusion in 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? 

Only a Limited Amount of Booth Spaces Remain Available for the 2017 DPHA Product Showcase

Do you want to end your year with a bang? If so, DPHA is providing an opportunity for member companies to place their products in front of an elite group of experienced and market-savvy distributors that run the best showrooms in North America. Plan to exhibit at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 12-14, 2017 at the Sheraton Grand at Wildhorse Pass Resort in Chandler, AZ.

This year's showcase will once again be a must-see event! DPHA will conduct a multifaceted marketing campaign targeting hundreds of dealer showrooms throughout North America. This effort will provide multiple reasons for dealers to attend. We will partner with you and every one of the Showcase exhibitors to promote new products, existing products and current best-selling products through Connections and creative eblasts.

We will work with each exhibitor to identify dealers that would benefit from attending the Conference and reach out to help encourage them to attend. DPHA will create an easy button that Showcase exhibitors can use to promote their participation at the Conference by providing compelling content that you can issue to your customers and prospects that explain the benefits dealers will receive from attending the Conference.

The venue offers another incentive for DPHA members to attend. We again will be located at a first-class resort with all of the amenities, services and luxury experiences that you expect from an award-winning property with one exception - the price. We've negotiated an unbelievable room rate of $179 per night plus tax and resort fee.

Space is already limited, but you still have a chance to join these other members who will be promoting their products and services in Chandler, AZ:

• Accel Group/David Hawkins Design Management - #113
• Accurate Lock & Hardware - #410
• AD Waters USA - #213
• Amerec - #403
• Americh Corporation - #509
• Amerock - #607
• Ashley Norton - #608
• Axent Corporation - #209
• Baci by Remcraft - #205
• BainUltra - #202 and #204
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - #309
• Barclay Products - #602 and #604
• Bathroom Butler Dezign - #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
• Elkay - #300
• Fleurco, Inc. - #510
• Frank Allart & Company - #313
• Franke Consumer Products - #401 and #500
• Franz Viegener - #600 and #602
• GRAFF - #301 and #400
• Hamilton Sinkler - #208
• Hansgrohe - #302
• 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
• 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 given the initial response we've received for booth space, we expect a complete sell out in the next several weeks. And if you don't exhibit, you can't promote your products or services on or anywhere near the show floor.

Do You Want to Help Lead? 2018 Board of Directors' Applications are Now Being Accepted

Would you like to help set the strategic direction for the industry's leading trade association? Would you like to make your industry better? Would you like to expand your network and learn more about your industry? Would you like to give back to your industry and be a meaningful contributor to its future growth? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, then consider submitting your name to serve as a Director on the 2018 DPHA Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will be meeting in the next several weeks and we want to make sure that all Association members are aware of the opportunity to submit their names for Board consideration. If you are interested, send an email to jbabbitt@dpha.net. The deadline for submitting your application is Friday, July 14, 2017.

Knowledge is Power: Rise Above the Rest - 2017 Conference Registration is Open

DPHA has finalized the speakers for this year's 2017 Annual Conference and Product Showcase being held from October 12-14 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass resort in Chandler, AZ, and we will have a full conference prospectus available for downloading in the next few weeks.  In the interim, we have received numerous requests to start taking conference attendee registrations, so you can now either register for the conference by clicking here to download the conference registration form, or you can go to the members-only side of the website and follow the path "2017 Conference > 2017 Conference On-Line Sign-up" to register electronically (this latter option only available if paying by credit card).

We will be describing programs in more detail in the upcoming conference prospectus as well as "special edition" conference Connections issue, but here are several highlights to whet your appetite: 

• Registration Fees - $800 per member and $450 spouse fees
• Sales Training Trak Program - The Program & Showcase Committee, under the leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (GRAFF), are offering a new sales training program at this year's conference.  Led by Robb Best (Elkay), the sales training program offers both classroom learning and a roundtable workshop. 
• Attendance is limited to individuals who have never attended the DPHA conference previously, and is meant to be a more "sales intensive" focus.
• Cost to attend is $245 per person (currently limited to 40 participants) 
• The special $245 rate for a participant in the sales training program is only available to those who have someone else from their company attending the conference on a full conference fee.
• The special $245 rate covers admittance to the conference for the following events:
• Friday - 5 to 7:30 p.m. Reception in the Product Showcase
• Saturday -
• 8:00 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
• 8:00 to 11:45 a.m. - Product Showcase
• Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Awards Luncheon (Product Showcase not open for booth tear-down until 1:30 p.m.)
• 1:45 to 5:15 p.m. - Sales Intensive Training Program
• 7 to 10:30 p.m. - Closing Banque
• Other optional activities include -
• Golf on Wednesday, October 11th at 1 p.m. - $200 per person at the Whirlwind Golf Course
• Arizona Food Tour on Wednesday, October 11th at 5:30 to 9 p.m. - $175 per person, but seating is limited.  To qualify for a possible seat on the bus at no charge, submit a Professional category 2017 awards nomination.
• 5K Fun Run/Walk on Thursday, October 12th at 4:30 to 6 p.m. - there is no charge for this activity, and further details will be announced prior to the start of the conference.

To see the updated conference schedule at any time, visit www.dpha.net, follow the path "Membership > Conferences" and scroll down the page.  And if you have any questions about the 2017 Annual Conference and Product Showcase or the new sales training program, please contact Jim Babbitt at  jbabbitt@dpha.net or Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net.
 

The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Gianni LaCapra from DSA (Decorative Sales Associates)

The DPHA 17-on-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 Gianni LaCapra of DSA (Decorative Sales Associates) in Miami, FL.

Gianni's has literally grown up in the DPH industry - her father is Noel Garcia and her aunt is Myra Montes, both from DSA.  Although Gianni graduated from medical school several years ago, she ended up joining the family business.  Since then, she has been instrumental in getting DSA more focused on architects and developers in her market.  Gianni's is also actively involved with her community, participating in the ride-for-cancer and the many other charity events in the south Florida area.

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

Gianni: That is always a good question.  I like to say that I officially started my career in the DPH industry when I was 12 years old, punching holes in Vita Bath literature over the summer. It is amazing how much you can learn by just staring at literature all day. I grew up in the industry making sales calls with my father and my aunt on my days off from school. So I guess one can say I have been in the DPH industry my whole life. Officially, I started my full time (adult) employment in 2008 working as the National Sales Manger for High Point as well as doing sales and marketing for DSA.

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Gianni: You never stop learning. When you consider of Decorative Plumbing & Hardware, you think, how complicated can it really be? There is so much more to this industry than good looking plumbing fixtures. In order to be a true professional, you need to understand the basic of plumbing (what we like to call plumbing 101), understand customers, markets, trends and so much more. If someone would have told me in 2009 that 9 years later I would still have SO much more to learn, I would have never believed them.

 

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

Gianni: My biggest challenge is also my biggest surprise. We are all so busy and set on our way of doing things that people forget to open their eyes and ears to new things. Just because you have always sold a certain product does not mean that you shouldn't be open to learning about another product or product category. Knowledge is the best tool that we have. I ask industry veterans to take time to consider new things and our industry rookies not to be scared to try something different and take time to learn.

 

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

Gianni: I can really say that I love what I do. After so many years, your customers become like family. Work doesn't feel like work when you enjoy the people that you meet with daily. The DPH industry is so much than plumbing, it is about the relationships that have been built along the way. Few industries have people that are competitors and have been friends for 30 plus years.

 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Gianni: I just want to say thank you for this honor. With so many people that have accomplished so much in the DPH industry, it is truly an honor to be included in the 17-in-17 program.

If you would like to nominate someone for inclusion in 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? 

 

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

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

Bath & Kitchen Category:

Marcia Dupree, Robinson Supply/The Bath Splash Showroom
Alan Roa, Robinson Supply/The Bath Splash Showroom

General Knowledge Category:

Marcia Dupree, 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 that, as we announced in earlier issues of Connections, 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.