Congratulations to All Those Nominated in the 2018 DPHA Professional Award Categories

DPHA publishes a Product of the Year (POTY) Guide for all nominated products in five different categories (Accessories, Furniture, Hardware, Plumbing Fixtures and Plumbing Water Delivery) which is distributed each year to all conference attendees and then is available to anyone for downloading from the website (to see the 2017 Product of the Year Guide, click here).  However, until last year we had never announced the nominated individuals and companies in the Professional award categories at any point in time.

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

Customer Service Department of the Year:

• Americh
• Crosswater Bathrooms
• Julien
• Mountain Plumbing Products
• Newport Brass
• ROHL

Manufacturing Professional of the Year:

• Abel, Avi (Watermark Designs)
• Derose, Rene (Linkasink)
• Falby, Kim (Julien)
• Gallo, Mark (Accurate Lock and Hardware)
• Hardy, Stephen (Samuel Heath)
• Howkinson, Steve (BainUltra)
• Kratus, Barbara (Infinity Drain)
• Phelps, Eric (Victoria + Albert Baths)
• Ridenour, Glenn (KEUCO)
• Salessi, Massoud (Franke)
• Vecchiola, Matt (Top Knobs)
• Washington, Deshawn (Hansgrohe)
• Weinberg, Steven (California Faucets)

Representative Agency of the Year:

• Creative Bath Sales
• D'Antoni Sales Group
• Foster Companies
• Level 5 Sales & Marketing
• Magruder Associates
• Stehr Enterprises
• The Sales Group

Representative Professional of the Year:

• D'Antoni, Traci (D'Antoni Sales Group)
• Domingue, Heather (Milestone Distributors)
• Garcia, Noel Sr. (DSA - Decorative Sales Associates)
• Gardo, Manny (Pinnacle Sales Group)
• Goldstein, Lori (Henry Podolsky Associates)
• Haralanova, Yana (Repcor)
• Jones, Mike (Pinnacle Sales Group)
• Paul, Ryan (Summit Architectural Resource)
• Pedula, Jerry (Creative Bath Sales)

Showroom of the Year:

• Advance Plumbing & Heating Supply
• B&C Custom Hardware
• Decorative Plumbing Supply
• Designer Bath, Kitchen and Hardware
• Elegant Additions
• Granite Bay Plumbing Gallery/Sierra Plumbing Supply
• Jack London Kitchen & Bath
• Naples Plumbing Studio
• ProSource Supply
• Rampart Supply

Showroom Professional of the Year:

• Bittner, Erin (Pierce Hardware)
• Brady, Kate (General Plumbing Supply)
• Campbell, Richard (Belmont Hardware)
• Ellis, Christy (Sandpiper Supply)
• Ezra, Valerie (Central Plumbing Specialties)
• Hotarek, Phil (Lutz Bath & Kitchen)
• Lopez, Jennifer (ProSource)
• Marano, Sam (Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath)
• Mostafa, Amparito (The Brass Center)
• Pfeil, Vicki (Miller's Fine Decorative Hardware)
• Steves, Ryan (Decorative Plumbing Supply)
• Viglirolo, Patrick (Monique's Bath Showroom)

Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 13th, during the Awards Luncheon.  For now though, congratulations to everyone listed above on being nominated - all of you should be very proud that you are being recognized as leaders in the industry!

Don't Be a Procrastinator and Save Money at the Same Time - Register for the DPHA Conference by September 9th

We recognize that many DPHA members are procrastinators. Well, guess what? Although it hasn't arrived yet, the last minute is less than two weeks away! Sunday, September 9th is the last day to register for the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the discounted rate. Member registration fees increase from $825 per person to $925 per person on September 10. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.  Click here to download the Conference Prospectus and Registration Form or call DPHA at 888-871-6520 to reserve your spot at the October 10-14, 2018 conference being held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Spa & Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

 

Remember, DPHA showroom customers expect you to have your fingers on the pulse of our industry, and our educational programs certainly help you do that.  Need a refresher?  Click on the following links to see quick video recaps from some of last year's speakers at our annual conference: 

• Richard Hadden - Contented Cows Give Better Milk

• Chris Ramey - Five Commandments to be a Customer-Centric Company     

In addition to our educational programs at the conference, the Product Showcase will be open during Friday's breakfast, lunch and evening reception. On Saturday, the Showcase is also open from 8:00am to noon to allow showrooms to meet only with exhibiting manufacturers and their reps to discuss new products, business plans for the year (training, literature updates, display updates, customer service processes, etc.) and address issues related to customer service, product needs and problem resolution. Anyone not exhibiting but caught violating our "no-suitcasing" policy will forfeit their conference badge, and will be escorted from the premises.

Did You Know You Can See 2016 and 2017 Conference Speaker Videos on Our Website?

Talking about the Annual Conference and Product Showcase, did you know that DPHA provides members with full speaker videos from the past 2016 and 2017 conferences.  Just follow the path on the members portal side of the website "Member Resources > Resources to Train Your Team" and click on the 2016 Conference Videos and/or 2017 Conference Videos links. The cost for DPHA members? Nada, zilch, nothing. It's another benefit of membership. And if you want to view these videos but have forgotten your login credentials to the members portal, email Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net.   

 

Want to Make a Big Impact at the DPHA Annual Conference? Join These 2018 Conference Sponsors

We would like to thank those companies who have already signed up to be sponsors at the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase:

• Saturday Night Banquet Sponsor (The House of ROHL)
• Perrin & Rowe
• Riobel
• ROHL
• Shaws Since 1897
• Victoria + Albert
• Ice Luge Sponsors
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham
• ICERA
• Saturday Awards Luncheon
• California Faucets
• Monique's Bath Showroom
• Lanyard Sponsor - Franke
• Key Card Sponsor - Berenson & R Christensen Hardware
• Saturday Morning Bloody Mary Sponsor - Julien
• Saturday Morning Mimosa Sponsor - Dornbracht
• Charging Station Sponsors -
• Friday - AD Decorative Brands
• Saturday - LIXIL Brands
• Coffee Bar Sponsor -
• Friday - Hansgrohe
• Breakfast Sponsors -
• Accurate Lock & Hardware
• Amerec
• Keuco
• Friday Night Bar Sponsors -
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories
• LACAVA
• Lenova
• Saturday Night Bar Sponsors - 
• LACAVA
• Samuel Heath

Want to join this distinguished list? 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 for serving 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. These sponsorships are still available:

• CONFERENCE DEALER GIVEAWAY SPONSORS ($2,000 each, limit of 3)
• Company's name and logo will appear on the giveaway item. if secured by 9/15
• Giveaway Option #1 - Surfboard Pens
• Giveaway Option #2 - Sunglasses
• Giveaway Option #3 - Luggage Tags
• Specified announcement time for giveaway handout drawing traffic into your booth (2 announcement slots on Friday and 1 announcement slot on Saturday)
• Recognition as a giveaway sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the conference
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference registration along with the other conference sponsors

• GOLF OUTING SPONSOR ($3,000)
• 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 registration along with the other conference sponsors

• COFFEE BAR SPONSOR, SATURDAY ($3,000)
• Sponsorship is for a deluxe coffee set-up on Saturday morning during the Product Showcase, which includes company logo on the coffee sleeves
• Recognition as the Saturday coffee bar sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the coffee service on Saturday
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference registration along with the other conference sponsors

• BREAKFAST SPONSOR ($1,500, two sponsorships still available)
• Recognition as breakfast sponsor at breakfast
• Exclusive opportunity to show products on PowerPoint played during the breakfast
• Recognition as banquet sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the breakfast
• Ability to show PowerPoint during breakfast

• SATURDAY NIGHT BAR SPONSOR ($1,500, one sponsorship still available)
• Recognition as a bar sponsor at banquet
• Recognition as a bar sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the bar
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference registration along with the other conference sponsors

If you are interested in taking a conference sponsorship, email Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net or click here to download a copy of the DPHA 2018 Conference Sponsorship Opportunities Form.

The DPHA Product Showcase is 90% Full, but a Few Spots Still Remain for Those Who Act Soon!

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 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 10-13, 2018 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

 

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 $189 per night plus tax and resort fee.

Space is going quickly, but you still have a chance to join these other members who will be promoting their products and services in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (as of Thursday evening, August 23rd):

Accurate Lock & Hardware - 206
ACO Inc. - 203
AMBA Products - 306
Amerec - 303
Americh Corporation - 207
AXOR/hansgrohe - 108
BainUltra - 305 and 307
Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - 109
Baril - 314
Bathroom Butler - 415
Belwith Products - 413
Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware - 304
Bravo Business Media - 204
Brizo - 107
California Faucets - 208
Dornbracht - 412
Elkay - 402
Fairmont Designs - 112
First Impressions International - 215
Forte Group - 512
Frank Allart & Company - 316
Franke Consumer Products - 102 and 201
Hamat USA - 508
Hamilton Sinkler - 407
Hastings Tile & Bath - 312
House of ROHL - 302 and 401
Hydro Systems - 511
ICERA - 510
in2aqua - 100
Infinity Drain - 315
Julien - 211
Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 308
KEUCO - 212
LACAVA - 202 and 301
Laufen - 518
Lenova - 502
Lisa Jarvis Jewelry for Furniture - 214
LIXIL Brands - 408
Mila International - 116
Mountain Plumbing Products - 507
MrSteam - 311
MTI Baths - 411
Nantucket Sinks - 216
Native Trails - 503
Nikles USA - 403
Nostalgic Warehouse - 416
Oceania Bath - 501
OMNIA Industries - 104
Palazzani USA - 515
QM USA - 105
Samuel Heath - 313
SH - Showroom Design Build - 414
SIGMA Designer Faucetry - 406
Thermasol - 205
TOTO USA - 404
Unik Stone - 514
XOLogic Corp. - 504
Zitta - 113

Manufacturers and others interested in displaying this year at the DPHA Product Showcase should contact Assistant Director Rebekah Covay at 630-854-3911 or email Rebekah at rebekah@dpha.net. Do so now, because as we stated at the start of this article, only 10% of our booth spaces remain available. And if you don't exhibit, you can't promote your products or services on or anywhere near the show floor.

The 2018 DPHA Sales Track Training Program - An Offer You Really Can't Refuse!

The Program and Showcase Committee, under the leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (Summit Architectural Resource), once again will provide our members with an offer that is almost too good to be true. You can bring multiple members of your sales team who are first-time attendees 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 Bob Phibbs (The Retail Doctor). And for those who participated in the Sales Training Program at last year's conference, they may once again participate in the program at a reduced rate of $395. 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.          

 

The details:

• Attendance is limited to individuals who have never attended, or only attended once, the DPHA conference previously, and offers a more "sales intensive" focus.
• Cost to attend is $245 per person for first-time attendees, and $395 per second-time attendees (spots are filling quickly - there are a limited amount of seats remaining)
• The special $245 and $395 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 and $395 rate covers admittance to the conference for the following events:  

• Friday, October 12, 5 to 7:30 p.m - Cocktail Reception in the Product Showcase
• Saturday, October 13
• 8 to 9 a.m. - Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
• 8 to 11:45 a.m. - Product Showcase
• 12 to 1:30 p.m. - Awards Luncheon
• 2 to 3:30 p.m. - General Education Session, presented by Bob Phibbs
• 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. - Sales Training Track Program, presented by Bob Phibbs
• 6 to 10:00 p.m. - Closing Banquet and Luau

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.

The Annual Conference and Product Showcase is a great opportunity to not only get your staff more involved with the association and our networking, but to have them exposed to roughly seventy members exhibiting at the Product Showcase and their new cutting-edge product offerings. Here is the chance for your sales personnel to build even better relationships at the conference with those manufacturers usually seen only when they visit your showroom, which can only be better for your business while at the same time increasing their personal feeling of involvement with your business. 

 

How can you take advantage of 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. 

 

Don't Forget to Reserve Your Hotel Room for the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference

In case you haven't been payting attention, the 2018 Annual DPHA Conference will be held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL from October 10-13, 2018 (34 miles from the Jacksonville Airport). Recently renovated and brimming with amenities, the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa sets the stage for a visit you won't soon forget. Next door to the legendary TPC® Sawgrass golf course, they proudly offer their guests special privileges at the courses. Elsewhere at the resort, you can make a splash in one of four pools, pamper yourself at the on-site spa or enjoy a meal at outstanding restaurants. Catch the free shuttle to TPC® Sawgrass or to the recently renovated private Cabana Beach Club. 

 

There are 493 rooms and suites that include a flat screen TV and High Speed Internet Access. It's a first-class resort in every way except the room price. DPHA members will enjoy a $189 per night (plus tax) rate during the DPHA Conference. Click here to make your hotel room reservations and make sure you don't miss out on staying at this fabulous venue. 

 

The Program and Showcase Committee, under the astute leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (Summit Architectural Resource), are once again offering dynamic programs and top-notch speakers who will present customized presentations to meet the specific needs of decorative plumbing and hardware dealers, manufacturers and representatives. Need a refresher? Click on the following links to quick video recaps from some of the 2017 speakers at our annual conference: 

• Richard Hadden - Contented Cows Give Better Milk 
• Chris Ramey - Five Commandments to be a Customer-Centric Company 

The DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase has reclaimed its spot as the most important event of the year for the decorative plumbing and hardware industry. Additional details will be forthcoming over the next few months, but if you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to email jbabbitt@dpha.net or rebekah@dpha.net.  

Did You Know That DPHA Recruiting Efforts are Worth More Than Just Our Thanks?

Did you know that there is a program that rewards you for bringing new members to DPHA? The DPHA Marketing Committee continues to make it worth your while to recruit new members for our association. Just have any new member list you or your company on the "Referred to DPHA by" line on any of our membership applications, and you will receive credit for that new member joining or rejoining our association.

The incentive program is simple and straight-forward. Modeled after frequent flyer programs, DPHA awards recruiter credits for every new member who joins or rejoins our association. There is no time limit or expiration on these recruiter credits, and they can be "cashed in" at any time for the following items:  

• 1 recruiter credit: $25 certificate
• 3 recruiter credits: Dinner on DPHA up to $100
• 5 recruiter credits: Dues for a year
• 10 recruiter credits: Free conference attendance

These recruiter credits have been tracked since January 1, 2014, so if you believe you may already have some credits to your name, contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net. He will be happy to check his list for you. And thanks for continuing to spread the good word about our association!

There's No Debate About This Slate

The DPHA Nominating Committee has developed the following proposed slate of Officers and Directors for 2019. Each member will be emailed a proxy ballot next week that will be sent to the company's designated primary contact. When you receive it, please complete and return your proxy ballot to DPHA via fax at 866-623-6180 or email at jbabbitt@dpha.net by Monday, September 10.

Members are encouraged to return their proxy ballot even if they plan on attending the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 11-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Members who want their proxy ballots returned at that time will be able to obtain a copy from a member of DPHA staff.

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

The Nominating Committee's proposed slate of Officers and Directors to serve on the 2019 Board of Directors is as follows:   

Officers: 

• Gary Erickson (Renaissance Design Studio) - President (remains the President in 2019)
• Cynthia Carter (Next Generation Marketing) - Immediate Past President (remains the Immediate Past President in 2019)
• Ryan Paul (Summit Architectural Resource) - President-Elect (remains the President in 2019)
• Phil Hotarek (Lutz Btah & Kitchen) - Secretary
• Michael Pechar (SIGMA Designer Faucetry) - Treasurer

Directors: 

• Oliver Bleich (KEUCO)
• Kate Brady (General Plumbing Supply)
• Robert Calabrese (Oceania Baths)
• Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware)
• Tony Carter (Carter Hardware)
• David Crossley (Baci by Remcraft/Colonial Bronze)
• Traci D'Antoni (D'Antoni Sales Group)
• Anthony Hajjar (Hamat USA)
• Sarah Jenkinson (Barber Wilson/Sterlingham)
• Kim Killgore (The Rain Company)
• Nat Mucha (Fairmont Design)
• Eric Phelps (Victoria + Albert)
• John Smithman (The Plumbing Place)
• Debby Stehr (Stehr Enterprises)
• Patrick Weidl - LACAVA
• Steve Weinberg (California Faucet)

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 11-13 DPHA Annual Conference. If you reserve today, we won't process your payment until September 9. That's the day before registration fees increase from $800 to $900 per person. Click here for your registration form, or follow the path "Calendar of Events > About the Conference" and scroll down the page to register on the members portal side of www.dpha.net. Then once you have registered, simply send an email to Rebekah Covay letting her know you wish to have your payment processed on September 9th.

 

8th Annual Terry Patters Golf Outing & Wine Tasting Event

If you happen to find yourself in Northern California next Monday, August 13, consider participating in the 8th 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 8th Annual Terry Patters Golf Tournament Benefiting Melanoma Research, Monday, August 13th, 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 local wineries from 12:30 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 or Ericka Reyes-Patters at (925) 640-0042 if you have questions or need more information.

The DPHA 2018 Annual Conference - Education, Networking and Fun!

In about 10 weeks, DPHA members will congregate at the beautiful Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL for the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase. If you haven't registered yet, simply click here to download the conference prospectus, which includes the conference registration form on page 10.

There is outstanding educational content offered to attendees each year, but as those who have attended many of our past conferences will tell you, just because you're at our conference doesn't mean you can' have fun!

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

5K Fun Run and Walk: The 2018 DPHA Conference offers a 5K Fun Run/Walk that will allow everyone to spend more quality time with their DPHA peers in a healthy fun run/walk around the hotel property. The 5K Fun Run/Walk will take place Thursday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m. and there is no cost to participate. Email rebekah@dpha.net if you would like to participate.

DPHA Golf Tourney: On Wednesday, October 10th, join DPHA members for a day on the links at the iconic and famous TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Measuring only 137 yards from the back tees, the famous 17th hole's island green sees more balls hit into the water by the pros during The Players Championship than any other hole at any other tournament during the year. The cost of golf is $450 per person (not unreasonable for a course that most golfers have on their bucket list) which includes golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception. Email rebekah@dpha.net if you would like to participate.

St. Augustine Food and Wine Tour: Sponsored by Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham and Baci by Remcraft, a coach bus will depart the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa on Wednesday, October 10th at 4 p.m. and will return sometime around 9 p.m. Once in St.

Augustine, this 3-hour VIP tasting extravaganza will visit unique and off-the-beaten path local restaurants. From tapas to desserts, you'll taste your way through St. Augustine's colorful history via its rich culinary influences over the centuries, with your professional tour host. This award-winning tour includes a full glass of premium wine, hand selected by the chef, at four of the restaurants the group will visit. Come hungry and be ready for fun! Email rebekah@dpha.net if you would like to participate. The cost is $125 per person, with all proceeds being contributed to the Council of Fellows Scholarship Fund.

Opening Reception: On Friday, October 12, DPHA members will gather in the Product Showcase for our opening night reception, sponsored by Barbara Wilson/Sterlingham and ICERA, who will both feature Ice Luge scultpures (with drinks) at their booths. The other bar drinks will flow from a host bar sponsored by Kartners' Bathroom Accessories, LACAVA and Lenova, and we will munch on tantalizing hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. The reception provides a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and see the latest and greatest in new and innovative products.

Closing Banquet: We close our conference in style, Saturday October 13. A gourmet feast, sponsored by the House of ROHL, Perrin & Rowe, Riobel, Rohl, Shaws Since 1897 and Victoria + Albert Baths, is planned followed by music and dancing, and again drinks will flow from bars sponsored by LACAVA.

Bar Time: The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa's bar will be hopping after the conference programs are over. DPHA members usually congregate there to discuss their businesses, what's working, what's not and what others are doing. There simply is no better networking opportunity in our business.  

There Aren't Many, but Spots Still Remain for the 2018 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 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 10-13, 2018 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

 

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 $189 per night plus tax and resort fee.

Space is going quickly, but you still have a chance to join these other members who will be promoting their products and services in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (as of Thursday evening, August 2nd):

• Accurate Lock & Hardware - 206
• ACO Inc. - 203
• AMBA Products - 306
• Amerec - 303
• Americh Corporation - 207
• AXOR/hansgrohe - 108
• Baci by Remcraft - 408
• BainUltra - 305 and 307
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham - 109
• Baril - 314
• Bathroom Butler - 415
• Berenson & R. Christensen Hardware - 304
• Bravo Business Media - 204
• Brizo - 107
• California Faucets - 208
• Dornbracht - 412
• Elkay - 402
• Fairmont Designs - 112
• First Impressions International - 215
• Forte Group - 512
• Frank Allart & Company - 316
• Franke Consumer Products - 102 and 201
• Hamilton Sinkler - 407
• Hastings Tile & Bath - 312
• House of ROHL - 302 and 401
• Houzer - 508
• Hydro Systems - 511
• ICERA - 510
• in2aqua - 100
• Infinity Drain - 315
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 308
• KEUCO - 212
• LACAVA - 202 and 301
• Laufen - 518
• Lenova - 502
• Lisa Jarvis Jewelry for Furniture - 214
• Mila International - 116
• Mountain Plumbing Products - 507
• MrSteam - 311
• MTI Baths - 411
• Nikles USA - 403
• Nantucket Sinks - 216
• Native Trails - 503
• Nikles USA - 403
• Nostalgic Warehouse - 416
• Oceania Bath - 501
• OMNIA Industries - 104
• Palazzani USA - 515
• QM USA - 105
• Samuel Heath - 313
• SH Immersive Environments - 414
• SIGMA Designer Faucetry - 406
• Thermasol - 205
• TOTO USA - 404
• Unik Stone - 514
• XOLogic Corp. - 504

Manufacturers and others interested in displaying this year at the DPHA Product Showcase should contact Assistant Director Rebekah Covay at 630-854-3911 or email Rebekah at rebekah@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.

8th Annual Terry Patters Golf Outing & Wine Tasting Event

If you happen to find yourself in Northern California on Monday, August 13, consider participating in the 8th 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 8th Annual Terry Patters Golf Tournament Benefiting Melanoma Research, Monday, August 13th, 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 local wineries from 12:30 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 or Ericka Reyes-Patters at (925) 640-0042 if you have questions or need more information.

DPHA Revises the Water Closets & Bidets Manual

The DPHA Education Committee, under the astute leadership of Fred Felder (Simon's Supply) and Traci D'Antoni (D'Antoni Sales Group) has updated the DPHA Water Closets & Bidets manual, one of 22 volumes that comprise the DPHA Education Program. Water Closets and Bidets explains how a water closet works and describes the different types of water closets that are commonly sold in a decorative plumbing and hardware showroom and how they differ from products sold in home centers and other venues that do not specialize in premium to luxury products. The manual also explains different flushing technologies, performance factors and the technological and "wow" factors offered by water closets featuring smart technology whose benefits range from self-cleaning capabilities to heated, illuminated seats.  

 

The information is presented in point-by-point format. Included are suggested questions that sales professionals need to ask to help obtain a better understanding of customer needs and preferences. There is a quiz at the end of each module that can be used as a tool to evaluate information learned.

 

A unique section of the manual offers guidance for selling a $10,000 water closet instead of one that costs $500 or less. Throughout the manual, suggestions appear to help sales associates establish better emotional connections and trust with potential clients and customers. The DPHA Education Program serves dual purposes. One is to explain the technological, performance and aesthetic differences in premium and luxury products featured in decorative plumbing and hardware showrooms and the other purpose is to offer guidance for sales professionals to appeal to the needs, demands and dreams of luxury consumers.

 

The DPHA Education Program is comprised of a series of manuals to familiarize and educate showroom sales staff, manufacturer representatives, manufacturer customer service representatives and others new to the decorative plumbing and hardware industry. Each manual is a training guide that introduces baseline product information to enable showroom staff and others to become familiar with terminology, sales techniques, basic operations and common problems.

 

The Bidet section of the new manual explains how to sell an integrated bidet seat, describes why and how a bidet is used and reviews the different types of bidets commonly sold in decorative plumbing and hardware showrooms. There is a section that explains different spray options.

 

It should also be noted that the Education Program manuals form the basis for DPHA's Recognition Program that offers comprehensive tests for plumbing and hardware categories. The program provides a medium for decorative plumbing and hardware professionals to hone their craft, recognize individuals that have expanded their industry knowledge and provide opportunities for showrooms and others to promote continuing education among their team members.

 

Other modules in the DPHA Education Program include: Accessories, Adorning the Door, Bath Furniture, Bathroom Lighting, Baths (Tubs), Cabinet and Architectural Hardware, Care and Maintenance, Door Hinges, Drains, Finishes, Greening the Bath, Kitchen Faucets, Lavatory Faucets, Locks, Latches and Door Hardware Trim, Multipoint Locks, Protecting the Door, Showers, Shower Systems and Tub Valves, Sinks, Steam Systems, Supplies and Waste Assemblies and Universal Design.

 

Members can view the new Water Closets & Bidets manual by going to the Association's website, www.dpha.net, going to the Members Portal and then following the path "Education > Description & Manuals".  If you need your login information, simply send your email request to Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net.

The 2018 DPHA Award Nominations Deadline is This Coming Tuesday, July 31

In case you haven't been paying attention, the final day for submitting award nominations is this coming Tuesday, 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 keep changing this trend by encouraging you to submit applications and nominations to the 2018 DPHA Awards program. The deadline to submit applications and nominations is now July 31 for the following honors:

• DPHA Showroom of the Year - 2017 winner was Premier Bath & Kitchen in Walnut Creek, CA
• DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year - 2017 winner was Tonya Martin of ProSource Supply
• DPHA Manufacturing Professional of the Year - 2017 winner was Tom Bryant of BainUltra
• DPHA Representative Agency Professional of the Year - 2017 winner was Blake Rivas of TCB Sales
• DPHA Rep Agency of the Year - 2017 winner was Premier Marketing
• DPHA Manufacturer Customer Service Department of the Year -  2017 Winner was Accurate Lock & Hardware
• DPHA Products of the Year (POTY) -
• Plumbing Product, Fixtures (sinks, tubs, toilets) - 2017 winner was Victoria + Albert's Eldon Tub
• Plumbing Product, Water Delivery (faucets, showerheads and valves) - 2017 winner was GRAFF's Sospiro Kitchen Faucet
• Furniture - 2017 winner was The Furniture Guild's Avant 620-0560-OB-B49 Vanity
• Hardware - 2017 winner was Accurate Lock and Hardware's SilentPac Solutions
• Accessories - 2017 winner was Infinity Drain-USG Shower System
• Dealers' Choice Award - 2017 winner was Brizo's Litze Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet

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-portal side of the web site. Just click on the "Awards Program" menu and scroll down the page to the link for the online award nominations.  For those who prefer the traditional route, you can also download form-fillable PDFs of the different award nominations by clicking on the appropriate links. Or if you would simply like us to send the application forms to you and you are a member of the Association, send an email to rebekah@dpha.net with your request.

  

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

1. Mary Jo Peterson, Mary Jo Peterson Design
2. Alissa Ponchione, Assistant 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

The Awards Committee added the Dealer's Choice Award a few years ago that provides another opportunity for manufacturers and representatives to promote their products as award-worthy in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer. The Dealer's Choice Award works as follows:

• Every product submitted for the 2018 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 2019 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.

This is Your Last Chance to Let DPHA Help Pay for Your Child's or Grandchild's College Education Next Year

We know that with so much going on in everyone's lives right now many people forget DPHA has a way to help the children or grandchildren of a member with the cost of college or university. But now that graduations are going on or have already occurred, and before the summer goes into full swing and your attention may be diverted elsewhere, remember DPHA's Council of Fellows is currently accepting applications for its 2018 Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship Fund. Applications must be received by July 31st, 2018.

 

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 (in 2018, Alberto Comini), 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 a citizen of a North American country.
• Applicant must be the child or grandchild of a DPHA member employee.
• Applicant must be a high school graduate currently enrolled in a college, university or accredited trade school.
• 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, 2018.

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." 

No Business Is an Island Unto Itself: A(ction)C(hanges)T(hings) - 2018 Conference Registration is Open

DPHA is accepting reservations for its 17th Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 11-14, 2018, at the Marriott Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Compelling reasons you should attend: 

• You've never seen or heard anything comparable to Avish Parashar. Avish energizes, inspires, and entertains while providing the tools DPHA members need to respond to three critical challenges:

1. The world is changing faster than ever, and people often get "stuck in the past," resisting and complaining about change instead of embracing it and moving forward.
2. Workloads increase while resources decrease, creating stress and a sense of becoming overwhelmed by constantly having to do more and more with less and less.
3. Communicating with other people (customers, prospects and your team) who are difficult, different from us, or who respond to us in unexpected ways which often leads to stress, conflict, and missed opportunities.

• What is one of the biggest challenges facing decorative plumbing and hardware showrooms today? Finding and retaining top-tier talent. With unemployment rates under 4%, that challenge is becoming more difficult. That's why we are bringing Ty Bennett to the Marriott Sawgrass Resort. In a five-year period, Ty has surveyed more than 5,000 business leaders and asked one question: what do you want from your people?

• Learn the actionable steps you and your team can implement to make a stranger a friend and engage customers at a deeper level so when you present products and services, you'll convert more sales and create raving fans. Bob Phibbs, The Retail
  Doctor, will explain:

• How to greet customers and avoid the pitfalls most still make.
• How to make become trusted advisors to your customers and clients.
• How to conduct a showroom tour that establishes trust.
• Why features and benefits don't work and what to emphasize instead.
• How to add-on to every sale.

• 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 (Summit Architectural Resource), provide members with an offer that is almost too good to be true. You can bring multiple members of your sales team (who are first time conference attendees) 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 Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor. 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 4.

• 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 Marriott Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa.