DPHA has tangible, productive, viable and valuable deliverables that help with daily operations, but we need your support and participation to assure that DPHA continues to develop products, services and deliverables that provide your business with competitive advantages. If you have any questions, give us a call or contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net. We look forward to working with you and helping to make your business even better in 2018.



www.dpha.net




Posted 03/02/2018




To Our Association Cheerleaders - 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 DPHA members. Have any new member list your name or company on the "Referred to DPHA by" line on their membership application, 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:

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!



www.dpha.net




Posted 03/02/2018




One Last Reminder for Those Interested in Creating the DPHA 2018 Awards - We Need to Hear from You by February 28th

DPHA Members: here's your final reminder. Do you want to be spotlighted at the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference, October 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL? The Awards Committee would like to hear from any firm interested in producing the physical awards presented at this year's conference. All ideas are welcome.

Currently, there will be a total of 12 awards to be handed out in the following categories:
1) Showroom Professional of the Year
2) Manufacturer Professional of the Year
3) Representative Professional of the Year
4) Showroom of the Year
5) Representative Agency of the Year
6) Customer Service Department of the Year
7) Plumbing Fixture of the Year
8) Plumbing Water Delivery Product of the Year
9) Furniture Product of the Year
10) Accessory Product of the Year
11) Hardware Product of the Year
12) 2017 Dealer's Choice Award

You have a blank canvas to be as creative as you want to be. Please note however, that the DPHA logo should be incorporated into the award or the engraving. Submit an estimate to DPHA on how much time your company will need to create the physical awards and anything else you can think of that the Awards Committee needs to know or consider.

Funds are available to cover the cost of the awards. If you are interested in producing the awards for this year's conference, please contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net by February 28, 2018.



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/23/2018




Don't Worry - Registration for the Product Showcase at the 2018 Annual Conference Hasn't Begun Yet


DPHA has been receiving numerous inquiries regarding booth registration for the 2018 Product Showcase at our annual conference, which will be held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, October 11-13, so we just wanted to reassure everyone that no, if you are a DPHA member and interested in exhibiting this year, you have not missed anything. We are working on the floor plan for the Product Showcase and in keeping with our usual process, sometime during the second half of April 2018, we will send out notices for booth sign-ups and selections in the following order:

Additionally, when booth registration is open to the general membership, it will be announced in Connections as well as in a separate email blast and on our social media. Keep your eyes open for more updates and the booth registration announcements. We only have 72 booth spaces (10' by 10') again this year, and if things go like they did in 2016 and 2017, the booths will be completely booked within a few weeks after registration is open to everyone.

If you have any other questions or need help with something else, don't hesitate to contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net or via phone at 630-854-3911. And for those who are inquiring about our regular conference attendee registration, we will be sending out those notices sometime in June 2018.



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/23/2018




How Can You Get a Great Bang for Your Buck? Become a 2018 DPHA Corporate Sponsor

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

PLATINUM ($11,000)

GOLD ($6,500)

SILVER ($3,750)

BRONZE ($1,750)

Members that are interested in keeping their name and web sites in front of the most influential members of the DPH industry continuously and want to take advantage of DPHA sponsorship opportunities should contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net  or call him at 224-999-0434. You can also download the 2018 Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Form simply by clicking here.



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/23/2018




DPHA's Faces-of-Our-Future Recognition Program

In keeping with the tradition of last year's 17-in-17 program, DPHA is proud to introduce 2018's Faces-of-Our-Future Program, designed to recognize the up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will focus on profiling individuals with 10 or less years of experience amongst all our membership base of dealers, manufacturers and independent sales agents. Each month from April through October 2018, two or three members will be inducted into the Faces-of-Our-Future club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. To submit your nominations, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt 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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/16/2018




2018 Dues Are Due!

If you have not paid your 2018 DPHA dues, what are you waiting for? Dues are only $715 per year. This is an incredible value given the benefits that the Association offers its members. Second notices were issued a week or so ago, and if we don't hear back from you soon, please be kind to Rebekah Covay when she attempts to contact you. If you are unsure as to whether or not your membership has been renewed for this year, please contact Rebekah at rebekah@dpha.net or via phone at 630-854-3911. We truly appreciate everyone's past support, and hope we count on your continued support and participation in 2018.



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/16/2018




DPHA is Now Accepting Applications for the Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship

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.

DPHA is currently accepting applications for the 2018 Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship. Click here.

Application Requirements:

Selection Criteria:

If you have any other questions about the application process, feel free to contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net.



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/16/2018




You Are Not Alone

Shortly after Thanksgiving last year, DPHA's Executive Committee (EXCO) met to discuss issues and opportunities facing the Association that were then further expanded upon during the Board of Directors' meeting January 22nd in Dallas, TX. Several ideas and programs were not only discussed, but acted upon for this year and beyond, not least of which is DPHA's new mission statement, which is also reflected in the Connections header above -

"A network of elite decorative hardware and plumbing professionals striving to create a culture of excellence and education."

Invariably, one of the discussions led back to the age-old question "Why should someone join DPHA?" Although the answer seems obvious to those of us who are involved, the continual challenge is attempting to put something meaningful down on paper. After some very animated conversations, here is what the groups came up with:

You are not alone. As a member of DPHA, you belong to the finest association of decorative plumbing and hardware professionals in North America. DPHA is a network of people who are passionate about not only the DPH industry, but its people. This passion drove the creation of DPHA and propels us to keep improving our people, our businesses and our industry.

In this age of technology, it is still people who make the real difference. Yes, DPHA offers a host of programs and deliverables, but we know our real strength is the power and passion of our members. Networking doesn't really describe the informal mentoring, consulting, business creation and peer-to-peer sharing that goes with being a member of DPHA. Competition is tough and getting tougher, and we can all use a good partner. When you are a member of DPHA, you have a lot of them. You are not alone.

Mutual goals for member companies -

Goals for our three primary member segments -

--- Manufacturers

--- Representatives

--- Dealers

As a member of DPHA, you are a member of a community, one that is supportive and inclusive. Indeed, you are not alone!



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/09/2018




Reserve Rooms for the DPHA 2018 Conference Now

DPHA members can now reserve hotel rooms for the October 10-13 Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the beautiful Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The rate is $189 per night plus tax and resort fees, and if you reserve your room now, your credit card will not be billed yet for any portion of the stay and you have up until 72 hours prior to the start of your stay to cancel your hotel room reservation without any penalty. Click here to reserve your room.



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/09/2018




The Real Story of Valentine's Day

In honor of the February 14 holiday, Connections wants to re-share the real story of Valentine's Day. It dates back to the third century when Roman Emperor Claudius II ordered all Romans to worship 12 gods. Refusing to do so was punishable by death. You can certainly imagine that Christians did not take too kindly to Claudius' edict. One who refused was named Valentinus, who was subsequently arrested and jailed. Awaiting his ultimate fate, his jailer recognized that Valentinus was an educated man and asked him if he would tutor his blind daughter, Julia.

Valentinus was a good teacher and Julia was a receptive student. After learning math, Roman history, biology and religion, Julia started to see the world through Valentinus' eyes. Then a miracle occurred. When Valentinus and Julia were praying together, there was a sudden brilliant flash of light in the prison cell. Eureka! Julia suddenly could see.

On the eve of his execution, Valentinus sent a note to Julia that he signed, "Your Valentine." He was executed on February 14, 270 AD. However, from that day on, messages of devotion, love and affection are sent around the world.

Now that you know the true story of Valentine's Day, don't you wonder where those heart shaped candies with corny phrases came from?



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/09/2018




Again, Here is Why We Believe We Deserve Your Support in 2018

DPHA dues notice were issued two or three weeks ago, and second notices will probably be going out in the mail in the next few weeks. We are confident that we will continue to deliver the return on your dues investment that DPHA members expect and deserve. Here are just some of the things you can look forward to from your DPHA membership in 2018:

DPHA has tangible, productive, viable and valuable deliverables that help with daily operations, but we need your support and participation to assure that DPHA continues to develop products, services and deliverables that provide your business with competitive advantages. If you have any questions, give us a call or contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net. We look forward to working with you and helping to make your business even better in 2018.



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/02/2018




Want to Make an Impact? How About Creating the DPHA 2018 Awards

DPHA Manufacturers: do you want to be spotlighted at the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference, being held October 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL? The Awards Committee would like to hear from any firm interested in producing the physical awards presented at this year's conference. All ideas are welcome.

Currently, there will be a total of 12 awards to be handed out in the following categories:

You have a blank canvas to be as creative as you want to be. Please note however, that the DPHA logo should be incorporated into the award or the engraving. Submit an estimate to DPHA on how much time your company will need to create the physical awards and anything else you can think of that the Awards Committee needs to know or consider.

Funds are available to cover the cost of the awards. If you are interested in producing the awards for this year's conference, please contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net by February 15, 2018.



www.dpha.net




Posted 02/02/2018




Thank You, DPHA Leaders!

The DPHA Board of Directors met Monday, January 22nd, in Dallas, TX. The goal of the Board meeting was to finalize action plans for committee activities in 2018. Among the goals for the year are:

DPHA again wants to recognize and thank those who dedicate their time and expertise to better the association and industry by serving on the 2018 DPHA Board of Directors:

Officers:

At-Large Executive Committee Members (subsequently selected by the President and approved by the 2018 Board of Directors):

Directors:

Thanks again to all of you for your continued service in leading the association in 2018!



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/26/2018




TPC or Not TPC? That is the Question

To paraphrase Hamlet (especially if he were a golf fanatic), "TPC Stadium or not TPC Stadium? That is the question." As we have announced since the opening session of the 2017 annual conference in Chandler, AZ, the 2018 Annual Conference and Product Showcase will be held from October 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. And as you are almost certainly aware if you follow the game of golf at all, this is also the home of the TPC Stadium Golf Course, which hosts the annual PGA Players' Tour Championship, considered by most of the professional tour golfers as their "unofficial" 5th major championship. This particular course has arguably the toughest finishing 3 holes of any golf course in the world, and in particular, the 17th hole - a par 3 with an island green - is an iconic hole for almost anyone who has watched the tournament or swung a golf club.

We too have the opportunity to schedule our Wednesday afternoon (October 10th) golf outing prior to the start of the conference on this course, but as one might expect, there is the question of cost. The cost to play the TPC Stadium course that day would be roughly $500 to 550 per player per round (which includes the caddy gratuities and other miscellaneous fees), while if we chose to play the other TPC golf course at the site (the TPC Valley Course), the fee per person would run somewhere between $275 and $300.

As you might imagine, these rates have caused debate among several of our Program & Showcase Committee members as to whether or not there would be enough interest among our golfing members attending this year's conference to organize a golf outing. Considering the costs involved, we would like to know from you -

1. Would you be interested in playing the TPC Stadium course at roughly $550 per person? - OR -
2. Would you be interested in playing the TPC Valley course at roughly $300 per person?

So if you would be interested in golfing, please send a quick email to Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net letting him know your answer to the inquiry above. Although your answers are non-binding, please keep in mind that if we decide to book tee times for an outing, we will probably have to guarantee a minimum amount of golfers for the event.

And if you missed the announcement about the hotel and the room reservation link that we posted on our website at the beginning of the year as well as mentioned in the January 5th issue of Connections, here is the information.

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 their four pools, pamper yourself at the on-site spa or enjoy a meal at their outstanding restaurants. Catch their 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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/26/2018




Missed the 2017 Conference? Don't Miss the Content

Many DPHA members were so very thoroughly impressed with the quality of content presented at the 2017 Annual Conference, they wanted us to share the experience and knowledge with their coworkers. Now here's their chance. DPHA has posted the following videos on the DPHA web site (unfortunately, we were not allowed to video record Doug Stephen's presentation):

To view the videos, log on to the membership-only side of www.dpha.net, click on the 2017 Conference Videos menu tab and then click on the link of the video you wish to view. If you need your login information and/or the password for the videos, please email Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/26/2018




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:

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!



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/26/2018




It's a New Year, Which Means It's Time to Re-Register for the 2018 Recognition Testing Program

It is the beginning of a new year, which also means that it's time for participants in the Recognition Program to re-register for the testing program. There will be several revised exams by the end of March, and those tests will need to be completed before someone receives their completion certificates for each of the three subject categories - Bathroom & Kitchen, Hardware and General Knowledge. Also, a new twist was added last year - when a participant successfully completes every test in all three categories, a desk plate with their names and the year of successful completion will be sent to them.

The goals of the DPHA Recognition Program are to:

The Recognition Program is currently only available to DPHA members and is housed on the members-only section of the DPHA website, www.dpha.net. The Recognition Program includes a series of exams based on a showroom professional's understanding of different products and ability to explain the technical, functional and aesthetic differences of products sold in showrooms and those that can be found elsewhere. The test questions have been developed from content found in the DPHA Education Program manuals. Currently, there are 22 different tests included in the Recognition Program as follows:

The cost to participate in the DPHA Recognition Program is $60 per person per year. Sign up at www.dpha.net. In order to pass a test, showroom professionals need to answer all of the questions correctly. Those who successfully pass the Recognition Program tests will be emailed a certificate that they can print and display at their work areas in their showrooms and scan and place on the company website.

And for those who think they probably don't need any "refreshing," try taking our sample Recognition Program by clicking here. This sample test contains one question from 21 of our 22 Recognition Program tests, and we can tell you that no one has come close to getting all 21 questions right on their first attempt. If you take the test, you will get your results almost immediately (if you enter your email address correctly, that is), and only you and Jim Babbitt know the results (and Jim promises he won't tell on any one). Go ahead and try - the results might surprise you, and don't worry, you can verify all the answers by re-reading the 22 different Education Manuals.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/19/2018




The Benefits of Committee Service

There was a lot of enthusiasm at the DPHA Annual Conference in Chandler, AZ last October and none more so than at DPHA committee meetings. Committees are "where the rubber meets the road" and value is created. DPHA committee service is a stepping stone to becoming an industry leader, because serving on a DPHA committee offers skills, training and experiences needed to grow personally and professionally.

Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to give back? Do you want to lead? Consider joining a DPHA committee. Here are few of the returns on investment that you will receive from contributing your time to DPHA committee service.

DPHA is looking for a few committed volunteers who can help guide the association and give back to their industry while enhancing their individual skill sets and network. If you would like to volunteer for the Awards, Education, Marketing or Program & Showcase Committees, send an email to Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/19/2018




Going to the 2018 Interior Design Show? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitor

If you are going to the 2018 Interior Design Show this weekend, January 18-21, 2018 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center in Toronto, Canada, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit concourse includes the following DPHA members (booth numbers are not available on their website):

www.dpha.net




Posted 01/19/2018




Are You Award Worthy?


DPHA Manufacturers: do you want to be spotlighted at the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference? The Awards Committee would like to hear from any firm interested in producing the physical awards presented at the 2018 Conference. All ideas are welcome.

Currently, there will be a total of 12 awards to be handed out in the following categories:

You have a blank canvas to be as creative as you want to be. Please note however, that the DPHA logo should be incorporated into the award or the engraving. Submit an estimate to DPHA on how much time your company will need to create the physical awards and anything else you can think of that the Awards Committee needs to know or consider.

Funds are available to cover the cost of the awards. If you are interested in producing the awards for this year's conference, please contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net by February 15, 2018.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/12/2018




Going to the 2018 Interior Design Show? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitor

If you are going to the 2018 Interior Design Show, January 18-21, 2018 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center in Toronto, Canada, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit concourse includes the following DPHA members (booth numbers are not yet available on their website):

www.dpha.net




Posted 01/12/2018




Do You Want a Great Bang for Your Buck? Become a 2018 DPHA Corporate Sponsor

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

PLATINUM ($11,000)

GOLD ($6,500)

SILVER ($3,750)

BRONZE ($1,750)

Members that are interested in keeping their name and web sites in front of the most influential members of the DPH industry continuously and want to take advantage of DPHA sponsorship opportunities should contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or call him at 224-999-0434. You can also download the 2018 Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Form simply by clicking here.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/12/2018




The Reasons Why Premier Marketing Was Named 2017 Representative Agency of the Year

The DPHA Representative Agency of the Year Award recognizes firms for their:

In each of the above criteria, Premier Marketing excels. Covering all of California and northern Nevada, and led by Mary and Alan Labowitz (Mary was actually our first member honored with the DPHA Representative Professional of the Year award in 2003), Premier Marketing team members are trained to not only sell, but to build relationships with their customer base. Indeed, "relationship building" is seen as one of the primary keys to the way they conduct their business.

Premier Marketing also feels very strongly that they must have both inside and outside sales people to truly be a value to their customers. To that end, there are two full-time trained inside sales staff to provide customer service available Monday through Friday, and their close relationships with showroom staff often find them responding to emails and calls long after the office has closed. Readily available to address issues and up-to-date on manufacturer procedures, Meg and Kylie often think "outside the box" to find solutions that are both reasonable to their manufacturer partner and helpful to the showroom.

All outside sales team members are required to join a local or national trade organization, and then attend regular meetings on their respective boards. Currently, Premier Marketing team members are active members of DPHA, NKBA, NARI, NAOPSP and NEWH ( to name a few). For their showroom customers, Premier invests heavily in product training for each of their partner manufacturers, working closely with showroom staffs via group PK's and one-on-one training sessions. As one of their nominators declared, "trainings are focused and clear", while another commented that "their PK's are thorough and delivered effectively and professionally".

Additionally, Premier conducts extensive lunch-and-learn training sessions to the A&D community. According to a third nominator, "This agency generates many specifications through their work with the design community. This has translated into value across the country for the lines they represent."

Premier Marketing strives to partner with each showroom customer and manufacturer they represent, and this was certainly reflected in the phrases that were used to describe the agency on their various nomination forms - professional, quick to respond, going the extra mile and continued excellence - just to name a few. All of these reasons, and so many more, are why DPHA was delighted to have Premier Marketing named as our 2017 Representative Agency of the Year.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/05/2018




Why We Believe We Deserve Your Support in 2018

DPHA dues notice have now been issued, and if you haven't seen them yet, you should be in the next week or so. We are confident that we will continue to deliver the return on your dues investment that DPHA members expect and deserve. Here are just some of the things you can look forward to from your DPHA membership in 2018:

DPHA has tangible, productive, viable and valuable deliverables that help with daily operations, but we need your support and participation to assure that DPHA continues to develop products, services and deliverables that provide your business with competitive advantages. If you have any questions, give us a call or contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net. We look forward to working with you and helping to make your business better in 2018.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/05/2018




Going to KBIS 2018 Next Week? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to KBIS next week, January 9-11, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit concourse includes the following DPHA members:

www.dpha.net




Posted 01/05/2018




DPHA Heads to the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa for the 2018 Annual Conference & Product Showcase

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 their four pools, pamper yourself at the on-site spa or enjoy a meal at their outstanding restaurants. Catch their 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 working on 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 2016 speakers at our annual conference (we will have the 2017 links shortly):

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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 01/05/2018




The Reasons Why Accurate Lock & Hardware Was Named DPHA's 2017 Customer Service Department of the Year

Accurate Lock and Hardware Founder and Chairman Ron Salvatore likes to tell a story about a customer who called at 4 p.m. and needed a custom piece of hardware to be made immediately and shipped for arrival the next day. Accurate was a new company at that time, but every team member stayed late and met the customer's deadline. The custom piece shipped that night.

The ability and willingness to go above and beyond and even exceed the most demanding of expectations remains a hallmark of Accurate Lock and Hardware to this day, and that is one of the reasons why DPHA honored the company with the 2017 Customer Service Department of the Year Award.

Accurate Lock and Hardware is a go-to resource for DPHA members that sell hardware. Their product quality is first rate. Their sales engineers and account representatives have decades of experience and are well versed in CAD, Solidworks and other manufacturing-based disciplines. The expertise of the staff helps assure that even incorrectly specified orders are corrected before a product is made.

Every member of the Accurate team must also work in the factory, which helps to assure that they know how Accurate's products are made. This experience enables every person to confidently answer customer questions and provides showrooms the ability to partner with Accurate to develop custom solutions.

Accurate understands that mistakes, however rare, are also opportunities to shine. One showroom that nominated Accurate for the Customer Service of the Year Award wrote, "I had an overdue P.O. for custom-made pivots and received a revised ship date. The products did not arrive on time. When I called a second time, Accurate found my order had it out the door in 24 hours and shipped it overnight at their own expense."

Everyone on Accurate's team has the ability to walk a customer through all of their lock functions so they can ensure that orders are correct. Not only are Accurate team members knowledgeable, they are friendly and proactive. Accurate's team, the company's commitment to technology and their passion ensure that customers receive the right solution for even the most challenging need. It's not uncommon for Accurate's customers to say, "How did you do that?"

Again, our congratulations to the entire team at Accurate Lock and Hardware!



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/29/2017




A Beautiful Story About Christmas Giving

In keeping with the Christmas season and the spirit of giving, we came across this very delightful story in the December 14th issue of Long Island Newsday, which just so happens to include a DPHA member, Jonathan Brill of Infinity Drain (and pictured above on the left). The article read as follows:

A Long Island entrepreneur is trying his best to provide children in Puerto Rico with a little bit of joy over the holidays.

Kevin Donnelly, 48, of Lido Beach, has set a goal to collect 10,000 toys to be delivered on the day of Los Reyes Magos, or Three King's Day, which is a major holiday in Puerto Rico, celebrated Jan. 6.

Donnelly was inspired to help after learning that many children were still living in shelters months after Hurricane Maria. He turned to his network of other Long Island entrepreneurs and business owners for help.

First, he asked everyone in the Long Island chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), a global peer networking group of which he is a member, to bring a toy donation to the group's Christmas party.

"When I started, the first couple days it was just a local thing," Donnelly said, but soon other YPO chapters across the country and another group, Entrepreneurs'

Working primarily with two other Long Island members of YPO, Jonathan Brill and Brad Caracciola, Donnelly called the mission Operation Toy Story and launched a Facebook page, website and Amazon gift registry. From Amazon, people can purchase toys and send them directly to Operation Toy Story's shipping headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, where a company called Cool Transport Jax will handle shipping to Puerto Rico.

"I just kind of made a number up, and said we're shooting for 10,000 gifts," Donnelly said. The group is about halfway to its goal overall, he estimated this week.

About 500 gifts were collected on Long Island, said Brill, president at Infinity Drain, a drain manufacturer.

"Personally, this time of year, it's better to give than to receive," said Brill, 45, of Cold Spring Harbor. "To me, this is the ultimate gift."

On Wednesday, Caracciola's company, Ground Force Logistics, provided freight transportation to get the New York donations to Jacksonville. The packing boxes had red and green bows tacked on for a touch of Christmas spirit, Donnelly said.

Anyone who wants to donate can still do so if they ship directly to Jacksonville and the shipment arrives by Dec. 24. The address is available at OperationToyStory.com.

The gifts will be sent to Puerto Rico by boat starting Dec. 20, with another shipment going out a week later, Donnelly said. Once in Puerto Rico, the gifts will be distributed by staff at Gersh Academy, a school for children on the autism spectrum, Donnelly said. Gersh Academy was founded by Kevin Gersh, whom Donnelly knows through YPO, and has two locations on Long Island and one in Puerto Rico.

Donnelly is still hopeful they can reach 10,000 toys. He said any late donations will still be sent to Puerto Rico. "We still have a couple days to go and stuff is coming in heavy," he said.

Just another wonderful example of a DPHA member giving back. Thank you, Jonathan, let us know how it all turned out. And a Merry Christmas to all!



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/29/2017




Going to KBIS 2018? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to KBIS, January 9-11, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit concourse includes the following DPHA members:

www.dpha.net




Posted 12/29/2017




In the Spirit of the Season

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

Please note that a couple of elves have already kidnapped your intrepid Connections editor and plan on keeping him indisposed for a while.Connections will return next Friday, December 29th.



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/22/2017




Let's Try This Again! The Reasons Why Premier Bath & Kitchen (Walnut Creek, CA) Was Named DPHA 2017 Showroom of the Year

Apologies are certainly due to our readers with regards to the article about Premier Bath and Kitchen (Walnut Creek, CA) in last week's issue of Connections. There were more than a few typos and errors in the story, which in some small part should serve as an example as to why you should avoid proof-reading things at 34,000 feet in the air. Therefore, we have made the necessary corrections and are starting things off again this week with the revised news item.

As was already related last week, the criteria used to select the DPHA Showroom of the Year are:

Premier Bath and Kitchen's Walnut Creek showroom is a show stopper. There is no doubt that every detail was considered in the design and development of this exemplary facility that showcases the best our industry has to offer. Vignettes are carefully curated with tile, lighting, and soft goods that tap the imagination and tug at the heart strings. The working kitchen is complemented with custom cabinetry, tile and high-end appliances.

The physical beauty of the space is taken up several notches by the company's commitment to outstanding customer service. From the receptionist that greets visitors, sales consultants who guide customers on their purchasing journeys to the warehouse team that inspect products prior to delivery, every team member understands that they are in the customer service business and their job is to exceed the customer's expectations.

Premier Bath and Kitchen uses the DPHA training modules as a core component of their professional development program. Senior managers direct training using both the modules and the included exercises along with encouraging their team to participate in factory tours and training classes. The effort has definitely provided a very attractive return on investment for customers and the company.

Premier Bath and Kitchen is also an active member of its community and industry. In addition to participating in DPHA, the company supports NKBA, ASID and NARI wherever their showrooms are located.

The company attributes much of its success to its social media presence on Facebook, Pinterest, House and Instagram, as well as hosting designer-and-dinner meetings and CEU presentations for the design community.

A stunning showroom combined with an expert staff that understands not only product but consumer needs, wants and desires, certainly makes Premier Bath and Kitchen a worthy recipient of DPHA's 2017 Showroom of the Year Award.



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/15/2017




Go Ahead, We Triple Dog Dare You!

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

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

The DPHA Education Manuals are also the source for the DPHA Recognition Program, which recognizes DPH showroom professionals for their product knowledge and sales expertise. The program is available only to DPHA members. Each Recognition Program exam is based on information contained in the DPHA Education Program Manuals, and each exam relates to an individual product category (e.g. lavatory faucets, tubs, cabinet hardware, etc.). To be recognized in each category, participants must answer 100% of the questions correctly. DPHA issues certificates to those participants who successfully pass all of the plumbing, hardware and general knowledge programs electronically. For more information on the DPHA Recognition Program, visit the member's side of www.dpha.net.

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

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



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/15/2017




Going to KBIS 2018? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to KBIS, January 9-11, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit concourse includes the following DPHA members:

www.dpha.net




Posted 12/15/2017




Remember, Your AmazonSmile Purchases Can Also Contribute to the Council of Fellows' Scholarship Fund

We wanted to remind you last minute holiday shoppers who use Amazon about an announcement we made earlier in the year regarding AmazonSmile and the DPHA Council of Fellows Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship Fund. We have made it simpler for you to donate to this worthy charity while at the same time costing you absolutely nothing. If you are already an Amazon.com member, you can make contributions simply by purchasing products and services through the AmazonSmile website (click here or on the image above for the DPHA AmazonSmile link). Some often asked FAQ's about this website are:

The percentage total of 0.5 may not seem like a lot, but since AmazonSmile's beginning near the end of 2013, they have sent almost $70 million to registered charities. So if you are already an Amazon.com member, please use AmazonSmile instead, make the DPHA Council of Fellows' Scholarship Fund your charity of choice, and help send children and grandchildren of fellow association members to college!



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/15/2017




The Reasons Why Premier Bath & Kitchen (Walnut Creek, CA) Was Named DPHA 2017 Showroom of the Year

The criteria used to select the DPHA Showroom of the Year are:

Premier Bath & Kitchen's Walnut Creek showroom is a show stopper. There is no doubt that every detail was considered in the design and development of this exemplary facility that showcases the best our industry has to offer. Vignettes are carefully curated with tile, lighting, and soft goods that tap the imagination and tug at the heart strings. The working kitchen is complemented with custom cabinetry, tile and high-end appliances.

The physical beauty of the space is taken up several notches by the company's commitment to outstanding customer service. From the receptionist that greets visitors, sales consultants who guide customers on their purchasing journeys to the warehouse team that inspect products prior to delivery, every team member understands that they are in the customer service business and their job is to exceed the customer's expectations.

Premier Bath & Kitchen uses the DPHA training modules as a core component of their professional development program. Senior managers direct training using both the modules and the included exercises along with encouraging their team to participate in factory tours and training classes. The effort has definitely provided a very attractive return on investment for customers and the company.

Premier Bath & Kitchen is also an active member of its community and industry. In addition to participating in DPHA, the company supports NKBA, ASID and NARI wherever their showrooms are located.

The company attributes much of its success to its social media presence on Facebook, Pinterest, House and Instagram, as well as hosting designer-and-dinner meetings and CEU presentations for the design community.

A stunning showroom combined with an expert staff that understands not only product but consumer needs, wants and desires, certainly makes Premier Bath & Kitchen a worthy recipient of DPHA's 2017 Showroom of the Year Award.



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/08/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Lexie White from Miller's Fine Hardware in West Palm Beach, FL

The DPHA 17-in-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 the end of 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 Lexie White, a sales associate at Miller's Fine Hardware in West Palm Beach, FL.

Lexie started at Miller's Fine Hardware four years ago. Within a year, she was promoted to a sales position and only a few months later took over as the lead salesperson at Miller's West Palm Beach location. According to one of her nominators, Lexie is a willing and enthusiastic student who has done a great job learning the intricacies of both high-end plumbing and hardware sales, especially when dealing with the trade. Additionally, another nominator notes that her professionalism while working with manufacturers and representatives is remarkable, and that her background in hospitality and marketing helps explain her amazing ability to network with designers.

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

Lexie: 4 years

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Lexie: My background is in restaurant hospitality and marketing. I fell into this industry not having any experience or expectations of what it really was. I was very surprised by how vast the DPH industry is and what it encompasses. I was also happily surprised by how many people were willing to mentor me and guide me through my first few years in this business.

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

Lexie: In the beginning, it was definitely the overwhelming amount of information that I needed to learn. Now it's keeping up with evolving products and trends to ensure I have accurate knowledge on all the lines I sell.

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

Lexie: Every day is unique. Working with so many different clients has been a great experience as well as an excellent learning tool for me. It has really helped me navigate products and personalities. It also keeps me engaged and loving what I do.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Lexie: I am honored to be nominated. I never thought I would be where I am today in this industry. I am humbled and very grateful.



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/08/2017




The Best Bang for Your Buck? Become a 2018 DPHA Corporate Sponsor

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

PLATINUM ($11,000)

GOLD ($6,500)

SILVER ($3,750)

BRONZE ($1,750)

Members that are interested in keeping their name and web sites in front of the most influential members of the DPH industry continuously and want to take advantage of DPHA sponsorship opportunities should contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or call him at 224-999-0434. You can also download the 2018 Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Form simply by clicking here.



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/08/2017




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

DPHA manufacturers are market and design leaders. Their offerings represent best-in-class products that DPHA believes are recognition-worthy. That's why the DPHA Awards Committee added the new Dealer's Choice Award last year. This award - which for 2016 was the Brizo Litze Single Handle Lav Faucet - was added to place new products in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer.

Every product that was submitted this year for the 2017 Product of the Year is now eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award. Voting opened on Wednesday, November 1, and will run through next Friday, December 15. All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login will be eligible to vote - one vote per person. And in case you don't know your login information to the members-only side of the website, contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message), or jbabbitt@dpha.net. The winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2018 Conference.

To refresh your memory on the various products that were nominated this year and therefore are eligible to win, click here to download a copy of the 2017 Product of the Year Guide. Participating in the Dealers Choice Product of the Year Award voting is easy, takes just a few minutes of your time and is fun! Look for the voting menu tab (top menu item on the left) on the members-only side of the web site for more details. The previous award winners were chosen by an industry-wide independent panel of judges, but this time, you have a chance to help determine the winner yourself. So don't just sit there - vote. Please make sure to do so no later than next Friday, December 15th!



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/08/2017




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

DPHA is pleased to honor the Fall 2017 (August, September, October and November) graduating class of DPH professionals who have successfully passed all of the new Recognition Program examinations. They are:

Bath & Kitchen Category:

Hardware Category:

General Knowledge Category:

Special Acknowledgement to those who have completed all THREE categories - Bath & Kitchen, Hardware and General Knowledge:

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), introduced earlier this year 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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/01/2017




Blake Rivas (TCB Sales) Recognized as 2017 DPHA Representative Professional of the Year


Blake Rivas (TCB Sales) was honored as the 2017 DPHA Representative Professional of the Year award winner at the 2017 DPHA annual conference in Chandler, AZ. The Award recognizes a DPHA representative professional for his or her outstanding contributions to advance the decorative plumbing and hardware industry based on the following criteria:

In each of the criteria, Blake Rivas proves to be a deserving recipient. Blake excels at training and is a certified CEU presenter. Showroom owners rave about her ability to connect with sales staff and the design community. She also recognizes the value of plant tours to connect customers with her manufacturers and arranging these trips is one of her distinctive competencies. Another primary reason why DPHA honored Blake as its Representative Professional of the Year is that Blake not only does what most people believe reps are supposed to do, but she does those things so very, very well. She promotes her partner manufacturers' products. She effectively trains showroom team members on why and how to sell the products she represents, while also calling on the trade and design community. And of course, she promptly takes care of problems that arise while making the lives of her customers' easier. For these reasons and many more, Blake Rivas is indeed a most deserving recipient of the DPHA 2017 Representative Professional of the Year Award.



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/01/2017




Missed the 2017 Conference? Don't Miss the Content

So many DPHA members were thoroughly impressed with the quality of content presented at the 2017 Annual Conference, they wanted us to share the experience and knowledge with their coworkers. Now here's their chance. DPHA has posted the following videos on the DPHA web site (unfortunately, we were not allowed to video record Doug Stephens' presentation):

To view the videos, log on to the membership-only side of www.dpha.net, click on the 2017 Conference Videos menu tab and then click on the link of the video you wish to view. If you need your login information and/or the password for the videos, please email Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net.



www.dpha.net




Posted 12/01/2017




Fun Facts About Thanksgiving That You Might Not Have Known

Have a great Thanksgiving holiday everyone - Connections will be back on December 1!



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/17/2017




Happy Thanksgiving!

We are currently celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday, but wanted to take a brief moment to say to you, our valued DPHA member, thank you. We humbly extend our gratitude to all of you for allowing us to be your professional trade association.

During this season of thanks, we can't express enough just how much we appreciate your support and the trust that you have bestowed upon us. Our promise to you is to continue to provide exceptional experiences, a vibrant community and essential tools that help make you and your organization more successful.

We encourage you to take advantage of a vast range of member benefits:

Please accept our wishes of health, happiness and continued success and enjoy this time with your friends and loved ones.

Contact me (Jim Babbitt) at jbabbitt@dpha.net or call me at 224-999-0434 with any questions about your membership



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/23/2017




Tom Bryant (BainUltra) Recognized as 2017 DPHA Manufacturer Professional of the Year

Tom Bryant (BainUltra) was honored as the 2017 DPHA Manufacturer Professional of the Year award winner at the 2017 DPHA annual conference in Chandler, AZ. The Award recognizes a DPHA manufacturer professional for his or her outstanding contributions to advance the decorative plumbing and hardware industry based on the following criteria:

Tom Bryant has lived and breathed decorative plumbing for more than 30 years. He is the rare combination of a great sales person who understands the inner workings of the products he sells. That's why Tom has built the well-deserved reputation as a professional who is a "go-to" resource for dealers, manufacturers and representatives. Showroom managers and owners rave about Tom's ability to train their sales staff not only in product knowledge, but also in proven sales techniques that resonate with luxury consumers. Tom recognizes that if showroom professionals are more skilled in the overall sales process, he and his company benefit because those sales professionals will feel more confident selling his products.

Tom's background of working in a showroom, serving as a representative and working for different manufacturers truly provides him with a global view of the industry and a unique ability to look at each segment through a personalized lens. One of the qualities Tom possesses that makes him a valuable partner and team member is his humility. He is truly grateful for the opportunities that the industry has provided and he willingly and appreciatively gives back whenever possible. That humility led Tom to develop a consultative selling syllabus for the decorative plumbing and hardware industry that he shares with his showroom partners. He offers guidance to present value propositions - e.g., answer the question why someone should buy from this showroom instead of online or at the discounter down the street, how to greet and actively listen to customers, up-selling and asking for the order.

Tom Bryant's career has been marked by forging nearly unbreakable bonds between all three legs of the decorative plumbing and hardware stool. For his professionalism, positivism, knowledge, expertise and humility, DPHA was delighted to name Tom its 2017 Manufacturing Professional of the Year.



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/17/2017




We Toast the 2017 Council of Fellows Scholarship Foundation Winners

The DPHA Council of Fellows Jack Fase Memorial Scholarship awarded two $3,000 educational grants to Colin Raposo, son of Robert Raposo (Group 2C, Inc.), and Isabella Villa, daughter of Edgar Villa (California Faucets) at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase.

Colin Raposo is in his junior year at Tufts University where he is majoring in Biology. In high school, Colin was an A+ student, primarily taking Honors and College AP courses. He also was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, was captain of his cross-county team which won the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) D3 state championship and played in his high school's marching band. At Tufts, Colin is hoping to earn his PhD in the biomedical field while at the same time competing on the varsity cross-country and track-and-field teams, where he has twice been named a member of the National All-Academic team.

Isabella Villa is a sophomore at Pitzer College in Claremont, CA where she is majoring in Economics. She too is an accomplished student athlete, having played on her high school's varsity water polo team for all four years, and then playing on Pitzer College's water polo team her freshman year where she earned a 2017 ACWPC All-Academic Award. In high school, Isabella was an honor roll student in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and she was all recognized in her graduating class as a 2016 Distinguished Scholar with Honors.

Renamed for 2018, the DPHA Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship offers a significant educational grant to two children or grandchildren of DPHA members to help pursue undergraduate or post graduate degrees. The Council of Fellows established a foundation to manage the scholarship program. At the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, the Council of Fellows was able to add $9,100 to the scholarship endowment. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who purchased raffle tickets and donated items for the raffle.



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/17/2017




Dealers' Choice Award Voting Open and Running Through December 15

DPHA manufacturers are market and design leaders. Their offerings represent best-in-class products that DPHA believes are recognition-worthy. That's why the DPHA Awards Committee added the new Dealer's Choice Award last year. This award - which for 2016 was the Brizo Litze Single Handle Lav Faucet - was added to place new products in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer.

Every product that was submitted this year for the 2017 Product of the Year is now eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award. Voting opened on Wednesday, November 1, and will run through December 15. All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login will be eligible to vote - one vote per person. And in case you don't know your login information to the members-only side of the website, contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message), or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net. The winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2018 Conference.

To refresh your memory on the various products that were nominated this year and therefore are eligible to win, click here to download a copy of the 2017 Product of the Year Guide. Participating in the Dealers Choice Product of the Year Award voting is easy, takes just a few minutes of your time and is fun! Look for the voting menu tab (top menu item on the left) on the members-only side of the web site for more details. The previous award winners were chosen by an industry-wide independent panel of judges, but this time, you have a chance to help determine the winner yourself. So don't just sit there - vote!



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/17/2017




Tonya Martin (ProSource) Recognized as 2017 DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year

Tonya Martin (ProSource) was announced as the 2017 DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year award winner at this year's annual conference last month in Chandler, AZ. The Award recognizes a DPHA showroom professional for his or her outstanding contributions to advance the decorative plumbing and hardware industry based on the following criteria:

In each of the criteria, Tonya Martin stands out. Along with her husband Grover, the Martins have opened five showrooms that are not only gorgeous and incredible for their South Carolinian clientele, but ones that would stand out in any market in North America. Tonya has boundless energy and unbridled enthusiasm for the industry. ProSource team members are frequent attendees at DPHA and other industry conferences, and Tonya has encouraged all of her team members to participate in the DPHA Recognition Program.

Tonya has a naturally curious and creative mindset. She is constantly looking at innovative ways to promote her brand and engage her clientele to make them feel special. She and her team are highly involved in their local community and well known in the markets that they serve, especially among architects and designers.

Another reason why DPHA honored Tonya as its Showroom Professional of the Year is her willingness to share her expertise and energy to help others. She leads by example and her no-nonsense approach to problem solving is both enlightened and refreshing. DPHA was honored to recognize Tonya for all that she has accomplished professionally and her contributions to our industry.



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/10/2017




Thank You for Your Service!


DPHA wants to thank all of our members and members of their family who served their country to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. To all veterans, thank you!



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/10/2017




DPHA's 2018 Officers and Board of Directors

On Saturday, October 14th, DPHA elected its 2018 Officers and Board of Directors. Those who volunteered to lead our association in the coming year are:

Officers:

At-Large Executive Committee Members:

Directors:

Thanks again to all of you for your continued service in leading the association in 2018!



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/10/2017




Make Sure to Visit DPHA Member Exhibitors at BDNY

The 2017 Boutique Design New York Trade Fair (BDNY) will be held this coming Sunday and Monday, November 12-13, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York, NY.

If you plan on attending BDNY, please make sure you stop by and see the following DPHA members:

www.dpha.net




Posted 11/10/2017




Jeff Robboy Inducted Into the Council of Fellows

Jeff Robboy (pictured on the left) is one of the two newest members of the DPHA Council of Fellows (the other inductee, Fred Silverstein, was featured last week). The Council of Fellows was established to recognize career contributions of industry leaders and to provide a forum where those leaders can continue to give back to the industry that they have helped shape. Case in point is the DPHA Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship. The Scholarship program is run by the Council of Fellows and awards two $3,000 annual grants to the children or grandchildren of DPHA members.

Jim Babbitt's induction introduction given during the Saturday Awards Luncheon at this year's annual conference in Chandler, AZ explains several of the reasons DPHA honored Jeff Robboy's career contributions to the Association and industry.

I could speak to the fact that Baci by Remcraft has been in business for roughly 75 years, but in fact, I do not know all of the intimate details of Jeff's dealings with that business; what I do know is that he has been an active, highly involved and deeply dedicated charter member of DPHA. Jeff served on the original Board of Directors, was Treasurer of the Association in 2005 and the President in 2007.

Although Jeff stopped serving on the Board in 2009, he did so only because the Bylaws do not allow more than one member from any company to sit on the Board, and because he hired David Crossley as Baci's national sales manager at that time, he stepped aside so that David could continue to serve on the Board as well as being the president himself in 2012. However, that did not stop Jeff from continuing to serve the Association.

He has been an active member of the Awards Committee, and in fact, he (along with Sarah Jenkinson of Barber Wilson/Sterlingham) has been the primary advocate, sponsor and organizer of the Wednesday afternoon/evening activity that have been held at the past few annual conferences and which are used to promote the award nominations process. And again, per Jeff's insistence, each activity is split in two equal groups - one group is for those people who submit nominations in the Professional awards categories and who then have their cost for the event covered by the activity sponsor(s), and the second group is made up of people who actually pay the fee for participating in the activity, but with all proceeds for the event then going to the Council of Fellows' Scholarship Fund. Needless to say, Jeff has been, and remains, a driving force on the Awards Committee.

There is so much more that we could say about Jeff, but what more can I say other than that he has always been an extremely dedicated member of this association, and if I ever need someone to help, Jeff's first and only response is "what can I do?" He is selfless with regards to DPHA and if there is anyone better who exemplifies the spirit of a DPHA member, I don't believe I have met them yet.

Congratulations, Jeff - this honor is long overdue!



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/03/2017




Dealers' Choice Award Voting Now Open and Running Through December 15

DPHA manufacturers are market and design leaders. Their offerings represent best-in-class products that DPHA believes deserve recognition. That's why the DPHA Awards Committee added the new Dealer's Choice Award last year. This award - which for 2016 was the Brizo Litze Single Handle Lav Faucet - was added to place new products in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer.

Every product that was submitted this year for the 2017 Product of the Year is now eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award. Voting opened on Wednesday, November 1, and will run through December 15. All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login will be eligible to vote - one vote per person (unless you live in Chicago - just kidding!). And in case you don't know your login information to the members-only side of the website, contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message), or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net. The winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2018 Conference.

If you would like to refresh your memory on the various products that were nominated this year and therefore are eligible to win, click here to download a copy of the 2017 Product of the Year Guide. Participating in the Dealers Choice Product of the Year Award voting is easy and takes just a few minutes of your time. Look for the voting menu tab (top menu item on the left) on the members-only side of the web site for more details. The previous award winners were chosen by an industry-wide independent panel of judges, but this time, you have a chance to help determine the winner yourself. So don't just sit there - vote!



www.dpha.net




Posted 11/03/2017




Make Sure to Visit DPHA Member Exhibitors at BDNY

The 2017 Boutique Design New York Trade Fair (BDNY) will be held November 12-13 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York, NY.

If you plan on attending BDNY, please make sure you stop by and see the following DPHA members:

www.dpha.net




Posted 11/03/2017




Fred Silverstein Inducted Into the Council of Fellows

Fred Siilverstein (pictured on the left) is one of the two newest members of the DPHA Council of Fellows (the other inductee will be talked about next week). The Council was established to recognize career contributions of industry leaders and to provide a forum where those leaders can continue to give back to the industry that they have helped shape. Case in point is the DPHA Albert Comini Memorial Scholarship. The Scholarship program is run by the Council of Fellows and rewards two $3,000 annual grants to the children or grandchildren of DPHA members.

A true pioneer of the decorative plumbing industry, Fred Silverstein founded Plumbing World, a small plumbing supply house in Long Beach, California, back in 1977, and was willing to take the risk of being an early adopter, building out an extensive showroom, and becoming one of the first distributors to promote such lines as Grohe, Artistic Brass and Harden. He never looked back, and has spent every year since then innovating and supporting not only the decorative plumbing industry, but also the independent channel.

After growing Plumbing World into a local decorative plumbing destination and a brief stint distributing decorative faucets on the West Coast, he created California Faucets in 1988. In an industry that accepted 6 to 8 week lead times as normal and acceptable, Fred strove to do better. Whether through improved operations, increased stock levels or "quick ship" programs, the entire industry now benefits from this massive shift as what is viewed as an acceptable lead time.

While the two companies Fred founded obviously speak to his exceptional entrepreneurial talents, they also represent a very rare accomplishment: Fred has been a pioneer on both the dealer and manufacturer side of the business. He intuitively understands the nature of each, and he is undoubtedly among a very small group of individuals who truly developed and deeply impacted the growth and trajectory of the decorative plumbing industry we know today.

As Fred likes to say: "You can tell if you have a real partner, not when things are going well, but when there is a problem." That's when you find out who's really supporting you. In plumbing, there are always going to be occasional problems. It's how you handle them that matters. A short anecdote to illustrate this philosophy: When Noah Taft first joined California Faucets, he took a sales trip with Fred to learn the ropes. At the first stop, Fred succeeded in convincing a new customer to open an account and order a display on the spot. With the hard-won order clutched in-hand, Noah's jaw dropped as Fred proceeded to say, "Thanks for the order and I can't wait until we screw-up for the first time". Fred went on to explain to the new customer, as well as to his neophyte sales executive, that we are all human and "stuff" inevitably happens in this business - it's how you handle those problems that truly define the success of the business relationship.

As for Fred's support of DPHA, he was a charter member of the organization and has supported it, not only with annual sponsorships and exhibiting at the annual conference, but by encouraging key people in the company to get involved. Most notably, when DPHA Past President, Steven Weinberg joined California Faucets, Fred encouraged him to continue his involvement by remaining on the Board. By nature, Fred is not a public figure. Not everyone contributes the same way to organizations or industries. Fred is an intense behind-the-scenes "doer" by nature, but his impact is large.

Fred recently turned 85, yet he still goes to the factory every day. Why? Because the independent decorative plumbing industry is in his blood and he doesn't want to miss anything. He lives and breathes the industry, which is why his induction into the DPHA Council of Fellows should come as a surprise to no one.



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Posted 10/27/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Katharina Adrian at Dornbracht Americas

The DPHA 17-in-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 Katharina Adrian, a Product Manager at Dornbracht Americas in the Atlanta, GA area.

Katharina is part of a Dornbracht program in Germany which sends an employee to the United States for two years to learn about our work culture, and according to one of her nominators, "Katharina very quickly adapted to her new role as product manager and easily became a valued member of the Dornbracht team." In fact, she has enjoyed her work in the U.S. so much that she has continued to stay here well past her 2-year commitment. And per another nominator, Katharina has an empathetic attitude and is willing to listen to clients while helping provide answers to solve any issue.

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

Katharina: I started my career at Dornbracht in Germany seven years ago where I entered a program that included an apprenticeship along with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After I graduated in 2013, I started as Product Manager for our North American subsidiary in Atlanta.

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Katharina: In my 4 years of attending DPHA, I have always noticed people using the word "family" when describing this industry. Meeting and getting to know more and more people over the years made me realize why. It's great to see a community that is so committed to supporting each other whether you are working for a manufacturer, showroom or rep agency. Especially being relatively new to this industry, it is very valuable to be able to talk to people that have been a member for many years, and seeing that DPHA is also focused on the younger generation opens up a great opportunity to exchange thoughts and bring in fresh ideas.

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

Katharina: California. The amount of codes and standards our products have to comply with, not just on a national level but also by state, can make it challenging for manufacturers, not just from a functionality standpoint but also financially.

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

Katharina: I have always had a passion for beautiful homes and working for a luxury plumbing manufacturer who is involved with the art and design community has allowed me to be creative and share my ideas. Helping a client specify a bathroom and sharing their excitement about a product that is not just a functional everyday item, but a design statement is very rewarding.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Katharina: Thank you so much for this nomination!



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Posted 10/27/2017




Please Participate in DPHA's 2017 Annual Conference & Product Showcase Survey

To those of you who attended the 2017 Annual Conference and Product Showcase a few weeks ago at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ, thank you so much! Our Program & Showcase Committee will already begin working on the 2018 conference in the next few weeks, and to help us make next year's event even better, we would like to to get your feedback regarding this year's conference. Many of you have already responded to our survey request earlier in the week (which we sent by email), but if you haven't participated yet, just be aware that it should only take you a few minutes to complete the survey. And in case you hadn't heard already, next year's annual conference will be held at the Marriott Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL from October 10-13. Mark your calendars now, and look for more information in our weekly Connections newsletter, as well as on the home page of our website at www.dpha.net.

Just click here to take the survey.



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Posted 10/27/2017




DPHA's 2017 Professionals of the Year

Last Friday, DPHA published the names of this year's POTY (Product of the Year) Award winners in our special edition issue of Connections. This week, we are proud to announce the winners of the 2017 DPHA Professionals of the Year. Although we will be featuring individual articles about each of these professional winners over the next few months, we wanted to let you know who this year's award winners are:

For the first time, we live streamed both awards presentations via our Facebook page, and considering the response we received from many of our members who couldn't attend the conference but watched on their computers, tablets and smartphones, we will be streaming the Awards Program again next year. Thank you so much to David Crossley from Baci by Remcraft/Colonial Bronze for being our cameraman and taking charge of this production. Click here to watch the Friday morning presentation of the 2017 POTY awards, and click here to see the Saturday Awards Luncheon presentations (the 2017 Professional awards portion begins 23 minutes into the video).

Congratulations to all our 2017 Professional of the Year award winners!



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Posted 10/20/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Tyler Petrizzi of Accurate Lock and Hardware

The DPHA 17-in-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 Tyler Petrizzi, a sales account representative at Accurate Lock and Hardware in Stamford, CT.

Tyler graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2011 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Communication minoring in Criminal Justice. Originally focused on pursuing a career in law enforcement, Tyler worked in a corporate security role immediately after college. After a few years, he was approached with the unique opportunity to work at Accurate Lock & Hardware, where he was able to follow his passion for keeping people safe - shifting his focus to the physical security aspect of homes and buildings.

According to one of his nominators, although Tyler came to Accurate Lock and Hardware with no industry experience, he dove right in and picked things up almost immediately. "He displays confidence and passion for what he does, and his customer service is beyond the norm. He is truly a customer service rep who cares about his customers."

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

Tyler: 4 years

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry? Tyler: I was surprised about how tightly knit and customer focused the entire DPH industry is. On a day-to-day basis, I work with a variety of different showrooms, hardware brands, architects, etc., and it always seems like everyone is willing to help each other out and do whatever it takes to get the job done. I honestly never saw myself being in a sales role, but because of the culture and positive attitude of the industry, it's been a pretty easy transition and I enjoy dealing with different customers, their projects and personalities.

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

Tyler: There is so much to learn in this industry. Every day I am faced with a new challenge. From building codes and specifications to design trends and general best practices, there are so many things to stay on top of. At Accurate, we are constantly developing new products to stay on the forefront of the industry, so I'm constantly challenged to learn about new and innovate solutions that we can offer our customers.

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

Tyler: I really enjoy working with clients, helping them solve problems and growing their businesses. I work with a great group of people at Accurate, who have the same mentality. At the end of the day, it's fulfilling that I get to provide lock, hardware and security products that help keep people safe.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Tyler: Thank you for considering me for this honor.



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/20/2017




Thanks Again to our 2017 Passport-to-Prizes Sponsors!

Congratulations to our 2017 Passport-to- Prizes winners,and thanks to those exhibitors who participated in the event. The winners, whose entries were drawn on Saturday morning at last week's Annual Conference and Product Showcase, were as follows:

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Posted 10/20/2017




Brizo's Litze Named DPHA 2016 Dealers' Choice Award Winner

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

There were many votes cast for the various nominated products in 2016, and the winner was ...

Brizo's Litze Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet

Brizo enhanced a faucet's lever by adding a knurling design to a single-handle lavatory to increase functionality without sacrificing high design. Intricate details such as this separate the Litze Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet from others in the category. The Litze is available in a striking Brilliance Luxe Gold finish to make the faucet stand out in a room.

Thoughtful details such as three distinctive handle options, a beautiful in its simplicity bent tube spout, distinctive knurling and elegant teak wood accents exemplify the stunning, craftsmanship. Every design detail is deliberate while ensuring ease of use, from the intersection of geometry on the lever handle to the intricate knurling design. Teak wood accents, available on select models, create a stunning combination of man-made and natural materials. The Litze Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet is an iconic example of Bauhaus design.

Honorable Mention:

Please don't forget that all products that are listed in the 2017 Product of the Year Guide will be eligible to receive the 2017 Dealers' Choice award. Voting will take place from November 1st through December 15th, and details on how to vote will be emailed to all DPHA members in our database and via Constant Contact on or about November 1st. 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, click here here to download the 2017 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 Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida from October 11-14!



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/13/2017




Accurate Lock's SilentPac Solutions Named DPHA 2017 POTY Winner in the Hardware Category

The 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Chandler, AZ, 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 Hardware category was -

Accurate Lock and Hardware's SilentPac Solutions

SilentPac™ acoustically engineered door hardware softens noise from opening and closing doors, ultimately resulting in more peaceful and quiet environments. The SilentPac™ Lever Dampening Disc is groundbreaking technology engineered to enable silent lever return dampening, dramatically reducing noise from opening and closing doors. When paired with the SilentPac™ 9100Q Quiet Mortise Lock, it can achieve a 16 times reduction in decibel levels. Ideal for both new construction and retrofit applications.

SilentPac™ is compatible with most other brands' hardware for maximum flexibility. When paired with almost any brands' trim, the Lever Dampening Disc and Quiet Mortise Lock allow decorative hardware to function at the same level as ambient noise in the room. It's an easy-to-implement solution that makes silence simple.

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 2017 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 Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida from October 11-14!



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/13/2017




The Furniture Guild's Avant Vanity Named DPHA 2017 POTY Winner in the Furniture Category

The 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Chandler, AZ, 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 -

Furniture Guild's Avant 620-0560-OB-B49 Vanity

At 30-inches high, Avant is taller than most wall-mounted designs. Each section features a drawer inside a drawer concept to maximize storage. Avant is available in 6 metal finishes and can be combined with 50 other panel finishes. Sizes start at 24" and go up to 72" as standard. Custom sizing is available as well. Fully integrated finger pulls with matching metal trim are included with the Avant.

Avant uses 1/2" x 2" metal detail, which has a thin appearance from the front and a bolder look on the sides.

Honorable Mention:

Once again, we had a large number of product nominations this year, which made our independent judging panel's job even more difficult than it has been in the past several years. A special note of thanks to those judges who gave their time and effort to make these very tough decisions:

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, click here here to download the 2017 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 Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida from October 11-14!



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/13/2017




Infinity Drain's USG Shower System Named DPHA 2017 POTY Winner in the Accessory Category

The 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Chandler, AZ, 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 Accessory category was -

The Infinity Drain-USG Shower System

Developed by USG and Infinity Drain, the USG Durarock Brand-Infinity Drain Shower System offers a completely waterproofed, linear drain shower system that's easier and faster to install than traditional shower construction. The shower system integrates a high performance, pre-waterproofed, pre-pitched floor and wall board with decorative linear drains from Infinity Drain.

Traditional shower construction typically takes 3 days. This system can be installed, flood tested, and ready for tile in half that time. And, unlike leading competitors, the waterproofing fabric is pre-faced on the floor and wall board saving time, labor, and human error.

Honorable Mention:

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 2017 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 Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida from October 11-14!



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/13/2017




GRAFF's Sospiro Kitchen Faucet Named DPHA 2017 POTY Winner in the Plumbing Water Delivery Category

The 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Chandler, AZ, 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 GRAFF Sospiro Kitchen Faucet

This striking faucet is outfitted with two sleek and substantial cylindrical levers for both the single-hole and bridge models. The single-hole faucet is equipped with a pull-down spray head that includes dual-function spray and stream water flow controls for a minimalistic style that satisfies the needs of modern kitchen and bar environments. Additionally, Sospiro's contemporary bridge design eliminates the traditional third post often associated with bridge faucets. In turn, the faucet enhances the spaces it occupies not only with a sophisticated profile, but also with elevated sanitation capabilities, separating the distribution point of hot and cold water.

Sospiro is available with a matching independent side spray offering added convenience for the bar/prep faucets and the bridge kitchen faucet. A progressive valve within the side spray provides added value, allowing control of both the hot and cold and on and off systems without requiring interaction with the central sink faucet.

Honorable Mention:

Once again, we had a large number of product nominations this year, which made our independent judging panel's job even more difficult than it has been in the past several years. A special note of thanks to those judges who gave their time and effort to make these very tough decisions:

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, click here here to download the 2017 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



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/13/2017




Victoria + Albert's Eldon Tub Named DPHA 2017 POTY Winner in the Plumbing Fixture Category

The 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase was held last week in Chandler, AZ, 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 -

Victoria + Albert's Eldon Tub

Created by leading British Architecture and Interior Design Studio, Conran + Partners, this back-to-wall bath has the curvaceous lines of a freestanding tub, yet sits flush against the wall for greater space saving and ease of installation. It is particularly ideal for hospitality settings due to its practicality and easy cleaning. The tub is wrapped with a crisp edge that forms a natural shelf against the wall to hide pipework and provide a platform where plumbing could be deck-mounted if desired. The tub has a molded upstand to allow for retrofit installation without disturbing existing flooring. The Eldon can be installed with or without an overflow and works with Victoria + Albert's Kit 40 Intelli-waste or Kit 60 "exofill" bath drain.

The very simple contemporary design is endowed with the curvaceous lines of a freestanding bath, wrapping a crisp edge around the bath and back to the wall. This tub suits the needs of homeowners that want the style of the freestanding look without giving up the convenience and flexibility of a wall-mounted tub.

Honorable Mention:

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 2017 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 Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida from October 11-14!



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/13/2017




Boosting the Benefit of Bar Time

The networking during bar time and other events generates a big return while attending the DPHA Conference (October 12-14, 2017) at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. At the bar, members can discuss how things are going with peers from across North America. It's also the only venue where dealers can receive a real inside perspective on the state of the industry and business practices that others use to address the daily challenges of owning and running a showroom.

You can maximize the returns on your bar-time conversations in Chandler by preparing in advance - sorry though, that does not mean to start drinking now. When someone asks how's business, don't automatically respond with the tried and true, "good, could be better, great, coming around, on the uptick," etc. Instead, use those standard questions to engage a more beneficial conversation by giving a couple of examples of how you have made things better, changes that are taking place or recent accomplishments. Instead of saying, "business is good," relate that business is good because a couple of new things you have tried are starting to bear fruit. For example, state something to the effect that you took a dive headfirst into the social media pool and already have acquired 625 new friends, several of whom you converted to customers when they came to the showroom. Or you may want to say, "we weaned our faucet lines from 163 down to 24 that we now focus on. Our sales, margins and profits all increased as a result." Two examples is all you need to really get the discussion going because your peers are likely to respond with recent accomplishments of their own.

Bar time also presents a perfect opportunity to talk about problems you are working on or challenges you are looking to overcome. When you are networking with your peers, talk about what's different now compared to six months ago and why. It's a great way to catch up with old friends, and a better tool to really engage in a meaningful discussion.

Finally, don't be shy about asking your peers for opinions and their advice. To get the conversation going, you may want to say, "our business is really starting to take off. I know you guys are also doing well, especially since you started using iPads in your showroom. Can you explain what you had to do to get buy-in from your staff to move away from paper catalogs and use electronic libraries on tablets instead?"

When you are at the DPHA Conference, don't miss the opportunity for meaningful engagement and guidance from your peers. Instead of responding with the standard one-word or one-phrase answers to questions about how your business is doing, think about follow-ups that can start a conversation about challenges, or issues and experiences that you want to discuss from a resource that is rarely available at any other time of the year. And it's also okay to have a drink or two.

Do you need more reasons to attend the DPHA Conference? Let us provide another one. It will make your business better. If you waited until the last minute to reserve, there's still time to make your business better. Contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or call him at 224-999-0434 to reserve.



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/06/2017




What You Can Expect in Chandler, AZ Next Week

We're still receiving some calls about next week's DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. To help answer any questions, the following is the Conference schedule to help you plan your Conference time more effectively:

Wednesday, October 11th:

Thursday, October 12th:

Friday, October 13th:

Saturday, October 14th:

Sunday, October 15th:

For a more detailed description of the conference and our content, not to mention the registration information, click here to download the conference prospectus.



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/06/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Dannielle Rabuck at Designer Bath, Kitchen & Hardware in Timonium, MD

The DPHA 17-in-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 Dannielle Rabuck, a sales associate and administrative assistant at Designer Bath, Kitchen & Hardware in Timonium, MD.

Dannielle comes to the DPH industry from the food service business. Per one of her nominators, she consistently understands the high-end client, strives to go above and beyond with every customer while being conscientious of their situation, and endeavors to sell the complete package while keeping her customers educated about all their available options. She has a positive outlook, makes everyone who comes into the showroom feel welcome, and is more than happy to visit a job site should problems arise.

To quote directly from a nominator, "She is detail oriented, has great follow up and follow-through skills, and is very organized. She quickly reached out to learn and absorb everything she can, which makes her the amazing salesperson she is."

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

Dannielle: 3 years

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Dannielle: My biggest surprise has been the outpouring of support from all corners. I have met so many wonderful people; everyone just wants to see you excited about the product and be successful in educating customers about it and selling it. From the sales representatives, the owners of the companies I sell for, to the customer service representatives I have never even met, they have all been so nice, helpful, and accommodating to every question and concern I have had. It is a positive energy and passion that I both appreciate and share.

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

Dannielle: My biggest challenge thus far has been competing with the Internet in closing a sale. This has been the case from a small sale of a few pieces of cabinet hardware to a large sale involving a whole bathroom. In most cases, I have been able to make the customer understand and fear the possibilities of what could happen from buying online. I face this challenge often, being competitive with price occasionally and finding most of my pull is with my positioning of customer service and all the benefits to buying from a showroom versus buying from online vendors.

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

Dannielle: I most enjoy helping a customer through a project. Big or small, each one is unique in its own way. It can be a puzzle at times that I can help the customer figure out. Most people only understand what they like as it pertains to the aesthetics of product and I have been able to educate customers about functionality that has really helped them in their decision making process. Each customer I help provides a new learning experience. I love that there is always something new to learn and I challenge myself to learn something new every day.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Dannielle: I started in this business a little over three years ago when I made my departure from the restaurant business. I was a restaurant manager for almost five years and needed a change that offered more stability and opportunity for my son and I. I couldn't be happier with the change I have made. I have made new business relationships, friendships and have been given a platform for great opportunity and growth.

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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/06/2017




Buy Tickets and Buy Them Often at the Council of Fellows' Scholarship Fund Raffle

The October 11-14 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase features a raffle whose proceeds benefit the DPHA Council of Fellows' Jack Fase Memorial Scholarship program. The Scholarship program provides two significant educational grants to a child or grandchild of employees of DPHA member firms to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate education. At the 2017 Conference, DPHA members have a chance to win the following raffle prizes:

Raffle tickets will be sold at the conference at the cost of one for $25 or 5 for $100, and can be purchased from staff or Council of Fellows' members.



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Posted 10/06/2017




Here's Another Way to Sweeten Your Day for Dealer Members at the 2017 DPHA Product Showcase

We've added a little extra "sugar" to the DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 12-14 at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. The 2017 Passport to Prizes event offers an opportunity for our dealer members to leave the DPHA Conference with a little something extra. Each eligible attendee will receive a passport card that they need to have stamped/signed by the following exhibitors to be eligible to win one of the prizes listed below.

When your card has been completed, place your completed Passport to Prizes form in the designated bin in the Product Showcase. Sometime around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, cards will be drawn at random for the prizes donated by the Passport to Prizes participants. You must be present in the Showcase to win.



www.dpha.net




Posted 10/06/2017




Time is Running Out, But It's Not Too Late - Register Now!

Yes, the Early Bird registration rate ended on September 12, but that doesn't mean it's too late to register for this year's conference. After all, 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:

Besides 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.

The manufacturers that have taken advantage of the opportunity to showcase their products and solutions in front of the leading showrooms in North America are:

To register for the conference, just click here to download the Conference Prospectus and Registration Form.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/29/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Kory Nelson from Premier Marketing in Northern California

The DPHA 17-in-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 Kory Nelson, an outside sales person from Premier Marketing, whose customers are situated in northern California and Nevada.

Joining Premier Marketing 4 years ago while still in college, Kory has worked his way through every aspect of serving showrooms and sales staff, and now is constantly sought out by customers for his troubleshooting ability and product knowledge. Kory's ability to explain product details and functions in an easily understandable way has quickly become one of his strengths.

In the last three years, Kory has also developed a knack for looking at a showroom from the perspectives of both the designer/sales staff as well as the consumer. According to one of his nominators, when Kory makes a display or stock suggestion to a showroom manager, it is well founded with and backed up by sales data.

Kory is passionate about the DPH industry and according to another of his nominators, "views supporting the showroom as a commitment and personal responsibility. When working with the showroom, Kory is down to earth. He goes the extra mile to be there and assist in whatever way is needed."

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

Kory: 4 years

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Kory: Personally, the biggest surprise that I've found in our industry is not what it is, but what it isn't. Our industry isn't a 9-5 workplace that shuts down when the showroom or manufacturer is closed. It's an industry of people that are diligently striving to offer the highest quality product and services.

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

Kory: The biggest challenge that I've faced was accepting that it takes many years to become proficient with our industry and its countless applications.

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

Kory: What I enjoy most about this industry is the variety that every day has to offer while working with colleagues that I can sincerely call my friends.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Kory: As I grow in this industry I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by many influential individuals who offer tremendous advice and insight. It is exciting to be part of such an innovative, fast-paced industry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful and interesting people.

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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/29/2017




Golfers, We Really Need to Hear From You by Next Monday, October 2nd!

DPHA members had such a good time playing golf at Torrey Pines in 2015 that we are hoping to bring the golf tournament back to the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa when DPHA gathers for its October 11-14 Annual Conference and Product Showcase in Chandler, AZ. We've reserved tee times at the fabulous Whirlwind Golf Club on Wednesday, October 11th from 12:30 to 6 p.m. if we have at least 16 golfers. Experience a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf course is also home to the PGA's Nationwide Insurance Tour Gila River Golf Classic held every year in October. The cost of golf is $200 per person which includes golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception. If you are interested in playing in the golf outing, make sure to check off the appropriate box on the conference registration form (click here to download the conference prospectus and registration form) or just send a quick note to jbabbitt@dpha.net or leave a message for Jim at 224-999-0434.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/29/2017




One Last Reminder - There is No Suitcasing at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase

We wanted to remind representatives of manufacturers that have elected not to purchase display space in the 2017 Product Showcase that non-exhibiting manufacturers are not permitted to market their companies, their products or share catalogs, product literature, promotional and marketing pieces or any other similar items with DPHA Conference attendees in the Showcase or in the vicinity of the Showcase during Conference hours.

We also ask dealers attending the Conference to respect the no-suitcasing policy by refraining from discussing products and other business while in or around the Showcase with non-exhibiting manufacturers and reps, and to remind manufacturers and representatives that the Showcase is neither the time or appropriate place to discuss their offerings without an exhibit.

We've made it easy to distinguish between exhibiting and non-exhibting manufacturers. Manufacturers with display space will have an exhibitor ribbon attached to their name badge.

There will be numerous other networking opportunities when everyone can schmooze with one another after the Showcase ends and Conference programs conclude. DPHA thanks all those planning to attend the Conference in a little less than two weeks for honoring the no-suitcasing policy.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/29/2017




Saturday Morning's Product Showcase - Come One, Come All and Be Our Guest!

Want to have your showroom staff take advantage of the opportunity to see the latest products in our industry? Any member or non-member can attend the Product Showcase on Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at no charge. However, if you want members of your team to come, they still need to preregister by sending Jim Babbitt an email at jbabbitt@dpha.net letting him know they want to attend that session. Remember, no one can access the Product Showcase without a DPHA name badge. The following is the list of companies exhibiting at the Conference. For a look at the Product Showcase floor plan, click here!

Manufacturers and others interested in displaying this year at the DPHA Product Showcase should contact Executive Director Jim Babbitt as soon as possible at 224-999-0434 or email Jim at jbabbitt@dpha.net. Do so now, because as you can see, there are only a few spaces left and time is running out! Again, for a look at the Product Showcase floor plan, click here.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/22/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Kelly DeSola at Watermark Designs in Brooklyn, NY

The DPHA 17-in-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 Kelly DeSola, the Customer Relations Manager at Watermark Designs in Brooklyn, NY.

Although in the industry for only a very brief time, Kelly has already attended two DPHA annual conferences, and according to one of her nominators, "She is a superstar and has taken customer service to a new level by visiting dealers in order to strengthen her relationship with them".

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

Kelly: 2 years.

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Kelly: I was most surprised by the camaraderie throughout the entire industry. It is like one big family. It is so nice to work with people, in places near and far, as a team. Sometimes things don't go as expected, and it's nice to know that I can usually count on working with the salespeople and reps to help the end user. Even though we are not in an office or showroom together, we are able to work as a team.

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

Kelly: The biggest challenge I face is the expectation of everything being available. Watermark's fixtures really are custom made to order and a frequent problem is the customer's lack of understanding of what that entails versus the demand and the pressure they feel to receive products right away.

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

Kelly: I love the constant craziness! Whether it is helping somebody with a completely customized fixture, helping build somebody's dream bathroom or getting to the bottom of an issue somebody is having with their fixtures, there is always something going on. There is never a dull moment and there are new situations to deal with every day. We never stop learning and it really keeps you on your toes.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Kelly: I really appreciate being selected and look forward to growing within the DPHA community.

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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/22/2017




Alberto Comini, 1940 - 2017

It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that DPHA and its members learned of the unexpected passing of Alberto Comini on September 12th. When you hear Alberto's name mentioned, the immediate word that comes to mind is "gentlemen". He will be sorely missed by the entire DPHA community.

Alberto was born in Italy and immigrated to the United States in 1960 at the age of 20. He founded OMNIA Industries and led OMNIA to become one of the market-leading decorative hardware companies in North America. Alberto was involved in numerous civic and charitable activities and in fact, OMNIA Industries was a founding member of DPHA.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Alex, Denyse and the entire OMNIA and Comini families. To read more about Alberto, click here to see his obituary.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/22/2017




Golfers, We Need to Hear From You by October 2nd!

DPHA members had such a good time playing golf at Torrey Pines in 2015 that we are hoping to bring the golf tournament back to the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa when DPHA gathers for its October 11-14 Annual Conference and Product Showcase in Chandler, AZ. We are planning on playing the the fabulous Whirlwind Golf Club from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Experience a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf course is also home to the PGA's Nationwide Insurance Tour Gila River Golf Classic held every year in October. The cost of golf is $200 per person which includes golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception. If you are interested in playing in the golf outing, make sure to check off the appropriate box on the conference registration form (click here to download the conference prospectus and registration form) or just send a quick note to jbabbitt@dpha.net or leave a message for him at 224-999-0434.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/22/2017




There are Still Some Spots Available for the Sales Track Training Program at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference

The Program and Showcase Committee, under the leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (GRAFF), provides 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.

The details:

The special $245 rate covers admittance to the conference for the following events:

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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/15/2017




The DPHA 2017 Annual Conference - Education, Networking and Fun!

In a little less than 4 weeks, DPHA members will congregate at the beautiful Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ for the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase. If you have forgotten to register for the conference, we still have room for you, but you need to register with us as soon as possible. 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 2017 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 12 at 5:00 p.m. and there is no cost to participate. Email jbabbitt@dpha.net if you would like to participate.

DPHA Golf Tourney: On Wednesday, October 11th, join DPHA members for a day on the links at the fabulous Whirlwind Golf Club from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Experience a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf course is also home to the PGA's Nationwide Insurance Tour, Gila River Golf Classic held every year in October. The cost of golf is $200 per person which includes golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception.

Arizona Food Tour: DPHA foodies unite for this delectable tour of Old Town Scottsdale's most interesting food venues on Wednesday, October 11th. Sponsored by Baci by Remcraft and Barber Wilson/Sterlingham, the Taste of Old Scottsdale Dinner Tour is a walking and cultural tour full of stories of the old west, demonstrations and delicious gourmet treats and wine from several of Scottsdale's unique and exciting restaurants that will leave the hotel at 5:30 p.m. and return around 9 p.m. This tour was rated as the top food and drink activity in Scottsdale by TripAdvisor. The three-hour adventure takes you back to the wild west, explains how Scottsdale was established, how it has changed over the years and current-day attractions. You'll also stop at four of Scottdale's unique eating establishments to sample their fare. Space on the tour is now limited, so contact Jim Babbitt or Rebekah Covay as soon as possible if you would like to reserve a seat on the bus. The cost is $175 per person, with all proceeds being contributed to the Council of Fellows Scholarship Fund.

Opening Reception: On Friday, October 13, DPHA members will gather in the Product Showcase for our opening night reception, sponsored by LACAVA. The drinks will flow from a host bar sponsored by Amerec and Barber Wilson/Sterlingham, 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 14. A gourmet feast, sponsored by American Standard, DXV and Grohe, is planned followed by music and dancing, and again drinks will flow from bars sponsored by Dubois USA, Julien and Renaissance Design Studio.

Bar Time: The Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass 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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/15/2017




Here's Even More Icing on the Cake for Dealer Members at the 2017 DPHA Product Showcase

We've added a little extra spice to the DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 12-14 at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. The 2017 Passport to Prizes offers an opportunity for our dealer members to leave the DPHA Conference with a little something extra. Each eligible attendee will receive a passport card that they need to have stamped/signed by the following exhibitors to be eligible to win one of the prizes listed below.

www.dpha.net




Posted 09/15/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Justin Tracy at ROHL

The DPHA 17-in-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 Justin Tracy, the Director of Customer Service at ROHL in Irvine, CA.

After spending 10 years in the high-end food and beverage industry developing a passion for customer service, Justin began his career with ROHL LLC in late 2009. Since joining the ROHL team he has made it his daily goal to ensure that all of their customers and consumers receive exceptional support from the ROHL Customer Care team. According to one of his nominators, Justin has built a culture of taking care of the customer first through his thoughtful listening and training.

Justin has also been a part of the ROHL A.I.V. (Authenticity Innovation Value) Training Institute team since 2010. During that time he has helped develop and train more than 1,000 showroom consultants on ROHL products and their philosophies in the market place. Justin's passion for customer care can be seen and felt daily within ROHL's four walls and by all of the showrooms, designers, architects and consumers that he has had the pleasure of working with.

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

Justin: November 9th, 2009 was my first day at ROHL and in the DPH industry.

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Justin: The lack of contention between competitors. I have seen so many wonderful examples of individuals and showrooms working well with each other. It's competitive out there but, from my perspective, the "cutthroat nature" of today's business world does not seem to show itself as much as I would have expected.

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

Justin: The unfortunate turnover within the decorative showrooms. Training and knowledge is so critical to success in our industry that it is a shame there is not a greater amount of talented people that stay at their showroom for an extended period of time.

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

Justin: I am a problem solver by nature and as everyone in our industry knows, problems arise in all sorts of ways and on all types of projects. I get to spend my days teaching others how to fine tune this skill set and execute it myself. I go home with a smile every day because I know I made someone's life better to some degree each day I am here.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Justin: Just a big THANK YOU for this honor!

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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/15/2017




If You Like Waiting Until the Last Minute, the Last Minute is Here!

We recognize that many DPHA members are procrastinators and like putting things off to the last minute. Well, guess what? The last minute is here! Tuesday, September 12 is the last day to register for the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the discounted rate. Member registration fees increase from $800 per person to $900 per person on September 12. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Click here to download the registration form or call DPHA at 888-871-6520 to reserve your spot at the October 12-14, 2017 Conference being held at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/08/2017




Why the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference & Product Showcase is a Must-Attend Event

DPHA conferences are known for their outstanding educational programs that provide opportunities to access information and learn practices that make your job easier and more rewarding.

While DPHA conference programs are educational, fun and great reasons to attend, the number one reason to attend the 2017 DPHA Conference is to take advantage of the opportunity to network with peers from across the nation who face the same challenges you do and who also look to capitalize on new opportunities. There will be plenty of networking opportunities when the leading minds in the industry gather at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ on October 12-14, both structured and informal. They include breakfasts and lunches on both Friday and Saturday, the Friday evening cocktail reception in the Product Showcase and the Saturday night closing banquet. The unstructured times between educational sessions, during breaks and at the bar also present great opportunities to connect.

The networking opportunities not only allow you to make new connections, but also to strengthen existing ones. Avoid the temptation to spend most of your time with people you already know. Make it a goal to meet a new supplier, a new DPHA member or an existing member who you don't know that well. This helps build your network and the resources that you can tap when you want to discuss a problem, opportunity or simply when you need to get a different perspective. There's no better time to reserve for the DPHA Conference than right now. Click here to reserve!



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/08/2017




No Suitcasing at the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase

We want to remind representatives of manufacturers that have elected not to purchase display space in the 2017 Product Showcase that non-exhibiting manufacturers are not permitted to market their companies, their products or share catalogs, product literature, promotional and marketing pieces or any other similar items with DPHA Conference attendees in the Showcase or in the vicinity of the Showcase during Conference hours.

We also ask dealers attending the Conference to respect the no-suitcasing policy by refraining from discussing products and other business while in or around the Showcase with non-exhibiting manufacturers and reps, and to remind manufacturers and representatives that the Showcase is neither the time or appropriate place to discuss their offerings without an exhibit.

We've made it easy to distinguish between exhibiting and non-exhibting manufacturers. Manufacturers with display space will have an exhibitor ribbon attached to their name badge.

There will be numerous other networking opportunities when everyone can schmooze with one another after the Showcase ends and Conference programs conclude. DPHA thanks all those planning to attend the Conference for honoring the no-suitcasing policy.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/08/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Joseph Torres at Renaissance Design Studio (Woodland Hills, CA)

The DPHA 17-in-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 Joseph Torres, a Sales/Technical Consultant at Renaissance Design Studio's showroom in Woodland Hills, CA.

Joseph came to Renaissance Design Studio from outside the DPH field, in fact from the auto industry, which some people think may have contributed to how "fast" he has developed within our industry. Originally hired to fill a shipping/receiving position, Joseph became the manager of that same department within a year, and subsequently restructured the entire warehouse operation, achieving great new efficiencies. Since that time, Joseph has also assumed a sales position, selling both hardware and plumbing, generating a large volume of sales while simultaneously continuing to fill his role as the warehouse manager at the Woodland Hills' location.

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

Joseph: 5 years

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Joseph: My biggest surprise would be the fast pace; we are fortunate to deal with multi-million dollar projects. With so much at stake, you would think that people would want to slow down and make sure things are precise, but I hear on a daily basis, "I need this like last week." For the most part things work out, but there's been situations where it didn't and made things worst.

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

Joseph: I have faced this challenge multiple times, and it's something that will continue to occur because we're a showroom that believes that nothing is impossible. Our clients constantly challenge us to create things that don't exist. I've been in situations where I've had to design, engineer, and execute a component/product for the first time. We don't believe in the word "no" or "can't."

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

Joseph: I believe I've heard this from someone else but it's true - not every day is the same. You may leave one day having solved a certain set of problems, but the following day you will walk into another set of challenges that are completely different. This industry definitely challenges you and keeps you on your toes at the same time.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Joseph: Thank you again for this honor and consideration.

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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/01/2017




The 2017 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 (GRAFF), provides 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.

The details:

The special $245 rate covers admittance to the conference for the following events:

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.

Click here to reserve a hotel room at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/01/2017




Sorry, Kim Falby - I Really Do Have Egg on My Face!

For the first time ever last week, Connections listed companies and individuals that were nominated in one of the six Professional of the Year award categories - Customer Service Department, Manufacturer Professional, Representative Agency, Representative Professional, Showroom Professional and Showroom. Regrettably, we inadvertently failed to include Kim Falby of Julien in the Manufacturer Professional of the Year category. Please accept our apologies, Kim, and again, congratulations on your nomination - you should be very proud of the fact that you are being recognized as a leader in our industry!



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/01/2017




There are Only a Few Remaining Booth Spaces 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 Wildhorse Pass Resort & Spa 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.

There are only a very few spaces remaining, but you still have a chance to join these other members who will be promoting their products and services in Chandler, AZ:

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. And remember, if you don't exhibit, you can't promote your products or services on or anywhere near the show floor.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/01/2017




Don't Be a Procrastinator and Save Money at the Same Time

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! Tuesday, September 12th is the last day to register for the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the discounted rate. Member registration fees increase from $800 per person to $900 per person on September 13. 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 12-15, 2017 conference being held at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ.



www.dpha.net




Posted 09/01/2017




Saturday Morning's Product Showcase - Come One, Come All!

Want to have your showroom staff take advantage of the opportunity to see the latest products in our industry? Any member or non-member can attend the Product Showcase on Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at no charge. However, if you want members of your team to come, they still need to preregister by sending Jim Babbitt an email at jbabbitt@dpha.net letting him know they want to attend that session. Remember, no one can access the Product Showcase without a DPHA name badge. The following is the list of companies exhibiting at the Conference. For a look at the Product Showcase floor plan, click here!

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 as you can see, there are only a few spaces left. Again, for a look at the Product Showcase floor plan, click here!



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/25/2017




Congratulations to all Those Nominated in the 2017 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 2016 Product of the Year Guide, simply click here). However, we have 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), received a record number of award nominations, and is starting a new 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:

Manufacturing Professional of the Year:

Representative Agency of the Year:

Representative Professional of the Year:

Showroom of the Year:

Showroom Professional of the Year:

Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 14th, 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!



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/25/2017




Buy Tickets and Buy Them Often at the Council of Fellows' Scholarship Fund Raffle

The October 11-14 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase features a raffle whose proceeds benefit the DPHA Council of Fellows' Jack Fase Memorial Scholarship program. The Scholarship provides two significant educational grants to a child or grandchild of employees of DPHA member firms to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate education. At the 2017 Conference, DPHA members have a chance to win the following raffle prizes:

Raffle tickets will be sold at the conference at the cost of one for $25 or 5 for $100, and can be purchased from staff or Council of Fellows' members.



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/25/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Sam Furrow at Pierce Hardware (Fort Worth, TX)

The DPHA 17-in-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 am Furrow, a Sales Consultant at Pierce Hardware's showroom in Fort Worth, TX.

Sam is new to the Pierce Hardware team, but has become quite a valued member in the Fort Worth showroom in a very short time. According to one of his nominators, Sam is knowledgeable in both hardware and plumbing, but continues to work on increasing his understanding of products by remaining engaged during product knowledge sessions and asking well thought-out questions. Sam is also very passionate about our DPH industry and is focused on making it a career. Being attuned to the industry, Sam has also used his creativity to come up with innovative product ideas, which may one day be available.

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

Sam: 6 years

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Sam: I was surprised by how much we get comparatively shopped via the Internet.

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

Sam: It's been challenging but very rewarding learning 100's of different brands across multiple spectrums.

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

Sam: I enjoy educating customers and helping design baths and kitchens of all different styles.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Sam: Thanks again, DPHA!

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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/25/2017




What You Can Expect in Chandler, AZ

We've received a number of calls about the upcoming DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. To help answer others' questions, the following is the tentative Conference schedule to help you plan your Conference time more effectively.

Wednesday, October 11th:

Thursday, October 12th:

Friday, October 13th:

Saturday, October 14th:

Sunday, October 15th:

For a more detailed description of the conference and our content, not to mention the registration information, click here to download the conference prospectus.



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/18/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Kylie Nelson from Premier Marketing

The DPHA 17-in-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 Kylie Nelson, an Inside Sales Rep Agent in San Ramon, CA.

When you talk about someone growing up in the industry and you live in the northern California area, there is a good chance that Kylie Nelson is the very person you are thinking of. The daughter of Mary and Alan Labowitz (the owners and founders of Premier Marketing), Kylie can truly be said to have "DPH blood" flowing through her. Now a co-chairperson of the 2018 Northern California Regional Committee, Kylie has been actively engaged in DPHA for the past few years, and may very will be part of the next wave of leaders for the Association.

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

Kylie: I have been a part of this industry officially for 3 years now, however, I grew up in this industry helping my family company for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would go into a hotel bathroom or a friend's home and see if I could spot our products. As you can see, I was born into this industry and the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Kylie: The friendliness and sense of community. I have been delighted to discover that I am able to work with so many interesting and helpful people. Both in the showroom and with other rep agencies, I have thoroughly enjoyed developing so many relationships, many of which have become great personal friendships.

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

Kylie: As a young woman in an industry of many well-established principals, I have to prove myself as a reliable and trustworthy sales rep. Respect and confidence takes years to establish, so I continue to work on building my reputation and gaining the experience needed to be well-founded in this industry.

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

Kylie: Being that I am in my mid-twenties, many of my friends do not understand how I have so much passion and interest in decorative plumbing and hardware. What they don't understand is there is so much more to this industry than just selling "toilets." There are mid- to high-end artisan-made products that can bring life and comfort to a kitchen or bathroom. My favorite thing is to hear a showroom sales associate say "thank you" to us for giving them a product to sell that not only makes their customer happy with the investment, but also the end result. It is an honor to be trusted enough to represent such amazing products. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that I have done everything I can to help a showroom take care of their customers.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Kylie: It has truly been a privilege to be nominated for the 17-in-17 Program. I have recently been more involved with all that DPHA offers and find great value in this organization. It is a great feeling to follow in the footsteps of my mother, Mary Labowitz, and see all of her hard work and commitment into this organization and be able to continue this family tradition.

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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/18/2017




Just Because You're at the DPHA Conference, That Doesn't Mean You Can't Have Fun!

In a little less than 8 weeks, DPHA members will congregate at the beautiful Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ for the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase. We also know that many of you have reserved rooms but have not yet registered for the Conference. Please note that Conference registration fees increase by $100 on September 12. If you plan to participate, please click here to register now and thereby avoid having to pay the procrastinators' premium.

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

5K Fun Run and Walk: The 2017 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 12 at 5:00 p.m. and there is no cost to participate. Email jbabbitt@dpha.net if you would like to participate.

DPHA Golf Tourney: On Wednesday, October 11th, join DPHA members for a day on the links at the fabulous Whirlwind Golf Club from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Experience a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, this unique golf course is also home to the PGA's Nationwide Insurance Tour, Gila River Golf Classic held every year in October. The cost of golf is $200 per person which include golf, cart, range, box lunch and 19th hole reception.

Arizona Food Tour: DPHA foodies unite for this delectable tour of Old Town Scottsdale's most interesting food venues on Wednesday, October 11th. Sponsored by Baci by Remcraft and Barber Wilson/Sterlingham, the Taste of Old Scottsdale Dinner Tour is a walking and cultural tour full of stories of the old west, demonstrations and delicious gourmet treats and wine from several of Scottsdale's unique and exciting restaurants that will leave the hotel at 5:30 p.m. and return around 9 p.m. This tour was rated as the top food and drink activity in Scottsdale by TripAdvisor. The three-hour adventure takes you back to the wild west, explains how Scottsdale was established, how it has changed over the years and current-day attractions. You'll also stop at four of Scottdale's unique eating establishments to sample their fare. The tour is limited to the first 15 who register. The cost is $175 per person, with all proceeds being contributed to the Council of Fellows Scholarship Fund.

Opening Reception: On Friday, October 13, DPHA members will gather in the Product Showcase for our opening night reception. The drinks will flow from a host bar sponsored by Amerec and Barber Wilson/Sterlingham, 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 14. A gourmet feast, sponsored by American Standard, DXV and Grohe, is planned followed by music and dancing, and again drinks will flow from bars sponsored by Julien.

Bar Time: The Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass 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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/18/2017




There's No Debate About This Slate

The DPHA Nominating Committee has developed the following proposed slate of Officers and Directors for 2018. Each member was emailed a proxy ballot that was sent to the company's designated primary contact earlier this week. Please complete and return your proxy ballot to DPHA via fax at 866-623-6180 or email at jbabbitt@dpha.net by Monday, September 11.

Members are encouraged to return their proxy ballot even if they plan on attending the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, October 11-14 at the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, AZ. 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 2018 Board of Directors is as follows:

Officers:

Directors:

www.dpha.net




Posted 08/11/2017




The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Heather Domingue from Milestone Distributors

The DPHA 17-in-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 Heather Domingue, a Regional Sales Manager for Milestone Distributors in the Houston, TX area.

Transitioning from a showroom to becoming an independent representative is usually not an easy process, but according to one of Heather's nominators, she has made the entire experience appear almost seamless. Her attention to detail borders on mind-boggling, and because she comes from the showroom side of things, she shows a great ability to anticipate exactly what the showroom salespeople need in advance. Heather also actively participates on DPHA's Marketing Committee, and hopes to become even more involved in the future.

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?
Heather: 7 years.

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?
Heather: After working in the fashion industry for more than 8 years, I was surprised to learn the plumbing and hardware industry was just as innovative and creative with ever-changing trends and styles. It is much more technical than I imagined, however, that has been the most exciting part to learn for me.

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?
Heather: The biggest challenges I face are the vigorous demands of the end consumer. With a continuous influx of information readily available, it is harder to stay a step ahead of expectations and to handle issues at Internet speed. Although challenging, this keeps you on your toes and causes you to always be as knowledgeable as possible on the lines you represent.

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?
Heather: My favorite aspects of this industry are the constant evolution of products and the new technologies we learn about every day. This industry is constantly evolving with new styles, finishes and processes, which keeps it very exciting. I truly enjoy my position as a sales rep because I get to meet, train and work alongside interesting and new people, both near and far.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?
Heather: The decorative plumbing and hardware industry is a dynamic and worthwhile career path. It offers an outlet to be creative and to never have a dull day!

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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/11/2017




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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/11/2017




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:

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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/04/2017




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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/04/2017




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:

General Knowledge Category:

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:

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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 08/04/2017




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)

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

FRIDAY LUNCH SPONSOR ($2,750)

WINE SPONSOR ($2,500)

GOLF OUTING SPONSOR ($2,500)

BREAKFAST SPONSOR ($1,100)

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

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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 07/28/2017




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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 07/28/2017




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.



www.dpha.net




Posted 07/28/2017




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?



www.dpha.net




Posted 07/21/2017




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:

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!



www.dpha.net




Posted 07/21/2017




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:

Selection Criteria:

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".



www.dpha.net




Posted 07/21/2017




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.

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:

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:

www.dpha.net

Posted 07/14/2017

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?

www.dpha.net

Posted 07/14/2017

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: