RESTON, VA. – Held at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, on April 23, 2024 to April 25, 2024, the KCMA 68th Annual Spring Leadership Conference inducted Perry Fails as the association’s new President effective June 1, 2024, succeeding Jeff Gulledge, and provided a forum for industry leaders’ insightful discussions on the latest trends and challenges that are driving innovation and growth in cabinet manufacturing. The announcement was made by KCMA CEO Betsy Natz.
“This year's annual meeting surpassed all expectations, fostering invaluable connections and discussions among members of the kitchen and bath industry,” Natz said afterwards. “From exploring emerging trends to addressing key issues, our gathering has set the stage for collaboration and progress in cabinet manufacturing. We’re all looking forward to Perry Fails guidance as our new President."
KCMA members were treated to a tremendous speaker line-up and plenty of meaningful networking receptions. At the meeting, the Fiscal Year 2025 Board Members were announced, and included: Jeff Caldwell, Bridgewood Cabinetry; Bill Allen, Showplace Cabinetry; Edwin Underwood, Marsh Furniture; Jeff Gulledge, Bishop Cabinets; Jeremy Rentschler, IDI; David Mullis, Leedo Manufacturing; Max Caldas, Canyon Creek Cabinet Company; Perry Fails, Supreme Cabinetry Brands (President); Kevin ONeill, Sherwin-Williams; Casey Bell, Bellmont Cabinet Company; Angela Bouma, Crystal Cabinet Works; Perry Miller, Kountry Wood Products, LLC; Vince Mullet, Mullet Cabinet; John Gahm, Kitchen Kompact, Inc; and, Stephen Wellborn, Wellborn Cabinets, Inc.
Highlights from the KCMA meeting included:
• Natalia Pierce from Detail by Design was Awarded First Place in the inaugural 2024 KCMA Design Awards Competition for Outstanding Kitchen Design Projects by Kitchen & Bath Professionals. Pierce used cabinets manufactured by KCMA member Cuisine Ideale.
• Betsy Natz and Luke Meisner (Attorney, Schagrin Associates) discussed updates on recent trade case activities which included anti-evasion and circumvention, the Department of Commerce Annual Administrative Reviews, Appeals, Enforce and Protect Allegations, the Five Year Sunset Review and more. The discussion concluded with insightful questions from the members present at the session.
• Alain Hunkins, CEO, Hunkins Leadership Group discussed how leaders can ignite passion and purpose to inspire their teams, stressing the significance of empathy and emotional intelligence. He offered actionable insight for cultivating an environment of inspiration and innovation, empowering leaders to unleash their true potential.
• Robert Dietz, Chief Economist, National Association of Home Builders, gave the NAHB Housing Forecast. Dietz discussed the current state of the US housing market and its implications for the kitchen cabinet industry. Drawing from his wealth of knowledge, he pointed out how housing trends directly influence consumer preferences and demand for kitchen cabinetry, providing invaluable insights for industry stakeholders navigating this dynamic landscape.
• Logan Stuckey, VP of Operations, Sauder Building Product, discussed “Navigating the Future: Automation Impact on Manufacturing” about the impact of automation on manufacturing with a meticulous analysis of current trends and emerging technologies. He provided a comprehensive understanding of how automation is reshaping the manufacturing landscape. His expertise offered invaluable guidance for industry leaders seeking to adapt and thrive in an increasingly automated world.
• Brent Weil, in “Jobs for the Future,” discussed the KCMA Apprenticeship program showcasing a commitment to fostering talent and innovation within the kitchen cabinet industry. With a focus on professional development and hands on training, Brent illuminated the program's significance in shaping the next generation of skilled craftsmen.
• In “Bring NEW into Your Business: A Trend & Innovation Conversation,” the Associates Committee presented its annual panel discussion with subject matter experts in the KCMA. This year's panel focused on the pitfalls and opportunities on how to bring innovation into their businesses. Moderated by Max Caldas, CEO, Canyon Creek Cabinet Company, the panel was comprised of: Amy A. Wittenbach, Director of Design, Donna Figg Design and also one of the KCMA Judges for Designer of the Year Contest; Doug Boucher, Senior Vice President, Cambria; Ron Cooper, Segment Manager, AkzoNobel and Rob Jenkins, VP of Sales & Marketing, Rev-A-Shelf.
• KCMA also introduced Lisa Samuels, Director of Marketing & Communications, as the newest member of the management team. Lisa has almost 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit space. Most recently, she was with Tax Analysts, a not-for-profit publisher of tax news, commentary and research. Prior to that she spent 9 years working for the Tax Executives Institute – a membership society of corporate tax professionals.
“I am thrilled by the success of our annual meeting,” Natz concluded. “It truly provided a platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and chart the course for the future of the kitchen and bath sector. By discussing trends and challenges in cabinet manufacturing, we are paving the way for continued success and excellence in the cabinet industry."
For additional questions, contact: Jim Nowakowski, Phone: (847) 358-4848, Email: jim@interlinegroup.com.
ABOUT KCMA. The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1955 to represent companies who manufacture cabinets, bath cabinets, or other residential cabinets and key kitchen and bath industry suppliers. With a membership now more than 300 strong throughout North America, KCMA works to advance the cabinet industry through advocacy, setting cabinet quality standards, sponsoring kitchen and bath cabinet-related research, and providing the cabinet industry with management tools and educational programs.
KCMA establishes and promotes standards for the kitchen cabinet industry; defends and advocates in support of the cabinet industry; and arms our members with valuable tools necessary to promote and grow their cabinet businesses.
