October 31, 2014

Kitchen and Bath Cabinet Experts (KBx), a group of the nation’s elite
cabinet dealer-distributors, gathered last month for their annual national
conference at Lake Tahoe. Kathy Tilley, director of KBx, called the recent
gathering the best conference the group has ever had, citing mood, enthusiasm
and member attendance. KBx Members are stronger than they’ve ever been; they
are taking market share and are seeing an improvement in product mix.

 “This was the best conference
by far, we’ve attended,” said Joe Jacobus of Markraft Cabinets in Wilmington,
N.C. “The discussions were relevant and interesting. Our events are not only
productive, but they help me keep my business on track.”

Group photo from national conference. From left: Mona Tavss; Drew
Tavss, President, Mid South Building Supply; Henri Pelletier, Regional Sales
Manager, Elkay Cabinet Division; Rudy Detweiler, Vice President, Cabinet Sales,
Elkay Cabinet Division; Kathy Tilley, Director, KBx; Howard Kuretzky,
President, Kurtis Kitchens; Jeanette Rowland; Jim Rowland, Vice President,
Mid South Building Supply; Jay Smith, President, FEI Group

According to Howard Kuretzky at Kurtis Kitchens, with five locations in
Michigan, “What a great conference. Besides having a great time,
especially with other members, I left with solid business ideas I can implement
immediately. It was invigorating and I now have a new energy.”

Members also recognized the best among them with the annual Member of
the Year presentation. This year’s recipient, Jeff Collamore, vice president,
Great Basin Region, Primera, is a KBx Advisory Board Member.

                  Jeff Collamore, COO and President, Great Basin Region,
Primera

“While managing intense growth and
acquisitions in his own business, Jeff spent significant time with the group
assisting with supply initiatives, hosting roundtable meetings and, in general,
being an open book to fellow members,” said Kathy Tilley. “The Member of the
Year Award is always such a tough decision. This year Jeff made it easier. He’s
one of the most aggressive, dynamic leaders I’ve ever met. He’s a visionary for
our organization and he’s a good friend.” 

Operating across five states, Primera offers a wide selection of
flooring, wall tile, cabinets, countertops and window treatments to homebuilders,
general contractors, interior designers and commercial developers.

The theme of the conference, IMPACT 2020, focused on developing a
five-year plan so KBx members can maintain their leadership position in the industry.
 

“The only way you do that is stay ahead of the curve, to be the
leading edge of the market,” said Tilley.

The conference also saw a series of think tanks on critical topics,
such as the challenge of finding qualified labor, people costs and design center/retail
best practices.

“The quality of our membership is incredible, and networking with
other members is paramount,” said Chris Holtz, Countertops and Cabinetry by
Design with five locations in Ohio. “We share openly what’s going on. It’s
valuable to ask other business leaders who have faced the same challenges you
may be facing now and get their insight on their experience. ”

KBx is comprised of market leading cabinet dealer-distributors. Member
companies must meet certain requirements; among these, a valued reputation in
the market place, vision and a defining commitment to servicing the industry in
a first-class manner. Today, KBx members do business in 75 U.S. markets and
service single-family new construction, retail, multifamily and commercial segments.