January 29, 2016

NKBA University, a leader in continuing education and professional development for professionals in the design, building/remodeling and architecture industries, announces that Chicago-based designer, Danielle Burger, AKBD, won NKBA U Professional of the Year. The four-month contest culminated live at KBIS 2016, where Burger and three other finalists took to the NKBA Center Stage before a panel of judges and full audience of KBIS attendees to share the importance of professional development, and how NKBA University has contributed to their growth and success.

“Throughout the contest and in the finals at KBIS, Danielle demonstrated how NKBA University’s Focus on the Customer Learning Path fueled her growth, and how continuing education has not only shaped her career goals abut helped her fulfill her clients’ dreams as well,” says National Kitchen & Bath Association Director of Learning Nancy Barnes. “Continuing education is deeply woven into the fabric of the NKBA and this contest. We’re thrilled to celebrate Danielle and the commitment that our finalist and NKBA U embody.”

In the spirit of continuing education, the following prizes have been awarded:

Grand Prize Winner Daniele Burger, AKBD, received an all-expenses-paid trip for two from Platinum Sponsor Kohler Co. to tour its global headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Kohler, Wis. and a $500 gift card.

Each of the remaining finalists, Alena Capra, CKB, CBD; Patricia Davis Brown, CKD, CBD, ASID, NCIDQ; and Matt Plaskoff received one al-expenses-paid trip to visit the headquarters and manufacturing facilities of one of the contest’s Gold Sponsors: Franke, Rev-A-Shelf and DuPont.

“While I had the passion and perseverance to start my own business two years ago, I lacked direction,” Burger says. “Continuing my education through NKBA University and applying what I had learned in real life situations enabled me to take my business to the next level. I am currently pursing my CKD and CBD through NKBA and am honored to be named the 2016 NKBA U Professional of the Year.