Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/148829
Industry Profle Photos: Melissa Oivanki, Oivanki Photography By Kim Berndtson Designer Finds A New Direction By hiring a business coach, Acadian House Kitchen & Bath Studio fought of the recession and doubled business in two years. A ngela Si moneau x Poirrier grew up in the midst of the kitchen and bath design industry, literally. Her mother, Kathy Crifasi Simoneaux, founded Acadian House Kitchen & Bath Studio in Baton Rouge, LA, 34 years ago, and she often brought her young daughter to work with her. "We lived behind the showroom, and she had my playpen in the ofce," says Poirrier. "As I got older, I answered phones and went on jobsites to help with measure- ments. I was very ingrained in the business." Today, the multi-generation frm not only includes the mother/daughter duo, but also Poirrier's father, as well as seven additional employees who handle everything from design to marketing, bookkeeping and installation. Initially, Poirrier's father served as a countertop fabricator in a separate entity. But, as the design frm grew over the past two years, he was brought into the business to oversee jobsites as well as contribute in the area of construction. Poi r r ier relates t hat t wea k ing t he business, such as making her father an ofcial team member, is important to the company's success, and to maintaining high customer satisfaction. "Our design specialty – and philosophy – is ofering the very best customer service in our industry. Ev- • Acadian House Kitchen & Bath Studio focuses on customer service to ensure kitchens, such as this one, meet client expectations. erything stems from it, everything is driven toward it and everything is done because of it," she stresses. Poirrier adds that a recent customer survey revealed a 100% satisfaction rating in the areas of communication, value, quality and clean/safe jobsites. All respondents also indicated they would recommend Acadian House to others and felt that its staf was trustworthy, professional and organized. "We FREE IPHONE & IPAD CATALOGS Download at WhiteRiver.com/Apple Circle No. 18 on Product Card 22 | Kitchen & Bath Design News August 2013