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Market Pulse { Readers' opinions on industry-related issues } A s a long-time NKBA member (and member frm), we regularly at- tend local chapter meetings where there are guest speakers. Some [of our staf] have used the Webinars. As a certifed designer, and with the increase of CEU requirements, I expect to be taking ad- vantage of some seminar or Web-based training programs this cycle." Bill McKay, CKD Starline Kitchen & Bath Gallery Flushing, MI Y es, I have. This past year was an eye opener regarding my marketing. I have focused on the need to keep up with social media, SEO and SEM. In 2015 I will continue to study in these areas. In addition, even [here] in Boston, we are seeing a trend toward more contemporary or European styles and cabinetry, perhaps driven by the big box [store] from Sweden." John C. Schroeder Village Cabinet Design, LLC Medway, MA I try to take advantage of as many educational opportunities as pos- sible. This year: technical aspects of lighting, new countertop products, de- signing with light fxtures, designing with tile, new systems to easily and quickly build showers and radiant heating." Patsy Stowell, CKD Corning Building Co. Corning, NY A ll Webinars! Many companies of- fer them and we take advantage of as many as we can. A lot of what I have learned is about presentation, knowledge and ofering our customers something they aren't getting down the road. I will keep taking Webinars and vendor training as long as they keep of- fering them! The more I know, the better I can educate my customers." Debbi Washburn ProBuild Mahopac, NY I like to attend classes from NKBA University. It is helpful to learn from other professionals. I plan to take classes and seminars when possible. I enjoy the learning process. I would like to concentrate on sales and marketing." Monica Aur Southern Cabinets & Lighting Chattanooga, TN T ime for new education is tight. We learn new things every day by being on the jobsite and learning from hands-on experience from our colleagues. That being said, we are planning on attending a few seminars to stay up-to-date on new appliances, as well as some that have undergone major changes." Israel Lieber, owner Dynamic Cabinetry & Design, Inc. Cedarhurst, NY I attended one seminar in 2014 of- fered by the custom cabinet line that I carry. This was very helpful in learning what color and door style trends are starting to be popular and how the trends look for the future. The best part of the seminar was that I learned how to use the Web in various ways to help with attracting future business. I have my Web site up and running, along with using the social media tools that are available. I do hope to attend some training classes this year that my cabinet lines ofer for a refresher course on the products. I feel it is a very good way to stay on top of what we can ofer the public. Even though I have been designing for over 30 years, I always learn something from those re- fresher classes that I may have forgotten about, or never noticed in the revised specs over the years. It is also a way to see how other designers are doing things in their region to attract business that I may have never thought about trying." Ric Guy Scotland Kitchen & Bath Designs, Inc. Rosedale, MD I have used a couple of Webinars, and they are great for certain training. But I still appreciate face-to-face, real-life training in areas that are compli- cated. I have a tendency to get frustrated when technology doesn't work." Carolyn Kelly CO Lumber Specialties Colorado Springs, CO I really feel the need for more edu- cation. I study on my own from Webinars and self improvement. This year, I'd like to concentrate on improv- ing my skills in Chief Architect to really get a complete hold on the software." Clare White Clockwise Design Lake Oswego, OR B ased on my ASID afliation, con- tinuing education is necessary. However, I do select topics that will in- crease my knowledge of products and approaches to design that enhance the customer experience, and current trends in kitchen and bathroom spaces. I will be expanding my education by getting my Real Estate License. Increasing my knowledge of home sales/purchases and knowing the comps on homes within their particular neighborhood adds val- ue to my services in the kitchen/bath industry and home staging arena. [I also continue to study] the open space con- cepts that add to the overall functional space(s) within a home." Tina Harvey, Allied ASID True Identity Concepts White Plains, NY I attended a seminar hosted by Hafele Chicago and presented by Ellen Cheever. The seminar discussed European trends and styles, and it was extremely helpful. Since then, I have been able to utilize many of the trends in current designs." Suha Atassi-Dimon Dimon Designs, LLC Mundelein, IL I fnd sales, business management and related systems seminars are always of interest and defnitely worth attending." Carol Lindell DCI Home Resource Charlotte, NC Y es, I need CEUs to maintain my CKD accreditation. In 2014, I learned about time management tips, color efects, 2020 tricks and manu- facturers' newest oferings. In 2015, I would like to take a class on V10 2020; I always like trends, color and design classes." JoAnn Lyles, CKD Riverhead Building Supply East Hampton, NY Designers Weigh in on Educational Pursuits and Learning Plans for 2015 Kitchen & Bath Design News recently asked dealers and designers in the kitchen and bath industry: "Have you had the opportunity to pursue educational opportunities in 2014, and if so, how have those experiences helped your business? Are you planning to pursue new educational opportunities in 2015?" Following are some of their responses. What do you think? E-mail your feedback, contact information and the subject line, 'Market Pulse' with your message to Andrea@solabrands.com. 10 | Kitchen & Bath Design News January 2015