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For most small business owners, building a successful company is the ultimate goal. Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, has attained that goal with her Chevy Chase, MD-based Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, and yet, she is still pushing herself to do more – she wants to share her knowledge with others in the industry. Gilmer has been ofered the perfect platform to do so: This year, she will be replacing Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, as speaker in KBDN's new seminar series, "Client Engagement Strategies for Today's Evolving Market," where she'll be sharing the stage with veteran presenter Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD. Gilmer is excited to share her expertise with members of the kitchen and bath industry through the day-long educa- tional sessions, whose programming was created in conjunction with Cheever. The seminars will kick of later this month in Atlanta and include presentations in eight key cities around the coun- try (see related story, Page 12). "I'm looking forward to meeting more people in our industry and to making lifelong connections," says Gilmer. "I'm especially excited about being in a position where I can help raise the bar in our industry, helping others to become the best that they can be by sharing both Ellen's and my experiences, knowledge and insights." ONCE AROUND THE BLOCK But no one's career starts on the main stage; building up industry knowledge and expertise is a lifelong process. Gilmer's extensive experience was gained through a journey that started and re- mained on the same street block, albeit through three diferent businesses over three decades. She started working at Tunis Kitchens on Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase some 31 years ago. Armed with a drafting degree, Gilmer learned directly from Richard Tunis and his staf for eight years, which led to her opening a kitchen and bath design studio with a partner down the street. Designer Looks to Share Her Expertise BY ASHLEY LAPIN OLIAN After 30+ years in the kitchen design business, Jennifer Gilmer is expanding her horizons, looking to share her knowledge with the industry in her new role as speaker for the KBDN Seminar Series. Photos: Bob Narod In this kitchen, which has been added to more than 100,000 Houzz ideabooks, there is a TV on a lift behind the auxiliary sink so it doesn't spoil the water view. Exhibited here is a mix of wood and painted cabinetry with a touch of Asian fair. (FAR RIGHT) Gilmer put hot rolled steel cabinets into this island. She ended up loving the look so much, she made a door out of it and featured it in her showroom. 26 Kitchen & Bath Design News • February 2016 DESIGNER PROFILE