Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2022 32 A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S T he National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) revealed its Thirty Under 30 Class of 2023. The preeminent program recognizes talented kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30. Each year, the class comprises rising leaders across the industry and is widely regarded as the go-to program for the brightest young stars working in kitchen and bath design, sales, manufacturing and remodeling. Nominees were evaluated on their career or educational achievements, commitment to excellence in the kitchen and bath industry, and leadership within their organizations. "The NKBA Thirty Under 30 program is an engaged community," says Bill Darcy, CEO of the NKBA. "It's rising industry rock stars with an unrivaled opportunity that kicks off at KBIS where these amazing people connect with their peers, share ideas, gain valuable recognition and develop their careers." The 2023 Class, sponsored by Delta, joins an elite group of nearly 250 alumni representing rising leaders from all areas of the kitchen and bath industry, from designers and remodelers to showroom representatives and manufacturers. "The program provides fantastic opportunities to help nurture these rising stars and help them grow," continued Darcy. "It's beyond inspiring to see them accomplish so much. These really are the future leaders of our industry." This year's class selection committee included Thirty Under 30 alumni Jilliam Sarkis, Class of 2016; Michelle Timmerman, Class of 2017; Lou Salge, Class of 2018; Sarah Nielsen, Class of 2020; and Hannah Guilford, Class of 2021. So, what does it mean to be a Thirty Under 30? Each year the NKBA selects thirty outstanding young professionals who possess the passion, creativity, and brilliance to be the voice of the next generation of kitchen and bath experts. Individuals who are chosen as one of the Thirty Under 30s will help to identify significant trends, innovation and technology, sustainable business practices and emerging business models at KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas. The program is a great opportunity to meet amazing like- minded peers, network with important industry leaders, and otherwise shake the trees inside the kitchen and bath trades. This annual program has left a lasting impact on the lives and careers of our Thirty Under 30 alumni. "Being a part of the Thirty under 30 helped me make so many new connections and opened the door to many opportunities for me," shared Hannah Guilford, Class of 2021. "I've made new friends, gained new vendors, created long and lasting professional relationships with other like-minded people and grown exponentially in my field." "The NKBA Thirty Under 30 program was an honor to be a part of as a nominee, and, on the flipside, it was delightful to participate in the selection of the inspiring young individuals in this year's class," said Michelle Timmerman, Class of 2017. "I'm excited to see what this ambitious group will contribute to the kitchen and bath industry throughout their careers." The incoming class will be formally inducted on January 31, 2023, on the KBIS NeXT Stage, during KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit nkba.org for more information on the NKBA and the Thirty Under 30 program. To register for KBIS, visit KBIS.com. To view the Class of 2023 Headshots please visit: www.nkba.imagerelay.com/ml/12a1804f012244f6b3d5b477f56bd4ba QUOTES FROM THIRTY UNDER 30 MEMBERS "As a member of the NKBA's Thirty Under 30 program, it has been invaluable to the growth of my career. It's a tremendous opportunity to be a part of this special group and the resources that it comes with. It's a great networking experience that has helped me shape my career within the industry." — Justin Dedio, Class of 2013 "Being an NKBA Thirty Under 30, to me, means that you have taken your passions and been able to share them with other people that share the same strong passion. Others should submit because there's nothing like being able to feel that you are part of a group of other like-minded professionals that share the same desires as you." — Ashley Avery, Class of 2013 "The NKBA Thirty Under 30 program has catapulted my career into a completely different direction. It has taken me places around the world and given me a lot of opportunities to explore the industry on a much larger level. The best part about being a 30 is the networking with other 30's from all over North America." — Benjamin Ouellette, Class of 2016 THIRTY UNDER 30 CLASS OF 2023 BIOS • Allyssa Warden, CKBD — Ally graduated from Virginia Tech in 2017 after earning a B.S. in Residential Environmental Design, an NKBA accredited Kitchen and Bath Design Program. After graduation, Ally began working as a Kitchen and Bath Designer along the Maryland and Delaware beaches. In 2020, Ally joined the award-winning design and build firm, Kitchen Concepts Plus, in Salisbury, MD. In June 2021, she received her Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) certification. She continues to serve clients as they work together to create their dream spaces. THE NKBA REVEALS 2023 THIRTY UNDER 30 CLASS The NKBA selects 30 exceptional young professionals to join its prestigious program

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