Academy XP 2023 – Decor Academy

GET TO KNOW OUR SPEAKERS

Nicole Gomes

Nicole is an active chef in the Western Canadian food scene and has a robust television resume that includes shows like Top Chef Canada. She is co-owner of the award-winning fried chicken eatery Cluck ‘N’ Cleaver. Nicole will share her “Recipe for Success, “on building her brand and everything she has learned along her journey.

Her award-winning fried chicken eatery Cluck ‘N’ Cleaver—which is co-owned by her sister Francine Gomes—remains as busy as ever after seven years in business in Calgary with a second location opening soon. As of late, Nicole Gomes has been focused on something a little more global which has taken her all around the globe, from Vancouver to Paris and even to a naval base in Sydney. Nicole will share her “Recipe for Success, “ on building her brand and everything she has learned along her journey.

Nicole is also in the process of adopting a child from Vietnam. The chef spoke openly about the process on the show and after recent episodes aired, she has had hundreds of people reach out via social media to share their own adoption stories. Nicole’s hope that by sharing her story that it would resonate with people watching and it sure did!

Nicole credits her goal-oriented single mother who was a successful business woman for being who she is today. Nicole has donated her time; cooking and baking to many charitable events. Outside the kitchen, Nicole enjoys singing jazz, traveling, swimming and loves doing anything outside.

Michael Karl

Michael Karl is known as a master of influence and persuasion, which stems from over 20 years as a professional mentalist. Michael has transformed leadership roles and loyalty within corporations such as MARS, PayPal, Indeed, and Toyota. Michael will share his secrets to powerful influence and communication.

Michael Karl is a professional speaker, mentalist, and communications expert. He is known as a master of influence and persuasion, which stems from over 20 years as a professional mentalist. Michael has transformed leadership roles and loyalty within corporations such as MARS, PayPal, Indeed, and Toyota.

Michael has coached former contestants for Miss America in interviewing skills and even fooled a secret service polygraph test. His captivating talents have been featured on the hit show ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us.’ With a unique blend of entertainment and practical wisdom, Michael Karl inspires audiences, equipping them with the tools to unleash their full potential in personal and professional realms.

Carl Bundy

Carl Bundy brings more than 30 years of experience to the Axalta Color Studio in High Point, NC, where he leads the development of colors and finishes. His career spans a range of product development roles in the wood industry while traveling extensively throughout the US, Asia, and other locations. Carl will be sharing his design knowledge and industry experience.

Carl Bundy, Director of Color & Design for Axalta’s Building Products Division, brings more than 30 years of experience to the Axalta Color Studio in High Point, NC, where he leads the development of colors and finishes for furniture, flooring, cabinets, and exterior siding. His career spans a range of product development roles in the wood industry while traveling extensively throughout the US, Asia, and other locations. His experience with industry leaders includes Lexington Furniture Co. (later Lexington Home Brands), Drexel Heritage, Caracole, and Vanguard Furniture.

Stan Pauls

Stan is the CEO of Decor Cabinets and has been with the company for 33 years.

Anyone who knows Stan knows that he exemplifies a people first mindset. His influence on the company and our relationships has been key to our success. In 2020 Stan was awarded the HR award of Distinction from the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association for being a visionary when it comes to wood manufacturing and growing a successful company. He has been instrumental in Decor’s mission to give back to those in need, supporting a variety of organizations locally and across the world.

DESIGN ROUND TABLE

STEVE FRIESEN - HOST

Steve Friesen is a seasoned business development manager at Decor Cabinets, bringing over 16 years of invaluable experience to the company.

With a remarkable talent for communication, Steve excels in building strong connections with dealers, fostering successful partnerships, and driving business growth. Steve has also been an entrepreneur, having built two businesses in the Pembina Valley. In addition to his professional endeavors, Steve has a passion for travel and cooking. His charismatic personality has also allowed him to cross paths with some notable figures, having had the pleasure of meeting Gene Simmons and Mr. T.

CANDACE RUDD

Candace Rudd is an NKBA Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and is the leader at Two30Nine.

With over 18 years of experience helping clients create spaces they love; she enjoys working with new designers to help them grow and become successful in the industry. Candace always has her eye on the latest design news and seeks out continuing education opportunities through industry engagement and has earned NKBA specialty badges in Sales & Marketing, Floorplans and Cabinetry.

ABBIE JOAN

Abbie Sladick is the founder and creative soul of Abbie Joan Fine Living.

Her vision in creating this Naples, Florida-based firm was to organically grow a company that merged by design vision and construction expertise while making clients feel comfortable, supported, and confident in the project ahead. Her background in construction management, project design, and hospitality gave her a unique set of tools in her toolbox to bring together a winning team with of craftsmen, project managers, and customer support staff.

DERRICK WHITAKER

Derrick Whitaker is the owner of Derrick Whitaker Design.

James Derrick Whitaker has been a force in Kentucky’s design industry since he graduated in 1994 from EKU with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in Art. Derrick’s talent was immediately noticed by the top Kitchen and Bath design firm in Lexington where he began as an intern. He remained at the firm for 26 years creating an enviable following of loyal clients. In 2020 Derrick founded D. Whitaker Designs and he has never looked back.

Derricks’s popularity derives from his incredible intuition and knack for creating the connection between his client, their lifestyle, and the vision for their home. As one client has said: “Derrick’s design for our house literally reached out, grabbed us by our hearts, and didn’t let go. We love coming home and being at home”. His appreciation for historical and/or modern, deeply layered yet comfortable and functional spaces is his impeccable. Derrick and his husband Ted are the proud fathers of 6 amazing kids.

MAXIM GOTSUTSOV

Maxim Gotsutsov is a founding partner of Germanhaus Furniture and German Interiors.

Born in Ukraine and raised in Vancouver, Maxim follows his passion for cooking and competition in the kitchen design world. Perennial winner of the NKBA kitchen awards as well as Global Kitchen Design awards, Maxim enjoys promoting the European lifestyle in Canada through eco-conscious choices of elite European design.

More About Speakers Close

ACADEMY XP Breakdown 2023

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

SPEAKERS 2023

Nicole Gomes

Michael Karl

Carl Bundy

Stan Pauls

STEVE FRIESEN - HOST

CANDACE RUDD

ABBIE JOAN

DERRICK WHITAKER

MAXIM GOTSUTSOV

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Event Dates: October 2nd – 3rd

Arrival Details

Flight Invoice / DPP Funds

Accommodations

Allstars Throwdown

Dietary Restrictions

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