Experience what makes a business undeniably different. Enjoy exploring Academy XP Spring 2024 Recap!
“This was the most informative, enjoyable, inspiring factory experience I have attended!”
ACADEMY XP Spring 2024 Breakdown
Missed the Spring 2024 event? No worries, we’ll break it down for you. This event included 2 days packed full of inspiration, education, connection, and celebration. There truly was something for everyone, and the attendees were unanimous in their enjoyment of the event.
Spring Disrupt Speakers
Gavin Van Den Berg
Business Development & Education Manager
His knowledge base is derived from sources such as the NKBA, NSI (Formerly MIA, Marble Institute of America), ISFA and branded manufacturers of certified engineered stone, solid surfaces, natural stone, porcelain and decorative laminates.
Topic
Big Designs - Islands - Seams & Overhangs
Surfacing an island has become more complicated. Clients want bigger and the materials available are limited. Learn the design tolerances for natural stones, engineered mineral, quartz surfaces and porcelain slab products.
Holly Bero
Owner/Principal Designer
Holly has always been interested in the world of design and has found herself at home in the industry of interior design. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and believes that a good education, true passion, and hard work are the keys to exciting designs.
Topic
Livable Luxury / Designing with function and beauty
Learn how to implement trending elements of design into projects, creating the feeling of luxury for clients. Discover insights on trending colors and finishes, storage materials, and custom features, and why Decor Cabinets are a good fit for creating trending spaces. With an Instagram following of over 62K, she’ll share how connecting with clients online before they meet in person is invaluable to better business.
Lucy Traetto
Sales & Marketing Representative
Lucy is a Sales & Marketing Representative at Blum Canada Ltd and has been with the company for 24 years. She dedicates her time educating manufacturers, designers, architects, students, and end costumers on Blum’s innovative products and functional solutions.
Topic
Aging and Living in Place with AgeExplorer
Our needs change over time and when cabinetry is well planned according to the principles of Universal Design, they will be safe and suitable not only for the aging population but for people of all ages. The AgeExplorer suit allows us to know TODAY what our needs may be TOMORROW, simulating age approximately 20-25 older than we are.
Spring Round Table Speakers
Tara Proskiw
Owner/Principal Designer at Towne & Countree
Tara is the owner and principal of a thriving full-service cabinetry and renovation company in Edmonton. Though she came to entrepreneurship relatively recently, she has a strong history of leadership. Tara’s passion for processes and problem solving supports her employees to deliver excellent customer service. She is also an active Rotarian and a volunteer in the local communities.
Sadie Anderson
Vice President of Marketing and Design at CKF
Sadie holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is the current President for the Nebraska/Kansas NKBA Chapter as well as the Finance Director for the Nebraska/Iowa ASID Chapter.
Benjamin Ouellette
Designer at Casey's
As an expert of over 20 years in the interior design field, Benjamin has spoken at multiple industry shows and has been featured in publications such as, Style at Home, Globe and Mail, and Grand Magazine. He’s judged various design and product competitions throughout North America and continues to remain a top advocate for the hottest trends in the kitchen, bath and interior design spaces. With a focus on psychological design, Benjamin uses his experience to create happy, healthy and most importantly safe spaces that appeal to all five of the senses.
Nicole Jenkins
Designer at The Wright Kitchen
Nicole Jenkins is a kitchen designer at The Wright Kitchen in Burlington, Ontario with 12 years of kitchen and bath design experience. Her attention to detail and ability to listen creates a feeling of trust and confidence with each client. Despite a project’s unique requirements or budget constraints – she believes there’s always a solution. Though Nicole would describe her own tastes as California Casual – she appreciates working with all different style preferences to create a space tailored to each client.
The Decor Cabinets Heartwood Distinction recognizes individuals in the Decor Family that are exemplary in demonstrating Decor values. Philanthropic and personal development endeavors are a core part of culture and our people. While we are passionate about making beautiful cabinets, we are equally empowered to make a difference in the world around us.
BOOK YOUR SPOT
There’s limited capacity for the Fall 2024 event, so don’t hesitate to save your seat. Register now to secure your spot!
