ave the audacity to dream big and the tenacity to make it happen.
Every year, NKBA delves into its network and chooses 30 rising stars under the age of 30 to act as NKBA ambassadors, providing a millennial perspective on the industry. Interested in joining this illustrious group? Nominations for the 2018 class are now underway.
As part of a newly implemented change, this year the honorees will tackle a set of specific business needs identified by the program’s sponsors, dividing into groups to research these issues. They’ll present their findings at KBIS 2018 in Orlando, followed by a visit to their respective local NKBA chapters to share their experiences. Besides their real-world opportunities, they’ll also have the chance to live stream on social media and contribute to the NKBA Connect blog and newsletter as well as get involved with student outreach throughout the year.
And did we mention a free trip to KBIS 2018 that includes airfare, lodging, passes for the show floor and Voices from the Industry conference, access to a keynote session and multiple pre- and post-show networking events? All that, and add in the fact that winners also receive valuable media coverage that’ll boost their industry profile.
A member of the first class of 30 Under 30s, Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, executive director of the kitchen and bath division for Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects in Annapolis, Maryland, says receiving the award was a pivotal moment in his life. “This program put me on the fast track to hit big career milestones. Young people need to realize these opportunities are attainable.”
Building your network is another plus according to past winners. “Continuing to meet with past and current winners at KBIS and alumni events has been the biggest benefit,” says Michael Laurysen, a 2016 honoree and production manager for Laurysen Kitchens, LTD in Ontario, Canada. “The network of peers created through this program is amazing and I’m very fortunate to be a part of it.”
Adds Anuszkiewicz: “If you told me when I was a design student that I’d be ranked a top 30 under 30 national professional when I was 24, be speaking at trade shows such as Dwell on Design by 25, have my first design displayed at KBIS at 26, and at 27, score a national advertising campaign with DXV, I don’t think I would have believed it or been able to comprehend it,” he says. “But the reality is all of these opportunities have one thing in common, they’ve sparked from my involvement and relationships with people in the NKBA.”
You can nominate yourself or someone else who deserves recognition for their work in the kitchen and bath industry here. Nomination forms must be submitted by July 28, 2017.
Be sure to include any awards or acknowledgements for your industry work, sales and marketing programs; innovative ideas that made an impact on your company; and association memberships, certifications and ways you give back to the industry or your local community.
Have questions or want more information on becoming a 30 Under 30 nominee? Email us at 30under30@nkba.org.
