The 2019 Shark Breakfast featuring Thad Whittenburg will help reps navigate the fast pace of change in our industry. By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

“Jaws” forever changed the way swimmers glance over the ocean around the 4th of July holiday. Now it’s time to focus on sharks of a different nature, and bringing more fish into the net.

The Shark Breakfast at KBIS, an annual institution, will focus on the role and skill set of the manufacturer representative, how it’s changing and what reps need to know to operate efficiently in the current business environment — and into the future.

This year’s special guest speaker is Thad Whittenburg, president of Kitchen & Bath Global Partners, who will present “How to Become a True Strategic Partner with your Customers: The Future Revolution of Manufacturer Reps.” The two-hour event kicks off at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Feb, 21, in room N109-110 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In a world where tweets, texts, social media and email dominate communication, the interpersonal side of the business relationship is becoming more critical than ever — and the role of the brand rep is quickly evolving. As reps become business resources for their customers, those who know how to map a successful customer experience, an e-commerce strategy, growth by customer segment and who possess a full understanding of “Key Performance Indicators” will gain more customers, and more importantly, will be able to help their current clients gain market share and increase profitability.

Whittenburg’s discussion will cover building collaborative partnerships that equally benefit brands, the sales professionals who bring them to the world and their customers. Learn to create a strong and cohesive team, a positive culture and the best strategies that ultimately translate to an outstanding customer experience.

Whittenburg has worked in the K&B business for more than 30 years, overseeing 22 showrooms for one of the industry’s premier dealers, with revenues exceeding $170 million. His responsibilities have included developing strategies and managing sales along with P&L results. He’s also worked closely with process-improvement methodologies to ensure seamless and efficient business operations.

For representatives, the Shark Breakfast is one of the best and most concentrated networking sessions at KBIS. The ultimate matchmaking opportunity, the Shark connects manufacturers with sales pros. Reps can register in the month of September at a special rate of $50. Early-bird pricing of $60 is in effect from Oct. 1 to Dec. 7, and regular pricing  of $70 runs from Dec. 8 through Feb. 21 onsite registration.

Brands who are in search of their next rock star can recruit top sales experts and see how they can help expand drive business. For information and pricing on how manufacturers can display product and literature on a tabletop at the breakfast, contact shark@nkba.org.

Don’t miss this great KBIS 2019 Connection Opportunity!