A former NKBA president pays it forward. By Loren Kessell

 

NKBA’s member base boasts individuals from diverse facets of the industry who love giving back. Maria Stapperfenne, CMKBD, of Tewksbury Kitchens & Baths, is an example of an NKBA member who excels in passing along her knowledge and is the “poster child’ for what it means to be a volunteer.

“I love giving back to the industry that allows me to put a roof over my head, and food in front of my family,” Stapperfenne said.

Besides running a successful design business in Whitehouse Station — a charming hamlet in serene western New Jersey — the award-winning designer was national president of the NKBA in 2015 and had previously served as president, secretary, vice president of communications, and a chapter representative for NKBA’s Northern New Jersey chapter.

She remains active in the NKBA, at the chapter level and as an educational speaker and presenter, despite no longer serving in a formal leadership role in the association.

She spoke to the NKBA about her profile on www.nkba.org, membership benefits, and why she loves the industry.

NKBA: What do you consider to be the top benefits of your membership?

MS: The networking, the education, the constant opportunity for professional growth, and mentoring.

NKBA: What are some of your favorite opportunities resulting from your NKBA membership?

MS: I get to travel, and I’ve met so many cool people in this industry. I’ve made friends all over the U.S. and Canada from traveling to provide education. I can go to these cities and reach out to someone I can sit and chat with.

NKBA: Was it easy to complete your company and individual profiles? Why?

MS: It was pretty easy. There were prompts for me to fill things in. [The platform] helped me create the profile, and I was prompted to upload pictures. I’m sure if people Google me, they can find me.

NKBA: How has your chapter benefited you? Did attending meetings help you make professional connections?

MS: I go to the meetings to learn, and since I work alone, I don’t get that collaborative interaction. When I want to chat about things, I call up my friends in the industry. The chapter meetings give me opportunities to be face-to-face with people every month. I like the presentations on futurism, where the speaker makes educated guesses about what’s going to happen in the future as far as trends and age demographic groups. I like when they share this information and they have data to support it. I find that fascinating.

NKBA: How do you mentor the next design generation? Have you created opportunities on the chapter level?

MS: Definitely, by forwarding job openings mentioned by members. We try to foster an awareness of our profession through our chapter’s golf outing. We use the money raised to present three scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each to graduating students who want to continue their education in architecture and design. We just awarded $6,000 in scholarships to 2018 graduates at our last meeting. A committee judges their essays and chooses the top three people. We invite the winners and their parents to the meeting, and we try to entice these people to come back when they are finished with their education. We have had someone come back who was a previous scholarship winner. Peter Albanese, CKBD, one of our chapter leaders, also participates in career days at high schools.

NKBA: What do you love about KBIS?

MS: I love seeing all the manufacturers putting their best foot forward and their new products all in one place. I can see and touch everything and ask questions about the product. Combine that with opportunities for professional camaraderie, the opportunity for our chapter officers and the education, and you have an event that is second to none. Why wouldn’t you want to go? It’s like a battery recharge for me. I’ve seen the newest of the new, asked my questions, and become reenergized. It’s sort of like a renaissance. Even though I’m exhausted, I come back and feel like I am bringing back fresh ideas to my clients.

NKBA: How do you share your knowledge?

MS: I have been a VFTI speaker for the past few years, I’ve been a professional design competition judge in the past, and I am active within my chapter. I’ve also presented CEU’s in the past. I like getting in front of members and making it clear that we are together in this industry. I’ve made some long-lasting friendships.

NKBA: Why would you encourage other members to complete their NKBA profiles?

MS: Because our association has made great strides in SEO — when people Google themselves, their profiles show up! My NKBA profile is the second listing on Google when I search myself. You get a private website without having to create it yourself from scratch. Members should take advantage of that.

NKBA: What other important aspects of having a complete profile would you like to share?

MS: I think people who don’t fill out their profile are losing sight, or short-changing themselves. People who don’t see the value are the ones who haven’t done it yet. When you become engaged and involved, it’s hard to not see the value. It pays to have your name out there with as many accomplishments and accolades as you can.