An industry pro shares her experiences with chapter leadership. By Loren Kessell

 

For Natalie DiPiazza, AKBD, the desire to create new environments and change the space around her is inherent. She was born into her family’s business, Custom Kitchens By John Wilkins, which meant spending a lot of time on a showroom floor and visiting jobsites. Her parents met in the business, and they took ownership of the family company from Natalie’s grandfather.

DiPiazza graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. Her interests blossomed when she learned how to use AutoCAD, and she participated in internships and competitions that allowed her to apply her skills.

She worked for several contractors and companies post-graduation, but she returned to the family business and now remodels kitchens and baths at the Oakland-based company.

She is a former secretary-treasurer for NKBA’s Southern California chapter, and she was part of the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2017.

DiPiazza shared her experiences with chapter volunteerism.

NKBA: What made you want to become a chapter officer? What was the biggest draw for you?

ND: I attended an NKBA Presidents’ lunch at KBIS one year, in which many of the NKBA past presidents talked about how their experience with the NKBA catapulted their careers. Some gave examples of how the roles they played as chapter officers gave them experience, and it helped them develop skills that they didn’t learn from their daytime job. One gave an example of how, after his term as president, he had all new skills and experiences he could apply to his own business. I was also drawn to the connection to resources and peers, and I was thrilled by these opportunities. After that luncheon, I was set on pursuing an officer position.

NKBA: What did you contribute to your chapter? Any standout moments or accomplishments?

ND: Southern California is a large chapter, and the previous treasurer had been in the role for many years. That person did an incredible job for the chapter, so I had big shoes to fill. I took on the secretary-treasurer duties, and I learned quickly. I was meticulous in my record-keeping and accounting, and learning a new role was challenging. During every board meeting, I presented the financials and the secretarial documents while explaining the status of the accounting and chapter motions. Our chapter had many amazing, successful events, and we took some leaps to increase chapter membership and involvement. I was the barometer that informed our officers of our financial health. We increased our marketing budget and organized several events outside of our regular chapter meetings.

NKBA: Why did you volunteer?

ND: I volunteered for the position because I know that the NKBA is an incredible source and reference for our industry. I wanted to be a part of the organization. I’ve benefited from the chapter meetings, the online resources, the webinars and much more.

NKBA: What is the value of being a chapter officer?

ND: Aside from the many wonderful memories and experiences I’ve gained from being a chapter officer, I have developed valuable skills. For example, I learned the value of careful recording. As chapter secretary, I was required to take detailed meeting minutes and log important decisions. I later applied these same practices at my office after our weekly staff meetings, which has been a great reference for our office. I am no longer intimidated by accounting. As chapter treasurer, I learned how to develop and asses profitability and record income and expenses. This lesson has been important, because everyone needs to understand where their money is going. This is especially true for evaluating profitability at the end of a kitchen or bath project. I am now adept at creating profit-and-loss statements and using programs like QuickBooks to reconcile bank accounts.

NKBA: What is the biggest benefit of mentoring the next generation of volunteers?

ND: We all grow by learning. Some of us by trial and error, failure and success. Learning from a generation that has already been there can bridge a gap of unnecessary time and energy that can instead be used to further the development of our industry. Ultimately, this produces greater standards and products for the end consumer.

Officer nominations are open now through June 14. All officers are chosen via self-nomination. Individuals who wish to be considered for a position must login and will be directed to open slots, with their applications sent to the National Recruitment Committee. For more information on becoming a chapter officer, click here.