Thirty Under 30 alum Michelle Timmerman shares her industry experiences. By Loren Kessell
Community, professional development and the opportunity to get involved are three of the great takeaways of NKBA’s prestigious Thirty Under 30 program, according to Michelle Timmerman, Class of 2017.
The Thirty Under 30 program honors exceptional young professionals in the kitchen and bath industry, and award recipients earn more than just a trip to KBIS — they join a thriving network and professional family.
Timmerman is general manager of family-owned Direct Supply Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich., a wholesale distributor of countertop materials, cabinetry, hardware and adhesives. She talked about her experiences as a Thirty, how the program is helping her career and more.
Q: Did you always want to go into the design field? What made you choose kitchens and baths?
MT: I am the second generation at Direct Supply Inc., so I was fortunate enough to grow up in the kitchen and bath industry. I have worked in other industries as well, but the attraction to the products, colors and trends pulled me back in!
Q: What has the Thirty Under 30 award meant to you?
MT: Being a part of the Thirty Under 30 community has been such a great experience. It allows me to meet and network with industry peers from all over the country. And, presenting on the KBIS NeXT Stage at KBIS 2017 pushed me outside my comfort zone.
Q: What is one of the moments you’re most proud of so far in your career?
MT: Being selected as a Thirty Under 30 definitely tops the list! Getting the opportunity to network and be recognized nationally among my peers in the K&B industry was such a unique and rewarding experience, especially this early in my career.
Q: What are three key upcoming trends in kitchen and bath design/remodeling?
MT: I absolutely think we will be seeing more requests for integrating technology into kitchen and bath designs. I also believe the sense of touch and texture will play a stronger role in selecting materials, especially in an increasingly digital world. Lastly, homeowners and specifiers are doing more research and are more conscious of the origin of the products and materials they select.
Q: What are some of your short-term and long-term goals?
MT: Both my short-term and long-term goals are focused on professional development and building a company that will stay relevant in a changing environment and world.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring kitchen and bath professionals, and why would you encourage them to consider the Thirty Under 30 program?
MT: Get involved! Being active in the NKBA, especially the Thirty Under 30 program, can provide you with opportunities to enhance your knowledge and connections. Not to mention that you get to have fun with some great people! This is such a rewarding industry to be a part of, especially when you’re willing to put yourself out there and connect with your NKBA peers, locally and nationally. These opportunities don’t end at KBIS — you can remain as involved and connected as you want to be. It truly is a community.
Submissions for the 2021 NKBA Thirty Under 30 program are open through Tuesday, Aug. 4. Candidates may be nominated by an industry peer or nominate themselves. Award recipients receive a free trip to KBIS 2021, a KBIS show floor pass and conference pass, access to NKBA events, media exposure and awareness. For more information visit https://kb.nkba.org/thirty-under-30/.
