Getting to Know NKBA Board of Director Jan Neiges, CMKBD.  By Steven Campeau

 

The Board of Directors leads the Association in carrying out its strategic plan and focuses on matters of the Association policy at a high level. This important national volunteer role is composed of nine individuals who serve four-year terms. The 2022 national election cycle, happening September 1 through September 30, will include two open positions for the Board of Directors. If interested in applying for one of these open positions, go here starting September 1.  Today we’re featuring Jan Neiges, CMKBD, Principal of Jan Neiges.

How did you get your start in the kitchen and bath industry and/or NKBA?

I attended a Kitchen Masters Workshop in 2000 after just landing a job as the manager for a design center located at a hardware store. This was a career change for me when I moved to rural Colorado. Then I attended KBIS in Orlando and was blown away by this industry–exciting products and impressive attention to detail in designing functional spaces.

What National Committee are you currently on and why did you want to volunteer for it? 

The National Board because I enjoy giving back. 

What is your favorite part of being an NKBA member and/or national volunteer?

I enjoy presenting at NKBA’s Voices From The Industry sessions and helping my member colleagues improve their business and gain success. If they can provide a professional experience to their clients, then their clients will tell others that they should use an NKBA member for their project because of their expertise and professionalism

Do you have a current trend or product that members just have to know more about?

Broan antimicrobial vent/fan light for bathrooms and antimicrobial ceiling cans for showers and above sinks. Replace microwave convection ovens with steam ovens.  If the kitchen sink is in front of a window, always use the countertop material as backsplash and make it the same width as the window. Replace wood sill with the same material. This is a very wet area, so using a solid piece of material makes for easy clean up. TheWater Inc filter is also a great choice that filters out pharmaceuticals.

What inspires you about the kitchen and bath industry and/or in your life?

I’m always learning, and there’s never a dull day. I  love what I do, and I have mastered the art of time management. This allows me to  earn money while taking more vacation days that I enjoy with my retired husband and family that are scattered around the globe.  

Bonus Questions: 

Where is your favorite vacation spot and does that influence your home decor? 

We have an eclectic decor taste. A lot of art work and funky things like an 8′ wooden propeller on the wall and wood molds from large machinery used as coffee tables.

What are you most looking forward to this year, personally or professionally? (or both!)

Professionally I’m looking forward to… improving CAD work. Personally I’m excited to celebrate my husband’s 80th birthday with family and friends.

What topic or area are you most passionate about in the kitchen and bath industry?

Training professionals to succeed,  mentoring and getting the youth to learn about our industry.

About Jan Neiges, CMKBD

Neiges is an award-winning kitchen designer and past president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the NKBA. With 40 years of sales and 20 years of design experience, she is a frequent guest lecturer at colleges, home shows and at NKBA’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Neiges also advises kitchen and bath designers on their marketing and selling skills, helping to shorten the lead-to-sale cycle, improve the closing ratio and earn design fees before they design.