Getting to Know NKBA LRC Member Steve Petock. By Steven Campeau

The Leadership Recruitment Committee identifies and screens potential candidates to fill open positions on the Board of Directors and other committees as directed by the Board. It then presents a recommended slate for vote by the Board. This important national volunteer committee is composed of five individuals who serve three-year terms. The national election cycle, happening September 1 to September 30, will include one open position for the LRC. If interested in applying during the election cycle, go here starting September 1. Today we’re featuring Steve Petock, Retired Senior Vice President of Business Development for Ferguson Enterprises! 

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

I started working for Ferguson after college and was attracted to the company and the industry for one simple reason–the people. I had applied to a few different companies in different industries, but was attracted to Ferguson and this industry when meeting associates during the interview process. I wondered how the company was able to attract such strong talent and decided that’s where I wanted to start my career. My hunch was right and after a 40-year career with the company, I have had the good fortune to work with so many great fellow associates, mentors and friends.  After working for many years in the business, I decided it was time to give back to the industry that had provided so well for me and my family. I joined the Board of Directors and enjoyed sharing my business experience, industry contacts and business knowledge with the board and the association.

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

I am currently a member of the Leadership Recruitment Committee. After my term with the board ended, I thought it would be important to continue working with the NKBA in some other volunteer capacity. The LRC allowed me to do just that, and to help the leadership team recruit and connect with top level industry talent that could help propel the association to even higher levels in the future. I enjoyed staying involved with the team, and the industry itself and I cannot think of a better association to be a part of.

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

I would have to say the relationships I have been able to establish with the NKBA leadership, membership and great associates across the industry would be my favorite part of being associated with the NKBA. I hope that I have been able to assist the association in making decisions that have served the membership well and have been designed to help the group with both short and long term goals and aspirations. I’ve enjoyed being part of the group and have learned so much more about the business from some of the best of the best.

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

What inspires me is industry itself and the great folks I’ve been associated with throughout the years. From my fellow associates to contractors, designers, manufacturers to consumers, I’ve met and been associated with some of the greatest people I’ve ever known. The kitchen and bath industry is always changing as it relates to new products trends, on-going customer needs, sales trends, technology and innovation.  Being a small part of a dynamic industry has been rewarding and challenging. I thrive on trying to make a difference in my professional and personal life and volunteering for the association has allowed me to fulfill that need.

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

The beach, and yes, it is reflected in my home’s decor. We have a beach home in Virginia Beach that has been transformed into a place that we love to visit and spend time with family and friends as much as possible.  Upon purchasing the home seven years ago, my wife and I changed out all of the appliances and most of the plumbing fixtures to reflect more of our style and preferences. I’m sure cabinets and countertops are the next order of business, and my time spent with members of the NKBA will be helpful when making product and design choices in the near future. I’ve often used designer interviews and trend discussions from the NKBA when deciding what particular products and looks would work best in our home.

About Steve Petock 

Before retiring in 2021, Steve Petock was the Senior Vice President Business Development for Ferguson Enterprises and was responsible for Mergers and Acquisitions of the company’s multiple business segments.  Steve started with Ferguson in 1981 and has held a number of roles from sales, to branch and regional management, and moved to Ferguson’s corporate Headquarters  in 2005 as VP of the Residential Business group.  He held his role as Sr. VP Business Development from 2008 to 2021.  He is married, the father of two, and has one grandson.