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The NKBA past president shares how he has seen the association grow, his favorite NKBA memory, career advice and more.

Les Petrie, CMKBD, founder of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry, has spent a career in the kitchen design industry that has spanned over 30 years. One of the nation’s first CMKBD-certified designers, Petrie is a renowned leader in the kitchen and bath industry who has won regional and national design awards and served as a guest speaker at both industry and allied associations in the U.S. and abroad. He has held almost every position on both chapter and national levels of the association, including serving as president in 2003.

NKBA recently spoke with Petrie about his experience as NKBA President, how he has seen the association change over the years and what he foresees as the future for the K&B industry.

Favorite NKBA Memory

Petrie had more than a favorite memory, he had a favorite experience with NKBA: “My fondest memories are serving with so many wonderful staff and volunteer people during my tenure with the association.”

Changes in the NKBA and the Future of the Industry

In the years since he served as NKBA president, Petrie has said that the best change has been the streamlining of the governance system.

When asked about where he sees the K&B industry going, Petrie said he was hopeful of a positive future and offered guidance to other professionals. “The future is what we make it,” he said. “Regardless of the economy or the doom and gloom of media pundits, a business that practices sound interpersonal relations with clients and integrity will succeed.”

Life Post-Presidency and Career Advice

Since serving as NKBA president, Les has retired and enjoys “the freedom to live in three magnificent areas since retirement. And we are now back in Mechanicsburg with our family.”

At the end of the conversation, Les shared the same piece of career advice he gave to students he taught throughout his years at NKBA: “Do not try to be all things to all people. Instead, do what you do best, every time.”