← Back to 60th Page

The former NKBA Thirty Under 30 inductee shares his journey in the kitchen and bath industry.

By Seth Ellison

When it comes to the kitchen and bath industry, Jonathan Barfell is a name that you likely know. Since being inducted into NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 2014 class at KBIS, the second class of the program, Barfell has been on quite the journey.

Being part of this program had a significant impact on the trajectory of his career, he said, adding that he was able to meet the NKBA team, connect with designers globally and expand his knowledge of the latest industry and marketing trends. And thanks to a connection he made at KBIS, Barfell was offered his current position as Head of Marketing for North America at Liebherr Appliances.

When asked what initially drew him to the kitchen and bath industry, Barfell shared that it was a “stroke of luck.” One of his first jobs was in procurement, which he admitted was a less-than-ideal fit. “Sitting at a computer all day crunching numbers was not for me,” he said. Fortunately, an opening arose in the Brand Experience department at JennAir, which he felt was a much better fit.

“I’m not sure exactly what the future holds for me, but I think that makes it the most exciting.” — Jonathan Barfell

“At JennAir, I took over the management of the Design Advisory Council, expanded the designer outreach for the brand, attended my very first KBIS and led the designer training at World of Whirlpool in Chicago,” said Barfell. “During that time, I was able to build relationships with hundreds in the design community, and many have become some of my closest friends.”

Barfell’s proudest moment happened while working at JennAir, when he collaborated with renowned designer and educator Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, on a CEU website project in 2014. This innovative website featured seven pre-recorded NKBA-certified CEU programs, each focusing on different industry trends in the market and providing accessible education 24/7 to the design community. In addition to being a valuable resource for designers seeking CEU credits, this platform also provided them with a unique opportunity to learn from Cheever (who passed away in 2021) and featured guest speakers from across the nation.

When asked what advice he would give to someone starting out in the kitchen and bath industry, Barfell replied, “Each person in K&B has such an abundance of knowledge and they are so happy to share it with you. Trends, technology and materials are always changing, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!” He urged young professionals to attend KBIS because it presents a valuable chance to discover the newest products and also establish significant connections that can be beneficial in the future.

Asked about his future, Barfell said, “I hope to keep learning personally and professionally while leading for positive change. I’m not sure exactly what the future holds for me, but I think that makes it the most exciting. Wherever my path takes me, I am definitely up for the challenge!”

————-

NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 Program recognizes outstanding young professionals who have the passion, creativity and brilliance to be the next generation of leaders in the kitchen and bath industry. Know an outstanding young professional?

Nominate a Thirty Under 30 for the Class of 2024 here.>