By Maureen Klein

Talk Less, Say More, was that seemingly paradoxical tip that Christopher Maguire, now Manager of the BSH Experience & Design Center, credits with helping him keep moving up on his career path. One proof of this is the prestigious award he received from the French multinational luxury goods conglomerate behind Louis Vuitton. Christopher was recognized for Best Management of Clienteling, an award based on CRM (client/customer relationship management) strategy using data analytics. He had accounts with Bergdorf’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks, and mastered the art of listening and learning about each client’s preferences, purchase history, and lifestyle. He not only built customer loyalty but also demonstrated how he increased the company’s bottom line. 

How would you characterize yourself growing up?

I guess you could say I was one of those typical overachievers - wanted to be good at everything, perhaps a little "nerdy". I liked school. I was preppy and wore sport coats to school. 

You also had a love of music?

At Woodbridge Senior High School, Virginia, I was focused on music. As a clarinetist, I was first chair in band and was also a "section leader” in the marching band. I also auditioned for and was accepted into the prestigious Prince William County Youth Symphony. 

Do you still play the Clarinet?

I do not have time to play these days, probably to the benefit of my NYC apartment neighbors!

Any interesting jobs you held during your teen years?

I was giving clarinet lessons and also interned at an Architectural Agency one summer. The firm specialized in working on US Government projects, mostly GSA (General Services Administration) buildings, remodels. I remember the thrill of the first time I got to provide feedback on the foyer of a building.

World History and French classes were favorites. Was that influenced by your family travels?

Could be. My father was a Military Officer in the Army, so I grew up moving around the US and lived abroad in Panama and Korea and was even there during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. I haven't been traveling as much recently, but I do love to travel. I have been to several countries in Europe - Austria, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Belgium.

And your college years?

I attended Baldwin Wallace University - The Conservatory of Performing Arts, near Cleveland, Ohio. That’s when I got my first paid job, a summer internship at a Donna Karan outlet near my parents’ home. It was my first time in a customer service role, and I remember wanting to deliver a great experience – supporting their decisions with product knowledge and exceptional service.

Left to right: Christopher Maguire, BSH Consultant Nicole Ramos and Chef Eric Morales, testing some new recipes in one of the BSH kitchens.

After college what path did you take?

I have worked principally in Beauty and Fashion, with brands like La Prairie, Tom Ford, Lululemon, and Clé de Peau Beauté. To strengthen my career objectives, I also completed certification programs in Psychology of Leadership and Leading a Culture of Service Excellence at Cornell University. 

And your current position, does it relate to your prior work?

My roles have often focused on Learning and Development, and this was a natural transition into my current role. What we offer here at the BSH Experience & Design Center is a service experience that elevates appliances and creates a value-focused impression. Brands have a living voice, and we support their brand impression through service.

Remind us of the relationship between BSH and Thermador. 

Thermador is a brand within the BSH Portfolio and represents a brand with a rich American Heritage. It’s known for innovation and many "firsts" within the appliance industry.

Were you always interested in the kitchen/bath design world?

Perhaps not exclusively to kitchen and bath, but I love design as a whole. I was reading Architectural Digest and Unique Homes when I was in Middle School.

Do you like to cook? 

I love to both cook and bake. I am the one who makes all the meals for our family holidays. I make a delicious chocolate chip cookie, too.

Top thing on your bucket list? 

To get to Italy for the food and fashion, or maybe the fashion and food.

Thanks, Christopher. Your neighbors will miss out not hearing the sound of your clarinet melodies, but will definitely be enticed by the aroma of your holiday feast preparations.