By Maureen Klein -- It’s quite fitting that Kay Trulaske landed in her current digs in lower Manhattan’s Hudson Square neighborhood, not far from the Holland Tunnel. After all, this area was once known as the Printing District which housed many communication activities, a subject that Kay is well versed in through her education, career history and a few family ties.

So Kay, you are now Brand Manager and NY Sales Representative at True Residential. Where was your starting point?

I grew up in St Louis, Missouri. 

What about education?

After graduating from John Burroughs School in St. Louis, I attended University of Richmond in Virginia where I majored in journalism. 

And your family?

My dad has always worked for our family business and my mom worked at a big ad agency in St. Louis. She majored in Journalism / Communications which inspired me to do the same– and my brother and I grew up listening to our dad discuss his work day and the business at dinner every night!

What was your very first job?

Outside of babysitting, right after high school and before starting college I had an internship with True Residential. 

Were there other jobs after that?

My older brother, Steven, who was an executive at Weber Grills, encouraged me to apply for an internship at his company. I moved to Chicago and worked as a customer service & marketing intern and got some time to experience the Windy City too.

Later I was an associate account executive at LaFORCE NYC. There I executed PR campaigns for brands in the Moet Hennessy and GAP Inc. portfolios.

How did those earlier positions help you with your current responsibilities?

My prior experience gave me the gift of learning to work in a fast-paced environment, the value in staying organized – and most importantly the significance and fulfillment behind making connections and maintaining relationships in the industry. 

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

Honestly, I hadn’t quite been exposed to (or maybe I had taken for granted) the intricacies and beauty behind this design world. I was not submerged into it until my first internship with True in 2014, and would not come to appreciate it as wholeheartedly again until I joined the company full-time in 2020. After the pandemic it’s been such a joy getting to step into this world again with both feet firmly planted! 

Why did you decide to return to True?

Definitely seeing the passion and commitment my Dad has for our family business— when I had the opportunity to join I knew it would be something fulfilling and meaningful for me as well. My grandpa started the company in the 1940’s, but it was my grandma that added the “E” to the first part of our family name and gave us our corporate identity, which also reflected our business philosophy. 

What’s your favorite part of your job now?

I love the exposure to all the incredibly talented trade that we get to work with – the genius that designers, builders, etc. have in this day and age is always mindblowing. I get excited looking at our Instagram feed and seeing the gorgeous, innovative, creative ways that they approach different projects. My most favorite is when we get tagged in one of them! 

Do you travel much?

I travel a ton – a lot for work, but also these days, I’m at the time of my life where it’s full on wedding mania! One of my favorite escapes is to visit my mom in Cabo San Lucas on the Baja Peninsula where she spends half the year. 

Other activities you like?

I’m a voracious reader (I love historical fiction, but you can catch me reading some of the popular fantasy books too). Running along the west side highway is a favorite weekend activity. I also like to draw. After college I was consistently commissioned to do fun but small digital projects for friends and family – and if I had the time I’d try and make this a full on side hustle! 

Any tidbits that NKBA colleagues might not know about you?

I’m obsessed with whales! On a trip in Baja California where humpback and grey whales breed, I was able to pet a baby whale that came up to our boat to say hi. and age is always mindblowing. I get excited looking at our Instagram feed and seeing the gorgeous, innovative, creative ways that they approach different projects. My most favorite is when we get tagged in one of them! 

Do you travel much?

I travel a ton – a lot for work, but also these days, I’m at the time of my life where it’s full on wedding mania! One of my favorite escapes is to visit my mom in Cabo San Lucas on the Baja Peninsula where she spends half the year. 

Other activities you like?

I’m a voracious reader (I love historical fiction, but you can catch me reading some of the popular fantasy books too). Running along the west side highway is a favorite weekend activity. I also like to draw. After college I was consistently commissioned to do fun but small digital projects for friends and family – and if I had the time I’d try and make this a full on side hustle! 

Any tidbits that NKBA colleagues might not know about you?

I’m obsessed with whales! On a trip in Baja California where humpback and grey whales breed, I was able to pet a baby whale that came up to our boat to say hi.

KayTrulaske, on rght, with True Residential colleagues, Wes Lind A&D Building Showroom Manager) and Kim Williams (Regional Sales Manager), at a past A&D event. Look for them all on Thursday, Jan 23rd, 5:30-8pm

when True hosts NKBA Manhattan chapter’s first event of 2025!

Kay, far left, and friends visit her mom, Michelle, far right, for a day on the water.

Kay nailed this incredible shot of two whales breaching right off the beach

at Cabo San Lucas. No wonder this is her favorite port.