NKBA’s international business development program will present sessions in the Global Connect Lounge designed to help global brands pursue opportunities in the North American Market.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing more than 55,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals and the owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), has revealed content for two important Roundtable panel discussions as part of its NKBA Global Connect programming at KBIS 2025.
NKBA Global Connect is designed to help manufacturers understand business practices in the North American kitchen and bath sector, reduce risk, and prepare for successful entry into the market. These informative discussions will take place during KBIS, North America’s largest and most comprehensive expo dedicated to all aspects of kitchen, bath and interior design and remodeling. The show takes place Feb. 25 to 27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The sessions will be held in the Global Connect Lounge, SL1113 in the South Hall of the LVCC.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, join moderator Heather Shannon, NKBA SVP of Marketing and Communications, for “Building Your Brand in the North American Market” from 12 to 1 pm. This panel discussion includes Erik Perez, a principal of Hello PR Group, one of the top ranked public relations, communications, and strategic brand development forms in the country; Sherry Qualls and Veronika Miller, consultants with M2 Consulting Group, which is an architect of the Global Connect program. The discussion focuses on strategies for international brands that want to learn more about positioning and marketing themselves in North America. These experts will share insights in key approaches to establishing a brand presence efficiently and effectively.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 12 to 1 pm, the discussion turns to “Distribution and Sales Options: Go-to-Market Strategies in North America.” Qualls will host the panel and be joined by NKBA Global Connect Advisors for a lively discussion about the finer points of sales, distribution, and showroom partner strategies in North America. NKBA Global Connect Advisors are an integral asset in the program as international brands prepare for a successful entry into the North American Market.
The Advisors on the panel include:
- Greg Rohl, Founder and Principal of The Rohl Model, a luxury consultancy in the K&B industry. He is a former owner and manager at House of Rohl, a premium plumbing manufacturer, where he held roles in customer service, all aspects of marketing, sales representation, and management. His 35 years in the industry also include showroom sales and editor of trade and shelter publications, with a keen understanding of messaging to media.
- Kate Bailey, Vice President of Category Management, Residential, at Ferguson. Bailey is a thought leader with a wide range of experience including showroom, merchandising, category, and product management; sales, distribution, and negotiations, and is responsible for vendor contracts and intentional product strategy at Ferguson, a major national retailer in plumbing and related categories.
- Craig Webb, Founder and President of Webb Analytics, a Washington, DC-based consulting firm offering insights and strategies for the construction supply industry. Webb is an award-winning journalist and analyst who publishes a data-rich guide for this industry, and is an expert on data, marketing, sales, and strategies.
- Andrew Savant, President of Pinnacle Sales Group, a premium kitchen, outdoor, and plumbing distributor. Savant has an extensive background in finance, developing strong partnerships, and has been an integral part of bringing European luxury brands to the North American market. His expertise spans business management, design trends, product design and licensing, salesforce development, distribution marketing, branding, and market research.
- Bruce Case, President of Case Architects and Remodelers, one of the country’s leading full-service remodeling firms. Case, a sales and finance expert, holds an MBA, a BA in Economics and Psychology, and is a Certified Lead Carpenter, is committed to creating the best possible workplace environment and experience for his team members as well as for clients.
