The next generation of industry leaders selects innovative products in six categories.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 Class of 2021 was officially inducted into this elite program at KBIS Virtual, and like all classes, was sent on a mission to find great new products from among KBIS exhibitors. This year, of course, their hunting had to be conducted virtually, but their foraging produced some stellar results. Six teams of five visited KBIS exhibitor websites and chose innovative products in six categories for this year’s 30s Choice Awards, presented in a webcast on April 29. Watch Here >
Nominations for the Class of 2022 are open June 2 through July 28 at nkba.org.
Here are the winning picks from the Class of 2021.
Team 1: Sustainability Recycled/Reused
Christopher Brown
Natalie Shaw
Kingsley Catalucci, AKBD
Danielle Steele
Thomas Simonetti
Winner: Insinkerator® Grind 2 Energy™ Waste Recycling System
Team 1 chose this full-circle, closed-loop food waste recycling system — according to the company, the only one of its kind — for its non-sewer based Grind2Energy, which is more than an alternative to landfills and traditional compost programs. The system actually recycles food scraps into clean water and renewable energy in the form of electricity, heat or compressed natural gas. Grind2Energy enables disposal of all types of inedible food waste – including fats, oils and grease – faster, cleaner and easier. Grind2Energy is helping food waste generators transform inedible food scraps into energy.
Team 2: Outdoor Living
Chloe Baker
Joshua Shannon
Kaitlyn Stokes
Abigale Latham
Nathan Boone
Winner: Florim Porcelain Tiles, Italian Collection & Production
Team 2 chose Florim’s array of porcelain pavers and panels for their aesthetics and versatility. Its porcelains make for superior outdoor product with many exterior applications, with a wide variety of visual effects possible – wood, concrete, marble, glass, painting and more. The tiles create a seamless marriage of indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Team 3: Smart-Home Integration/Wi-Fi-Enabled Product
Steven Basten
Emily Townsend-Hinske
Alexandria Hubbard
Victoria Sharkey
Matteo Calisesi
Winner: Café Appliances Kitchen Hub
The team asked vendors about how smart-home features make lives easier, affordability, what separates their products from others, product adaptability in the work-from-home environment, and any new trending technology. They chose the Café Appliances Kitchen Hub line for features including remote monitoring and control from the Smarthome HQ app, integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control on all connected products; smart detergent replenishment from Amazon; homeowner assistance with personalized cooking; integration with the SmoresUP app, which coordinates chores and monitors when chores are completed.
Team 4: Universal Design/Living in Place
Haden Fesenmeyer
Scott Holcombe
Matt Pulliam
Jasmine Galle
Kathryn Weber
Winner: Elkay Dart Canyon ADA-Compliant Sink
Elkay’s dual-depth sink with a 9-inch deep bowl provides a more dynamic experience than standard ADA sinksand brings organization and accessibility to the kitchen, earning Team 3’s award. A raised work shelf at the front of the sink allows for easy hidden access to kitchen tools. Its highest-quality 16-gauge stainless steel offers lasting durability and performance, while tight corners, combined with creased accent lines in the farmhouse-style sink, offer a fresh geometry.
Team 5: Wellness/Health
Andrew Risinger, CMKBD
Jess Hardy
Malyka Abramson
Stephanie McDowell
Megan Heidel
Winner: Stillness Tub by Kohler
With health and wellness becoming increasingly important in the past 18 months, Team 5 sought a product that contributes to serenity. The Stillness Tub from Kohler creates a spa-like experience, with aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and chromotherapy functions. Music or nature sounds enhance the experience, appealing to multiple senses for a total body journey. Stress management plays a huge part in maintaining a healthy mind and body, and this tub provides an in-home oasis during times of high anxiety like the pandemic, as well as dealing with stresses of daily life after the current crisis is over.
Team 6: Creative Use of Color
Maris Park
Katelyn Woods
Jeannifer Ellington
Tyler Smith
Kelly Bodnar
Winner: Samsung Bespoke Refrigerator
Why not spice up a space with function and color? Team 6 chose Samsung’s Bespoke refrigerator as a new and exciting way to introduce color into the kitchen as well as high function. This refrigerator design allows for ultimate customization, so homeowners may choose their own configuration and colors for their space. Using color on appliances changes the focal point of the kitchen and highlights appliances instead of hiding them. With eight color options available in a steel or glass finish, this innovative design is an alternative to the standard stainless-steel refrigerator.
Attendees at the virtual awards also voted on their favorite product from among the six winners. The People’s Choice award went to Insinkerator® Grind 2 Energy™ Waste Recycling System.