Get to know John Petrie, CMKBD, owner of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry and past President of NKBA.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

John Petrie, CMKBD, Owner of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry and past President of NKBA, has been in the kitchen and bath industry for 35 years. Throughout his career, Petrie has designed award-winning custom baths, kitchens, wine cellars, home offices and home theaters.

Widely recognized for his advocacy of the K&B industry, Petrie was elected in 2011 to NKBA’s Executive Committee, serving first as National Treasurer and then in 2012 as National Vice President and, finally, in 2014 as National President. Five years later, Petrie was given NKBA’s Chairman’s Award by then-Chairman Lorenzo Marquez for his long-standing contributions to the K&B industry. Since then, Petrie has continued to distinguish himself both locally and nationally in an advisory capacity.

NKBA recently sat down with John Petrie to ask him about his time at NKBA, the work and projects he’s undertaken post-NKBA presidency, and what he sees as the future of the kitchen and bath industry. 

NKBA: What is your most memorable NKBA moment?

PETRIE: My favorite memory would be of being inducted as President and having the distinction of being the first father-son president to serve at NKBA. I served as President 11 years after my father, Les Petrie, was President in 2003.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen at NKBA since you were President?

In 2013, the Board of Directors voted and introduced significant changes to our governance as well as voted to co-locate KBIS and IBS. The impacts of both have been monumental for our association. I was privileged to serve the association and be there for both while also having the honor of being President during the first official Design and Construction Week (DCW). 

Since being President of NKBA, what have you been doing?

What I love to do most: understanding clients’ challenges and solving them with excellent design and quality remodeling. I continue to learn and stay connected to the association. When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my two grandkids and my family. What a blessing! 

Where do you see the kitchen and bath industry going in the future? What are you feeling optimistic or excited about?

Onward and upward! I believe with our current leadership and board we are focused on truly being the leader in the kitchen and bath industry, not just in North America, but globally. 

Throughout your career, what is the best advice you have received?

I have received a ton of sage advice from pillars like my father Les Petrie as well as from 2003 NKBA President, Ellen Cheever and David Newton. All awesome and sound, but the best advice they all shared was: Don’t stop learning! And have fun!