Kohler/Williams & Associates

Being a “problem solver at heart” is an asset in any job, but for Basia M’Pinda, it has been a lifelong mission. From a young age, she realized that whatever career path she chose, she wanted to help people by helping them express themselves while improving their lives. That desire led Basia to complete her Bachelor of Environmental Design degree at the University of Manitoba in 2020, where her senior year projects focused on interior environments, and join Winnipeg-based Kohler/Williams & Associates as Sales Executive – Showrooms & Designers. In her new job, she assumed day-to-day responsibilities that include managing five showrooms, conducting product training and ensuring that designers have the samples they need.

With no prior plumbing industry experience, Basia took Kohler’s Selling I course, achieved first place in her class and subsequently educated colleagues at two showrooms when two entirely new product categories were introduced. During the pandemic, she was instrumental in growing the showroom business by 27% and continuing the growth with Kallista sales at 127%, year-over-year. Basia is also a CEU-certified speaker from the Kohler/Kallista/Robern brands, capable of up to 11 different CEU presentations.

“The thing that appeals to me the most about kitchen and bath design is how intimate those spaces are. If designed well, they can improve the way you live your everyday life.” 

As a result, this natural problem solver — who also describes herself as “creative” — has quickly become a single training resource for interior designers, builders and showroom representatives across her brands. “The thing that appeals to me the most about kitchen and bath design is how intimate those spaces are,” Basia says. “If designed well, they can improve the way you live your everyday life.”  

When not immersed in fixture finishes and technical specs, she can be found drawing, reading, sewing and traveling. Basia also volunteers to build houses with Habitat for Humanity and enjoys hanging out with her mom’s terrier/Chihuahua mix, Milus, who is “an absolute goofball.” Her must-do’s in life include traveling the world. She says that her favorite place so far has been Poznan, Poland, because “I love visiting old castles and learning about the history.”