First off, a huge thank you is due for the warm welcome I have experienced transitioning into my new role as President. So many of you reached out, your phone calls and messages mean the world to me. I am confident I will be able to serve you well. My many years of experience will play a big part in what I bring to the ACSP. Yes, I have done closets in Africa! I relish the opportunity to work for you, and I am thrilled to be already working alongside all the past presidents including Wendy, Joe, Richie, and Jeff. 

If you have the opportunity, please welcome our new board members Mae Holler of Hafele America, Kurt Trombetti of PNW Closets, and Melissa Jane Veinotte of Closet Envy. A blog post detailing their bios is now live on closets.org. As an all-volunteer board it takes a lot of courage to commit to two years of service, thank you for serving.

Home remodeling continues to grow. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University posted a 3.5% growth in 2020 and is projecting 3.8% in 2021. My acquaintances in the closet industry are claiming far bigger growth numbers. The pandemic has been good for most of the closet industry. But let’s be real, with unchecked growth the supply chain is becoming an issue. Cam and board shortages lead to delayed jobs. Be careful with your scheduling and support your employees with the extra training and motivation to keep customers satisfied. Don’t forget to keep your designers up to date on lead times. They too often feel they are the last to know.

I’m excited that industry shows are back on schedule and can’t wait to see you all in West Palm Beach. I know it’s going to be a great show with lots to see and stories to share. The education track is on point and the round table topics have been collaborated on by industry experts that work in the field.  Speakers and moderators new and old are preparing to help you learn the most from your time spent there. Also, why not get certified if you’re attending?  
The show floor is the biggest yet and includes lots of new vendors. Showroom and plant tours have been scheduled and often the best networking takes place on the buses to and from each facility!  I want to make time to say hello to each of you personally, if you see me out and about, make sure to stops and say hello! And let’s not forget free time, nights out, and dinners with new attendees and old friends….my favorite part of the show! 

In the meantime, reach out to your favorite ACSP board member on the ACSP Facebook page, or better yet, become a member and share your knowledge with us all. 

It’s your association – we are all going to reach great heights in 2021, and we will do it together.