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Creating a design concept for a kitchen or remodeling an outdated bathroom requires an understanding of the products and services available to those looking to undertake such a project. The ProSource Podcast breaks down the home remodeling industry and highlights the merchandise and experience that it requires to achieve your vision. Join ProSource Director of Digital Marketing Content Kevin Devine, as he speaks with those who facilitate the ideal project and offer valuable information for how to choose the ideal products and services that transform your ideas into reality.
Welcome back to The ProSource pPodcast.
Today I am joined by Matt Vecchiola.
He is the senior director
of national sales for Top Knobs.
But today we are going to be focusing
on Atlas Homewares.
So thank you so much Matt for joining me.
Thank you Molly.
This is my third podcast with you.
So I'm really excited. Yes.
The last two were so much fun
and really just Atlas homework.
So, yes.
So I think the last few times we've talked
specifically just about top knobs.
Yeah.
So this will be exciting to dive
into something a little bit different.
Atlas needs a little TLC.
It's good to show us a little love
on the Atlas homeware side.
So thank you for suggesting this,
and we're excited to talk to the ProSource
crew about Atlas, because all of you guys
have it on display.
And, we got some cool stuff going on.
We'll give you a little history,
a little background,
and hopefully you'll grow to love Atlas
even more after today.
Yes. Totally agree.
I was going to mention we should probably
just make you a co-host at this point.
It's fine.
Absolutely. Let's go.
I'll hang on for the next flooring guy.
It'll be fun.
So, Yeah. Exactly.
That actually be pretty good.
Probably.
Press and, like, awareness for you
guys, too.
Absolutely. Let's do it. Let's do it.
I'm have love working with Molly.
And you bring me on any interview
you want. All right.
That sounds good. That sounds good.
So just to give us a little bit
of background about Atlas,
I know the company began in 1993.
I saw that it was founded
by a jewelry designer.
Thought that was very interesting.
But also make sense if you think about,
how a lot of jewelry designers
think about, like, esthetic
and the final touches.
I feel like you can say the same thing
about, homeware for your cabinets.
Totally.
Her name was Adrienne Morea, and, yeah,
she was a jewelry designer.
She took all kinds of inspiration
from textures and forms that other people,
people might overlook to create
a signature hardware collection,
that felt fresh and unique.
And today, Atlas
has grown into a design driven brand
with hundreds of SKUs from clean lines
to simplicity, simplistic hardware,
and even some extravagant stuff.
So, with Adrian,
Atlas was a female run brand,
which brings a lot of the influence
to what Atlas has evolved into today.
So, you know, a lot of the inspiration
from Atlas across
the entire collection comes from jewelry,
accessories, architectural designs.
You know, a really cool story
that I love to tell was,
one time Adrienne was getting her hair
done at the hair salon, and she had her
was getting her hair washed,
and she looked up all the industrial pipes
above her, and thus created a collection
called the Steampunk Series from Atlas,
designed to look like an industrial pipe.
And that's how she. That's cool.
That's how she got her
inspiration, was getting her
hair washed at an industrial, hair salon.
So, yeah, self care could sometimes lead
to doing great things in business.
Absolutely.
As for creations that that she comes up
with.
And I know Atlas is, like,
under the family of brands for top knobs.
Yes. When was Atlas?
Was it acquired or how was that process?
Yeah.
So the private equity firm
that owns Top Knobs in 2014,
acquired Atlas in November of 2014.
And it was a perfect fit to
our portfolio is top notch.
Was kind of more of a,
you know, mainstream industrial
meat potatoes type brand.
Atlas fit a lot of the gaps.
The top knobs was missing at the times
with some boutique hardware,
ultra contemporary hardware,
some mixed metals, different materials,
bath accessories, house numbers,
all that stuff.
So a lot of the things that we were
missing on the top North side,
Atlas Homewares brought to the table.
So, really good fit for us.
And it's been fun to have the brand brand
evolve over the last and 11 years now
since we've been working with Atlas.
Yeah.
That's while that's also just wild
to think 2014 wasn't like five years ago,
and it was over a decade ago now.
And and yeah, Atlas was founded in
and Los vAngeles, California.
Yeah.
So it's
kind of like a California cool type brand.
And that's how it's always been.
And that's where the Atlas product
shipped from our, our,
warehouse is in Los Angeles today.
Yeah.
No, that makes a lot of sense
because I was looking
at some of your new collections
that we're going to get into today.
But you still get that
that Cali vibe that you just mentioned,
and even, like, the boutique
kind of vibe that they started with
in like 2014, that top box was missing
that you mentioned.
I can still feel that
in today's work from Atlas.
I suppose we want to keep the.
That's
why we continue to maintain the brand,
and we want to continue to keep Atlas,
who Atlas has always been.
Yes.
The special brand is a unique brand,
and it's, one very near
and dear to our hearts.
And we want to keep Atlas
just as you describe it. Molly.
a lot of the Atlas collections,
or all of them are described as were style
meets function.
What does that phrase mean to you,
and how have you seen it
come to life in some recent collections?
Yeah, we're style
meets function means that our hardware is
not only a beautiful addition to a home,
but it's also thoughtfully made
to withstand daily use.
With Atlas,
you see a balance of eye-catching
designs, particularly with materials
that are made to last.
Whether it's the sleek,
smooth lines of our wittier collection
or the textured, more eclectic details
of our nature collection.
Each design offers both visual appeal
and lasting durability,
and I think that's what sets Atlas apart.
the two new Atlas collections
we're spotlighting today,
we have the bedding collection.
And then we also are going to talk
about the Zander collection.
So first let's talk about Benning,
if that's okay with you.
How would you describe the appeal
of the Benning collection to any trade
pros or owners that are listening?
I think it the versatility
of the style of the collection,
the feet of the pool,
the knob have an industrial edge.
Yes. The decorative rivet detail
and the soft, rounded
contours of the pool knob introduce
a modern touch.
Making this design versatile
for pretty much any taste.
So it's it's great.
And, you know, we were at the Prosource
show in January, we had this board
and we got great feedback
from everybody down in Orlando about this.
Yeah.
Now I'm I have
it pulled up on my end and I'm looking at
just how it is very simple and safe.
But that makes it very accessible
for anyone, right?
Like, not everyone's wanting something
crazy that's going to stand out.
Some people just want something
nice and durable
that's going to go
with the rest of their kitchen.
And looking at this collection,
I feel like it's very applicable
for many different kinds of kitchens.
And, you know, you can always play
with how the cabinet looks, and that'll
always make the collection
look a little bit differently,
like where it's sitting at.
But, it's very safe.
It's not,
you know, super bold like some, some
like the Zander collection
that we're going to get into.
But, I think that's okay.
Like, I don't think it always needs to be
super different, you know?
One thing we've learned in the world
of decorative hardware safe is what sells.
So, Yes, but the pocket,
I totally agree.
Yeah. Yeah.
You have the bedding,
pull the bedding knob with the back plate,
and then the betting appliance pool.
yeah. Going back to just the simplicity.
You're getting that visual balance
very clean, and I feel like
it'll add depth to your space without
overwhelming the rest of the design.
what kind of story would you say
Zander tells opposing Denning.
Yeah.
So the Zander collection
was thoughtfully crafted to merge bold,
dynamic designs with great versatility.
It showcases an arch flair design
along with an optional step back place.
So the Zander collection blends
the sophistication and playfulness
to instantly elevate cabinetry
and provide a beautiful solution
to a variety of design needs.
It's also great with the backplate.
It's a great solution
for retrofitting cabinets,
so if somebody's just swapping out
some old cabinet hardware or
something new, you know, the back
plates cover up a lot of, you know,
existing screw holes or any
other imperfections
on the cabinet doors and drawers.
So that's what's great.
Both of these collections,
Benning and Zander,
do have an optional back plate solution.
The Zander one's a little bit
obviously thicker back plate that covers
everything up.
But, you know, back
plates are another thing
that's trending in the world of cabinet
hardware today.
I would say
the very much contrast each other.
though
the Zander collection isn't too different.
Like, it's obviously
more bolder choice in the bedding, but
people that are looking for that
like subtle luxury style,
this is perfect for that.
It does give the luxurious style
that one might want without being too bold
and like in your face about it,
but yet still safe.
So yes, I'm still very safe. Yeah.
Yeah, I like the sharp, edges too.
Whereas, like with the bedding one,
the bedding pools are like rounded edges.
This one's very like,
cut kind of corners, but, very different.
Also.
We're thinking
about the different finishes.
So we talked a little bit
how they're structurally made,
the style of them
when looking at the finishes.
What do you see
is the most popular for both of these.
Yeah.
So when I was on with you back in January,
we spent a lot of time discussing the top
knobs.
Honey, bronze finish
as an industry leader right now.
We have a very similar finish
at Atlas called Warm Brass.
The WD finish.
Not an exact match to honey bronze,
but cut from the same cloth,
same warm goldish tone.
And, Yeah, that's
that's our trending to be our number one.
Finish it ourselves as well.
So warm press that finishes.
Take it off.
So gold.
That's all we get away.
Can't get away from the top knobs
and can't get away from it.
The Dallas
that's the the hot ticket right now.
I am not complaining about that.
I do love that. Like gold finish.
I just feel like it brings a lot of warmth
to a space where we talked about this
in previous episodes,
but we're moving away from just the grays
and the neutrals, and we're adding
a little bit of warmth and color.
I'm very happy with that
trend at home homes.
I think that it just makes life
feel a little bit better.
You know,
it's warmer.
It's just makes, like you said, a lot
more warm and cozy feeling to the kitchen.
So I think it's a great find and shows
no signs of slowing down.
And hopefully it'll last
for many years to come.
So we talked a little bit
about durability.
What are some specific ways
that Atlas is using hardware
to not only be beautiful,
but also being built to last,
especially in those high use areas
like kitchen or baths?
Can you share any like, specific events
or tests that Atlas does to ensure
that it's staying durable?
Yeah, absolutely.
So we are our product development team.
They review samples
before we launch anything.
So we get, you
know, iteration after iteration of samples
coming from our, our factories.
They test, they tool to make sure
no pieces of the products
could easily have a problem with,
installation or disassemble over
years or anything like that.
We're made with the best materials
that are built to last and withstand
daily use.
Our products are made to be Ada
and prop 65 compliant.
And most importantly,
we have a lifetime warranty.
So any issues that you have, we'll
stand behind it and we'll replace it.
So we have your back
anytime you're selling Atlas.
If there's ever a product someone.
That is something
I think that's good for a lot of trade
pros and designers to know.
Is there anything else
you want to mention to any contractors,
any of our trade pros that are listening,
that why they should consider Atlas
when they're presenting options
to their clients?
I would say what really makes Atlas
stand out is our ability
to stay ahead of the design trends,
you know?
So, we discussed that it was founded
by a jewelry designer,
and we've maintained
that whole feel throughout the brand.
You know,
we were always launching new collections.
We launched, on average,
three new collections a year, allowing
designers and homeowners to choose a piece
that perfectly suits their needs
no matter what your personal taste is.
You know, Atlas has evolved
to have products for everybody.
We're displayed in all ProSource locations
around the country, making it easier
for customers to go into your locations
and see and feel our products in person.
We have free sample programs so designers
and homeowners can confidently choose
the hardware that fits best,
fits their space at home.
And, you know, with
most orders are shipped the same day
and everything's in stock
for the most part.
You know,
we try to make the project effortless,
so we just try to be the easiest partner
that you have
in the hardware world to work with.
Yeah, the
easy, sample options
that you guys have is huge.
I think, too,
because in a world of just delays
and having products that are hard to get,
for homeowners, that's huge.
I think to be able to have that easy
sample check out.
And not only that, you know, you there's
so many options, there's so many things
that you look at when you go into a pro
source location for hardware.
It's just nice to just say, hey, here's
a handful of things I'd like to see, sort
of a free sample from our website,
and we'll send it directly to your
your client.
Yes. And it's very easy
to find that Atlas.
I guess area in Prosource.
As soon as I walk in,
I usually see the tower, and it's just
a bunch of beautiful pieces of hardware,
and I like to just take the videos
and photos of it because it's hard
to make it look bad
for, like
our social media, it looks great,
so you can definitely walk
into a prosource and find
look for the big Atlas, logo on a tower.
Absolutely can't miss Hobnobs, of course.
But yeah, today's Atlas is data shot.
I'm gonna keep talking. Yes, yes.
If a designer walked into a ProSource
showroom,
and asked for the boldest Atlas
collection, which one would you recommend?
You know, we've talked about it already,
and I'm going to go and say with Zander,
it's probably a good thing to date.
It makes a great visual statement
with its arch design,
and the step details on the back plate.
We also offer
this one thing I forgot to mention.
We also offer the Zander collection
in appliance sizes as well.
So that's something that you know a lot.
That's a kind of a deal breaker.
We're looking at Capital Hardware
these days.
It's people want to have a matching
appliance pool.
Yeah.
I feel like even the back plate adds that.
Another layer of being bold
and you said people can take away the back
plate too if they would like.
That's right. 1% optional for sure. Yeah.
So you can kind of like I know you can
decide how bold you want it to be exactly.
Depending on
if you want to use a backside or not.
what is one Atlas collection
that you think is underrated and do
for a breakout moment?
So it's collection.
It's been in our line for years.
It's probably my favorite name to say.
And it's called Zanzibar.
So yeah, that's cool.
Fun word to say.
So I think our Zanzibar collections,
our most underrated collection.
It's just a standard bar pool with a faux
leather wrapped around it.
So what's made it cool to do
for a breakout?
As we've launched the bar and gold
a couple of other different options
of the faux leather.
So like a white leather wrapped around
the gold pool looks really, really cool.
It's a nice little warm
and comfort to a space.
With a little style and sophistication.
And then another underrated category
that we have is house numbers.
So we have exterior house numbers
and Atlas Homewares,
and several different fonts.
So we have house numbers, door knockers,
doorbell covers, all that stuff.
So that's a really underrated category.
And when people are building houses
or remodeling,
oftentimes
they're looking for house numbers.
And that's not really
a place where a lot of people know
off the top of their head where to go.
And yeah, homewares.
We have several different fonts and looks,
and the most popular being Modern Avalon,
is the collection for house numbers.
So, if you're ever looking for house
numbers, come to us at Atlas.
We got it for you.
You can get it all at one place.
Not just your, knobs and poles,
but also your home numbers.
Yeah, that is one thing I don't think
about very often is house numbers.
And I've never had to go look for them.
But I think if I needed to now,
I know where to go.
But like a week ago,
I would have been like,
I have no idea where to start.
Now, if you look at today on anything
today, Atlas always house numbers.
That's cool. That's very cool.
Can you share
what might be next for Atlas?
And what does the rest of 2025 look like?
So obviously we have top knobs.
We have Atlas.
And we always launched it
every year for both.
We launch our top
knobs, new products in January.
And we shifted to launch our Atlas
New products in the summertime.
So at the end of June, about another month
from now, we're going to be launching
three new collections for Atlas.
So that way Atlas can stand on its own
with its new product launch mid-year.
So we have three new collections
called Amplify Fenton and Lane Hurst.
So these collections offer
a variety of design styles from industrial
to traditional.
So these collections can be found
in our new 2025 catalog,
which is just been released.
And, we're really excited
to get these locations,
launch to all the Prosource locations
this summer.
I've known there were some new collections
coming out.
I didn't know what the names
of those were, so that's very exciting.
I didn't realize
there were going to be three new ones.
And I'm sure we'll be sharing
a bunch of information
about those on our social media.
For those listening,
if you want to follow along.
And then also make sure to check out
Atlas's, new product guide.
You said it was.
Yeah, a new kind of catalog.
Look up catalog should be on our website,
and in mid June.
And the new product should be available
to start pre-ordering in mid-June
and hope to have them in stock in July.
So, really exciting launch from Atlas.
How do you think working with ProSource
has helped bring Atlas into more remodels
across the country?
Just, you know, you guys have
really helped with our brand awareness.
So it's been great.
Every single Prosource location
has Atlas on display.
And yeah,
obviously you guys marketing and promoting
are promoting our brand is helping spread
the word about who we are.
So, you know, maybe someday Atlas will be
just as popular as top ups.
But, you know, right now, we appreciate
all the support you guys can give us.
A lot of our new collections
are right on trend with the market.
And, you know, we're going to continue
to keep Atlas who Atlas
is, which is a unique design
driven decorative hardware in London.
You know, it's a great brand.
And we appreciate all the showroom space
that you guys give us around the country
and all the loyalty and support.
So, so you guys have been a great partner
in it
and look forward with our new products
to continue to grow with you guys.
You know,
any questions that you have about Atlas?
We're happy to help.
Thank you so much for your time
today, Matt.
I'm sure this won't be the last time
that you're on our podcast, so,
we'll definitely probably catch up again
soon.
Thank you so much, Molly.
This has been so much fun.
I remember last year,
last time we were in January
and we were talking about freezing cold,
depressing.
It was. And
you know, now we made it through winter
and we're ready for a beautiful summer.
So thank you so much. Yes.
Very exciting.
Thank you. Have a great rest of your day.
Thank you for joining us today
on The ProSource Podcast.
Please like and subscribe to us
wherever you get your podcast.
Also, follow us on social media.
Check out our website
at prosourcewholesale.com
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