Common Challenges in a Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel, and How to Overcome Them

Working with a ProSource Wholesale® kitchen and bath designer can put a home remodel over the top. This discussion breaks down the importance of understanding the design vision, in order to create the perfect remodel. Also highlighted are how to bring forth the fun in more intricate kitchen and bath projects, and how a splash of color and the integration of technology are popular trends to consider.

What is The ProSource Podcast?

Creating a design concept for a kitchen or remodeling an outdated bathroom requires an understanding of the products and services available to those looking to undertake such a project.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.

Hello, this is The ProSource Podcast.

I'm Kevin

Devine, director of digital

marketing content

for ProSource Wholesale.

In this series

we’ll focus on home remodeling,

especially kitchens and bathrooms.

You'll hear from those in the know,

including our corporate merchandizers

showroom team members

and the trade professionals

who ultimately make it happen.

We're glad you've joined us.

Enjoy.

Well, welcome

back to The ProSource Podcast.

Today we're joined by Laura Treiber

from the ProSource showroom.

Laura, thanks for joining us.

Thank you for having me.

So we'll start with something simple.

Yeah. Who are you

and what do you do for ProSource?

So Laura Treiber,

I am a kitchen and bath designer with ProSource.

I've been here.

It'll be ten years this summer.

So I've been here for a while.

What brought you into the kitchen

and bath industry?

What inspired you to do this?

It's actually a funny story.

So I got my degree to interior design,

and at the time I wasn't ready to be

done with school yet,

so they came out with a kitchen and bath

certificate program.

So I was like, oh, I'll do it.

And kind of just after I finished it

kind of just fell into a job.

Another local kitchen and

bath dealer here in Saint Louis and

kind of fell in love with it.

So here I am. There you go.

Yeah.

I'm not going to ask why

you weren't ready to leave school.

Could be a variety of reasons there.

So you've got a lot of people

that get involved here

from your perspective.

Talk about that collaboration process

between you,

the homeowner

and the trade professionals. Sure.

So it's kind of it's really nice working

with ProSource in the model,

that is setup,

because having that contractor

involved from the beginning

that trade pro is

it makes my life so much easier.

They've given me measurements.

They told me what I can

and cannot do a lot of times.

So the client's coming in

and they're prepared

for what to expect on their projects

and the layouts and the design.

So what impact is the member

or homeowners

vision have on the project?

Oh, a huge impact.

So

because everybody sees

things differently,

I might see a kitchen project differently

the next designer, the homeowner.

So definitely

want to take the homeowners vision

with what can be done.

And then also my vision showing options

to elaborate that vision,

maybe something different

that they didn't think about,

or maybe position

of something

that would completely change

how the whole kitchen functions for them.

So it's definitely

a process and it definitely evolves

with all of our inputs and background and

knowledge.

So we're talking my background,

talking about knowledge.

How does the trade

professionals experience impact

some of the more intricate design

aspects of the project?

So I can only design a kitchen

as well as the contractor can install it.

So if I have an intricate design,

I want to make sure that that trade pro

can actually install it

and do it

to completion of how we all envision it.

So if it is more intricate

with a lot of different parts

and pieces or customizing on site,

we want to make sure that everybody

is on board with that before

we actually go through with the job.

Definitely, one of those things.

It's a lot of communication,

so talk to him a lot or her.

Make sure everyone is on board

if there's modifications and to be made,

then we'll do it to make things easier.

Maybe they see something different

that could be built easier way then great.

So we just kind of keep

that communication open

between all of us.

So the thought

just kind of hit me

as we talk about this,

your kitchen and bath designer

in-house kitchen and bath designer

for the showroom,

just so there's

no confusion,

how does that differ from the interior

designer, for example?

If that's the type of professional

the homeowner is working with

in that perspective. Sure.

So I guess you could say

I’m more technical.

So they're going to come in

and they're going to

they have a vision

for the project as well, the kitchen,

the bathroom.

So it's

we just kind of bounce each other

ideas off of each other.

So, you know, they have an idea.

And I it's my job to make that work

what they sold the client on.

So it is

you know,

we just kind of work back and forth

and see what

what we can do to get that

vision for them.

So it's it's just a collaboration.

Do you find

they're pretty receptive

to using your services?

Absolutely, yes, absolutely.

So I think also, too,

because a lot of times in here,

designers, they might

their background

is other things than my background.

So it's nice to sit down

and work with them

and show the process of me actually

setting out,

designing the kitchen with them

so that way they're familiar

with everything too.

They know why

I put drawer stack here

or why I put the trash cabinet here

because we've talked through it

all together.

So when they go to present

that to the client,

they can talk about the reasons

why we did that for them.

Ok, so let's take it the other way.

We're from the pro over to the homeowner.

We know that they have needs

that they're looking for

in every remodel

that that may come along.

How do some of the ways how did that

how does that become a focal point

within the design that you put together

with any particular need

or desire that they may have? Sure.

So any type of need or desire they have,

that's always number one on my list.

We want to make sure we accomplish

exactly what they want.

Typically, people don't

do these remodel projects very often,

so if there's something that they want,

let's make sure we get it.

Let's make sure

it's something

that functions properly for them

just because they saw it on Pinterest

or Houzz

or something like that doesn't mean

it always works for them.

But we can talk through the options

on that and things like that.

So it is very important to always see

the homeowner's vision is their kitchen.

I'm not living in it.

So I mean, if they want something,

then let's make sure it works

and function.

Do you find yourself

See, now you just sparked another idea.

Do you find yourself

letting your own influence

sort of come into their vision?

You say it's not your kitchen,

maybe not your bathroom, but

how,

how can you detach

yourself from that sometimes?

So, I mean, sometimes it's hard.

Sometimes it's it is what it is.

So everyone has their own opinions.

When I design something,

I always think about how

I would use the kitchen,

make sure everything is right

where I would need it.

I think also too, is it

once you start kind of talking through

why you did something,

they understand why I would do that,

why that makes sense in that location.

Why it would be easier for them?

So it's sometimes it's interesting,

you know, you can only suggest so much,

but ultimately it is their kitchen.

So if they rather have something

somewhere else

then I propose then,

then we'll do it that way.

So yeah, I mean, you have to be open.

Okay.

All right.

So you mentioned earlier

you're a little more technical,

so let's talk about that.

What technology

do you utilized for your designs?

So we use a program

called 2020 Kitchen & Bath.

It is geared towards the kitchen and bath.

So all of our cabinet

manufacturers have

their own catalogs uploaded.

So all the specs, the colors, the door styles,

everything is pre-loaded in there for us.

So then we can kind of

just go ahead and just use it

and get our 3D visuals

and our layout from there.

So it is pretty exact.

2020, meaning more

from a vision perspective

as far as the name goes, not necessarily

the year. No, no.

So a little a little bit behind.

Right.

So what sort of training

have you had to use that? Sure.

So I went to school.

Got my degree

my degree in interior design

and then the kitchen

and bath certificate program.

I learned how to use that program

in school.

Obviously, like any schooling,

you don't really learn anything

until you're in the industry,

actually using it.

So picked it up really quickly

and that's just kind of goes from there.

So there's updates every year

so that new things

come out within the program.

So keeping on top of that, of trends,

different kinds of visual

things they can do with there.

Just kind of keep you up to date with it

is the main thing. Okay.

So I know we talked about this before

and I'm going to ask the question anyway.

How many projects do

you think you've done? Well.

We could take a

pause here while you count.

I have absolutely no idea.

And that's a hard number.

I mean,

if I had to just throw a number,

I would say maybe be a pretty big gap,

maybe 200 to 250 a year.

Okay.

And I've been in.

Not quite one a year. One a day.

One a day. No, no, no.

And so I've been in the industry

doing this for about 14 years.

About 13 years.

So, yeah, so it's a lot of projects.

I don't

have my calculator in front of me,

so I'll just.

Yeah, that's a lot.

Yeah.

We'll just go with that number. Okay.

So now when you look back at all of this,

is there one that stands out

as being the most enjoyable,

the most fun that you worked on,

and if so, why?

And in fact, I'm not even going

to let you off the hook.

You got to tell me one.

So there's several of them.

So a lot of times do.

It's it's the clients that make it fun,

you know, it's the one it's

the projects

that we're transforming their whole home.

It's how they're there.

I mean, how they're living

is changing completely,

how they're functioning,

the kitchen of their families

and everything.

So any project that we are moving walls

and moving the kitchen

and completely changing

it is always been my favorites.

So many clients

that we've done big projects on

and it's just been fun.

Like a lot of repeat business too.

They'll come back

and do their master bath,

so it's great to always have those

clients to work with again

and I think also to

working with interior designers.

I think they also kind of

kind of almost push me a little bit

to do a little bit more extra, you know,

so they have visions

of different kinds of materials

using, maybe I can’t spec it

but maybe I can put it in the renderings.

And that way gives a real

realistic picture,

just kind of pushing the envelope

a little bit on customizing

and things like that.

So those are always my favorite projects.

I don't have one that

there's been

so many there's been so many amazing ones

that really kind of jump out at me

besides the ones that

we’re just really changing everything,

which is fun,

kind of starting from scratch.

So you like the ones that

are more intricate involved?

Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely.

Yeah.

Do you ever get some

that are so small, you're like, oh

alright fine?

All the time.

And you know, those are good too.

I mean, it's fun

because you share the excitement

with the client again,

this isn't something

people do all the time,

so

they're excited

to have be a part of the project.

And so you're excited for them.

You're excited to show them

the new trends, the

the new things in the cabinets,

the new organization stuff,

because it's it's a fun

and exciting for them.

So it's still,

even though they're small ones

and simple ones, it's still nice

to have those simple ones

every once in a while.

So somebody comes up with a half bath,

you're not going to be like

talk to somebody else.

No, there's still a fun one.

So yeah.

Do you have a preference

between

a kitchen project versus

a bathroom project?

I do like the kitchen projects,

but I like kitchens better.

I feel like there's been a big

wave of bathrooms lately, but

I do like the kitchens.

Well, just out of curiosity, why? Why?

I think the kitchens are more space

planning on my end,

more design on my part.

Bathrooms are typically just,

you know, there's

many things you can do with the bathroom

besides doing like the tile portion.

That's where you can kind of

have a little more fun

with is like the tile

and the finishes of the bathroom,

which that's more of the account

manager side.

So bathrooms are a little bit

more simpler on my side,

but I like the technical kind of space

plan more. The kitchen.

So let's take it the other way.

Is there a project that jumps out to you

that was just extremely challenging

and, you know,

how did you overcome

the obstacles

that you face there,

or is it a type of project

that you're like,

okay, this one's

going to require a lot more detail? Sure.

So I have certain members that definitely

have more of those

maybe higher end

projects

that are a lot more detailed

and lot more complex.

So those are definitely ones

that take a lot longer to set in design.

And it just it's just timing really,

you know, just to try to plan it all out

and make sure

you get all everything in there.

But the complex ones are good.

That's what keeps you

kind of more

engaged in learning as you go.

So are there projects

that people come to you

and you just know immediately

this is going to give you angst?

You could feel the ulcers

growing within you. All the time. Ok.

No, I'm just kidding

you know,

there's some of them

and it might be just more or less

maybe if it was a trade pro

that or a design or something,

maybe the last job didn't go

as was planned.

Maybe there's things that happen

and so have the next projects.

And so you do get a little more angst.

You want to make sure everything's

perfect, you know, the next go around.

So it can.

Yeah, it varies.

Yeah.

That’s like the etc. that you put in.

It varies.

A few variations. All right so

for some of the issues

that whether it's on the

trade professional side

or the homeowner side,

some of those issues that they run into,

how does ProSource as a whole

go about addressing some of those issues?

Sure.

So ProSource is great.

So they're they're open.

I mean, our main concern

is taking care of that trade pro

obviously and the homeowner.

So whatever we can do on our end,

whether it's expedited shipping

or maybe it's to get a rep involved

or maybe find just a replacement product

is something that's backordered too long

They're they're very supportive

of whatever

needs to be done to take care of them.

We'll do it.

So if it's using a vendor

that we don't normally order from

or at all,

if we can get it that’s great

let's do it. You know?

So they're definitely

very willing to make sure

we can take care of

anything that we can in our

and make anything smoother

for the trade pro and the homeowner.

Okay.

So this isn't necessarily

in order necessarily

from a project perspective.

It's just an idea that popped to my head.

Do you sort of

have like your go to products,

whether it be a particular brand

and we don't have to mention

particular brands,

but are there particular

brands or particular styles

that are like your go to ones

that you find yourself

leaning toward more often than not?

Absolutely.

So there's certain cabinet lines

that I work with a lot.

I mean, maybe 85%.

My business is these cabinet lines.

So I know the specs

like the back of my hand,

like I know what can be done.

It makes the things easier and quicker

for me designing.

So, you know,

those are kind of like my go tos.

I know what to expect with it.

So it's the same thing

with like plumbing fixtures,

anything like that.

You have your go to brand,

so you just know things work.

So you just kind of keep

selling the same things

on those basic things.

I guess

you just kind of get in your groove.

Okay, Yeah.

That's fine.

So how important from your perspective

is it to understand

all the ins and outs that go on

with not just product?

We'll talk about it from two fronts.

Okay.

With what's going on with the products,

but also what's going on

with the trends in the industry,

especially knowing

how often that can change.

Sure, yeah. Trends change quickly.

So it's definitely

we have to keep up on it.

And unfortunately being with Missouri

we're a little bit slower on the trend

side here, but that's okay.

So we try to, you

know, change our stuff in our showroom

and make sure have current doors styles,

make sure that we

we just have those things to show

because what people are seeing online

and, you know,

all those different kinds of platforms,

they're seeing all those trends.

So they want to come in

and they want to see that stuff

because they might want that

for their project.

So we always try to make sure

we have all those samples in our showroom

to show them

as well as that

we do change out our vignettes very.

I mean, every few years

we're changing up because things change.

So but also to

some trends don't always work

in everyone's house too.

So not every trend is for everybody.

You know,

I was actually talking

to a couple suppliers

about this the other day about how,

you know, the trends start in Europe.

Amazingly,

we think we're in the leading edge.

No, they start in Europe,

then they work to the east

and the West Coast.

But it takes maybe about four

or five years to get there,

then about four or five years

to get to us here in the Midwest.

So we’re already a decade

behind in that regard.

So the question becomes,

especially here in the Midwest,

do you find that

when it comes to trends, are people

trying to

adapt to trends

that they're hearing about or seeing,

or do they sort of create

their own trends in that regard?

Are we creating our own trend

just by what's popular in this area?

Sure, I think a little bit of both.

So kind of a common thing is a, you know,

trends right now, a lot of color,

things like that.

So people will be kind of like shy like

kind of stay away from,

but they want something.

They want something different.

They want something different.

So let's say that they do

an island in blue

well their comments always like,

well, we can always paint that later

if we change our mind.

So there you have it in their heads

that they

you know, it's safe for them

because it's something they

could change later easily.

So it is kind of hard.

I would say that

trying to get a lot of people on board

with certain trends,

but I feel like they're open to it.

If it's something that

they could change in ten years

when the trend might change.

So just hit on that

and say what trends specifically

are you seeing both

with kitchens and bathrooms?

Yeah, so a lot of color,

a lot of color, blues, greens,

just a lot of color,

a lot of natural woods,

a lot more lighter woods, natural looking

even.

We have some faucet lines are coming.

Not with natural wood faucets right now.

But there is some faucets out there

coming with wood

details on them.

With crystal details, acrylic details,

and then also to just the finishes,

mixing finishes.

You know,

faucet might have gold and black on it

or chrome and black, you know so

the mixing metals

also to you know, there's a faucet line

out there it's coming with

you know these

hoses that are

that are a pink and purple and orange.

I mean, there's all kinds of crazy

things that are coming.

So regarding the color

that's actually hidden.

And then you see it. Yeah.

So a lot of colors coming still.

So which is nice to see.

It's something different

than just your standard brushed

nickel finishes and white cabinetry.

How much in your designs

are you seeing technology fit into this,

especially in bathrooms,

the Bluetooth capabilities

that are out there now

you can just tell your shower to turn on

what temperature

to turn to,

which by the way, isn't in my home,

but I'd love to have that.

Are you seeing that a lot

and how do you incorporate that in

your design?

So yes, yeah,

we're definitely seeing that,

especially faucets, you know, Alexa,

everything within Alexa.

I mean, even

a client actually had a train me on it.

It was an exhaust fan

that was Bluetooth.

You know, and that they can.

Okay so,

you know, and I'm like, Oh, okay.

So I looked up and sure

enough, like,

you know, there's

just so many things, technology, ways

that are coming, things

you don't think of that, that, you know,

they might, you know, know before us.

So it

but definitely

a lot more technology and stuff.

I feel like we're getting

pretty pampered here.

Are we going to do anything

for ourselves? Or is Alexa just

going to do it all? Seriously?

Yeah.

So, okay,

so what sort of evolution overall?

I mean, we've touched on this,

but what sort of evolution

have you seen in the realm of kitchen

and bathroom products? Sure, a lot more.

I would say simple

simplicity in the designs

with cabinet door styles

with just the overall looks

very clean lines, definitely

kind of just going a lot more simple,

a lot more wood

tones, mixing finishes, mixing metals.

So it kind of like it's

almost like anything goes these days.

It's kind of personal preference.

Okay, so which is kind of nice

because you don't have to match,

you know, brush

nickel to your stainless, your,

you know,

everything has to match

it just kind of like

everything is what it is

and it's just kind of stands out

a little differently.

It's become

almost sort of an eclectic approach.

A little bit.

Yeah, absolutely.

Yeah.

Like in there's

no there's no right or wrong.

So, I mean,

if it's if it all coordinates,

that's our job.

Make sure it all coordinates.

It looks good.

But yeah, it's so, it's

a little bit funner these days. Okay.

So simple.

But with a touch of Alexa. Yeah.

Yeah, exactly. Gotcha.

All right,

so we talked, touched on this

a little bit earlier

to so let’s circle back to it.

How do you work in cooperation

with the account manager?

Are there specific lines drawn or is it

is it a true team effort?

They just collaborate together?

Sure.

It's definitely a team effort.

Absolutely.

So, you know,

they all have the first initial meeting

with the homeowner or the trade pro.

They will grab

they will gather all those informations.

They will start doing selections

with them.

So they're definitely the first one

up to do a lot of that leg work

that makes it easier on my end.

But then also to is

if sometimes they might pick

something out that I'm like

that might not be on budget

or you know

or this line actually is something

that might be better for them.

So those are all things

that, you know,

I can go back and talk to them

or we just discuss

in our next meeting with the client.

So I do rely a lot on them

to get all that

information, to give me a good start

before I go back to the client with it.

So is definitely a team effort.

Absolutely.

And so this was a question

we had asked Mark,

which is

do you find that the account managers

helping them pick the flooring first

before we get into the kitchen and

bath products,

is it more we're picking

everything all at once

and then

I guess you could take it

on the flooring side

because it seems like you're saying

you don't get involved

as much as the flooring selection,

so it's more to the account manager.

So how did those products to get chosen

impact your design

or your product recommendations? Sure.

So luckily, our account

managers are very well trained

so they know our product selection

very well so that it's easier for them

to kind of

know our cabinet lines

to put them in as their line.

So typically the account

manager will start with something.

They'll pick something first

and kind of just evolve after that.

It's not it's not like the account

manager just takes it to point

hands it off to you and walks away. Right

no. There's still an involvement there.

Absolutely. Absolutely.

They always are involved

because after after I did the design,

they needed to take a look at the design

and say, okay, for like a kitchen,

a backsplash.

Okay, so you want to take your backsplash

up again, up all around your hood.

It's your ceiling,

you know, stuff like that.

So they're still involved in that design

part of it,

too, because they

need to know for their end

as well for material.

So a lot of times, you know,

we kind of go tag team appointments.

So, you know, the initial meeting

that they might do

the selections

and then if there's time,

then I might sit down with them

and start doing some preliminary design

and then they go back out

with the account manager and start

looking at more specific on materials.

So we kind of work it.

However,

the client needs to work it as too,

but we definitely are a team

and it's both of us in that project.

So you think about the realm of products

that we offer,

and I've really just been

looking for the opportunity

to use the word realm,

but flooring, you've got

maybe carpet doesn't impact your designs

quite as much for

for a kitchen

or bathroom,

but you've got luxury

vinyl, tile, hardwood,

laminate on the kitchen side

cabinets, countertops, hardware

faucets and sinks in the bathrooms.

I'm not telling anything you don't know.

I'm saying

really, for everybody

that's watching and listening.

But bathtubs, showers,

vanities, faucets, sinks,

you've got it all covered.

Do you feel it's fair to say ProSource

is, in fact, a one stop shop? Absolutely.

Absolutely.

And clients

love that because they come in

and they don't know they don't know

that they need

all of these different parts and pieces.

Their project, they have no idea.

And they come in and they're like,

Oh, we can do everything here.

Like, absolutely.

And that helps us more too,

because we want to make sure

that like what we're picking out,

you know, if they go somewhere

else, like our floor and the

but the cabinetry here

doesn't match or the countertops

and we don't want that

to happen to a client.

We want to make sure they can see it all.

And everything works together too.

So it makes it makes everything

much easier.

I think on everyone's end

that they can do it all together.

Do you feel

too, that it could be confusing

if they go out

and they're looking at products

elsewhere in the coming back

and they're trying to cross compare

to what you've got,

especially in the kitchen and bath realm

cabinets and countertops are

often custom to that kitchen.

Atleast sizing wise and shape wise.

So is it even how challenging can that be

when they've come in

and the shop somewhere else

and they're trying to make

you compare to that? Right.

It is challenging.

You know, it's

one of those things that everybody

wants to shop around

and see different stuff.

They want to go to other places

and they want to see what else is out

there what’s on display

different combinations. So I understand.

But as long as they're coming back,

then we're going to hopefully

we'll be able to match them,

that they found something else different.

Hopefully we could cross over.

That is something that we offer

and get them still that

look that they're settled on.

So luckily,

ProSource offers a lot of different vendors

and manufacturers

that we have access to a lot.

So a lot of times

trying to find something

that crosses over, something

they found somewhere else

isn't a big deal.

So bringing them back in

beyond the product,

what do you feel

are some of the ProSource advantages

of if you're trying to say, look,

here's why ultimately

you want to go to us?

It's not just the product, it's

everything else. Right? Exactly.

So it's kind of like they instead of

they have a whole team working for them.

So they have that myself.

They have an account manager.

If they're doing windows and doors,

they got that specialist.

So they have all these people

that are specialists

in their individual departments

that are working for them.

They're part of their project.

It's not just

one person that may know a little bit

about this, a little bit about their

that's trying to pull it all together.

It's we all have our our specialty.

So I think they understand

and appreciate that that

that they have a team working for them.

So and also to like if

if they have a question about something

they can call that account manager

and or they can call me,

there's always somebody

going to be available for them to

to help.

Also, too,

is that usually by time

they get to us that

the the trade pro

has a relationship with us.

So they're they kind of already know

what to expect.

The trade

pro knows what to expect

from us and stuff

so it does make

a very seamless project.

So we talked a little bit

looking elsewhere

and we talked about the breadth of

products that we offer.

See I broke away from realm and used breadth there.

Were talking about it.

How do you keep a consumer

a trade professional

sort of get used to this,

but how do you keep a consumer from

just being overwhelmed

and looking at all of

this and saying, whoa, right.

Right.

So usually

we just try

to like narrow things down for them.

So, you know, if they're looking for

a specific tile,

then maybe that account manager goes

and pulls out

two different tiles

of what they're looking for

so they don't have to wander the aisles

of looking through everything themselves

and feeling overwhelmed.

So it's our job to kind of guide them

to what they're looking for,

not just kind of just be like,

pick something or here's a catalog.

Like it's our job to guide them

to what they're looking for

and to know our products.

So hopefully

that makes it easier for them

to kind of branch off from that.

Okay.

So when we talk about products,

where do you

what sort of the future

where do you see products

going from here

in both the kitchen and bathroom?

I think color.

Going back to the color again.

Dipping from that same well.

It's definitely color.

I mean, I think we talked a lot about it.

So bluetooth, Alexa,

I mean, all of that technology,

I feel like a lot of stuff is going to that.

And then also just creative

storage things

and cabinetry

to see all kinds of different things

coming out with that,

things that are in motion to

for your trash cabinets open.

If you kick your foot

underneath the toe kick,

you know, all that kind of stuff.

Again, that everything is just going

be working for itself.

You're not to touch anything anymore.

All right.

So it's the technology.

It's it's the trends, it's the colors.

It's it's everything.

Everything keeps changing.

New stuff keeps coming out all the time.

So actually,

because you brought up the storage,

I've often had that thought,

well, say

that the consumer doesn't know

what they don't know

how how is it that you can

they may not know what storage needs

that are even available to them

for what they have?

Or do you have like probing questions

that you get to them to say,

look, we have like 9,000

different storage options here.

What are your challenges

you facing so you could find them?

What would work for them?

Right? Absolutely.

So a lot of times

I always ask like, what?

What storage you need?

What do you have

that does not work in your kitchen?

Now, how can we solve that?

Is it your Tupperware drawers

does that drive you crazy every time?

Like,

you know, all kinds of things like that.

Just asking those questions

about how they live their life

and function in their kitchen,

it kind of helps you like, oh,

you know,

we have this great thing,

you know, it holds all your K-Cups

for you, right?

Your new beverage area,

you know, all that kind of stuff.

So all those little things is

what clients get excited about

because that does

help them in their day to day life

when things are new, organized and

in a certain spot. So

it's just one of those it's

just talking to them a lot,

just asking them

if they have pictures,

if they've seen inspiration, things

that they like.

Usually they're not

they're not shy

about telling you what they've seen

and what they like.

Okay. Yeah.

So what motivates you?

You've been at this now,

well, for 14 years,

but here at ProSource for for ten, Yeah.

What motivates you to keep coming in

and keep doing this each day?

Every day is different.

Every client's different,

every project is different.

Everything's different every single day.

So which

I think that's what

that's what excites me, is just that

every homeowner's different.

So if

I'm doing it, yes, I'm

doing the same thing every day,

but I'm doing it differently every day.

So I think that's

that's the fun part about it.

It's is the challenge

is it's just different every day.

Sometimes good, sometimes bad.

All right.

So we just call it challenging.

Gee, that's great.

Well, I appreciate you joining us today

and talking to us, Laura Treiber

everyone. Thanks for being here.

We appreciate you

joining us on The ProSource Podcast.

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