Exploring Showers and Bathtubs

It’s important to explore showers and bathtubs as they are key parts of the bathroom and where homeowners spend a lot of time. In this episode, we sit down with Andres Renteria, owner of Improve Floors and Design in Dallas, TX, and Nicole Krol, Vice President of Sales at Fleurco, to dive into the latest trends and innovations in showers and bathtubs. Join us as we explore everything from cutting-edge designs to practical tips on choosing the right fixtures. We'll also debunk common myths about shower and tub replacements and get insider insights on what to consider when tackling these upgrades.

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Creating a design concept for a kitchen or remodeling an outdated bathroom requires an understanding of the products and services available to those looking to undertake such a project.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

Hi, my name is Mollie and welcome

back to The ProSource Podcast.

Today's topic is focusing

all on showers and bathtubs.

We have two incredible guests on today

to share their knowledge

about this important

part of the bathroom.

First, we are welcoming on

Andres Renteria.

He is also one of our trade

pro members

from the Dallas Fort Worth

Metroplex area in Texas.

Then later in the episode,

we welcome back on Nicole Krol.

She is Fleurco's Vice President of Sales.

Let's go ahead and kick this episode off

with Andres.

Today we are exploring

showers and bathtubs.

We also have on one of our trade

pro experts, Andres Renteria.

He is the owner of Improve Floors

& Design.

Improve Floors

and Designs, handles all things flooring

including luxury plank,

carpet, vinyl, tile, wood

along with shower and kitchen, ceramic

tile for single family,

multifamily and commercial entities.

So Andre,

thank you so much for joining us today.

Oh thank you Molly. Happy to be here.

Awesome. Yeah.

And if you don't mind,

just explaining a little bit

more about

what Improve Floors and Design does

and, a little bit

about your role on

what you do day to day. Great.

Yeah.

So we, we focus on floors primarily,

and restroom remodels,

along with kitchen backslashes.

So we're not a full on GC, right?

One of our sister companies

actually is a GC,

and we've been in the business.

All of our, installers,

along with one of the co-owners,

has been in the business around 33 years.

But my our company's been in existence

since last year, so 2023.

And we work with residential,

like you said, multifamily

and commercial projects.

Cool.

What made you want to

start up your own business?

Believe it or not,

most people don't know

I'm actually a CPA in the state of Texas,

so I've been in accounting

and finance the past ten years.

But my father's been in the industry

33 years, and,

that was really the plan all along.

I would go into this,

go into the corporate world,

learn, learn the business side,

and then, start a company.

So we were actually going to start

in 2020, but, you know how that goes.

So then we got.

Yeah, yeah, three years later.

That definitely pushed

a lot of timelines back. Covid did.

So understandable.

So yeah,

today we're talking all about showers

and bathtubs specifically.

And when it comes to showers and tubs.

How do you stay on trend

with the current latest trends?

Quite a few things, right?

We we

we attend industry

shows, trade shows

mainly locally here

in the Dallas-Fort worth area.

But we try to go out

at least once a year to the national one.

And then on top of that

we attend, for example, events

at let's say ProSource is hosting, right?

We meet,

we meet other other people

there as well, other companies,

other other installers.

You know,

we come from the mindset of there's

plenty of work for everybody, right?

So I pick brains of other owners

or other people

that do the same thing that I do.

So we we network through that.

And then, you know,

whether you're a proponent of it

or not, social media. Right.

Like it's, you know, in our,

in my humble

opinion, is here to stay along with I.

So, you know,

a lot of stuff comes out of there,

you know.

And so we follow, for example,

a couple of European accounts

and, you know, a lot of,

a lot of times,

you know, trends or new styles

and techniques come out there,

maybe sometimes sooner than here,

vice versa. Right.

But being being on top of both of them,

you know, that that helps us out a lot.

Yeah.

And I think going back

to your social media comment,

a lot of companies as well just post

and like leave, right.

Like they'll

post their content and leave.

But like you said,

it's important to actually digest

like what

other companies are doing to make sure

you're you're staying up

with the latest trends

and just being like involved in it

rather than just like showing

up, posting

whatever you want to post

and and dipping out of there.

So when homeowners are thinking

about remodeling their shower

or their bathtub,

what are common situations

that you think lead them

to that decision?

Typically there's around 3 to 4, right?

One is, functionality.

Right?

They, you know, just perfect

example where we're doing a daycare

or in-home daycare remodel, right?

They're going from newborns,

two year olds to three year olds,

which require potty training.

So we have to redo the functionality of,

of their restroom, right.

Like,

you know, put a smaller toilet,

put a different tub, etc.

then it's, you know,

esthetically pleasing, right?

Like they families want the wow factor.

Maybe their kids are out of the home

right now.

They want a nice walk in shower

or the kids are older

or you know, we're doing a home

where they're selling their home, right?

So they just want kind of

like a makeover of the restroom

versus remodel.

But then for the new home prior to moving

in, they want a full on remodel.

They want the wow factor.

The you know,

everybody likes compliments, right?

So, that that's more of a okay,

we want this exactly like that, etc..

It's a variety of those items

those those things I would say

life transitions.

Would you say that

you work with homeowners or like business

owners more so, or is it about 5050?

It's about 5050

because our our portfolio mix is a lot.

You know, for example, commercial. Right.

That's business owners or GSEs

that want you to go, you know,

four foot high restroom or etc.. Right.

And on the residential side,

though, that's where we do

work more with homeowners. Right.

And they want you to go, you know,

four foot high restroom, etc.. Right.

And on the residential side,

though, that's where we do

work more with homeowners. Right?

And and honestly,

we enjoy

I enjoy that a lot more

because you, you change the space

and you actually see like

the glow in the,

in the resident like,

oh my God, this is this is amazing.

Versus a commercial job is more of a

I just, you know,

this is what it needs to be done.

These are the specs.

The last home this way. Here we go.

You know.

Yeah, absolutely.

I could see why,

maybe working with homeowners

feels a little bit

more like touching, right?

Rather than, like, businesses.

It's like we just got to get the job done

and keep going. Exactly.

And it's up to everybody's motto, right?

Some people don't like that. Right.

Because then it's a actually,

I changed my mind on this.

I want this type of design now. Right.

And it's like, okay, you know, like let's

let's see if that fits.

Let's see if it works. Right.

But we enjoy that.

You know, we actually

I enjoy more of the residential side

than the commercial side.

I my my partner probably enjoys

the commercial side

better than, than the residential.

So it's a good mix.

Yeah.

It's a good balance

between the both of you.

So going to homeowners

specifically from your experience,

what are they looking for

in a new shower or bathtub?

I would say functionality. Right.

So we have two types of clients, right?

We have the clients that are

they're looking more for that

wow factor,

which does include functionality as well.

Right.

But it's also they're looking for,

you know, either a either a modern

look right or what's trending right.

But then there is like for example,

our ladies home. Right.

The couples older right.

They want something more functional

that works for them,

you know, more slip resistant

material things of that nature. Right.

So those are really the two things

that they're looking for.

And then and then on top of that. Right.

Like it's rare

sometimes, like for example,

this in-home daycare, right.

They have them

they have to be be meeting like the date

not only like plumbing code, city code,

but they need to be meeting

like the daycare requirement code.

Those are more rare, right?

So I'm, I would say that

those are the probably

the two main things

that homeowners that we work with

are looking for. Right?

And then the third, fourth one would be,

you know,

increasing the value of their home.

Right.

So they're selling their home, right?

Those a lot of the times,

at least on our end

or more of a makeover

versus a full on remodel. Right.

Yeah. Get it ready.

Ready for sale. Right.

So that's probably the mixture of,

well, yeah.

And so what are the first steps

that you take

when you're taking on a shower

or a bathtub remodel?

Once we get contacted

by a resident, right.

We go out and look at the space. Right.

So we're big on you know, I know virtual

the virtual world,

especially during Covid and all that.

It became bigger. Right.

But when it comes to a remodel

in our opinion, right.

We have to physically see the space

and talk to the owner. Right.

And see

see what they're visioning

and see if it works. Right.

Because yeah, a lot of times it's I like

I like to joke, like, you know, my barber

says it's all the time

a client shows up with this,

like, curly hair.

Do that, you know,

and the client's hair is straight,

you know,

and it's like, yeah,

okay, this works for you, you know?

So, yeah,

you know,

as much as we like

to take care of our clients, right,

sometimes that probably

won't work in this space. Right.

But so the first thing is

we meet with them,

we get what they envision.

Then we we measure the space, right?

We go over what they

what they're looking to do

with the space. Right?

Not just, you know, what they envision,

what's it's for? Who's it for?

Are they selling the home?

Are they going to be there forever?

Are they buying a home, etc..

And then after we get a good plan

going, right,

like if they want to move fixtures

around like a toilet or that,

then I have to,

you know, go over like, hey,

that's going to involve more

than like the plumbing, right?

We, we work with the master plumber.

So then all that's inclusive

in our estimate. Right.

And once we have a game plan

then is when I work with people

like Prosource. Right.

And I'm like, hey,

I have my rep here at Prosource

that you can go and pick

whatever materials you like.

They'll give you

some other ideas as well.

I mean, we have someone on our team

that helps with that too,

but they always end up helping us

because whether we go with them

the first time or the second time,

I trust them

whenever they go on their own.

Right?

Like, hey, I had a change of plans

that my rep there will take care of that.

And then they offer a big variety

of selections, right?

That's why we work with them.

Yeah, it definitely helps to,

make you like flexible, right?

Like you just mentioned,

if you're not available

to go with them to the showroom,

there's your account manager

at the showroom that can help them,

through that decision making process.

Right. And it's somebody we trust, right?

Like they're not

that we don't work with for us,

but we work together. We're.

I'm coming.

Yeah.

That way, you know, that's awesome.

And that's exactly

what I was going to ask for.

My next question was, you know,

how do you work with ProSource

and that client with the product

selection process?

Has there ever been, I guess, any times

that it's had to extend more than just,

you know, ProSource

helping your client

with the product selection process?

So we actually just

ran into this last month.

We started the project on Monday.

We were a new construction home.

They they tore down the old home

and they're constructing a new home.

And, the,

the client she wanted, you know,

I think

herringbone at the bottom

hexagon here, you know,

that's all by 2014.

And I'm like, yeah,

that all sounds great.

But, you know, when you put it together,

I was trying

explain to, like, it's

probably going to clash a little bit,

you know.

Yeah.

And and then on top of that,

right once again

functionality comes place. Right.

There's a curve on the back.

So that's why 24 tower they wanted

I was like I can't make that curve.

Like we would cut it right.

We would make it work. Right.

But you probably

could use a smaller mosaic

probably design etc..

And that's kind of a portion

what comes in it.

I'm like, hey, at this time they're going

they're on their way over there, right?

I explain,

I give them all the information

prior to them arriving

so they're prepped,

you know,

and then they, they also

so, you know, they gave me a call back

and it's actually

set to go with this down

like great like like,

you know when they hear from

and they see it. Right.

Because they have models

there as well, you know.

And they're like,

oh that does actually make sense.

And budget wise. Right.

Like I feel like a lot of times

the residents don't have necessarily

an idea of what

a full remodel or a restroom

or a kitchen entails. Right?

And they get there and then

and then the good thing

about process, right.

They have various options. Right?

So, hey, maybe this is not

maybe this is that out of the budget

that you had in mind.

But here's something very similar

that's a little more budget, right?

Absolutely. Yeah.

Those are great examples. Yeah.

I feel like a lot of people

don't understand

really what

they're getting their selves into.

And so they do see the samples or

like the 3D models

of what they're going to do.

And then it clicks, oh, I can't put this,

big tile on a curved wall.

Right.

So measurements do

play an important role in the new shower

or tub that the homeowner select.

Like you mentioned, you go in,

you take measurements for the space.

What are some common misconceptions

about measuring for a new shower

or a new tub

that you might be able to clear up?

For any homeowners

listening to this, as cliche

as that might sound, right,

it's not as simple as in I know this.

We do floors as well, right?

It's not as simple as link

terms with and okay,

we're good to go right it

or you know there's that one size fits.

All right.

So like this bath tub this is necessarily

fit in your space right.

Depending on what the client envisions.

Right.

So they want a reinforced showerhead

or whatever the case is. Right.

If the clearance isn't high enough right.

You know, it's like, hey, you know,

you might have the demo from wall here,

especially if it's like an older home.

And they have the other type of layout,

like you said,

that might uncover

some other issues, right?

That they're not aware of,

that they don't know what it is entails.

And a whole remodel. Right.

So a lot of times

I just have to walk them through like,

hey, it's

not as simple as like one size fits.

All right?

Every every house is unique. Right.

And then and then here are the options.

Right.

And if it doesn't work,

you want something else. Right.

Well, here's

the extended cost

that that might

bring along to the project.

Yeah I feel like

just being very

open it up front

about how much

everything is going to cost

is the best solution to this.

That way there's no surprises, right?

Yeah.

So anything revolving

plumbing is going to be approached

a bit more mindfully.

How do you handle that,

especially with clients

that may want to move the shower

or tub around the room?

We work with the master plumber. Right.

That's that's on our team

that that helps us out

when it comes to retro remodels

and even kitchens. Right.

Because a lot of times, right.

It's not a simple, hey,

I'm going to

I'm going to remove the shower

from the right side

to the middle of the left side.

And it's just plug and play, right?

Yeah.

And then

nine times out of ten,

when you budget for a project or remodel,

any thoughts?

There's hidden issues that come up

that we didn't know about. Right.

So I just try to be

we try to be as conservative

as possible with our estimates.

Right. Versus, you know, a lump sum.

We kind of break it out. Right.

And then from that

we're like, hey, on average, right.

This is how much plumbing comes out.

If we're moving it to here. Right.

And on top of that

we can uncover leaks maybe.

Or you have older pipes

that don't work with this layout, etc..

Yeah, right.

So I just like you said earlier,

I just try to make them aware

as to where it's possible. Right.

And if needed, send

not our master plumber.

I kind of look at the area

and kind of explain

more of the plumbing issues,

or educate them a little bit more on what

what would entail plumbing

to make that change.

Yeah.

Like you said, it's

probably a good idea

to factor in some of those costs

that might show up that way.

They're not,

scrambling at the last minute

when they find out

that they need

to redo their entire

plumbing system or whatever it is,

I feel like it's always easier

for them to be like,

oh, okay,

we didn't have to incur

that cause versus,

hey, there's this additional cost, right?

Yes.

Now we have that's

you started the project.

Yeah, that's probably a way better.

Like surprises,

knowing you're not going to be spending

as much money as you

maybe initially thought. Right.

I know that's always a positive.

Exactly.

So thinking about specifically

the new waterproofing systems

that are constantly

being developed and improved,

how have those technological advancements

and shower and bathtubs,

how have they led your clients?

So the decision of a remodel,

I mean, seeing that they go

a little bit more towards

the waterproofing advancements

that are happening

and showers and bathtubs,

we do

just because some of the newer stuff out,

like, like for example, the

the Schluter waterproofing system,

that's that membrane

that sticks to the wall or the floor.

And, you know,

it's pretty much like welded onto there.

And then it's

you know, that doesn't 100%.

But it's pretty moisture proof. Right.

And yeah.

When we explain that to them.

Right,

it's like you're

more likely

not going to have mildew issues or leaks

or anything that comes from the

shower or the floor. Right.

I feel like

are, you know,

just a regular average resident

probably isn't as, as educated on that.

Right.

And then that's one thing

that we like to do

on our, at our company. Right.

Hey, Molly.

This is what we offer.

This is what this better system will do.

It'll last this long last longer.

You know, it's more durable

than older system.

Not that the old this is not good, right.

It's just technology has advanced. Right.

And then we let you make the decision

right at the end of the day. Right.

Once they find out all the benefits

like okay, yeah we're going to

we're going to,

we're going to go with it. Right.

Yeah. It's not seen. Right.

So a lot of times it's

not like the sexy appeal.

The because you don't see it

like it's it's covered right.

But it's it's beneficial overall.

Yeah.

Do you think that there's

more people that invest

in those waterproofing systems

after the fact that they're having to

maybe redo their floor

because of the leaking,

or are you seeing them

take precaution first?

Because I know, like thinking

about my grandparents

bathroom, their flooring

just had to get redone

because there was a leak.

So then their flooring

ended up being mold.

And underneath I'm thinking

like maybe

if they would have taken

those precautions way back in the day.

But then it's like those weren't

even available.

Maybe, you know, it's hit or miss, right?

Sometimes. Right.

If it's if it's like a forever home

or a remodel for sure. Right?

They're like, okay,

we want the best, we want

what's going to work the best, etc.

A lot of times, right, we do.

We do older home remodels, right?

Where they didn't necessarily

have that decision.

That restroom was already there. Right?

Yeah.

Right.

Like I said, once

you educate the consumer,

you're resident, right?

It's a lot easier for them to.

Not necessarily.

I'm not going to say

it's the right choice,

but they're like, okay, well yeah,

if I'm going to like this outweighs

the cons, outweigh maybe the price.

You know.

So yeah.

You know, so

with all of these advancements

and new styles for showers and bathtubs,

how does budget factor

into that selection process

and how do you balance someone's budget

with the desired designed vision?

Once we agree on both sides

that this will fit your sizes, works,

etc., right

then that's when you know

someone like progress

comes in on our side, right?

Like, hey,

you know, maybe,

maybe you want this

Calcutta or whatever it is

that you're looking at, right?

But it kind of goes over your budget

a little bit, right?

Because on the labor side, it does vary.

Right.

But it isn't very, as you're asking me

as a material.

Right? Yeah.

And then that's where,

you know, our rep there and you know,

hey, this is what you like here.

Like three more options, right?

And and they all look similar. Right.

Except this one's a little more budget

friendly, etc..

And maybe, you know, we keep

the must haves

and then the other items

that are a little bit more give or take.

Right. They're they're open to changing.

So that's kind of how

we balance it there. Right.

We start off like hey okay

what do you have in mind.

And then we work backwards from there.

So then with showers, bathtubs

and the installation materials

all in one place,

how else that we haven't

talked about already.

How else does ProSource

help make the job easier for you?

So for example, the showroom.

Right.

I, I, for example,

personally love Best Buy,

and I feel like

when I go into Best Buy, I'm like, man,

I want that TV.

I want this, like, washer dryer,

you know, just so you want the groceries,

at least the one that we work

with, right.

It's very nice, you know, and

and that in the couples go

in, their families go in there. Right.

And they have a lot of selections. Right.

And then a lot of times it'll crossover

like, oh, you know what?

I actually like this wood floor.

Or it's like, we should look into that

and, work

something out with them, like, hey,

you know,

we can do an all inclusive

package for you.

You know, maybe you'll get a discount

or whatever the case is.

So cross-selling, cross-selling works.

Right?

And then,

you know, a lot of times

if, if, for example,

prior to having, you know,

a plumber or something like that, process

always has references, right?

So, hey, you know, I call my rep like,

do you know someone

that you'd recommend, etc.

and then,

and then nine times out of ten they do.

Right? So so it's great.

I mean, they help out.

They facilitated

a lot for us, to be honest,

that now that's that's great to hear.

Seeing people come into the showroom

sometimes can be

they look a little bit overwhelmed

sometimes because there is so much

product selection.

But I think at the end of the day,

it's better to have too much

right than too little right,

because then it gives them it.

Just like their minds

just open up

to all the possibilities

that they can do with their home remodel.

They get overwhelmed,

but at the same time

they also feel like, oh,

I didn't know this existed

or I don't know, we could do this space,

you know?

And, yeah.

So I guess, you know, it's it,

but then it's sometimes. Right?

And I know with this,

sometimes they get to many selections

and they're like, yeah,

take them.

Right.

But overall it it's good

and it always helps.

Well thank you so much

for coming on today

and talking all about showers and tubs.

I know it's

a very specific part of a home remodel,

and I know you guys

do so much more than just showers

and tubs, but,

I appreciate you coming on

and sharing some of your expertise

and just some of your insights

about how you work with clients

and then how that factors

into also working with Prosource.

So I appreciate it.

Happy to be here.

Thank you. Mollie.

All right.

Well, we are back again with Nicole Krol.

And I just want to say first,

congratulations on your promotion

to Vice President of Sales for Fleurco.

That's very exciting.

Awesome. Thank you so much.

Last time we spoke, what

was your previous title?

So previously,

I joined

Fleurco as,

the Western regional sales manager.

So, had that and then, was able

to step up to the position

and, and excited.

So that essentially means

I get to work with every prosource

across the country, across North America.

So yes, that's super exciting. Yeah.

Last time we had you on

was for episode 12.

And we talked about the basics

of bathroom remodels.

And so this episode, surprise, surprise,

we're talking about bathrooms again.

But we're going to dive more into showers

and bathtubs specifically.

And so I am happy

to have you back on again.

Fleurco

is the perfect fit,

like I said, for these bathroom

episodes that we do.

And you did a great job last time.

So we're excited

to have you back on again

to share your expertise on this subject.

Awesome.

Well, thank you so much for having me.

Love it.

So showers and bathtubs

do have such a functionality necessity

within bathrooms.

How does for Co balance

that functionality

within the demands of creative

design desired both from the product

and within the style of the room?

So when you're

designing a bathroom,

you know, one of the,

limiting unfortunate factors,

would be your space, right?

So, you know,

we all want the glamorous bathrooms

that we see on Architectural Digest

and everything, but the reality is

that that's not everyone. So,

the good news

is that there's plenty of design

to have something

that does feel like an oasis.

In a smaller space.

There's there's

so many products

that have come out for that,

but that is absolutely the first thing

that you need to look at.

So the singularities of space

will determine where and how,

like the door opens

and the shower door opens,

or where the bathtub will be located

and how things will be accessed.

Because, you know,

the worst type of set up is

you have to crawl over your toilet

to turn on your shower.

So yeah, so and that's where you need,

you know,

it's the kind of stuff that,

that maybe people don't think about.

No, no, that's

definitely going to be the first piece.

Is, is your space

the second, group of factors

to really look at is the relationship

between the user and the product.

So if you're six foot two

and you're getting a teeny

tiny little tub or your shower door,

you have to duck underneath

or even your showerhead

for mounting, purposes,

that's the kind of stuff.

So you definitely want to size

the product,

from an ergonomic standpoint,

to maximize comfort

and, of course, safety.

Because, again,

you don't want to hit your head

on the shower door.

Yeah.

So, you know,

we also take into account

the type of maintenance

and the interaction with the product.

And that goes beyond to,

you know, the precise moment of the bath.

So looking at that and then,

you know, lastly is the fun part,

the creativity.

So that's where again, as I mentioned,

there are so many products

that fit

the different space applications.

And so that's when you get to,

you know, design

what concept

you'd like, for your bathroom.

So all of those points

lead into basic,

you know, style of room decoration.

But those are absolutely

the three,

you know,

design elements

that you would need

to take into consideration for the

the bathroom.

Yeah. We've had a lot of trade for us.

Come on and talk about the fact that,

like when it comes to budgeting

and remodeling,

like a bathroom

or any space within the home,

honestly, how the layout,

like the floor layout is,

really determines what you can do

because if you end up

having to knock down

like a wall,

that can turn into a whole floor

replacement project.

So it's interesting

to see how many people

want to cross that line of

do we want to make this

an entire floor remodeling project

when we're redoing the bathroom?

Or do we want to make it

easier, just accommodate

to what's already like laid out for us

and do the things we can

without having to knock down a wall?

Absolutely no.

It can really.

And it can get, you know, pretty,

pretty deep, pretty quick.

Just that construction standpoint.

And from the budgetary standpoint

and you know, that's that's where,

you know,

with the prosource professionals there,

that's somebody that can sit down and,

you know, the average homeowner

might not have the consideration

or even some contractors,

you know, just stuff that,

you know, we look at every day.

Yeah.

And it's in the back of our minds

at all times.

But you know, the average person,

they don't eat, sleep,

breathe it like we do. So exactly.

You know, just

just bringing up those points.

So so from the design perspective,

how have trends influenced

the look of showers

and bathtubs so far in 2024?

What's new this year with shower doors

and what is new with shower

accessories and organizational features?

Are you saying so?

During the last 15 years or so,

there was kind of a revolution

on shower door and bathtub design

with a new definition

of what the whole bathroom experience

means within our homes.

So, you know, again,

I mentioned the word oasis,

but but truly, over

the past number of years,

your bathroom is

your refuge, I hear, you know, you have,

your quiet place, your,

you know, your back,

your beautiful body sprays and shower.

So that has definitely been

an evolution rather than, you know,

just quite frankly, a toilet and,

think, you know, what I have in a tub.

So it's more of an oasis that opened up,

you know,

it does tie in

to the needs of our modern lives.

So again, refuge, just a quiet spot.

There's more resources

invested by the homeowner and by,

you know, manufacturers to

to make the space special.

Emphasis on decoration prior

just really didn't

have bathroom in the center.

And now I think you're seeing it shift

over the number of years.

It's just a more important

space in the home.

And we've seen the decor trends

introduced in bathroom

design, everything

from the minimalistic urban

to industrial.

And now, you know, again, the spa oasis.

So the very neutrals and brown tones,

earth tones and all of that.

So from that perspective,

a refuge in the home,

the new year with shower doors in 2024,

there's endless products in the market

for every category of shower doors.

So again,

depending on the application,

you can have pivot

sliding doors, shields.

And the same can be said about bathtub,

where we find that just a wide offer,

of everything that you can imagine,

as far as a bathtub.

But in the recent years,

architects, interior designers

and leading companies in the field

are really pushing to incorporate

new colors and finishes.

So texture and color

in the market of bathtubs

shape is more simplistic.

So, you see,

you can walk into any showroom and see,

wow, that tubs look like that tub.

That tub looks like that.

You know,

it's all the similar,

similar design and shape,

but it's the color

and texture of the product

that becomes unique.

So matte finishes, gloss

finishes, that type

of offering on the tub

and then any color you can imagine

that's the bathtub side,

the resource in the shower door field

starting to see early

on in the introduction

of the fluted glass and tinted films.

The novelty and the shape really

aren't changing or being,

you know, that really innovation.

But it's the glass that's on it.

So seeing more trends with that, it's

just a result of new technologies

and engineering materials

that evolve, you know,

especially on the fluted glass side

abilities to

to bring product to market

that doesn't hold the soap star,

and all of that stuff.

So, I mean,

you still have to clean it, but yeah,

make it a little bit easier, though.

Yeah.

Just the ease,

the ease of actually having the product

at its well,

its function

mechanisms and forms

aren't really the main focus.

What we're seeing of innovation

design is always,

the ones pushing,

pushing the manufacturers to create,

but it's absolutely the texture.

And yeah, finishes.

Are you seeing that

most people are moving away from

I mean, of course, when it comes to like,

I guess freestanding

tubs, it's a little different,

but I guess bathtubs

that are pushed against a corner

or against the wall

or you think people move away

from like the shower, like curtains.

Yeah. Schwarzkopf's.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So, so the back to wall tubs

and all of that, and still very popular.

It's very much

a regional type application.

Yeah.

You could say the coasts,

are definitely more

the freestanding tubs.

The northeast is smaller

space constraints

so that, you know, that that dictates

what they can do there.

Midwest and everything.

Yeah. The back to wall.

And that's

you know, those tubs are nice options.

Because then you get into your hardware,

your faucets

and your fixtures and everything.

So, you know,

you have different

whether you want a deck mount

or off the wall.

Yeah.

That's still

another little piece of design

that allow that creativity

in your bathroom.

Absolutely. Yeah.

I noticed when I went to visit my friend

in New York earlier

this year, her

a little apartment in New York City.

Her bathroom was like so small.

It just even the bathtub is like

the whole space is just so different

from like, the Midwest where I'm at

because, yeah,

no, you're not saying that.

Like, we're all in huge mansions,

but yeah,

a normal person's house,

even a small family's house

like their bathtub, bathtub

and bathroom area

is going to be double the size from like,

a normal person living. And.

Yeah, absolutely, absolutely.

And exactly what you're saying

and that's really,

I mean, for,

you know, for Clerico

and top manufacturers,

other top manufacturers,

you know, people in New York

want an oasis as well, or,

you know, with the small constraints.

And so, yeah, so there are

it really has pushed,

you know, products to come out with it.

Just rough numbers

on like a freestanding, tub, you know,

55in is small,

but they go all the way up to 67, 68.

So, yeah,

you know,

so there's been and actually

we're seeing

a lot more

of the push to the smaller size

because the people

that have the room for both,

they'll do a shower and a soaking tub.

So. Gotcha.

Yeah.

It's like how do you

it's like being creative with

how do you bring the oasis

to such a small bathroom

in a studio apartment?

But it can be done for sure.

Yeah.

And I'll tell you, even,

like some of the design community,

they'll run.

I mean, you can do a Google search.

But like acid

or in kVA,

we'll do contests throughout the year.

And it's absolutely amazing.

Some of these designers, what they can,

you know, squeeze in

and that's one of the categories

is the tiny space.

And it's beautiful what they can do.

No that's fun.

Yeah.

That's that's

I'm sure challenging to know.

So speaking of

we've talked about the trends

a little bit.

I want to move towards the performance.

Sure. Products.

Speaking of performance,

what technological advancements

has Flor Co made a year over year

two showers and bathtubs.

And how have trade pros and homeowners

helped inform

those specific developments.

Have you heard any specific stories.

Absolutely.

So one of the largest, impacts

and technological advances

that that Flor Co has done, is add

secure, onto their shower doors.

And so

secure is essentially a transparent,

plastic film.

So that in the rare occasion

that something does happen

and your,

you know, glass panel does break,

the security film

holds the,

the whole door

together in small pieces

that are attached to the film.

So the implementation of this film

obviously has brought,

you know, great benefits to clients.

Again, in the rare case that it happens.

But it is added security as well.

And peace of mind which,

which means a lot.

So it's not detectable by the eye.

So you know, the average person wouldn't,

wouldn't see it.

Really, you know,

you don't notice it's there

until you need it.

And so that's, that's

something that's important

even as far as,

you know,

commercial applications

or trade professionals.

That's something that sets

the product apart from other means,

because again, they you know,

they'll get the call for the repair,

the cleanup and all of that.

And so

that added feature, it's

in one piece to take out

and take care of.

In the field of bathtubs,

there's been a continuous

development of new techniques

related to the fabrication

that that have really allowed,

for less constraints

in the actual molding.

So that's sort of it,

you know,

that's way behind the scenes,

like nobody knows what's going on.

But if you take a tub from 20 years ago

to a tub today

and just look at everything

from the molding

and from the seams, it's

such an evolution, just smoother,

even with acrylic,

you can see that

those bathtubs are just about flawless.

That is certainly something.

I mean, there's so much manual work

and expertise

involved in the final

result of the product

is a true art form, but it's amazing

to see the inroads

that they've done with it.

To just have,

you know, more beautiful, seamless tubs.

Speaking of tubs,

and we've talked about it

a little bit already, but,

how does Fleurco balance

the needs of freestanding

tubs versus

non freestanding tubs

among like newer and older homes.

So basically to balance

the need for the alcove.

So the alcove

and then the freestanding tub

it goes back to that

great thing of space.

That's, that's the top consideration.

So you know, space is number one,

your desired

esthetic accessibility concerns

actually come into play

with that,

you know, aging in place

and that sort of, considerations.

And if a remodel is feasible as well,

moving cranes and all that fun stuff.

Generally speaking,

older homes with smaller

bathrooms are better

suited for the alcove tubs

just by sheer construction and plumbing,

and the newer homes with larger bathrooms

obviously can accommodate

the freestanding tub

with the different offerings.

Functionality and accessibility

really is something with the homeowner.

So, you know, again,

it depends on the remodel,

how in-depth you're going with that.

So if remodeling isn't an option

in those older homes, the alcove tub

does offer

a particular alcove tub

that has larger soaking dimensions.

Basically, the walls of the tub are not

super thick,

and that's something

so that'll give you,

you know,

the feel of more of a

it's still, you know, your standard

bath tub, your old school

that you remember the type of,

you know, shower tub combo.

But it does have more soaking room.

So and certainly,

you know, there's other products

on the market like that.

So even though it is,

you know, alcove tub,

there's new innovations

that have been pushed that,

you know, you do have more room to,

to actually get a good soak.

And of course, you know,

if the design and plumbing works,

there's all sorts of the sizes

with the freestanding tub.

So it's the space constraints

and plumbing on that one

that dictates what you can do. Yeah.

There's a lot

of, factors

that go into being able to do that.

Yeah.

Well, and you know, one of the things

to the hybrid approach,

you can,

you know,

again, just depending on,

on your plumbing and space,

you can install a freestanding tub

with a partially enclosed alcove.

That's a whole balance between the design

and the space efficiency.

So, you know, again,

that's where you need

the expertise, right?

The design

and the design team

to really,

you know, map out the different options.

You know, what's realistic

and what you like. Yeah.

Speaking of which, it's

not redesigning a bathroom

isn't something

that homeowners are able to afford

too many times,

depending on how far you're going to

and to the extent of it,

how do you account for that

potential budgetary range

when offering new showers and bathtubs?

Well, and I'll, I'll speak with

with Fleurco products specifically.

You know, at every level of the company,

we share our expectations of customer,

all customers are users

of bathroom products.

So it's really reflected

in the full commitment

on the quality of our product

and the dedicated service and support.

You know,

we understand

the product

that we bring to

the market

is intended

to bring a positive experience

to our customers,

and we definitely understand

the importance of home.

So we don't cut the quality

of the products.

We look for other ways for the product

to fit into a smaller budget.

So this is where design and and truly

are at play.

So we evaluate the elements

such as the quantity of material

and the pieces.

You know,

along with the ease of making the,

you know,

the fabrication,

to bring down costs

while keeping the quality high. So

for that reason, in

our catalog,

you'll find that there are different,

budgetary ranges

and products are broken up accordingly.

So all the products,

no matter what the price range,

is really important for the company

and the resources we've invested

and the development and great quality.

Again, from any,

any price point or any level,

and in terms of the validity

of the product design through time,

that's a consideration too.

We we certainly have many models

that have a very classical design

so that are in style today.

They were installed ten years ago

and they'll still be in style tomorrow.

So that is something to consider.

Maybe it's not,

you know, hot pink bathtub that you want.

Yeah.

Because, you know, it's not going to be

you know,

you'll look at it

for years and say, yeah,

no, what was I thinking?

I watched the Barbie movie

and all of a sudden I wanted to

I mean, I see like a period now, right?

But

but then a year later,

it's like, oh, I actually don't

even like that movie that much.

It was

the marketing outlay

convinced me to get a hot pink.

That's, That's exactly.

So that's the time. Yeah.

No, it's it's great

that for a Coke

can still bring

so many different products

for so many different budget levels

and without compromising quality,

because that is a big thing

is usually if you're

getting a cheap product,

you're not going to get

as high quality of a product.

So it's refreshing to know that you can

still get a high quality product

at a lower fraction of the cost.

Going back to drains,

we did talk about drainage

a little bit

with trends like hidden drains coming up,

how have you seen drain

systems developed

and how has Flor Co embraced

that development?

We tend to be

on the more conservative side

as a company with that stuff.

You know, when we first

you know obviously

design teams over in Europe

and they go to all the shows

and look at new products

and see what's coming,

in the first element that we consider,

when we're looking at all that stuff is,

the compliance

with the regional applications

and regulations and just,

to uphold our quality standards.

So, yeah, you know,

we also look at things

that, you know, daily

maintenance and repair, accessibility,

and that's key,

just to ensure that the maintenance

is not more difficult or limited.

So again, just really cautious,

you know,

there are some designs that we see,

you know,

especially myself on the sell side.

And I see it, I love it.

Let's do it. Yeah.

But after more evaluation,

you know, it's expensive.

The product is not necessarily

user friendly.

And the product that we put out

has gone through thorough testing.

And just,

you know, we do business in North America

and to make sure it's compliant

with all the codes and everything.

And then it's easy to use

I mean, again, you know, with the,

with the drainage piece, it is critical.

So if you have something

that, you know, looks nice,

but it doesn't, you're sitting and,

you know,

an inch of water in your shower

every night after you're done.

How beautiful. Yeah. Yeah, exactly.

No, that's also refreshing to know

that you're not just floor

because not just pushing a product,

just because it's trendy

or it looks nice, you're pushing it

because it's went through

thorough investigation,

making sure that it's, you know, able

to be functional,

but also

still sitting

under those styles and trends.

And that's not to be say

we're certainly working to innovate.

So so we certainly do.

But we just validate

and want to make sure that the end user

has a great experience.

That's overall absolutely.

Like I said,

this is your second time

coming on the podcast

and Fleurco

and ProSource has partnered

with each other for a long time now.

How has for close partnership

with ProSource evolve over time

and what type of benefits?

As for code, as customers enjoyed

from partnering with ProSource?

Well, it's been a great partnership,

so supporting

not only ProSource

but all the different categories

of the business.

You know, it's been it's been fun,

you know, growing with you.

And that's a big piece of it.

You know,

ProSource is essentially

been a matchmaker for us.

I mean, you're linking a team of

I think you guys are at like 145, home

improvement showrooms.

And, and allowing us to have a footprint,

with, with the floor

offering absolute and always expanding

as you guys

expand and support, we expand.

We do we partnered with displays.

So there's everything from,

you know, our entire product

offering from shower doors to bathtubs,

in vignettes, which

are the actual little,

like a mini, virtual, you know, bathroom

in, in each of the locations to,

you know,

maybe just a freestanding

type of display. So,

it's it's really been a benefit for us.

You know,

we love the concept of the homeowner

contractor coming in

and getting their

very own project manager with ProSource.

Again, all the stuff we're talking about,

you know,

somebody goes in and they

they've seen online,

they're trying to find what they love.

And it might not

necessarily work for them.

So so going into ProSource,

you truly have a professional

that knows the products

and knows the different offerings

and can kind of navigate and,

you know,

the last thing that you want is

to have this beautiful remodel

and you've paid all this money

and then you know,

something doesn't work, right.

Something doesn't sell.

Or, you know,

they can definitely help ahead of time.

And we do go in.

And with the ProSource team, we train.

I think we do online annually maybe.

Yeah, annually.

But you know, local local levels.

We have a support system

of local manufacturer reps,

and a sales team,

from the

company that we travel around

and we make sure that the team is up

to speed on new products and new launches

as they come about.

So, again,

so that ProSource

and their team is in front of new

trends and technologies,

keeping them your expert to to go to.

So yeah, it's

been a great fun partnership.

With many years to come.

We hope so. Upgrade.

That's awesome.

Okay, let's look into 2025.

We're getting towards

the end of 2020 for now, which

I feel like last time I had you

on, I was I was asking you,

what's the rest of 2024

look at to look like.

And now it's crazy to think

we're thinking about next year, 2025.

What is next for is that in 2025,

we're seeing

and what we're launching

is some new hardware finishes.

So we touched on that.

You're right. The the black

black finishes, the golden tones.

Now getting into the glass panel tint.

So colors and patterns.

So again

like that fluted glass, the tinted glass

large screens

are increasingly becoming a staple

in modern bathroom designs.

Just if you're not familiar.

So a screen is essentially

just a piece of glass,

a partition almost,

instead of the four door

sliding door and all of that.

So, you know,

obviously much more elegant

than the shower curtain, but it,

you know, just wants the service

of, of blocking the spray.

And if you add the different patterns

and colors, again,

you know, matches in

with the overall design of the bathroom.

So absolutely that

and we're co introduced the

the Sparrow shield.

This focus on

that was

just a better integration of the space.

So instead of a full shower door

set up just the shield or partition

and it's a smoked glass

so that it doesn't disappear

like a plain glass panel,

but it's

coordinating with the architectural,

design and, the space and almost becomes

like an interior window

that is something that's unique.

So we'll, we'll be launching

a few more of those,

coming out for next year.

The wall coverings

in the bathroom environment,

engineered materials.

So that includes stuff

they engineered materials for sinks,

shower trays and countertops.

So, you know,

the marble look, the granite look,

but not marble or granite.

Yeah.

Just kind of,

you know, composite

blend resin blends, but

but again, just unique

designs and textures

with all these different factors

certainly in art,

but they integrate simply

without overlapping.

So yeah,

you know, you take a piece here

and there that works.

And just the overall design,

that's what we're seeing coming up

for the shower side.

So it's it's super exciting for us.

The shield, I think, you know, that

that's something

that is rather new,

a new concept in design.

But,

definitely designers

are taking on to that.

Yeah.

No, I, I like the idea of adding

something a little bold to a space,

but nothing

that's going to overshadow

the rest of the, the bathroom.

And like you said,

layering on different concepts

and making it truly customizable

seems like that's kind of the goal

with with all of that.

So what about bathtubs?

What do you

what do you guys have planned

for bathtubs in 2025 or color?

More color.

So lots more color.

So so overall, the bathtub industry

is really pushing

to bring more color to bathtubs.

Honestly, though,

we don't know how many customers

will actually join this trend.

Yeah that one's that one's a tough one.

So it's

you know, going back to that pink

tub, right.

So yeah,

you know,

the real challenge is for designer

to designers to convince,

you know, homeowners

that the bathtubs don't

necessarily have to be white.

So it's certainly a challenging

but possible task.

You know,

if you look years ago,

90% of the plumbing

and shower door market and,

you know, the fixtures and

everything were all chrome.

So it's taken time.

It's taken time.

And there's an introduction.

So

a large portion of the market

is really moving toward other options.

Matte black tubs are certainly a popular,

you know,

and the matte black finishes

and a brush gold.

So little by little,

the colors will be more present

in the design of bathtubs.

Adoption will still be the piece.

Yeah.

You know,

last year, Fleurco

launched on to the market

solid surface matte black tubs.

Lucas and Lucia.

Those tubs

are the embodiment of asking ourself

the same question

you're asking me right now.

You know, I wonder how the.

So far the adoption has been great

on those.

We've integrated decks

that can be used for either

the mounting, the faucet or a tray.

Hold your soap, hold your wine

glass, hold something like that.

So, so a little bit

more of the design element.

In addition to,

you know, a matte black bathtub.

So that's, you know, I added value.

So as far as the direction

has been thoroughly researched

in the design of acrylic bathtubs,

solid surface

is a different set of constraints.

So that one's a little bit tougher.

So that might be more limited

on what's coming out the color.

It'll be a fun road.

You know any any showroom you go into.

They'll they'll have

those products on display.

And that's the beautiful like

I love it but I want white.

Yeah.

Because it's

I think a lot of homeowners,

since they're investing

so much money into it,

they probably are worried about it

not being timeless because it is so bold.

Like you said.

And they're even like,

of course, hot pink is very drastic,

but I'm even thinking of

like the dark green colors

that are very popular.

Even with that,

I could see homeowners being

just a little worried that in ten years

it's not going to hold up

like how trendy it is now

might not be trendy in 2035.

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

Now that that's it.

And I think that you know, it definitely

designer styles.

The designers are going to be

the key on that one.

Yeah.

You know

and we do have a whole

do you see the trends coming over.

And I think the more muted colors right.

It will lend a little bit better.

On the stark, designs, you know,

the egg shells and the champagne colors

and all of that, which,

you know, again,

going back to those neutrals

at Co,

the beginning of each project design

and marketing team reflects on

why we're doing this.

You know,

how are we benefiting the customers

with the new product.

What element can we offer.

And that's why

with the Lucas and Chia tubs

with the integrated deck.

So that was something that was unique,

something that solved the problem.

You know,

you might not have known, you know,

where to put yourself.

Yeah. Or your glass.

So that's there.

You know,

and we're always looking for ways

to advance in the industry,

you know, with a full product catalog.

Everything bathroom basically.

So, you know, trying

to stay in the forefront,

but making sure

that we've done our homework

and research and it's,

you know, something needed

and something that's functional.

Absolutely.

Well,

thank you so much for sharing

all of your thoughts

and expertise with us.

Like I said,

I appreciate you coming back on again

and congratulations on your promotion.

I'm excited to see Fleurco in 2025.

These seem like a lot of great ideas

and I'm just ready to see them

all come to life.

So awesome Mollie, thank you so much.

It was a pleasure.

I really appreciate it. Yes.

Have a great rest of your day.

You too. I really appreciate it.

Thank you for joining us

today on the Progress Podcast.

Please like and subscribe to us

wherever you get your podcast.

Also follow us on social media,

check out our website

at prosource wholesale.com

and visit your local Prosource

wholesale showroom for all of

your home remodeling needs.