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.
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.
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