Kitchen & Bath Dealer
Career Description
Kitchen and bath dealers are the owners of the retail environments that design and sell kitchen/bath products to the end consumer or builder. These products may include cabinetry, decorative hardware, plumbing, flooring, and appliances. Consumers often choose dealerships because of their design services and products they represent. Therefore, it is important for the kitchen/bath entrepreneur to be savvy in the newest design trends and have a sense of consumer preference. In addition to having creativity, successful dealers must have knowledge of business and managerial skills.
Job Description
- Contract negotiations with supply companies and subcontractors
- Hiring of employees and subcontractors
- Advertising to attract customers
- Allocating funds
- Responsible for inventory control
- Ensures clients are satisfied
- Supervise and oversee operations
- Responsible for profitability and efficiency of business
Skills Needed
- Negotiating skills
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication skills/people skills
- Basic knowledge of kitchen and bathroom design
- Managerial skills
- Financial skills
- Good decision making skills
Required Education
Although there is no required education for entrepreneurs, many have completed a bachelor's degree and have experience in design, business, and related fields. Degrees that enhance the skills shown above are most desirable. Attending an NKBA Accredited Program can give students that wish to be entrepreneurs in the kitchen and bath industry the knowledge to be successful. Many colleges across the U.S. and Canada offer degrees in the kitchen/bath specialty area. Click here for a list of NKBA Accredited Programs.
The NKBA offers professional development courses to provide students with the knowledge to work within the kitchen and bath specialty area.
The Association offers several levels of certification for designers. Click here to learn more about NKBA certification.
Earnings
The earning potential for dealer/owners varies greatly. Variables such as the population, average income per household, product lines, management skills, and application of business and marketing plans can drastically alter the net profit of an establishment. Successful entrepreneurs have comprehensive experiences in key skill areas and have often worked in management capacities prior to establishing their own business.
Kitchen & Bath Design News revealed in a 2002 article ("How Does your Compensation Measure Up?") that 40% of kitchen/bath dealers surveyed reported a yearly income of up to $75,000.
Learn More About An NKBA Student Member's Experience- Kathleen Tish, CKD
Education
Kathleen's unique educational background helps her to be successful in marketing, communications, and design. She earned her Certificate in Interior Design from an NKBA Accredited Program, Learning Tree University in California. In addition to her design education, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and an Associates degree in Merchandising.
Past Work Experience
- Design Staff Manager
- Kitchen Showroom Manger
- Kitchen/Bath Designer for a kitchen/bath showroom
- Design Consultant for a furniture store
- Sales Manager retail furniture store
- Store Manager for retail furniture store
- General Manager for retail clothing store
- Store Manager for a retail store that sold women's accessories
- Buyer for woman lingerie multi-retail branch
Current Employment
Kitchen/Bath Dealer of the NKBA member firm Kitchen & Bath Solutions in Fountain Valley, CA.
Kathleen Answers Your Questions
Q: Why be NKBA Certified?
A: "My business receives many calls from clients who have researched certified designers on the NKBA website. These clients understand the importance of professional designations as markers for an individual's experience level and competency."
Q: Is being the owner of a design showroom exciting?
A: "Remember- being an owner means that you do many tasks that are not any fun, such as janitorial duties and bookkeeping."