Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025 - 37

joined a highly recommended, intensive interior design business
coaching program. its impact has been tremendous - significantly
transforming my business structure and streamlining how
I deliver design solutions - both of which have provided me the
tools to reach new goals. Specifically, I restructured my processes,
established detailed systems for successful project outcomes,
developed and introduced additional design services for both
homeowners and contractors, implemented focused marketing
strategies and created new and meaningful connections. Photo
credit: Sandy Kavalier
Nicholas Blavat, AIA, Partner/Senior Project
Architect, Deep River Partners, Milwaukee
In the Midwest, contractor scheduling and availability have been a
struggle. At our firm, we have seen this labor challenge build over the
years, but the issue was amplified in 2024. To counteract this, we set
realistic expectations for construction timing with our clients. We also
advise them to plan a grace period at the end of a remodel before
major holidays or family events to prevent potential heartache if their
project is not completed on time. We create a complete set of construction
documents and educate our clients on how this initial work
helps them understand the design, prevents construction delays and
allows the contractors to order materials at the beginning of construction
so product and material availability does not cause delays.
Photo credit: Pat Goetzinger
Kailee Klevan, CMKBD, Lead Designer
Beyond Kitchens, Rochester, Minn.
One of my mottos for 2024 was to " let life happen, " which has
allowed me to stress less and stay levelheaded throughout the
year. The " When will the next project come " or " We have to push
to move this project ahead or we are going to miss our deadline "
thoughts have been reframed to " It will all work out, " because
truthfully, it always does. 2024 was a big year professionally for
me, as I received my CMKBD certification and was selected as a
KBDN 2024 Innovator - two huge accolades that would not have
been possible without a positive outlook and an immense amount
of work behind the scenes. Photo credit: Marit Williams Photography
Bill Feinberg, President
Allied Kitchen & Bath, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
One of the biggest challenges we face is getting the right price to
do the job, then bringing the project in on budget. To accomplish
this, everyone must be on the same page and be willing to spend
more time before the project starts to plan properly. That means
making sure measurements are correct, all materials are ordered
in advance and properly, and everyone who works on the project
must fully understand this and be committed to do their job. Mistakes
can easily happen, especially when business is good and
we are all so busy, and if we don't check twice, we could easily
overlook something. Photo credit: Allied Kitchen & Bath
Amber Guyton, Owner
Blessed Little Bungalow, Atlanta
I've been practicing saying " no " to opportunities that are not fully
aligned with my values, design style and energy. The wrong client
projects can burn you out and exhaust you. Although a scarcity
mindset tells every business owner to say " yes, " healthy boundaries
and good business practices say to be mindful, intentional and
selective. As my business grows and my capacity shrinks, this is
an important practice that needs to become a lifestyle. Photo credit:
Mecca Gamble Photography
Left to Right: Sheryl
Steinberg, Nicholas Blavat,
Kailee Klevan, Bill Feinberg
and Amber Guyton
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Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025

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