NEWH - Spring 2014 - 28

Q&A

One-on-one with
Karen Gutowski
President of the Los Angeles chapter,
and founder of Haute Xteriors

How/why did you want to/become involved in NEWH?

Th is not a very unique answer but I joined the NEWH Los Angeles
Founding chapter to become more involved in the hospitality
community in the Southern California area. It was not until after I
joined that I became aware of the wonderful scholarships that
we offer!  

What has NEWH done for you personally and professionally?  
Becoming involved in NEWH is, as I call it, 'more get than give.' I
have met an extraordinary group of people who inspire me to do
better. I've also made some wonderful friends who have provided
me a better insight on how the hospitality design business works
in Southern California. We have assembled a wonderful board
of directors and they inspire and make me want to do more for
NEWH. I have worked with some of the key 'movers and shakers'
in the hospitality industry. I feel on the inside instead of the
outside looking in.  
  

As president of the Los Angeles Founding chapter, what
do you have planned for 2014? What are you most looking
forward to?

We are going to have a great 2014 and started out the year with a
very successful Regional Tradeshow. We are developing programs
that are unique, creative, and compelling. These events will
stimulate everyone that attends. Our chapter is evolving and
continues to attain a more balanced membership.   
 

What were some of the highlights from your chapter in 2013?

We had three very well attended hotel tours in Beverly Hills and a
wonderful gala during the holiday season. The most exciting part
for us is that we gave away $40,000 in scholarships to deserving
students. We are always recruiting members from all aspects of the
hospitality segment-they provide us new insights and ideas for
growth and planning. We love our new members.
 

What is new at Haute Xteriors? What are you working on?

Haute Xteriors is a multi-line rep firm that I started 12 years
ago. We specialize in outdoor/indoor furnishings. The business
has evolved and our lines are much more diverse. We represent
28 www.newh.org

Kannoa Outdoor, Expormim Outdoor Living, Santa Barbara
Umbrellas, Caravita Sun Shades, and Kartell. We have also added
some sustainable lines to our portfolio-Baltix 'unusually green
tables' and Transformations, truly renewable furniture. 

How is business? What is your outlook for 2014?

Business has been inconsistent in California over the last several
years. With that being said, we are very positive for 2014. We know
that the design firms are swamped and adding staff and that means
business for the hospitality sector. We sense an energy that has not
been seen for a while.  

Biggest challenge today in hospitality? Biggest opportunity?

The biggest challenge we have is developing relationships
with the designers. The business is becoming less personal.
Developing these relationships is critical in developing trust with
a manufacturer. We are looking not to just supply products but
to becoming partners with our design firms to help solve their
problems.

Trend/movement you are paying attention to in the industry.
There is definitely more positive energy across the board and the
FUN seems to be coming back! I want to be there.

When you are not working or at an NEWH event, where can
we find you?

You will find me spending time with my husband, Steve, visiting
my twin sister, Sharon, or in the garden being 'one with the soil.' ❙❘❚
http://www.newh.org
NEWH - Spring 2014

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