Tag: interview

30 Years of NKBA Membership: What Are NKBA Benefits?

Peter Salerno Inc.

30 Years of NKBA Membership: What Are NKBA Benefits?

What are the advantages that professional designers can enjoy by becoming members of the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)?

Peter Salerno, CMKBD, is the founder and owner of our parent company, Peter Salerno Inc. Since 2002, no other kitchen and bath design firm has won more national design awards than Peter Salerno Inc. The benefits of these awards (and the notoriety attached to them) have assisted Peter and his team in becoming a truly global brand, with their designs in homes and businesses in multiple countries across 3 continents. The past several years have seen Peter Salerno Inc.’s reach continue to spread across America, while new installations reached Canada and Russia.

Peter Salerno in his award-nominated Peter Salerno Inc. showroom.
Peter Salerno in his award-nominated Peter Salerno Inc. showroom.

Peter Salerno has been a member of the NKBA since 1990 – seven years before Peter Salerno Inc. became an incorporated brand in 1997. In the 30 years Peter has been an NKBA member, the experiences gained, knowledge developed, and platforms presented through the NKBA have been invaluable to the development of Peter’s skills as a master custom kitchen and bath designer, as well as to the success of Peter Salerno Inc. as a world-class design brand.

Peter Salerno was interviewed by the NKBA for their series “The Member Advantage”, discussing how membership in the NKBA is an asset to any kitchen and bath designer or design team. The conversation dealt with the benefits of NKBA membership, NKBA chapter meetings, being a part of KBIS (the NKBA’s annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Showcase and conference) and more.

The NKBA's Ash Sukumar films Peter Salerno in his showroom for a KBIS presentation.
The NKBA’s Ash Sukumar films Peter Salerno in his showroom for a KBIS presentation.

Here are a few of our favorite excerpts from this exclusive Q&A, which you can find on the NKBA’s website.

NKBA: What do you consider to be the best benefits of your membership?

Peter Salerno: The best benefits have been the exposure to cutting-edge products in our industry. This availability of information can better my skills as a high-end designer.

NKBA: How do you share your knowledge? Have you ever been a VFTI speaker or considered becoming one?

PS: I would enjoy being a speaker. I just did a presentation at the Mid-Atlantic Chapter Meeting in Princeton. It was standing-room-only. I received such a wonderful response, it got me thinking: why not share my 36 years of experience with the next generation of designers?

NKBA: What are some positive experiences at KBIS that stand out for you?

PS: The positive experience at KBIS comes from leaving the show with at least one great idea. That idea can be implemented the day I return to work. It may come from a seminar I attended or a product that impressed me. One year, after speaking to Gary Vaynerchuk, a keynote speaker, I came back from KBIS and started my blog. It was a great addition to my social media marketing strategy.

For the complete interview with Peter Salerno about the member advantages of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, click here.

How Designers Can Benefit From NKBA Membership: Questions and Answers

Peter Salerno Inc.

How Designers Can Benefit From NKBA Membership: Questions and Answers

What are the advantages that professional designers can enjoy by becoming members of the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)?

Peter Salerno, CMKBD, is the founder and owner of our parent company, Peter Salerno Inc. Since 2002, no other kitchen and bath design firm has won more national design awards than Peter Salerno Inc. The benefits of these awards (and the notoriety attached to them) have assisted Peter and his team in becoming a truly global brand, with their designs in homes and businesses in multiple countries across 3 continents. The past several years have seen Peter Salerno Inc.’s reach continue to spread across America, while new installations reached Canada and Russia.

Peter Salerno in his award-nominated Peter Salerno Inc. showroom.
Peter Salerno in his award-nominated Peter Salerno Inc. showroom.

Peter Salerno has been a member of the NKBA since 1990 – seven years before Peter Salerno Inc. became an incorporated brand in 1997. In the 28 years Peter has been an NKBA member, the experiences gained, knowledge developed, and platforms presented through the NKBA have been invaluable to the development of Peter’s skills as a master custom kitchen and bath designer, as well as to the success of Peter Salerno Inc. as a world-class design brand.

Recently, Peter Salerno was interviewed by the NKBA for their series “The Member Advantage”, discussing how membership in the NKBA is an asset to any kitchen and bath designer or design team. The conversation dealt with the benefits of NKBA membership, NKBA chapter meetings, being a part of KBIS (the NKBA’s annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Showcase and conference) and more.

The NKBA's Ash Sukumar films Peter Salerno in his showroom for a KBIS presentation.
The NKBA’s Ash Sukumar films Peter Salerno in his showroom for a KBIS presentation.

Here are a few of our favorite excerpts from this exclusive Q&A, which you can find on the NKBA’s website.

NKBA: What do you consider to be the best benefits of your membership?

Peter Salerno: The best benefits have been the exposure to cutting-edge products in our industry. This availability of information can better my skills as a high-end designer.

NKBA: How do you share your knowledge? Have you ever been a VFTI speaker or considered becoming one?

PS: I would enjoy being a speaker. I just did a presentation at the Mid-Atlantic Chapter Meeting in Princeton. It was standing-room-only. I received such a wonderful response, it got me thinking: why not share my 36 years of experience with the next generation of designers?

NKBA: What are some positive experiences at KBIS that stand out for you?

PS: The positive experience at KBIS comes from leaving the show with at least one great idea. That idea can be implemented the day I return to work. It may come from a seminar I attended or a product that impressed me. One year, after speaking to Gary Vaynerchuk, a keynote speaker, I came back from KBIS and started my blog. It was a great addition to my social media marketing strategy.

For the complete interview with Peter Salerno about the member advantages of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, click here.

Happy Birthday, Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer: A Trendsetter Spotlight

Peter Salerno Inc.

An East Coast Trendsetter’s Guide to 2017 Style!

This week, Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer is officially two things we love: a true East Coast trendsetter, and a birthday girl! Ever since we started the Design Your Lifestyle blog movement, we’ve kept tabs on Gabrielle – her fashion, her work, and her personal style.

Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer and her husband, Brian Mayer.
Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer and her husband, Brian Mayer.

Gabrielle was one of our first interviews at Design Your Lifestyle, and much has changed since then. She got married, became an intrinsic part of a world-class kitchen and bath design firm, found the most adorable little Boston terrier you’ll ever see (more on that later!), and fostered her own sense of style. (Oh, and she has a little one on the way!)

But certain things have remained constant in Gabby’s life: a love for the arts, a keen sense for spotting trends, a strong connection with family, and finding joy in helping others achieve their dream home designs.

As Gabrielle celebrates her birthday, we thought it’d be a fun idea to look back at some moments, memories, and insightful interview questions and answers we’ve shared with Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer over the years.

The following article contains excerpts from past interviews with Gabrielle from 2013-present.

Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer: Professional Style

Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer currently operates as the head of Customer Relations and Social Media Outreach for Peter Salerno Inc., placing her in the “inner circle” of the most award-winning North American custom kitchen and bath design firm since 2002. (She also serves as Hardware Manager.) Being a third-generation member of the Salerno custom design legacy, Gabrielle has strong ties (and tastes) in the business, and shares memories of then – and now.

Peter Salerno and Gabrielle Mayer with David Podwyszynski & Ramona Panus of Rangecraft at KBIS 2017.
Peter Salerno and Gabrielle Mayer with David Podwyszynski & Ramona Panus of Rangecraft at KBIS 2017.

Gabrielle: I remember when my brother and I were kids, we would go to our grandfather’s shop (Salerno Kitchens), and sneak into the workshop. Obviously, kids weren’t allowed in there, so we would hide in giant armoires and cabinets and try not to be found. Sometimes we’d get caught and the workers would yell at us, but it was amazing to see how they would create everything. It was like being in Santa’s workshop.

Design Your Lifestyle: What attracts you to the design business now?

Gabrielle: I’m a visual person in general; I have a theatre and dance background. I like the way things move and sound, how they incorporate with one another. That’s why I love the designs here; my dad and the designers make everything move and flow together.

Gabrielle is a shining light of positivity, happiness and knowledge, and is a major reason why Peter Salerno’s clients feel an instant sense of comfort when they arrive at the showroom.

Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer: Personal Style

Let’s be honest. There’s nothing that exudes personal style more than your choice of pet. Gabrielle and her husband Brian have an adorable Boston terrier named Harper, who has become the unofficial Peter Salerno Inc. office puppy and mascot.  (Let’s just hope that Harper gets along with the newest addition to Gabrielle and her husband Brian’s family, due in July 2017!)

Gabrielle celebrates her birthday at Peter Salerno Inc. (with office puppy Harper!)
Gabrielle celebrates her birthday at Peter Salerno Inc. (with office puppy Harper!)

Gabby is a fan of understated class when it comes to personal style and fashion. Much of her wardrobe is inspired by metropolitan fashion trends, with a taste of Cape Cod and Connecticut seashore style mixed in during the summer months.

Gabrielle also stuns in solid color dresses, preferring to let accessories like chunky necklaces and statement jewelry and belts do the “talking”. She’s truly at her best in a simple black or neutral-color dress (see the gorgeous off-brown dress in the photo below) – it’s an understated elegance that infuses her entire look with confidence and timeless style.

Gabrielle Salerno-Mayer: Family Style

The personal and professional truly mesh for Gabrielle at the Peter Salerno Inc. showroom and offices, and she speaks fondly of her unique work experience.

(L to R) Anthony, Gabrielle, Tracy and Peter Salerno in the Peter Salerno Inc. showroom.(Photo: Andrew Bisdale)
(L to R) Anthony, Gabrielle, Tracy and Peter Salerno in the Peter Salerno Inc. showroom.(Photo: Andrew Bisdale)

Design Your Lifestyle: It must be unique to be a part of the third generation of a family business.

Gabrielle: Sure – and I know it means a lot to my grandfather that three generations of his family are in the same business. I absolutely love when he comes in the office, and I can offer him a cup of coffee. His face lights up, and it’s like a really nice bonus for me. In that respect, it’s even more rewarding.

The most exciting piece of Gabrielle’s family style has yet to officially arrive – Gabrielle and Brian Mayer are expecting their first child in July 2017! If Gabby’s personal style and way of life are any indication of things to come, the littlest Mayer will be born into a world of love, joy and grace!

Anthony Michael Salerno Design Interview on NKBA Connect Blog

Peter Salerno Inc.

Anthony Michael Salerno Design Interview on NKBA Connect Blog

Peter Salerno Inc. Family Tradition Featured By NKBA

Peter Salerno Inc. isn’t just the most award-winning custom kitchen and bath design firm in North America. It’s a business rich in family history, tradition, and a commitment to master craftsmanship. From Peter’s father Rosolino, through Peter Salerno, CMKBD, and now Peter’s son Anthony, the family business is now in its third generation.

Peter, Ross, and Anthony Salerno in a custom Peter Salerno kitchen. (Credit Peter Rymwid)
Peter, Ross, and Anthony Salerno in a custom Peter Salerno kitchen. (Credit Peter Rymwid)

For years, Peter Salerno’s connection with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has been both invaluable and beneficial. The NKBA, considered by most to be the most prestigious North American custom design association, is committed to ongoing education, outreach projects, insightful conferences and the recognition of the very best in custom kitchen and bath design.

Recently, Anthony Michael Salerno (Peter Salerno’s son) was featured by the NKBA Connect blog in its Learner Profile section. As part of his commitment to mastery of the family business, Anthony is furthering his design education through the AKBD Certification program.

An excerpt from the NKBA Connect blog interview with Anthony Michael Salerno:

Anthony is the 3rd generation of the East-coast design dynasty behind Peter Salerno Inc. His father, Peter Salerno, CMKBD, is one of The NKBA’s most dedicated supporters of lifelong learning, and Anthony is following his father’s lead as he flourishes in the family business. He is pursuing his AKBD Certification through the NKBA both by taking live courses at KBIS and by engaging online with our NKBA University courses.

Click here to enjoy the full NKBA Connect interview with Anthony Michael Salerno. You will learn much more about Peter Salerno Inc.’s family heritage, Anthony’s trip to KBIS 2015 in Las Vegas, and why he chooses to learn with NKBA University.

For more information about Peter Salerno Inc., winner of 29 national kitchen and bath design awards since 2002, please fill out the contact form below!

Designer Insights with Peter Salerno [Courtesy of Terry’s Blinds]

Peter Salerno Inc.

Designer Insights with Peter Salerno [Courtesy of Terry’s Blinds]

Peter Salerno (and Peter Salerno Inc.) is happy to announce he has been featured on the outstanding blog of British-based company Terry’s Blinds. (A special thank you to author Tudor Davies for the article.)

It’s an outstanding piece, and Terry’s Blinds was kind enough to share the post with us on Peter Salerno Inc.’s official blog. Read on and enjoy!

Courtesy of: Terrys Blinds

Terry’s Blinds specializes in elegant blinds of all types and styles, from rollers to Romans, Venetians to verticals. Visit their website for more information.

Peter Salerno Inc. Showroom Featured In Bergen.com Spotlight Article

Peter Salerno Inc.

Peter Salerno Inc. Showroom Featured In Bergen.com Spotlight Article

Visit Peter Salerno’s state-of-the-art showroom in Wyckoff, NJ

The "La Cornue" showcase kitchen in Peter Salerno's showroom.
The “La Cornue” showcase kitchen in Peter Salerno’s showroom.

“Peter Salerno Inc. combines three stores – a tile store, an appliance store and a showroom – in one building; and the result is a sight to see. It’s room after room of exquisitely constructed kitchens, punctuated by some of the most fantastic details you’ve ever seen…”

The quote above is an excerpt from a feature article by Bergen.com, entitled “A Wonderland Under One Roof”, is not only a testament to Peter Salerno Inc.’s gorgeous showroom but also a wonderfully written piece by talented author Ryan Greene.  You can read (and watch) more of Ryan Greene’s fantastic social journalism pieces here.

The feature encompasses a full-scale tour of the Peter Salerno Inc. showroom and building at 511 Goffle Road, Wyckoff, NJ. The author makes stops not only at Peter Salerno Inc.’s state-of-the-art showroom, but also to partners and adjacent businesses Stratta, the Tile Boutique and Oberg & Lindquist Appliances.

Preview video of Peter Salerno Inc.’s Wyckoff, NJ showroom:

Ryan Greene describes Peter Salerno’s craftsmanship as “…Quite possibly the most gorgeous cabinetry you’ve ever seen. Classical bathrooms replete with marble and columns. Contemporary kitchens showcasing imported African lacewood and backsplashes of color-changing LED lights. An entire bathroom decorated in graffiti by a New York City artist and embellished with a wall-to-wall city skyline and a manhole cover in the floor. And on and on…”

Compliments have come from all angles for the Peter Salerno Inc. showroom. The vice president of Sub-Zero stated, “This is the most innovative showroom I’ve ever seen.”

The 1959 Corvette wet bar in Peter Salerno Inc.'s showroom.
The 1959 Corvette wet bar in Peter Salerno Inc.’s showroom.

At the end of the article, Peter Salerno says that he wanted his showroom to be “Disney World for adults”. Based on the praise bestowed on it from various sources thus far, he may just have accomplished his goal.

Want your own private tour of the Peter Salerno Inc. design showroom in Wyckoff, NJ? Fill out the form below, or call the Peter Salerno Inc. offices at (201) 251-6608!