Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in California, IMARK Plumbing and The Luxury Products Group (LPG; luxuryproductsgroup.imarkgroup.com) cancelled their annual member meetings originally scheduled for Jan. 26-29, 2022, in Carlsbad, Calif. While the event is being rescheduled for another time later on this year, it didn’t stop the group sharing industry news — celebrating its members and suppliers and encouraging individuals to find their career path in the PHCP industry.

We look forward to the next LPG in-person event, where all winners will be honored in person. For now, we celebrate their successes in print. 

LPG announced that its members attained a 38 percent increase in sales growth in 2021, establishing a record during one of the most challenging years in the industry. To complement this promising growth, the organization added new executive team members to IMARK Plumbing: Francesca Messina, senior director of marketing, and Kaitlyn Isola, director of marketing. In addition, LPG is slated to add new vendor partners in early 2022. 

“This year was particularly challenging, and our partners, while growing at an impressive pace, had to endure some of the most difficult obstacles in supply chain and talent management,” said Jeff MacDowell, executive director of LPG. “Despite the difficult circumstances, we pulled together and supported each other as best possible. I am confident our people will enter 2022 more prepared and able to handle the challenges we will face.”

Showroom of the Year

Every year, LPG recognizes a showroom that goes above and beyond in all aspects of business and participation within the group for its Showroom of the Year award. The 2021 winner is WDC Kitchen and Bath Center, with several locations in southern California.

“We want to say thank you for this award!” said Steven Loria, director of plumbing at WDC. “What a pleasant surprise. There are so many showrooms in LPG that are deserving of this award. We are thrilled, and honored, to receive this recognition. We have grown with the number of vendors used in the LPG group, reflecting our growth in the group sales. We are looking forward to another successful year, and we will continue to proudly support LPG.”

Award criteria includes a demonstrated and consistent involvement of integrating LPG member benefits into a showroom’s routine. In addition, showrooms that have made a concise effort to involve themselves in the development of strong relationships with group vendors, as well as work to ensure a premium customer experience, are contenders for the award. 

 “I am thrilled that WDC is our showroom of the year!” MacDowell noted. “It is refreshing to see a showroom that blends so many products such as appliances and bathware in one setting. WDC has a great reputation in the marketplace and supports LPG suppliers exceptionally well. They are a perfect example of what an LPG showroom is.”

Destination Showroom of
the Year

In 2021,  LPG announced the Destination Showroom Program, an initiative designed to foster participation within the group and improve loyalty to LPG suppliers. The program’s award, Destination Showroom of the Year, recognizes a showroom that is actively participating with the most LPG supplier partners. 

In recognition of its outstanding participation and support of its suppliers, Sierra Plumbing Supply/Granite Bay Plumbing Gallery has been presented as the inaugural recipients of the award.

“We are honored  [to] receive the award,” said Jason Craig, president, Sierra Plumbing Supply/Granite Bay Plumbing Gallery.

 “We love the partnerships we have with LPG vendors as well as the entire LPG family. We look forward to a successful 2022 and beyond!”

MacDowell added: “Jason and his team at Sierra Plumbing Supply/Granite Bay Plumbing Gallery are engaged and participate in every service LPG has to offer. They leverage the buying group relationship and help make it a competitive advantage at their showroom. I am proud to have them in our family.” 

Strasser 2021 Vendor of the Year

Strasser is LPG’s 2021 Vendor of the Year. MacDowell presented the award virtually to Strasser’s Vice President of Sales Peter Ollestad during an LPG State of the Union Zoom call in early February 2022. 

“Strasser is a tremendous partner with Luxury Products Group,”MacDowell noted. “[It’s] commitment to crafting the highest-quality bathroom vanities, furniture and accessories in the [United States] garners them the unwavering support of fellow industry members as well as everyone at LPG. The generations of family members working at [its] facility, and [its] plans for continuing family involvement, are inspirational. Peter is a perfect example of what the industry needs in leadership — and it because of his efforts to support us that this award is presented to Strasser.” 

Ollestad said: “To receive this award and recognition from LPG, the best people in the industry, is a tremendous honor. To be selected in a field of first-class vendors is truly humbling. The award is a statement to the positive culture here at Strasser, where we are all proud to produce high-quality products and provide first-class customer service. I would like to thank LPG/IMARK, Jeff MacDowell, the advisory committee and, of course, all our showroom partners and vendors in the group. You all make me and Strasser better.”

LPG Scholarship Winner

Every year,  LPG recognizes a student that goes above and beyond in academics, leadership and community. This year, LPG is proud to recognize and award the scholarship to University of Oklahoma senior Braden Pittman. He is working toward completing his bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in finance. Pittman will continue his studies for a fifth year and obtain his master’s in accounting from the University of Oklahoma.

“Braden is a hardworking young professional who is active in his community, excels in his academic endeavors and has a clear direction for his future,” MacDowell noted. “His passion for his studies and enthusiasm for his field made him a clear winner for this year’s award.”

“I am honored to be one of this year’s recipients of the LGP Scholarship Award,” Pittman said. “I would like to thank Luxury Products Group and all those involved for their generosity in funding the LGP Scholarship Award. This award will help me continue my academic journey and chase success. Thank you for this amazing opportunity and helping me reach my fullest potential.”