SEN Press Releases

March 13, 2009.

SEN Names Larry Lowenthal
Businessperson of the Year

Austin, TX. Kenneth W. Peterson, CKD, President of the SEN Design Group, announced today that Larry Lowenthal, President of Gilmans Kitchens and Baths of San Francisco, CA, was selected as the twelfth recipient of the M. A. Peterson Businessperson of The Year Award. The award was presented during the organization’s National Spring Conference before a gathering of 250 members and vendors.

Larry Lowenthal (L), Ken Peterson, CKD, LPBC

Mr. Lowenthal was recognized for his company’s outstanding support of SEN Preferred Vendors, his 2008 record of high business achievement, and his commendable business practices. His firm increased their material purchases from SEN Preferred Vendors to $1,615,000 in what everyone would agree was a very difficult year in business. “Your example of business excellence is now the model for others to emulate,” commented Peterson in presenting Mr. Lowenthal with a handsome trophy, $500 check, and a free 2-page spread in Signature Kitchens & Baths magazine (a $2,100 value).

The award is named in honor of Peterson’s father who made some notable contributions to the kitchen and bath industry during his 30-year career. M. A. Peterson helped establish NKBA in 1963, served on its Board of Directors for many years, was honored as the world’s first Certified Kitchen Designer, and inducted into the Industry Hall Of Fame in 1988 - its inaugural year. The SEN Design Group makes this award annually in memory of M. A. Peterson who died in March, 1997.

Other special, individual honors at the SEN Awards Banquet went to the following:

• Michael Button, President of New River Building Supply (Boone, NC) who won the Newcomer of the Year Award for his outstanding vendor sales potential and overall support of group values.
• Matt Sbitani, President of MJA Design, Inc (Manassas, VA), recognized as the Best Design Studio Businessperson. His firm achieved a 26% increase in Member Purchases of Preferred Vendor products, worked hard at improving its marketing and management expertise, and consistently followed sound business practices.
• Becky Worley, President of Classic Cabinetry (Chattanooga, TN), who won the Rising Star Award given to that Member with less than 5 years of affiliation with the group who has provided outstanding support to Preferred Vendors and thoroughly embraced group values. In 2008, Ms Worley’s firm purchased $620,000 in SEN Vendor products - a 22% increase over her 2007 performance.
• Bruce Bauerle, President of Five Star Kitchens (Valley Stream, NY), who won the Steady Star Award for delivering 3 years of consistent support to SEN Preferred Vendors, averaging just over $1,000,000 annually in purchases.
• Holiday Kitchens, Amtico, and General Electric for winning Vendor of the Year Awards. All three companies demonstrated strong support of SEN programs and goals while achieving outstanding sales growth with the group in 2008. Additionally, JS International was awarded Newcomer Vendor of the Year for their first year sales performance.

Vince Hodshire, Holiday Kitchens (L)
Accepts Top Vendor of the Year Award from Bob Hatfield, SEN VP, Sales

For more information, please contact Ken Peterson CKD at 1-800-991-1711 or kpeterson@sendesign.com.

About the SEN Design Group:

Headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC as the industry’s first buying group, the SEN Design Group counts 220 dealer-members from coast-to-coast. These members enjoy volume rebates from 70+ vendors in cabinetry, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring, tile, bath products, accessories, and business services that are affiliated with the group. They also receive business management training, networking opportunities, and have access to consulting/coaching services, showroom design services, peer counseling at roundtables, financial comparison reports, sales training, and marketing tools that all help to improve their revenue growths and bottom lines, making the SEN Design Group the industry’s leading source for dealer business development.