KCMA 68th Annual Spring Leadership Conference Sets Record Attendance with New Members and New President
Austin, TX – May 1, 2024 – The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) reported record attendance at its 68th Annual Spring Leadership Conference, held April 23–25, 2024, at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. The event marked a milestone for the association and included the announcement of Perry Fails as KCMA’s new President, effective June 1, 2024, succeeding Jeff Gulledge. The conference brought together industry leaders to examine trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of cabinet manufacturing.
“This year’s annual meeting surpassed all expectations, fostering invaluable connections and discussions among members of the kitchen and bath industry,” said KCMA CEO Betsy Natz. “From exploring emerging trends to addressing key issues, our gathering set the stage for collaboration and progress in cabinet manufacturing. We’re all looking forward to Perry Fails’ guidance as our new President.”
Conference highlights included Natalia Pierce winning the inaugural 2024 KCMA Design Awards Competition for Outstanding Kitchen Design Projects. Attendees also heard updates on trade case activities from Betsy Natz and Luke Meisner, leadership insights from Alain Hunkins focused on emotional intelligence, a housing forecast from NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, and an analysis of automation in manufacturing by Logan Stuckey.
Additional sessions featured Brent Weil’s presentation on the KCMA Apprenticeship Program and a panel discussion on innovation moderated by Max Caldas. During the conference, KCMA also introduced Lisa Samuels as its new Director of Marketing and Communications.
KCMA announced its Fiscal Year 2025 Board of Directors, including:
- Jeff Caldwell – Bridgewood Cabinetry
- Bill Allen – Showplace Cabinetry
- Edwin Underwood – Marsh Furniture
- Jeff Gulledge – Bishop Cabinets
- Jeremy Rentschler – IDI
- David Mullis – Leedo Manufacturing
- Max Caldas – Canyon Creek Cabinet Company
- Perry Fails – Supreme Cabinetry Brands (President)
- Kevin O’Neill – Sherwin-Williams
- Casey Bell – Bellmont Cabinet Company
- Angela Bouma – Crystal Cabinet Works
- Perry Miller – Kountry Wood Products, LLC
- Vince Mullet – Mullet Cabinet
- John Gahm – Kitchen Kompact, Inc.
- Stephen Wellborn – Wellborn Cabinets, Inc.
“I am thrilled by the success of our annual meeting,” Natz said. “It provided a platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and chart the course for the future of the kitchen and bath sector. By addressing trends and challenges in cabinet manufacturing, we are paving the way for continued success and excellence in the industry.”
About KCMA
Founded in 1955, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is a non-profit trade organization representing manufacturers of kitchen, bath, and residential cabinets, along with key industry suppliers. With more than 300 member companies across North America, KCMA advances the cabinet industry through advocacy, quality standards, research initiatives, and educational and management programs.
For more information, visit kcma.org.
