Crimson’s Design Team Tours Kohler Facilities

For the majority of our projects, Crimson specifies Kohler plumbing products. They are a company known for their high quality plumbing fixtures, and they stand by their products with a lifetime warranty. We’ve had a great history using Kohler’s fixtures and never hesitate to recommend them for all of our projects where Kohler’s products are applicable. For this reason, we jumped at the opportunity to tour Kohler’s factory when we were invited by Ferguson Enterprises, our plumbing and lighting dealer.

Kohler fixtures used in a Crimson bathroom project

Joel and Carolyn joined Ferguson with a group of about 20 other design professionals recently on a day trip to Kohler, WI where their factory has resided since its conception in the late 1800s. While there, they were able to tour all of their factories, view their extensive showroom, and hear about Kohler’s newest products and offerings for 2013.

 While walking through the facilities, they were able to witness first-hand the craftsmanship put into each and every tub, sink, toilet, and faucet. They saw the molten cast iron being poured into the molds and the enamel being sprayed on each piece. They witnessed artisans carefully smoothing out the edges of a vanity sink and the large ovens where each porcelain piece is fired. They marveled at the machinery lifting cast iron bathtubs as if they were paper weights.

 Finally, Joel and Carolyn were able to tour the Kohler Design Center with 3 floors of Kohler’s latest and greatest products for your kitchen and bath. Along with the countless fixtures in every color and finish imaginable, one of the most impressive features of the design center showroom was the designer galleries. The designer galleries were an entire floor devoted to displaying vignettes designed by famous designers from all over the world using, of course, Kohler products.

The Kohler Showroom in Kohler, WI

What a valuable day of education and inspiration for Crimson’s design team!

Anthony Snape Concert

On Saturday August 25^th Aussie native Anthony Snape performed a private show at Neil’s home and the entire Crimson team was in attendance!

Joel and Jen enjoying the show

Neil and his wife, Jennine, advocated for Anthony to travel from Nashville to Illinois to perform a tent show in their backyard. They met Anthony late last year when he performed as Tommy Emmanuel’s opening act at a show they attended. Read Experiencing Artist Anthony Snape here.

Neil and Jennine were excited to share Anthony’s talent with their family and friends. Jennine said, “Music is a major part of our lives and we are thrilled when we stumble upon someone like Anthony who is this talented and kind-hearted. It would be a shame to not share him with our family and friends.”

Neil and Jennine with Anthony Snape

Crimson employee Carolyn Bell agreed, “Anthony is extremely talented yet so down to earth. He shared the stories behind all of his songs, which really draws in the crowd. His passion for music was so evident.”

Anthony performed in Neil’s backyard under a large tent. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, warm and breezy. The crowd was energized by Anthony’s music; even Striker enjoyed the show!

Striker and Anthony Snape

Afterwards, Anthony signed autographs, took pictures and engaged with the guests – including Crimson employee, Jen Bodoh, who was eager to get a photo with Anthony.

Beth and Jen with Anthony Snape

Jen’s favorite song is, “The Instagram song! [actual title: Pictures] It makes me want to sign up for Instagram and share photos with Anthony!”

In addition to an afternoon of music, food and fun, Neil and Jennine used the opportunity to raise $150 for the Kendall County Food Pantry by collecting donations from guests.

If you’re interested in learning more about Anthony Snape visit his website. You can also follow him on Twitter @anthonysnape and on Instagram @snapeshots. Anthony is on Facebook, too. “Like” his page here and while you’re at it “Like” Crimson, too.

And be sure to check back – Jennine is “working her magic” again with hopes of bringing Anthony back for an even bigger show!

Neil & Joel Visit Daniels Design & Remodeling

We recently got back from Fairfax Station, Virginia where we visitedDaniels Design & Remodeling. Here we are with the owner, Ted Daniels. We have known Ted for about five years since we both joined Remodelers Advantage.

Even though we where in our nation’s capital we didn’t get to see the sites. Unless you count this view from Reagan International Airport!

The tall skinny white object in the background is the Washington Monument. Underneath is the barely discernible Lincoln Memorial. So much for sightseeing! We need to get back home to Illinois and building things.

Neil & Joel Reach the Summit

Joel & I just returned from Park City, Utah where we attended a meeting of Remodeler’s Advantage. RA is group of like-minded remodeling companies from all over the country that come together twice a year to learn, share ideas and improve their businesses.

While in Park City, Joel & I were determined to reach the summit of Bald Mountain (9,400 feet). Each evening after our meetings where over for the day we spent an hour or so before dark attempting to hike up to the top. Finally on the last day we got the timing right and we made it to the top before the sun set! Our friend Mike DuKate, ofDuKate Fine Remodeling in Indiana, came with and took this picture.

Being completely out of shape I didn’t think I would make it. There were a couple of times I thought Joel and Mike would have to carry me. But I eventually made it and got to share in the spectacular view from the top. Then I had to get back down. Thankfully, that part is much easier!