Constructing Brands

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The origins and early days of Rocky Mountain Hardware, founded by Christian Nickum’s parents
• How Christian transitioned from the family's window and door business to focus on decorative hardware
• Strategies for creating unique, high-end artisan hardware pieces for designers and architects
• The importance of trade shows, distribution networks, and innovative marketing tactics like the "road show"
• Insights into product design, material selection (bronze), and collaborations with designers
• Maintaining a balance between artistic vision and business scalability

Christian Nickum, the CEO and owner of Rocky Mountain Hardware, shares the captivating story of how his family’s business evolved from a humble window and door company to a renowned manufacturer of artisanal decorative hardware. In this riveting interview, he takes us on a journey through the company’s origins, the challenges they faced, and the innovative strategies that propelled their success.

What you will learn from this podcast:

• Mikael Akerberg's entrepreneurial background and journey to Nobilia
• Nobilia's decision to enter the fragmented U.S. kitchen market and create a new product category
• Strategies for researching and understanding the cultural nuances of the U.S. market
• Building an efficient nationwide distribution network for European kitchen furniture
• Partnering for successful online sales and reaching a broader audience
• Future plans for franchising and expanding Nobilia's presence in the U.S.
• Lessons learned and advice for global expansion and innovation

Intro:

Exploring Nobilia's disruptive journey into the U.S. market.

Guest Bio:

Mikael Akerberg is the CEO of Nobilia, Europe's largest kitchen furniture company. With an entrepreneurial spirit ignited at a young age, Mikael has led Nobilia's bold expansion into the U.S. market, introducing a new category of European-style modular kitchen furniture and embracing innovative strategies to cater to American consumers.

Renowned interior designer Jennifer Bertrand joins host Eric Lanel to discuss her human-centered approach to design. She explains how psychology and deep conversations help her understand clients and create soulful, personalized spaces. Jennifer shares her creative process, from initial chats to online vision boards, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and risk-taking for growth. She highlights some of her most meaningful projects, including designing homes for military veterans and Ronald McDonald Houses. Jennifer encourages shying away from boundaries, having fun, and not being afraid to fail on the journey toward great design.

Summary:

In this episode of Constructing Brands, the hosts introduce their new partners and discuss their agenda of celebrating heroes in the building materials industry. They express their passion for design and construction and the importance of telling the stories behind the people, brands, and products in the industry. The hosts highlight the need for getting things done and the ability to identify and tell compelling stories. They emphasize the value of working with knowledgeable and experienced partners and discuss the inspiration that comes from travel and food. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a call for feedback.

Takeaways:

The hosts are focused on celebrating heroes in the building materials industry.
Telling the stories behind the people, brands, and products is a key aspect of their work.
Getting things done and the ability to tell compelling stories are important skills in the industry.Working with knowledgeable and experienced partners is valuable for success.

Summary:

In this episode of Constructing Brands, the hosts introduce their new partners and discuss their agenda of celebrating heroes in the building materials industry. They express their passion for design and construction and the importance of telling the stories behind the people, brands, and products in the industry. The hosts highlight the need for getting things done and the ability to identify and tell compelling stories. They emphasize the value of working with knowledgeable and experienced partners and discuss the inspiration that comes from travel and food. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a call for feedback.TakeawaysThe hosts are focused on celebrating heroes in the building materials industry.

Takeaways:
Telling the stories behind the people, brands, and products is a key aspect of their work.
Getting things done and the ability to tell compelling stories are important skills in the industry.
Working with knowledgeable and experienced partners is valuable for success.

In the latest episode of GWP’s Constructing Brands podcast, we speak with Kenn Busch, owner of Material Intelligence Website and sustainability thought leader. Kenn offers us insights in how to start the discussion and position your building material company in a world where your carbon footprint is becoming more and more important.. Kenn’s goal is to drive awareness to the importance of climate positive. Learn ways to position your efforts to be climate positive.

What You Will Learn:

• What technology is important for a business to have
• How to evaluate which tool is best

In the latest episode of GWP’s Constructing Brands podcast, we speak with Abbas Naqvi, Digital Director at GWP, Inc Advertising discusses how to think about the CRM tool your company is using, and provides top-line insights to make sure you are getting the most out of your CRM tool.

What You Will Learn:

• How are designers are making efficient use of space in healthcare?
• Best way to get products in front of a designer
• Is your product meeting today’s safety and health criteria?
• How to ensure your product would be considered for a project.

In the latest episode of GWP’s Constructing Brands podcast, we speak with Sandy Goodman, President of CRGA Design, on what she requires from a building materials manufacturer for the healthcare space.

In the latest episode of GWP’s Constructing Brands podcast, we speak with Judi Teran, co-owner and interior designer at Iconica Design Studio, about what is important to her in 2022 from a building material manufacturer.

In the latest episode of GWP’s Constructing Brands podcast, we speak with Pete Kelich from Hubspot, an all-in-one inbound marketing sales and customer service tool, talk about the strengths and benefits of this tool for your business.