Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2022 26 A RETIREMENT MESSAGE FROM HARRY J. GIANETTI Harry J. Gianetti, former Director of Sales for Franke Home Solutions-Faber retires It gives me immense pleasure to announce that I have decided the time has come for me to finally step away and officially retire from a life-long career in the Major Kitchen Appliance & Cabinet industry. As Director of Sales for Franke Home Solutions-Faber my last day was December 31, 2021. When I reflect on my 35-plus-year tenure in the kitchen appliance/ cabinet arena, it has certainly been an amazing ride, taking me to places in the world I could never have imagined when I started my career. Each place of employment filled me with a sense of purpose and belonging, striving to leave it better than when I started. Equally important to me, this journey created opportunities to collaborate with some talented professionals that, at first, I might have only considered to be colleagues, but somewhere along the way they became my friends, mentors and even my go-to problem solvers. It has been an honor to work alongside each of my fellow home appliance/cabinet colleagues, associates and friends. Now that the big event is here, I look back with pride on what we have collectively accomplished during some tumultuous times, and I hope you will agree that together we have made a positive impact on this industry. Though I am somewhat saddened to depart this elite group of appliance mavens, I am eager for the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends, and to travel and perhaps take a few strokes off my game. So, as the late Bob Hope said, "Thanks for the memories!" I wish all of you continued success, and I look forward to hearing what new achievements the future has in store for this incredible industry. With gratitude, Harry Gianetti THOR KITCHEN TRANSITIONS TO DIRECT DISTRIBUTION MODEL IN KEY WEST COAST MARKETS New change in distribution offers THOR Kitchen dealers direct access to inventory THOR Kitchen has transitioned to a direct-to-dealer distribution model in key West Coast markets, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and New Mexico. Independent appliance dealers throughout the region will have direct access to inventory and enhanced marketing support via THOR Kitchen's factory authorized sales team, THOR Marketing Group. The change took effect on January 1. "In less than a decade, THOR Kitchen has developed into a leading brand of affordable, professional-style kitchen appliances thanks to the close collaboration of our trusted network of dealer partners," said Kyle You, THOR Kitchen Managing Director. "We are excited to make this important change to our distribution channels and to enlist THOR Marketing Group's trusted, seasoned professionals to exclusively support our West Coast dealer partners." THOR Marketing Group brings nearly 60 cumulative years of experience in the appliance industry, primarily in wholesale and two- step distribution. With offices based in Los Angeles and Sacramento, THOR Marketing Group will work directly with local dealers throughout the West Coast to fulfill inventory requests, provide marketing assets such as high-resolution product photography, distribute information on programming offers, including Flooring Terms, and develop discount programs for builders, designers and other trade professionals. "THOR Kitchen has done a great job staying ahead of the many challenges facing the appliance industry. In particular, they have maintained a more robust inventory than many other appliance suppliers, and lead times are among the shortest for professional appliances," said Dirk Leslie, President of THOR Marketing Group. For more information about THOR Kitchen and its catalogue of professional appliances, please visit www.thorkitchen.com. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ] RO

• Cover