Hi, my name is Mollie and welcome back to The ProSource Podcast. Today's topic is focusing all on showers and bathtubs. We have two incredible guests on today to share their knowledge about this important part of the bathroom. First, we are welcoming on Andres Renteria. He is also one of our trade pro members from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex area in Texas. Then later in the episode, we welcome back on Nicole Krol. She is Fleurco's Vice President of Sales.
Let's go ahead and kick this episode off with Andres. Today we are exploring showers and bathtubs. We also have on one of our trade pro experts, Andres Renteria. He is the owner of Improve Floors & Design. Improve Floors and Designs, handles all things flooring including luxury plank, carpet, vinyl, tile, wood along with shower and kitchen, ceramic tile for single family, multifamily and commercial entities. So Andre, thank you so much for joining us today.
Oh thank you Molly. Happy to be here. Awesome. Yeah. And if you don't mind, just explaining a little bit more about what Improve Floors and Design does and, a little bit about your role on what you do day to day. Great. Yeah. So we, we focus on floors primarily, and restroom remodels, along with kitchen backslashes. So we're not a full on GC, right? One of our sister companies actually is a GC, and we've been in the business.
All of our, installers, along with one of the co-owners, has been in the business around 33 years. But my our company's been in existence since last year, so 2023. And we work with residential, like you said, multifamily and commercial projects. Cool. What made you want to start up your own business? Believe it or not, most people don't know I'm actually a CPA in the state of Texas, so I've been in accounting and finance the past ten years.
But my father's been in the industry 33 years, and, that was really the plan all along. I would go into this, go into the corporate world, learn, learn the business side, and then, start a company. So we were actually going to start in 2020, but, you know how that goes. So then we got. Yeah, yeah, three years later. That definitely pushed a lot of timelines back. Covid did. So understandable. So yeah, today we're talking all about showers and bathtubs specifically.
And when it comes to showers and tubs. How do you stay on trend with the current latest trends? Quite a few things, right? We we we attend industry shows, trade shows mainly locally here in the Dallas-Fort worth area. But we try to go out at least once a year to the national one. And then on top of that we attend, for example, events at let's say ProSource is hosting, right? We meet, we meet other other people there as well, other companies, other other installers.
You know, we come from the mindset of there's plenty of work for everybody, right? So I pick brains of other owners or other people that do the same thing that I do. So we we network through that. And then, you know, whether you're a proponent of it or not, social media. Right. Like it's, you know, in our, in my humble opinion, is here to stay along with I. So, you know, a lot of stuff comes out of there, you know.
And so we follow, for example, a couple of European accounts and, you know, a lot of, a lot of times, you know, trends or new styles and techniques come out there, maybe sometimes sooner than here, vice versa. Right. But being being on top of both of them, you know, that that helps us out a lot. Yeah. And I think going back to your social media comment, a lot of companies as well just post and like leave, right. Like they'll post their content and leave.
But like you said, it's important to actually digest like what other companies are doing to make sure you're you're staying up with the latest trends and just being like involved in it rather than just like showing up, posting whatever you want to post and and dipping out of there. So when homeowners are thinking about remodeling their shower or their bathtub, what are common situations that you think lead them to that decision? Typically there's around 3 to 4, right? One is, functionality.
Right? They, you know, just perfect example where we're doing a daycare or in-home daycare remodel, right? They're going from newborns, two year olds to three year olds, which require potty training. So we have to redo the functionality of, of their restroom, right. Like, you know, put a smaller toilet, put a different tub, etc. then it's, you know, esthetically pleasing, right? Like they families want the wow factor. Maybe their kids are out of the home right now.
They want a nice walk in shower or the kids are older or you know, we're doing a home where they're selling their home, right? So they just want kind of like a makeover of the restroom versus remodel. But then for the new home prior to moving in, they want a full on remodel. They want the wow factor. The you know, everybody likes compliments, right? So, that that's more of a okay, we want this exactly like that, etc.. It's a variety of those items those those things I would say life transitions.
Would you say that you work with homeowners or like business owners more so, or is it about 5050? It's about 5050 because our our portfolio mix is a lot. You know, for example, commercial. Right. That's business owners or GSEs that want you to go, you know, four foot high restroom or etc.. Right. And on the residential side, though, that's where we do work more with homeowners. Right. And they want you to go, you know, four foot high restroom, etc.. Right.
And on the residential side, though, that's where we do work more with homeowners. Right? And and honestly, we enjoy I enjoy that a lot more because you, you change the space and you actually see like the glow in the, in the resident like, oh my God, this is this is amazing. Versus a commercial job is more of a I just, you know, this is what it needs to be done. These are the specs. The last home this way. Here we go. You know. Yeah, absolutely.
I could see why, maybe working with homeowners feels a little bit more like touching, right? Rather than, like, businesses. It's like we just got to get the job done and keep going. Exactly. And it's up to everybody's motto, right? Some people don't like that. Right. Because then it's a actually, I changed my mind on this. I want this type of design now. Right. And it's like, okay, you know, like let's let's see if that fits. Let's see if it works. Right. But we enjoy that.
You know, we actually I enjoy more of the residential side than the commercial side. I my my partner probably enjoys the commercial side better than, than the residential. So it's a good mix. Yeah. It's a good balance between the both of you. So going to homeowners specifically from your experience, what are they looking for in a new shower or bathtub? I would say functionality. Right. So we have two types of clients, right?
We have the clients that are they're looking more for that wow factor, which does include functionality as well. Right. But it's also they're looking for, you know, either a either a modern look right or what's trending right. But then there is like for example, our ladies home. Right. The couples older right. They want something more functional that works for them, you know, more slip resistant material things of that nature. Right. So those are really the two things that they're looking for.
And then and then on top of that. Right. Like it's rare sometimes, like for example, this in-home daycare, right. They have them they have to be be meeting like the date not only like plumbing code, city code, but they need to be meeting like the daycare requirement code. Those are more rare, right? So I'm, I would say that those are the probably the two main things that homeowners that we work with are looking for. Right?
And then the third, fourth one would be, you know, increasing the value of their home. Right. So they're selling their home, right? Those a lot of the times, at least on our end or more of a makeover versus a full on remodel. Right. Yeah. Get it ready. Ready for sale. Right. So that's probably the mixture of, well, yeah. And so what are the first steps that you take when you're taking on a shower or a bathtub remodel? Once we get contacted by a resident, right.
We go out and look at the space. Right. So we're big on you know, I know virtual the virtual world, especially during Covid and all that. It became bigger. Right. But when it comes to a remodel in our opinion, right. We have to physically see the space and talk to the owner. Right. And see see what they're visioning and see if it works. Right. Because yeah, a lot of times it's I like I like to joke, like, you know, my barber says it's all the time a client shows up with this, like, curly hair.
Do that, you know, and the client's hair is straight, you know, and it's like, yeah, okay, this works for you, you know? So, yeah, you know, as much as we like to take care of our clients, right, sometimes that probably won't work in this space. Right. But so the first thing is we meet with them, we get what they envision. Then we we measure the space, right? We go over what they what they're looking to do with the space. Right? Not just, you know, what they envision,
what's it's for? Who's it for? Are they selling the home? Are they going to be there forever? Are they buying a home, etc.. And then after we get a good plan going, right, like if they want to move fixtures around like a toilet or that, then I have to, you know, go over like, hey, that's going to involve more than like the plumbing, right? We, we work with the master plumber. So then all that's inclusive in our estimate. Right. And once we have a game plan then is when I work with people
like Prosource. Right. And I'm like, hey, I have my rep here at Prosource that you can go and pick whatever materials you like. They'll give you some other ideas as well. I mean, we have someone on our team that helps with that too, but they always end up helping us because whether we go with them the first time or the second time, I trust them whenever they go on their own. Right? Like, hey, I had a change of plans that my rep there will take care of that.
And then they offer a big variety of selections, right? That's why we work with them. Yeah, it definitely helps to, make you like flexible, right? Like you just mentioned, if you're not available to go with them to the showroom, there's your account manager at the showroom that can help them, through that decision making process. Right. And it's somebody we trust, right? Like they're not that we don't work with for us, but we work together. We're. I'm coming.
Yeah. That way, you know, that's awesome. And that's exactly what I was going to ask for. My next question was, you know, how do you work with ProSource and that client with the product selection process? Has there ever been, I guess, any times that it's had to extend more than just, you know, ProSource helping your client with the product selection process? So we actually just ran into this last month. We started the project on Monday. We were a new construction home.
They they tore down the old home and they're constructing a new home. And, the, the client she wanted, you know, I think herringbone at the bottom hexagon here, you know, that's all by 2014. And I'm like, yeah, that all sounds great. But, you know, when you put it together, I was trying explain to, like, it's probably going to clash a little bit, you know. Yeah. And and then on top of that, right once again functionality comes place. Right. There's a curve on the back.
So that's why 24 tower they wanted I was like I can't make that curve. Like we would cut it right. We would make it work. Right. But you probably could use a smaller mosaic probably design etc.. And that's kind of a portion what comes in it. I'm like, hey, at this time they're going they're on their way over there, right?
I explain, I give them all the information prior to them arriving so they're prepped, you know, and then they, they also so, you know, they gave me a call back and it's actually set to go with this down like great like like, you know when they hear from and they see it. Right. Because they have models there as well, you know. And they're like, oh that does actually make sense.
And budget wise. Right. Like I feel like a lot of times the residents don't have necessarily an idea of what a full remodel or a restroom or a kitchen entails. Right? And they get there and then and then the good thing about process, right. They have various options. Right? So, hey, maybe this is not maybe this is that out of the budget that you had in mind. But here's something very similar that's a little more budget, right? Absolutely. Yeah. Those are great examples. Yeah.
I feel like a lot of people don't understand really what they're getting their selves into. And so they do see the samples or like the 3D models of what they're going to do. And then it clicks, oh, I can't put this, big tile on a curved wall. Right. So measurements do play an important role in the new shower or tub that the homeowner select. Like you mentioned, you go in, you take measurements for the space.
What are some common misconceptions about measuring for a new shower or a new tub that you might be able to clear up? For any homeowners listening to this, as cliche as that might sound, right, it's not as simple as in I know this. We do floors as well, right? It's not as simple as link terms with and okay, we're good to go right it or you know there's that one size fits. All right. So like this bath tub this is necessarily fit in your space right. Depending on what the client envisions. Right.
So they want a reinforced showerhead or whatever the case is. Right. If the clearance isn't high enough right. You know, it's like, hey, you know, you might have the demo from wall here, especially if it's like an older home. And they have the other type of layout, like you said, that might uncover some other issues, right? That they're not aware of, that they don't know what it is entails. And a whole remodel. Right.
So a lot of times I just have to walk them through like, hey, it's not as simple as like one size fits. All right? Every every house is unique. Right. And then and then here are the options. Right. And if it doesn't work, you want something else. Right. Well, here's the extended cost that that might bring along to the project. Yeah I feel like just being very open it up front about how much everything is going to cost is the best solution to this. That way there's no surprises, right?
Yeah. So anything revolving plumbing is going to be approached a bit more mindfully. How do you handle that, especially with clients that may want to move the shower or tub around the room? We work with the master plumber. Right. That's that's on our team that that helps us out when it comes to retro remodels and even kitchens. Right. Because a lot of times, right. It's not a simple, hey, I'm going to I'm going to remove the shower from the right side to the middle of the left side.
And it's just plug and play, right? Yeah. And then nine times out of ten, when you budget for a project or remodel, any thoughts? There's hidden issues that come up that we didn't know about. Right. So I just try to be we try to be as conservative as possible with our estimates. Right. Versus, you know, a lump sum. We kind of break it out. Right. And then from that we're like, hey, on average, right. This is how much plumbing comes out. If we're moving it to here. Right.
And on top of that we can uncover leaks maybe. Or you have older pipes that don't work with this layout, etc.. Yeah, right. So I just like you said earlier, I just try to make them aware as to where it's possible. Right. And if needed, send not our master plumber. I kind of look at the area and kind of explain more of the plumbing issues, or educate them a little bit more on what what would entail plumbing to make that change.
Yeah. Like you said, it's probably a good idea to factor in some of those costs that might show up that way. They're not, scrambling at the last minute when they find out that they need to redo their entire plumbing system or whatever it is, I feel like it's always easier for them to be like, oh, okay, we didn't have to incur that cause versus, hey, there's this additional cost, right? Yes. Now we have that's you started the project. Yeah, that's probably a way better.
Like surprises, knowing you're not going to be spending as much money as you maybe initially thought. Right. I know that's always a positive. Exactly. So thinking about specifically the new waterproofing systems that are constantly being developed and improved, how have those technological advancements and shower and bathtubs, how have they led your clients?
So the decision of a remodel, I mean, seeing that they go a little bit more towards the waterproofing advancements that are happening and showers and bathtubs, we do just because some of the newer stuff out, like, like for example, the the Schluter waterproofing system, that's that membrane that sticks to the wall or the floor. And, you know, it's pretty much like welded onto there. And then it's you know, that doesn't 100%. But it's pretty moisture proof. Right. And yeah.
When we explain that to them. Right, it's like you're more likely not going to have mildew issues or leaks or anything that comes from the shower or the floor. Right. I feel like are, you know, just a regular average resident probably isn't as, as educated on that. Right. And then that's one thing that we like to do on our, at our company. Right. Hey, Molly. This is what we offer. This is what this better system will do. It'll last this long last longer.
You know, it's more durable than older system. Not that the old this is not good, right. It's just technology has advanced. Right. And then we let you make the decision right at the end of the day. Right. Once they find out all the benefits like okay, yeah we're going to we're going to, we're going to go with it. Right. Yeah. It's not seen. Right. So a lot of times it's not like the sexy appeal. The because you don't see it like it's it's covered right. But it's it's beneficial overall.
Yeah. Do you think that there's more people that invest in those waterproofing systems after the fact that they're having to maybe redo their floor because of the leaking, or are you seeing them take precaution first? Because I know, like thinking about my grandparents bathroom, their flooring just had to get redone because there was a leak. So then their flooring ended up being mold. And underneath I'm thinking like maybe if they would have taken those precautions way back in the day.
But then it's like those weren't even available. Maybe, you know, it's hit or miss, right? Sometimes. Right. If it's if it's like a forever home or a remodel for sure. Right? They're like, okay, we want the best, we want what's going to work the best, etc. A lot of times, right, we do. We do older home remodels, right? Where they didn't necessarily have that decision. That restroom was already there. Right? Yeah. Right. Like I said, once you educate the consumer, you're resident, right?
It's a lot easier for them to. Not necessarily. I'm not going to say it's the right choice, but they're like, okay, well yeah, if I'm going to like this outweighs the cons, outweigh maybe the price. You know. So yeah. You know, so with all of these advancements and new styles for showers and bathtubs, how does budget factor into that selection process and how do you balance someone's budget with the desired designed vision?
Once we agree on both sides that this will fit your sizes, works, etc., right then that's when you know someone like progress comes in on our side, right? Like, hey, you know, maybe, maybe you want this Calcutta or whatever it is that you're looking at, right? But it kind of goes over your budget a little bit, right? Because on the labor side, it does vary. Right. But it isn't very, as you're asking me as a material.
Right? Yeah. And then that's where, you know, our rep there and you know, hey, this is what you like here. Like three more options, right? And and they all look similar. Right. Except this one's a little more budget friendly, etc.. And maybe, you know, we keep the must haves and then the other items that are a little bit more give or take. Right. They're they're open to changing. So that's kind of how we balance it there. Right. We start off like hey okay what do you have in mind.
And then we work backwards from there. So then with showers, bathtubs and the installation materials all in one place, how else that we haven't talked about already. How else does ProSource help make the job easier for you? So for example, the showroom. Right. I, I, for example, personally love Best Buy, and I feel like when I go into Best Buy, I'm like, man, I want that TV. I want this, like, washer dryer, you know, just so you want the groceries, at least the one that we work with, right.
It's very nice, you know, and and that in the couples go in, their families go in there. Right. And they have a lot of selections. Right. And then a lot of times it'll crossover like, oh, you know what? I actually like this wood floor. Or it's like, we should look into that and, work something out with them, like, hey, you know, we can do an all inclusive package for you. You know, maybe you'll get a discount or whatever the case is. So cross-selling, cross-selling works. Right?
And then, you know, a lot of times if, if, for example, prior to having, you know, a plumber or something like that, process always has references, right? So, hey, you know, I call my rep like, do you know someone that you'd recommend, etc. and then, and then nine times out of ten they do. Right? So so it's great. I mean, they help out. They facilitated a lot for us, to be honest, that now that's that's great to hear.
Seeing people come into the showroom sometimes can be they look a little bit overwhelmed sometimes because there is so much product selection. But I think at the end of the day, it's better to have too much right than too little right, because then it gives them it. Just like their minds just open up to all the possibilities that they can do with their home remodel.
They get overwhelmed, but at the same time they also feel like, oh, I didn't know this existed or I don't know, we could do this space, you know? And, yeah. So I guess, you know, it's it, but then it's sometimes. Right? And I know with this, sometimes they get to many selections and they're like, yeah, take them. Right. But overall it it's good and it always helps. Well thank you so much for coming on today and talking all about showers and tubs.
I know it's a very specific part of a home remodel, and I know you guys do so much more than just showers and tubs, but, I appreciate you coming on and sharing some of your expertise and just some of your insights about how you work with clients and then how that factors into also working with Prosource. So I appreciate it. Happy to be here. Thank you. Mollie. All right. Well, we are back again with Nicole Krol.
And I just want to say first, congratulations on your promotion to Vice President of Sales for Fleurco. That's very exciting. Awesome. Thank you so much. Last time we spoke, what was your previous title? So previously, I joined Fleurco as, the Western regional sales manager. So, had that and then, was able to step up to the position and, and excited. So that essentially means I get to work with every prosource across the country, across North America.
So yes, that's super exciting. Yeah. Last time we had you on was for episode 12. And we talked about the basics of bathroom remodels. And so this episode, surprise, surprise, we're talking about bathrooms again. But we're going to dive more into showers and bathtubs specifically. And so I am happy to have you back on again. Fleurco is the perfect fit, like I said, for these bathroom episodes that we do. And you did a great job last time.
So we're excited to have you back on again to share your expertise on this subject. Awesome. Well, thank you so much for having me. Love it. So showers and bathtubs do have such a functionality necessity within bathrooms. How does for Co balance that functionality within the demands of creative design desired both from the product and within the style of the room? So when you're designing a bathroom, you know, one of the, limiting unfortunate factors, would be your space, right?
So, you know, we all want the glamorous bathrooms that we see on Architectural Digest and everything, but the reality is that that's not everyone. So, the good news is that there's plenty of design to have something that does feel like an oasis. In a smaller space. There's there's so many products that have come out for that, but that is absolutely the first thing that you need to look at.
So the singularities of space will determine where and how, like the door opens and the shower door opens, or where the bathtub will be located and how things will be accessed. Because, you know, the worst type of set up is you have to crawl over your toilet to turn on your shower. So yeah, so and that's where you need, you know, it's the kind of stuff that, that maybe people don't think about. No, no, that's definitely going to be the first piece.
Is, is your space the second, group of factors to really look at is the relationship between the user and the product. So if you're six foot two and you're getting a teeny tiny little tub or your shower door, you have to duck underneath or even your showerhead for mounting, purposes, that's the kind of stuff. So you definitely want to size the product, from an ergonomic standpoint, to maximize comfort and, of course, safety. Because, again, you don't want to hit your head on the shower door.
Yeah. So, you know, we also take into account the type of maintenance and the interaction with the product. And that goes beyond to, you know, the precise moment of the bath. So looking at that and then, you know, lastly is the fun part, the creativity. So that's where again, as I mentioned, there are so many products that fit the different space applications. And so that's when you get to, you know, design what concept you'd like, for your bathroom.
So all of those points lead into basic, you know, style of room decoration. But those are absolutely the three, you know, design elements that you would need to take into consideration for the the bathroom. Yeah. We've had a lot of trade for us.
Come on and talk about the fact that, like when it comes to budgeting and remodeling, like a bathroom or any space within the home, honestly, how the layout, like the floor layout is, really determines what you can do because if you end up having to knock down like a wall, that can turn into a whole floor replacement project. So it's interesting to see how many people want to cross that line of do we want to make this an entire floor remodeling project when we're redoing the bathroom?
Or do we want to make it easier, just accommodate to what's already like laid out for us and do the things we can without having to knock down a wall? Absolutely no. It can really. And it can get, you know, pretty, pretty deep, pretty quick. Just that construction standpoint.
And from the budgetary standpoint and you know, that's that's where, you know, with the prosource professionals there, that's somebody that can sit down and, you know, the average homeowner might not have the consideration or even some contractors, you know, just stuff that, you know, we look at every day. Yeah. And it's in the back of our minds at all times. But you know, the average person, they don't eat, sleep, breathe it like we do. So exactly. You know, just just bringing up those points.
So so from the design perspective, how have trends influenced the look of showers and bathtubs so far in 2024? What's new this year with shower doors and what is new with shower accessories and organizational features? Are you saying so? During the last 15 years or so, there was kind of a revolution on shower door and bathtub design with a new definition of what the whole bathroom experience means within our homes.
So, you know, again, I mentioned the word oasis, but but truly, over the past number of years, your bathroom is your refuge, I hear, you know, you have, your quiet place, your, you know, your back, your beautiful body sprays and shower. So that has definitely been an evolution rather than, you know, just quite frankly, a toilet and, think, you know, what I have in a tub. So it's more of an oasis that opened up, you know, it does tie in to the needs of our modern lives.
So again, refuge, just a quiet spot. There's more resources invested by the homeowner and by, you know, manufacturers to to make the space special. Emphasis on decoration prior just really didn't have bathroom in the center. And now I think you're seeing it shift over the number of years. It's just a more important space in the home. And we've seen the decor trends introduced in bathroom design, everything from the minimalistic urban to industrial. And now, you know, again, the spa oasis.
So the very neutrals and brown tones, earth tones and all of that. So from that perspective, a refuge in the home, the new year with shower doors in 2024, there's endless products in the market for every category of shower doors. So again, depending on the application, you can have pivot sliding doors, shields. And the same can be said about bathtub, where we find that just a wide offer, of everything that you can imagine, as far as a bathtub.
But in the recent years, architects, interior designers and leading companies in the field are really pushing to incorporate new colors and finishes. So texture and color in the market of bathtubs shape is more simplistic. So, you see, you can walk into any showroom and see, wow, that tubs look like that tub. That tub looks like that. You know, it's all the similar, similar design and shape, but it's the color and texture of the product that becomes unique.
So matte finishes, gloss finishes, that type of offering on the tub and then any color you can imagine that's the bathtub side, the resource in the shower door field starting to see early on in the introduction of the fluted glass and tinted films. The novelty and the shape really aren't changing or being, you know, that really innovation. But it's the glass that's on it.
So seeing more trends with that, it's just a result of new technologies and engineering materials that evolve, you know, especially on the fluted glass side abilities to to bring product to market that doesn't hold the soap star, and all of that stuff. So, I mean, you still have to clean it, but yeah, make it a little bit easier, though. Yeah. Just the ease, the ease of actually having the product at its well, its function mechanisms and forms aren't really the main focus.
What we're seeing of innovation design is always, the ones pushing, pushing the manufacturers to create, but it's absolutely the texture. And yeah, finishes. Are you seeing that most people are moving away from I mean, of course, when it comes to like, I guess freestanding tubs, it's a little different, but I guess bathtubs that are pushed against a corner or against the wall or you think people move away from like the shower, like curtains. Yeah. Schwarzkopf's.
Yeah. Yeah. So, so the back to wall tubs and all of that, and still very popular. It's very much a regional type application. Yeah. You could say the coasts, are definitely more the freestanding tubs. The northeast is smaller space constraints so that, you know, that that dictates what they can do there. Midwest and everything. Yeah. The back to wall. And that's you know, those tubs are nice options. Because then you get into your hardware, your faucets and your fixtures and everything.
So, you know, you have different whether you want a deck mount or off the wall. Yeah. That's still another little piece of design that allow that creativity in your bathroom. Absolutely. Yeah. I noticed when I went to visit my friend in New York earlier this year, her a little apartment in New York City. Her bathroom was like so small. It just even the bathtub is like the whole space is just so different from like, the Midwest where I'm at because, yeah, no, you're not saying that.
Like, we're all in huge mansions, but yeah, a normal person's house, even a small family's house like their bathtub, bathtub and bathroom area is going to be double the size from like, a normal person living. And. Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. And exactly what you're saying and that's really, I mean, for, you know, for Clerico and top manufacturers, other top manufacturers, you know, people in New York want an oasis as well, or, you know, with the small constraints.
And so, yeah, so there are it really has pushed, you know, products to come out with it. Just rough numbers on like a freestanding, tub, you know, 55in is small, but they go all the way up to 67, 68. So, yeah, you know, so there's been and actually we're seeing a lot more of the push to the smaller size because the people that have the room for both, they'll do a shower and a soaking tub. So. Gotcha.
Yeah. It's like how do you it's like being creative with how do you bring the oasis to such a small bathroom in a studio apartment? But it can be done for sure. Yeah. And I'll tell you, even, like some of the design community, they'll run. I mean, you can do a Google search. But like acid or in kVA, we'll do contests throughout the year. And it's absolutely amazing. Some of these designers, what they can, you know, squeeze in and that's one of the categories is the tiny space.
And it's beautiful what they can do. No that's fun. Yeah. That's that's I'm sure challenging to know. So speaking of we've talked about the trends a little bit. I want to move towards the performance. Sure. Products. Speaking of performance, what technological advancements has Flor Co made a year over year two showers and bathtubs. And how have trade pros and homeowners helped inform those specific developments. Have you heard any specific stories. Absolutely.
So one of the largest, impacts and technological advances that that Flor Co has done, is add secure, onto their shower doors. And so secure is essentially a transparent, plastic film. So that in the rare occasion that something does happen and your, you know, glass panel does break, the security film holds the, the whole door together in small pieces that are attached to the film. So the implementation of this film obviously has brought, you know, great benefits to clients.
Again, in the rare case that it happens. But it is added security as well. And peace of mind which, which means a lot. So it's not detectable by the eye. So you know, the average person wouldn't, wouldn't see it. Really, you know, you don't notice it's there until you need it. And so that's, that's something that's important even as far as, you know, commercial applications or trade professionals.
That's something that sets the product apart from other means, because again, they you know, they'll get the call for the repair, the cleanup and all of that. And so that added feature, it's in one piece to take out and take care of. In the field of bathtubs, there's been a continuous development of new techniques related to the fabrication that that have really allowed, for less constraints in the actual molding.
So that's sort of it, you know, that's way behind the scenes, like nobody knows what's going on. But if you take a tub from 20 years ago to a tub today and just look at everything from the molding and from the seams, it's such an evolution, just smoother, even with acrylic, you can see that those bathtubs are just about flawless. That is certainly something.
I mean, there's so much manual work and expertise involved in the final result of the product is a true art form, but it's amazing to see the inroads that they've done with it. To just have, you know, more beautiful, seamless tubs. Speaking of tubs, and we've talked about it a little bit already, but, how does Fleurco balance the needs of freestanding tubs versus non freestanding tubs among like newer and older homes. So basically to balance the need for the alcove.
So the alcove and then the freestanding tub it goes back to that great thing of space. That's, that's the top consideration. So you know, space is number one, your desired esthetic accessibility concerns actually come into play with that, you know, aging in place and that sort of, considerations. And if a remodel is feasible as well, moving cranes and all that fun stuff.
Generally speaking, older homes with smaller bathrooms are better suited for the alcove tubs just by sheer construction and plumbing, and the newer homes with larger bathrooms obviously can accommodate the freestanding tub with the different offerings. Functionality and accessibility really is something with the homeowner. So, you know, again, it depends on the remodel, how in-depth you're going with that.
So if remodeling isn't an option in those older homes, the alcove tub does offer a particular alcove tub that has larger soaking dimensions. Basically, the walls of the tub are not super thick, and that's something so that'll give you, you know, the feel of more of a it's still, you know, your standard bath tub, your old school that you remember the type of, you know, shower tub combo. But it does have more soaking room. So and certainly, you know, there's other products on the market like that.
So even though it is, you know, alcove tub, there's new innovations that have been pushed that, you know, you do have more room to, to actually get a good soak. And of course, you know, if the design and plumbing works, there's all sorts of the sizes with the freestanding tub. So it's the space constraints and plumbing on that one that dictates what you can do. Yeah. There's a lot of, factors that go into being able to do that.
Yeah. Well, and you know, one of the things to the hybrid approach, you can, you know, again, just depending on, on your plumbing and space, you can install a freestanding tub with a partially enclosed alcove. That's a whole balance between the design and the space efficiency. So, you know, again, that's where you need the expertise, right? The design and the design team to really, you know, map out the different options. You know, what's realistic
and what you like. Yeah. Speaking of which, it's not redesigning a bathroom isn't something that homeowners are able to afford too many times, depending on how far you're going to and to the extent of it, how do you account for that potential budgetary range when offering new showers and bathtubs? Well, and I'll, I'll speak with with Fleurco products specifically. You know, at every level of the company, we share our expectations of customer, all customers are users of bathroom products.
So it's really reflected in the full commitment on the quality of our product and the dedicated service and support. You know, we understand the product that we bring to the market is intended to bring a positive experience to our customers, and we definitely understand the importance of home. So we don't cut the quality of the products. We look for other ways for the product to fit into a smaller budget. So this is where design and and truly are at play.
So we evaluate the elements such as the quantity of material and the pieces. You know, along with the ease of making the, you know, the fabrication, to bring down costs while keeping the quality high. So for that reason, in our catalog, you'll find that there are different, budgetary ranges and products are broken up accordingly. So all the products, no matter what the price range, is really important for the company and the resources we've invested and the development and great quality.
Again, from any, any price point or any level, and in terms of the validity of the product design through time, that's a consideration too. We we certainly have many models that have a very classical design so that are in style today. They were installed ten years ago and they'll still be in style tomorrow. So that is something to consider. Maybe it's not, you know, hot pink bathtub that you want.
Yeah. Because, you know, it's not going to be you know, you'll look at it for years and say, yeah, no, what was I thinking? I watched the Barbie movie and all of a sudden I wanted to I mean, I see like a period now, right? But but then a year later, it's like, oh, I actually don't even like that movie that much. It was the marketing outlay convinced me to get a hot pink. That's, That's exactly.
So that's the time. Yeah. No, it's it's great that for a Coke can still bring so many different products for so many different budget levels and without compromising quality, because that is a big thing is usually if you're getting a cheap product, you're not going to get as high quality of a product. So it's refreshing to know that you can still get a high quality product at a lower fraction of the cost.
Going back to drains, we did talk about drainage a little bit with trends like hidden drains coming up, how have you seen drain systems developed and how has Flor Co embraced that development? We tend to be on the more conservative side as a company with that stuff.
You know, when we first you know obviously design teams over in Europe and they go to all the shows and look at new products and see what's coming, in the first element that we consider, when we're looking at all that stuff is, the compliance with the regional applications and regulations and just, to uphold our quality standards.
So, yeah, you know, we also look at things that, you know, daily maintenance and repair, accessibility, and that's key, just to ensure that the maintenance is not more difficult or limited. So again, just really cautious, you know, there are some designs that we see, you know, especially myself on the sell side. And I see it, I love it. Let's do it. Yeah. But after more evaluation, you know, it's expensive. The product is not necessarily user friendly.
And the product that we put out has gone through thorough testing. And just, you know, we do business in North America and to make sure it's compliant with all the codes and everything. And then it's easy to use I mean, again, you know, with the, with the drainage piece, it is critical. So if you have something that, you know, looks nice, but it doesn't, you're sitting and, you know, an inch of water in your shower every night after you're done.
How beautiful. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. No, that's also refreshing to know that you're not just floor because not just pushing a product, just because it's trendy or it looks nice, you're pushing it because it's went through thorough investigation, making sure that it's, you know, able to be functional, but also still sitting under those styles and trends. And that's not to be say we're certainly working to innovate. So so we certainly do.
But we just validate and want to make sure that the end user has a great experience. That's overall absolutely. Like I said, this is your second time coming on the podcast and Fleurco and ProSource has partnered with each other for a long time now. How has for close partnership with ProSource evolve over time and what type of benefits? As for code, as customers enjoyed from partnering with ProSource?
Well, it's been a great partnership, so supporting not only ProSource but all the different categories of the business. You know, it's been it's been fun, you know, growing with you. And that's a big piece of it. You know, ProSource is essentially been a matchmaker for us. I mean, you're linking a team of I think you guys are at like 145, home improvement showrooms.
And, and allowing us to have a footprint, with, with the floor offering absolute and always expanding as you guys expand and support, we expand. We do we partnered with displays. So there's everything from, you know, our entire product offering from shower doors to bathtubs, in vignettes, which are the actual little, like a mini, virtual, you know, bathroom in, in each of the locations to, you know, maybe just a freestanding type of display. So, it's it's really been a benefit for us.
You know, we love the concept of the homeowner contractor coming in and getting their very own project manager with ProSource. Again, all the stuff we're talking about, you know, somebody goes in and they they've seen online, they're trying to find what they love. And it might not necessarily work for them.
So so going into ProSource, you truly have a professional that knows the products and knows the different offerings and can kind of navigate and, you know, the last thing that you want is to have this beautiful remodel and you've paid all this money and then you know, something doesn't work, right. Something doesn't sell. Or, you know, they can definitely help ahead of time. And we do go in. And with the ProSource team, we train. I think we do online annually maybe. Yeah, annually.
But you know, local local levels. We have a support system of local manufacturer reps, and a sales team, from the company that we travel around and we make sure that the team is up to speed on new products and new launches as they come about. So, again, so that ProSource and their team is in front of new trends and technologies, keeping them your expert to to go to. So yeah, it's been a great fun partnership. With many years to come. We hope so. Upgrade. That's awesome.
Okay, let's look into 2025. We're getting towards the end of 2020 for now, which I feel like last time I had you on, I was I was asking you, what's the rest of 2024 look at to look like. And now it's crazy to think we're thinking about next year, 2025. What is next for is that in 2025, we're seeing and what we're launching is some new hardware finishes. So we touched on that. You're right. The the black black finishes, the golden tones. Now getting into the glass panel tint.
So colors and patterns. So again like that fluted glass, the tinted glass large screens are increasingly becoming a staple in modern bathroom designs. Just if you're not familiar. So a screen is essentially just a piece of glass, a partition almost, instead of the four door sliding door and all of that. So, you know, obviously much more elegant than the shower curtain, but it, you know, just wants the service of, of blocking the spray.
And if you add the different patterns and colors, again, you know, matches in with the overall design of the bathroom. So absolutely that and we're co introduced the the Sparrow shield. This focus on that was just a better integration of the space.
So instead of a full shower door set up just the shield or partition and it's a smoked glass so that it doesn't disappear like a plain glass panel, but it's coordinating with the architectural, design and, the space and almost becomes like an interior window that is something that's unique. So we'll, we'll be launching a few more of those, coming out for next year. The wall coverings in the bathroom environment, engineered materials.
So that includes stuff they engineered materials for sinks, shower trays and countertops. So, you know, the marble look, the granite look, but not marble or granite. Yeah. Just kind of, you know, composite blend resin blends, but but again, just unique designs and textures with all these different factors certainly in art, but they integrate simply without overlapping. So yeah, you know, you take a piece here and there that works.
And just the overall design, that's what we're seeing coming up for the shower side. So it's it's super exciting for us. The shield, I think, you know, that that's something that is rather new, a new concept in design. But, definitely designers are taking on to that. Yeah. No, I, I like the idea of adding something a little bold to a space, but nothing that's going to overshadow the rest of the, the bathroom.
And like you said, layering on different concepts and making it truly customizable seems like that's kind of the goal with with all of that. So what about bathtubs? What do you what do you guys have planned for bathtubs in 2025 or color? More color. So lots more color. So so overall, the bathtub industry is really pushing to bring more color to bathtubs. Honestly, though, we don't know how many customers will actually join this trend. Yeah that one's that one's a tough one.
So it's you know, going back to that pink tub, right. So yeah, you know, the real challenge is for designer to designers to convince, you know, homeowners that the bathtubs don't necessarily have to be white. So it's certainly a challenging but possible task. You know, if you look years ago, 90% of the plumbing and shower door market and, you know, the fixtures and everything were all chrome. So it's taken time. It's taken time. And there's an introduction.
So a large portion of the market is really moving toward other options. Matte black tubs are certainly a popular, you know, and the matte black finishes and a brush gold. So little by little, the colors will be more present in the design of bathtubs. Adoption will still be the piece. Yeah. You know, last year, Fleurco launched on to the market solid surface matte black tubs. Lucas and Lucia. Those tubs are the embodiment of asking ourself the same question you're asking me right now.
You know, I wonder how the. So far the adoption has been great on those. We've integrated decks that can be used for either the mounting, the faucet or a tray. Hold your soap, hold your wine glass, hold something like that. So, so a little bit more of the design element. In addition to, you know, a matte black bathtub. So that's, you know, I added value. So as far as the direction has been thoroughly researched in the design of acrylic bathtubs, solid surface is a different set of constraints.
So that one's a little bit tougher. So that might be more limited on what's coming out the color. It'll be a fun road. You know any any showroom you go into. They'll they'll have those products on display. And that's the beautiful like I love it but I want white. Yeah. Because it's I think a lot of homeowners, since they're investing so much money into it, they probably are worried about it not being timeless because it is so bold. Like you said.
And they're even like, of course, hot pink is very drastic, but I'm even thinking of like the dark green colors that are very popular. Even with that, I could see homeowners being just a little worried that in ten years it's not going to hold up like how trendy it is now might not be trendy in 2035. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Now that that's it. And I think that you know, it definitely designer styles. The designers are going to be the key on that one.
Yeah. You know and we do have a whole do you see the trends coming over. And I think the more muted colors right. It will lend a little bit better. On the stark, designs, you know, the egg shells and the champagne colors and all of that, which, you know, again, going back to those neutrals at Co, the beginning of each project design and marketing team reflects on why we're doing this. You know, how are we benefiting the customers with the new product. What element can we offer.
And that's why with the Lucas and Chia tubs with the integrated deck. So that was something that was unique, something that solved the problem. You know, you might not have known, you know, where to put yourself. Yeah. Or your glass. So that's there. You know, and we're always looking for ways to advance in the industry, you know, with a full product catalog. Everything bathroom basically.
So, you know, trying to stay in the forefront, but making sure that we've done our homework and research and it's, you know, something needed and something that's functional. Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for sharing all of your thoughts and expertise with us. Like I said, I appreciate you coming back on again and congratulations on your promotion. I'm excited to see Fleurco in 2025. These seem like a lot of great ideas and I'm just ready to see them all come to life.
So awesome Mollie, thank you so much. It was a pleasure. I really appreciate it. Yes. Have a great rest of your day. You too. I really appreciate it. Thank you for joining us today on the Progress Podcast. Please like and subscribe to us wherever you get your podcast. Also follow us on social media, check out our website at prosource wholesale.com and visit your local Prosource wholesale showroom for all of your home remodeling needs.