We recently connected with Marc Block and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marc, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My most meaningful client, to date, came into my showroom searching for a Sub Zero refrigerator. Giving her a thorough interview, she revealed that she was not only interested in a Sub Zero refrigerator but was going to be remodeling her entire kitchen. She knew her exact wants and needs. The MOST Important element to incorporate was the color XXX. Also, re-purposing the bead board from her existing kitchen island was a MUST. With that being said…I created a new kitchen layout that met all of her needs and MUSTS!!! Furthermore, I redesigned her laundry room, breakfast area, kitchen island…plus I designed a small outdoor kitchen. All because she wanted/needed a New Sub Zero Refrigerator.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
A Kitchen and Bath Design Showroom, a family business, was calling in 1986…at the time it was the right path for me. My first task was to hand draft a kitchen and/or bathroom design…after getting the hang of it I LOVED IT!!! The challenge of creating unique designs was invigorating! It led me to become the youngest CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) in the country (1989). Later I became CBD (Certified Bath Designer), and then CMKBD in 1997 (Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer)…these certifications are through the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association).
Next, I advanced my career to The Home Depot and The Expo Design Center for 12 years…as a CMKBD then Assistant Store Manager. As my career continued to accelerate, I was featured on The Discovery Channel for a house remodel that I co-designed and D-Magazine for a major & extensive kitchen remodel. Then I won a regional and national sales contest(s) for outstanding kitchen design(s).
Furthermore, my career continued to grow which allowed me to experience other avenues of the kitchen industry…such as Luxury Cabinets | High End CounterTops | Luxury Appliances. Basically, I enjoy the finer things in life…Luxury Lifestyle!!!
Through my journey, I found a passion for Luxury Kitchen Appliances…along with continuing my success as a CMKBD. I am currently the Luxury Appliance Sales Manager for Star Power | Ed Kellum & Son in Southlake, TX. Today I work closely with my clients in the kitchen design industry….whether it is specifying appliances, creating the design/layout, or partnering from the beginning on the full design and appliance selection. I am doing what I do BEST & LOVE the most! Making my clients make their dreams come true through design.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Every client has a design situation or design dilemma. My goal is to create a design that will exceed my client’s expectations…Above & Beyond his or her expectations! The word BUDGET comes to mind…a word no one likes to talk about even though every client has one…a BUDGET. By understanding my clients, wants, needs, and his or her definition of luxury, I am confident that I can create the best design with the best products. Finally, this leads to referrals (friends | family | acquaintances)…which is the GREATEST compliment of all time!!!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I am an active member of industry organizations…NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association), GFWHBA (Greater Fort Worth Home Builders Association), and Southlake Chamber of Commerce. By leveraging these worthy associations, I have proven that I am a great partner to other members of these organizations. This ensures my clients have an Outstanding experience! 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @marcblock.cmkbd
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/marc-block-695009277
- Other: mblock@edkellum.com or marcblock@yahoo.com
Image Credits
Photos by | Kellie Block | Metals and Magnolias