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Industry Legends

Industry Legends

By: Simon Acres & Kordian Pach
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About this listen

 🎙️ Introducing Industry Legends: Insights from the Best in the Business 🚀

We are delighted to launch an exciting new initiative—Industry Legends, a series of films designed to share the thoughts, experiences, and advice of some of the most successful professionals in the KBB and construction industries.

Through in-depth conversations with industry pioneers, business leaders, and expert recruiters, this series will uncover the real stories behind their success. From navigating business challenges to building strong teams, each episode will provide valuable insights that can inspire both seasoned professionals and those just starting their journey.

💡 What to expect?
🔹 First-hand experiences from industry veterans
🔹 Practical advice for business growth and career development
🔹 Stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership
🔹 A behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the KBB and construction sectors

At Simon Acres Group, we believe that People Build Businesses. This series is our way of giving back to the industry by sharing the knowledge and expertise of those who have shaped it.
Stay tuned for exclusive interviews, expert insights, and inspiring success stories!Copyright Simon Acres & Kordian Pach Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • Industry Legends Graham Hayden - Training Expert

    Industry Legends Graham Hayden - Training Expert
    Jul 16 2025
    Graham Hayden merges training programmes with Simon Acres – Industry LegendsAcclaimed KBB customer service and sales training provider Graham Hayden has confirmed his intention to merge his future training commitments with KBB and merchant service provider Acres Consultancy.Graham, who will also feature in the Acres Consultancy ‘Industry Legends’ series later this year, has trained more than 2,500 people over the last 13 years, and will continue to champion training within the KBB industry via an ongoing association with Acres Consultancy.Graham will maintain his commitment to directly deliver training to ArtiCAD’s customers supported by expert trainer Ray Isted.Graham Hayden says: “I’ve watched with interest Simon’s enthusiasm for training and am aware of the extremely positive feedback he has received from the industry.“I’m pleased that our mutual colleague Ray Isted already works with Simon and am happy to recommend them both. I will also be offering my support from time to time with guest training.Acres said: “It’s a great honour to be recognised by Graham and we are delighted to continue his good work supporting the industry. Graham has agreed to mentor and support our forward training plans and in this capacity he will still be contributing to our industry education.”
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    35 mins
  • Industry Legends - Mark Rosenhaus New York kitchen designer

    Industry Legends - Mark Rosenhaus New York kitchen designer
    Jul 16 2025
    From New York’s Fast-Paced Design Scene: Insights with Mark RosenhausWe had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Rosenhaus, a legendary kitchen designer with an incredible 37-year career in New York. His insights into the world of kitchen design and the difference between the US and UK markets are fascinating.Here are some key takeaways:
    1. The Big Apple: New York is known for its rapid pace, with the phrase “in a New York minute” meaning everything happens quickly. This mindset influences kitchen design, where every decision needs to be made swiftly.
    2. How Mark Started: After studying architecture, Mark ventured into interior architecture and unexpectedly found himself in kitchen design. He learned that kitchen design is more than just putting in units—it’s about creating a personal, interactive experience with clients.
    3. Breaking Into the Industry: In the US, many young designers “fall into” the kitchen design world, starting at big box stores or through referrals. Some may attend specialized schools, but formal education in kitchen design is less common. Instead, many start as apprentices or through interior design routes.
    4. The Golden Proportion: Mark’s passion lies in the golden proportion—a natural design principle found everywhere from the human body to the galaxies. He incorporates this 62% ratio into his kitchen designs, from the layout to even the handles. It creates a harmonious, balanced feel in the space.
    5. Sculpture in the Kitchen: Unlike standard designs, Mark’s approach is all about creating unique, sculptural kitchens. By using dynamic and mirror symmetry, he turns the kitchen into a work of art, with bespoke cabinetry and materials that challenge the conventional “box” design.
    6. Design Beyond the Ordinary: Mark’s designs push the boundaries of what’s typical, incorporating sliding doors, circular cutouts, and bespoke features that make a kitchen feel truly special. It’s about creating excitement and balance for the user.
    Mark’s approach to design teaches us that kitchen design is not just about function but about making a personal, emotional connection with the space. For anyone in the UK or globally, embracing creative and artistic kitchen design can provide a competitive edge.🌿 Are you ready to move beyond the standard design? Let Mark’s insights inspire you to think outside the box!
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    35 mins
  • Industry Legends Director Peter Bird

    Industry Legends Director Peter Bird
    Jul 16 2025
    Industry Legend 2: Wisdom from Peter Bird 🎙️In our second installment of the Legends Series, we sat down with Peter Bird from Anglian Interiors to explore his incredible journey and gain valuable insights for the KBB industry.Peter’s story spans decades, starting in electrical retail and taking a “sideways step” into kitchens—a decision shaped by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.🔑 Key takeaways from our conversation:
    • Learn before you invest: Align yourself with a forward-thinking retailer to understand the industry.
    • Focus on strengths: Whether you’re a designer or a fitter, know your niche and excel at it.
    • Knowledge is power: Product knowledge is the backbone of successful sales—it helps justify quality and price.
    • Salesmanship matters: Great salespeople have something innate that sets them apart—passion, authenticity, and the ability to connect.
    Peter also reminded us of the KBB industry’s unique challenges, from customer education to navigating a more informed and demanding consumer base. Yet, his advice is clear: invest in expertise, whether through training or hiring professionals, and stay dedicated to continuous learning.💬 What’s the one piece of advice that’s shaped your journey in the KBB world? Share your thoughts below!
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    15 mins
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