Influential Woman · Interior Design, Construction, Architecture, Cabinetry
Cari Bolte
Senior Kitchen and Bath Designer, Meyer Brothers and Sons
Hamilton, OH 45011
Her Story
About Cari
I am currently working on 20 years in the kitchen and bath industry and loving ever minute of it. Getting my start in high school, I had the opportunity to co-op at a local kitchen and bath showroom while studying Interior Design at Antonelli College in Cincinnati. Presently, as a Senior Kitchen Designer I am involved with most of our project from start to finish.
In 2013, I was nominated to the inaugural class of the National Kitchen and Bath Association's thirty under 30 program. This program celebrates young professionals who are passionate in their industry and bring a voice to the next generation. I am truly grateful for the opportunities this program has opened up for me as a professional. I believe the network that I've developed came from the great start.
As a kid, I liked to decorate the house and rearrange furniture, and in high school, I got some opportunities to really understand more about architecture. I was able to co-op with a local company that was a kitchen and bath showroom, and I just really loved that segment of interior design from the very beginning. Currently, I am the senior kitchen designer for Meyer Brothers and Sons, where I've been in this position for 5 years. On a day-to-day basis, I communicate with clients and carpenters, project managers, and handle lots of communication. Earlier in my career, I did a lot of networking locally and built that community of peers and professional folks, and with that, I was awarded the 30 under 30 with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which gathered 30 individuals nationwide including Canada.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cari
01What do you attribute your success to?
I like to stay organized. I am passionate and excited about the projects Meyer Brothers is working on. Having the opportunities to working with other professionals in our market. I think communication and organization have definitely help me along the way and have all been key to my success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell her to take a seat at the table. You can be there and be a part of the conversation and learn. You don't always have to have the answers, but you can do your homework, and you can find those answers. But definitely take your seat at the table.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say communication with all different aspects, from homeowners to other professionals to architects that have a particular vision. For both the homeowner and the architect, communicating the capacity of what cabinetry can do, and if it has limitations, is crucial. Especially communicating those limitations - for example, if you have a particular look that you're going for but you're using natural wood, natural wood is what it is. So making the expectation clear to all the different folks that you might be communicating with, whether it's the homeowner, architect, or carpenter, is essential to really see the project all the way through to the final installation.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. Having integrity in my work as well as toward our team is very important. My children are becoming young adults and I hope they see the passion we have for our work professionally as well as at home. And they have integrity towards their sports, teammates, and peer groups.
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