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Best Keynote Speaker: Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes and reality TV show "Ace of Cakes"
Duff inspired us in terms of thinking outside the box even more than in terms of design. He reminded us that we should do what we love and love what we do. He admitted that his motivation to move to Vail, CO when he left French Laundry in California was to hang out with friends and snowboard. He spent several weeks there and was having such a good time that his friends suggested he find a job and stay. He went to work as a pastry chef at a resort hotel and was introduced to baking competitions. He learned skills like ice sculpturing that he now uses in his cake decorating. His mentor helped him love baking again and these experiences were foundational to his current success.
He also taught us that rules don't always apply. Duff claims to have lost every baking or cake decorating competition he's ever been in. So why does he enter? For the challenge, not the title. He said he usually has the best cake there but he tends to break the rules and get disqualified. He really doesn't care because he gets to learn from the other decorators and create really off-the-wall cakes that he loves.
His final lesson was a reminder to see the potential in others and treat your employees well. Did you know that the sole baker at Charm City Cakes never baked a cake in his life until he came to work for Duff? Duff saw that he had the right attitude and spent 2 1/2 months teaching him how to bake his cakes. He sees the advantage that this baker didn't have to be "untaught" of previous recipes or bad habits. None of his other employees went to culinary or pastry school either. They are all art school kids and musicians. The important thing is that they are unbelievably creative and intelligent. It didn't take long for them to learn to put their painting or sculpting talents to work with cake and icing. Duff treats them exceptionally well and they are exceptionally loyal and hardworking. Who else gives their employees 2 months paid vacation that includes an all expenses paid 2 week staff vacation? He also invests 10% of his earnings outside the bakery and gives them a portion of that when their time comes to move on.
Best Low-Cost Chair: Parfait II by Leland
This was the most comfortable and stylish bentwood chair I've ever seen. It is highly flexible too with options to upholster the seat and back, arms or armless, and high density stacking or side chair. It also comes in bar and counter heights. It is simple in design, comfortable in function, and low in price. It doesn't get much better than that!
Best Task Chair: Squiq by Keilhauer
This chair is the result of a study with an Austrian design team that purposed "to create an intuitive task chair that would follow the human body's natural inclination for movement and postural variation." Basically, they studied the differences between the way men and women sit and work and created a chair that adjusts for both. With built in features like "Pelvic Balance Point Technology" and "T1-L5 Free Shoulders Thoracic Support" this is one comfortable task chair! However great design doesn't stop with function and Keilhauer didn't stop there either. They created discreet levers and buttons and have a variety of fabric colors and patterns to choose from. My favorite was the perforated white leather with a chrome frame. Beautiful!
Best Flooring: InterfaceFLOR
You may have seen FLOR tiles for residential use, but did you know they have a commercial division too? This company is revolutionary in the industry and really has a mind for being good to the Earth. For residential use the design options are endless and the ability to pull up one tile and wash it in the sink is so practical. The commercial options offer a range of colors, patterns and textures that are all beautiful, durable, and cost effective. InterfaceFLOR is on a mission to achieve zero environmental footprint by 2020. It's their mission and they are serious about it. They didn't just jump on the green band wagon either. They introduced their ReEntry plan back in 1994 as a way to recycle old carpet into new carpet and they have continued to improve the program ever since. Take a look at their website and see all the awards they've won and then look at all the designs they offer. A beautiful product that's kind to the environment and affordable too - now that's a winner!
Best Super Fabric: Crypton
Crypton fabric are the most amazing fabrics ever! They don't stain and come in a variety of colors, textures and patterns. A Crypton fabric is a specially engineered fabric in which the fibers are encapsulated with stain and germ protection before being given an integrated moisture barrier. Sounds plastic, right? But there not! You have probably seen, felt, and sat upon many Crypton fabrics without ever knowing it. It is breathable while having a moisture barrier at the same time. It's the perfect fabric for upholstered dining chairs, sofas, hotel applications, and now even carpets. It cleans up quickly and thoroughly and is highly durable. The next time you need a durable fabric that is soft and beautiful, ask for Crypton!
Well, that's enough of the "Best" for this month. With over 250 exhibitors each showing a plethora of products, the list could be endless. We are inspired by the creativity in design, function, and green thinking we found in these and many other products. If you have need for any of these or other products (wallpaper, case goods, etc.) give us a call at 302.526.4268 or send an email to info@TribecaDesignStudio.com and we'll be happy to help you find the best product for your project. If you just want to ask a question or make a comment about some of the products you've heard of, leave a comment and we'll do our best to respond quickly.
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