WESTON, FL— At Kitchen Designs & More, it is better to give than receive.

These are the sentiments of president Elliott Landman and his wife Nora, who serves as vice president – both of whom who have built an entire business platform on charitable endeavors.

Indeed, the firm recently initiated a new campaign titled “Designed to Give,” a program that will see Kitchen Designs & More donating 10% of the purchase price of all cabinet sales to a community organization of the client’s choice.

Elliott Landman offers: “In the past, we have made similar donations in our clients’ names because we feel that our bottom line should include support for organizations in need.” However, the new program allows clients to be part of the process by selecting a charitable organization from a list of 25 eligible groups, including Women in Distress, Hadassah, the Ann Stork Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and Love Jen, among many others.

Spirit of Giving

To commemorate the launch of the program, the firm held a star-studded luncheon in September at its showroom, playing host to a variety of community organizations, manufacturers and suppliers.

Landman also invited a television news station, the Miami Herald and some local papers to attend the event.

He notes: “If we can make a difference in our community, and the community becomes healthy, then everybody will benefit from it.”

As a savvy marketer, Landman understands that time-sensitive promotions tend to be most effective, since they encourage clients toward immediate action. And in the case of the firm’s “Designed to Give” campaign, which will run until February 2009, clients get to feel good about their purchase because they are doing good for themselves and for the community at large.

It also helps the firm to connect to the community, according to Landman, who says: “The ‘Designed to Give’ campaign is our way of giving back to the community. Through personal and professional contacts, we have reached out to a host of different community organizations to be benefactors of this six-month, cause-related marketing campaign. All of the donations are made out to the organizations specifically in the client’s name.”

In addition, Landman notes that the campaign will buttress the firm’s established practice of inviting the community into the Kitchen Designs & More showroom for design education opportunities.

“For example, we also host seminars and, as a result, our best business opportunities come to us by way of referrals and word of mouth,” he points out.

He concludes: “I believe that the best part of our business is based in the heart and soul of my wife and myself. As a company, we feel generosity and community responsibility are important and will bring ‘giving back’ to a new level.”

Communal Approach

Using an educational and symbiotic approach, the staff is intent on being all things to their clients.

Catering to a wide range of people, such as young families, single professionals and retired active adults, the firm specializes in all areas of the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, laundry rooms, libraries and wall units.

Reports Landman: “Our designs and applications make our kitchens special, whether we’re using the original floorplan or a modified layout. The most important part of the project is the input we get from our clients, yet we do not permit them to make decisions that won’t achieve their dreams.”

He continues: “We coordinate the project from beginning to end working with our client about every detail.” He adds, “The manufacturers and materials we use are handpicked to assure the best quality to meet their budgets.”

The firm carries a wide variety of cabinetry, stone floors, backsplash materials (including glass, ceramics, listelos and metals), hardware, granite, sinks, faucets, appliances, plumbing fixtures and window treatments.

Appliances carried include Thermador, Viking, Sub-Zero, Miele, Bosch, GE and U-Line, among others.

Landman adds: “We go to great lengths to educate clients about their project, starting with the floorplan, to the origin of the materials, care and upkeep, manufacturers’ warranties, and last, but not least, the designs.”

Landman believes this approach to be rare in the kitchen and bath industry, and notes that the firm does not feel any competition in the area. The one-two punch of education and “paying it forward” with charitable endeavors truly sets the firm apart from competitors, he believes.

“Our philosophy basically comes from the heart, and we truly have a passion for this industry. [As a result], we have a wide variety of clients, with our portfolio including celebrities and sports athletes,” he states.

Showroom Supplies

To best showcase its wares and services, the firm has a 7,500-sq.-ft. showroom that includes 27 full displays, 70 appliances, and a good mix of granites, tiles, stones, quartz and architectural details.

Located in a prestigious shopping center overlooking a lake, the showroom is in a prime location for foot traffic, as well.

“When someone enters, they see the displays so well designed that it seems the customers are in a home and not a shop,” he says.

The showroom is divided into areas for plumbing/appliances, detailed kitchen displays complete with appliances, granites, backsplashes, sinks, hardware and accessories, flooring, window treatments, granite slabs, backsplash materials and millwork, and administrative space.

“The variety of wood species, granite edge profiles and styles – which run the gamut from modern, exotic and contemporary farmhouse to country and high-end traditional – allows the client to accommodate any taste and budget – basically, any dream,” he adds.

He concludes: “The attention to detail extends to the service we provide for our clients, who often become friends and not just clients. My industry experience, combined with Nora’s background in the building and development of various communities throughout Florida as well as internationally, and our design staff’s knowledge, really distinguishes our firm from other kitchen and bath stores in our area.”