Manuel Gutierrez, a longtime NKBA contributor and economist for Kohler Co., died peacefully at his home in Kohler, WI, on Sept. 2, after a battle with cancer. He was 79.
An astute observer of the kitchen and bath industry as well as the overall economy, Gutierrez spent more than 25 years at Kohler Co. in market research, and wrote the Economic Indicators column for NKBA’s newsfeed for more than a decade.
“Manuel was instrumental in helping me envision and shape the future of NKBA’s research strategy,” said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA, “including confirming what would become our economic focus with the Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook and KBMI. I am so proud of the industry authority NKBA has become, and it all started with Manuel.”
“As NKBA’s Consulting Economist for many years, Manuel helped me brainstorm research topics that would be of interest to all NKBA member segments,” said Tricia Zach, Head of Research. “He also introduced me to individuals and organizations who have since become trusted research partners of the NKBA. For years, Manuel authored the Association’s Economic Indicators column, making crucial economic data relevant to our industry and educating our members. He was a pleasure to work with, a joyful, charming man who always had a warm greeting for the many people he knew at KBIS or at economics conferences. He always spoke lovingly about his family — but was quick to ask about your family, too. Manuel was a friend to NKBA, to the industry, and to me.”
To read the full tribute by Dianne M. Pogoda, visit the NKBA website here.
