For many, the path to a fulfilling career takes unexpected turns, weaving through personal passions and formative experiences. For one member of the True Residential team, the journey to earning a coveted spot in the 30/30 recognition was as much about family ties as it was about professional growth and determination. Kay Trulaske is the granddaughter of True’s founder. She has deep roots in the company and was named one of NKBA’s 30 Under 30 at KBIS 2025. True is a family-owned brand, with its commercial arm, True Manufacturing, founded in 1945, and the residential side launched in 2008. Here, Kay shares her unique perspective as a next-generation leader.
A Multifaceted Role at True Residential
Since joining True Residential in 2020, I’ve been fortunate to explore many aspects of the business, gaining a comprehensive perspective on what makes the company thrive. As part of a small but dynamic marketing and sales team, I’ve had the unique opportunity to contribute to major milestones for the brand while simultaneously growing in my career. From spearheading the opening of our first dedicated showroom in New York City’s prestigious A&D Building to coordinating booth designs for multiple KBIS shows, every project has deepened my appreciation for the brand’s impact on the industry.
Stepping into a dual role that bridges both marketing and sales has allowed me to wear many hats, and I recently joined our sales team in New York City. Getting to provide on-the-ground training and support for authorized dealers has presented a fresh perspective and valuable insight into the customer-facing segment of the business. This insight then plays well into my role on the marketing team – supporting our consumer-facing social accounts – and a highlight has been witnessing the growth of our organic social media presence. With nearly 100,000 Instagram followers now, it’s encouraging to see how the world is excited about our product in the same way that we are.
These achievements definitely weren’t accomplished alone – and True Residential’s success is a testament to the incredible guidance and camaraderie of our marketing and sales team. We operate like a family, with each member bringing their unique strengths while supporting one another. Even with the vast resources True Manufacturing has to offer, the residential division maintains the close-knit feel of a small business – a rare and treasured trait.
True Residential New York showroom. Photo: Oriana Rivera
Family Influence and Professional Growth
True Residential’s family-oriented ethos isn’t just a corporate culture – it’s part of my DNA. Growing up, I was surrounded by stories of the company’s innovations and milestones, shared around the dinner table by my father. My brother and I were often included in business trips and trade shows, giving us an early glimpse into the industry’s vibrancy. One of my favorite memories is visiting New York City for a dinner at the James Beard House while in high school – an experience that left a lasting impression.
While this early exposure fostered an interest in my family business, I didn’t have any distinct plans to join. In high school and college, I pursued my passions for French and journalism, envisioning a career abroad. Nevertheless, a summer internship at True Residential during college introduced me to the incredible team I now work with and planted the seed for a future I hadn’t anticipated.
After graduation, I started a PR career in New York City, hesitating to move back to St. Louis. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, and event marketing wasn’t as hot as it used to be, the opportunity to join the True Residential marketing team – remotely – felt like a natural next step. It was an easy transition, thanks to the relationships I’d built during my internship, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve always leaned a bit more residential than commercial, so it’s been an effortless fit.
A Bright Future
Today, as a member of the True Residential team, I’m inspired daily by the blend of tradition and innovation that defines our work. The 30/30 recognition is an incredible honor, but it’s one I share with my colleagues and family who’ve shaped my journey – I couldn’t have done it without them. Having met the team during my first internship, I arrived on the scene with the confidence to hit the ground running. It’s been an amazing experience working with them. Together, we’re not just building beautiful, functional kitchens – we’re creating lasting connections with the people who use them. And that’s a legacy worth celebrating.
—By Kay Trulaske, brand manager, sales & marketing, True Residential | Caliber
