The association for the home technology industry CEDIA has announced a partnership with Kohler, a global leader in kitchen and bath products as well as emerging wellness offerings in the home. Through this partnership, CEDIA members will receive exclusive access to discounts and benefits to these products. Members in priority markets will also receive early access to Kohler’s Authorized Service Rep (ASR) program, which will connect them directly to new customers.

According to a 2021 home study conducted by Houzz, kitchen and bathroom renovations are by far the most common renovation types in the United States, comprising a quarter of all home renovations. To this end, another report put out by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) finds that under 10% of respondents regularly work with integrators, even as kitchens and bathrooms become more technologically advanced.

This first-of-its-kind partnership between CEDIA and Kohler, a major kitchen and bath brand, gives integrators direct access to one of the largest home improvement categories in the country, bringing smart home expertise to new customers.

“Luxury and ease go hand in hand: It doesn’t matter how beautiful or innovative a product is if it’s not reliable,” says Integration Controls CEO and co-founder Jamie Briesemeister. “Members of the design community have historically been reluctant to specify products with innovative features like app or voice control, temperature control, or digital personalization because of the additional complexity.

“CEDIA members have the technical mastery to overcome this hurdle. This partnership brings CEDIA integrators and design professionals together, allowing them to create elegant, intelligent spaces that work precisely as designed. It’s a perfect application of CEDIA members’ skillsets to a whole new category of projects and customers.”

Kohler Opens Its Authorized Service Rep Program to Integrators

CEDIA members can access their new Kohler discounts and benefits through Propel, an affinity program that gives CEDIA members access to special offers on innovative technology in emerging markets. All CEDIA integrators in the United States can sign up for Level 1 of the partnership, which includes discounts on select Kohler products, dedicated virtual training with the Kohler Smart Home team, and a direct line of contact to product experts and Kohler’s inside sales team.

CEDIA members in the Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco areas can also apply to The Kohler Authorized Service Rep (ASR) program, which is currently in its pilot phase. The ASR program directly connects integrators with Kohler customers in need of service, warranty, and setup support, bringing the technology designer into projects during the early stages of new installations. CEDIA members who sign up and are accepted into the program will receive additional training and entrance into Kohler’s business portal. Kohler intends to expand the ASR program into additional markets as demand requires.

“Kohler enhances the user experience by seamlessly integrating technology into our kitchen and bath product design,” says Kohler Associate Channel Manager Megen Rapp. “Essential to our success is ensuring our customers have access to trained and certified professionals for installation and support. Kohler is proud to support CEDIA, whose members have the expertise to deliver technology-driven experiences in every room of the home.”

For more information on CEDIA Propel and to access exclusive discounts and opportunities through Kohler’s Level 1 program and the Kohler Authorized Service Rep (ASR) program, visit cedia.net/propel.