BrandSource’s new partner in kitchen appliance pizzazz
By Chef Andrew Forlines, Appliance Academy
Hello everyone!
I’m Chef Andrew Forlines with Appliance Academy, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with BrandSource to share my knowledge, experience and the lessons I’ve learned as a luxury retail showroom event director, fine dining chef and tech enthusiast when it comes to cooking appliances.
My goal is to offer all the practical tips and insights you need to host successful showroom events, deliver an exceptional luxury shopping experience to your customers and equip your sales team with the confidence to talk about the latest advancements in home kitchen appliances.
I’m passionate about empowering your customers to cook with confidence and enjoy the art of cooking in their own kitchens, whether they’re preparing meals for family or hosting friends for special occasions.
Now, a bit about me so you can understand why I’m so excited to be part of this partnership.
Cooking
With over 20 years of experience as a fine dining chef in five-star restaurants and hotels, I’ve had the privilege of working my way up the ranks at places like The Broadmoor hotel in Colorado, serving world leaders and dignitaries. The essence of hospitality and top-tier customer service is ingrained in everything I do.
My fascination with food science and cooking technology led me to the luxury retail showroom world, where I worked as an event director and appliance educator. In this role, I’ve helped teach kitchen designers, home builders, sales teams and end customers about the latest kitchen innovations.
Teaching
I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned! I take complex cooking tech features from modern high-performing kitchen appliances and break them down into easy-to-understand talking points that your sales team can use with customers.
I provide educational presentations on the luxury kitchen appliance sales journey, certified by both the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC). You’ll also find me presenting at major industry events like the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS), as well as regional trade partner chapters across North America.
Hosting
An active showroom is a successful showroom! I’m here to help you turn your showroom events into exciting, buzz-worthy experiences. I provide your team with step-by-step guides, timelines and checklists to ensure every event is a hit. These events will not only thrill your customers but also strengthen relationships with trade partners and elevate your brand’s presence in the market.
Think of me as Martha Stewart (minus the stock-trading part) meets Chef Alton Brown. I can help you find and assemble a team of chefs and event specialists in your area who will work closely with your staff to organize, promote and host unforgettable events in your showroom.
Looking Ahead
I’m genuinely excited to begin this partnership with BrandSource and its network of kitchen appliance retailers. Together, we’ll provide the tools and knowledge to elevate showroom experiences to a whole new level of luxury and beyond.
Be sure to check back here for upcoming guides, actionable tips and learning opportunities — I’ve got a lot to share!
Take care and eat well …
Chef Andrew Forlines is a culinary appliance specialist in the residential retail market providing education program development for retailers and manufacturers of premium home appliances. Contact Chef Andrew at andrew@appliance-academy.com and visit Appliance-Academy.com to learn more about the services he offers kitchen appliance showrooms.
