CEDIA announced a partnership with Kohler which will give CEDIA members in the U.S. access to exclusive discounts and benefits. CEDIA members in priority markets will also get early access to Kohler’s Authorized Service Rep (ASR) program, connecting them directly to new customers.

“CEDIA’s members fulfill a crucial need for Kohler as they expand their connected product offerings,” said Giles Sutton, SVP of success and sales, CEDIA. “Not only do our members have the training and experience to deliver reliable and delightful smart product integrations, but they also know the luxury market. CEDIA members are the ideal ambassadors for Kohler’s most technologically sophisticated offerings.”

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 U.S. 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. 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,” said 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.”

According to Houzz’s 2021 US Houzz and Home Study, kitchen and bathroom renovations are by far the most common renovation project types in the U.S. The NKBA’s 2022 Design Trends Survey found that under 10% of respondents regularly work with technology integrators. This partnership gives integrators direct access to one of the largest home improvement categories in the country.

“Luxury and ease go hand in hand; it doesn’t matter how beautiful or innovative a product is if it’s not reliable,” said Jamie Briesemeister, Integration Controls CEO and co-founder. “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.”