MEET METRO’S MOST ACTIVE NEW MEMBER: CAT GARRUTO
Congratulations on both these recognitions! Thank you. I have been with Metro for just under a year, and I have found immense value in my membership (and my OnSite fame!). Metro’s councils, such as the wonderful Professional Women in Building and highly informative Sales & Marketing Breakfasts, are a terrific resource as are the monthly General Membership Meetings. For me, the in-person events especially are an important opportunity to network and strengthen relationships. I have had projects working with other Metro members such as Karen DeRosa of Summit Executive Builders, Janet Siegel of Janet B. Siegel, Architecture and Jason Bonura from Cedar Contractor (who Kristie Veri and I encouraged to join Metro – and he did!) just to name a few. It is like working with family when I get the chance to work with other Metro members and tap into their skills. I am fortunate enough to have had some valuable introductions made by fellow Metro members as well as grow my circle of friends. There is a great sense of satisfaction with every satisfied client and completed project, but working with other Metro members makes it that much more rewarding. We definitely want the best outcome for not only the client, but also for each other. Can you give us a quick description of what happens from start to finish when a client contacts you for installation of the product? 1. D E S I G N C O N S U L T A T I O N . The first step is a complimentary in-home/showroom or virtual consultation with myself and either the client or trade partner. During our time together, I ask you about their needs, ideas, and style preferences, measure the space and take inventory of the client’s belongings so I can tailor an organizational solution that specifically addresses their requirements, design aesthetic, and budget. 2. C O L L A B O R A T I O N . Next, I create a virtual 3D model of the project, using our proprietary CAD software. This includes choice of finishes, accents, accessories, and lighting. Together, we refine the design until it reflects our client’s vision. 3. C U S T O M C R A F T E D . Once the design is complete, our engineering team reviews it and sends it along to our local manufacturing center, located in Fairfield, where each system component is custom crafted. 4. I N S TA L L A T I O N . Our installation process takes place on a timeline that works for our client. Before getting started, we protect the walls and
Our member & California Closet Senior Designer, Cat Garruto, welcomed Metro PWB to the Fairfield showroom and manufacturing facility for the October Happy Hour Meeting. California Closets is a family- owned business run by the second generation team of Bob and Julie LaFranco. Cat gave us an overview of their designs and products; Bob and Julie took us into their warehouse and gave us a tour of how they start and finish a project; Diana Rattazzi, Architectural Representative with Benjamin Moore was there to tell us about colors (Ben Moore Color of the Year 2024 is Blue Nova 825) and how they create them. California Closet helps to transform spaces and allows people to get more out of their homes and their everyday lives. For four decades, CC has built a reputation as a leader in premium and luxury space management and storage solutions. I thought it would be nice to follow up with Cat on some of the topics we talked about that evening as we highlight Cat’s first year as a Metro Member. Let’s start with 2 quick personal notes. First this is your second time being spotlighted in Metro’s OnSite – this may be a first for a Metro member. You were the May 2023 Associate Member Spotlight. Readers can check out your interview and professional info in that OnSite issue And then to cap off a big year, you were named Metro’s MOST ACTIVE NEW MEMBER at the December Installation Dinner. Metro President Andrea LoMonaco commented that “Metro is fortunate to have many active and committed new members for 2023. However, Cat just stood out – she is a robust member. She was quick to offer her time and enthusiasm to several committees. Cat was available and present at most if not all Metro events. Cat’s expertise and professionalism was a true asset to the Metro family.” HERE
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