It Takes Years to Compile Plumbing Knowledge

It's difficult to imagine the changes that come about as a 75 year old company matures and changes with the economic times.  Many faces change and others become a fixture inside the walls of Community Home Supply, Co. Sometimes you go to a store and you find a person who knows the answer, can find the answer, or will get you the answer. These are the people who make Community Home Supply, Co. the place to shop for kitchen and bathroom products and design.

People like Mark Kestler, our Customer Service Manager who for nearly thirty years has been here, to sell, troubleshoot, and service your plumbing needs.  With a smile, and know how, and every bit of his heart, Mark will talk you through, or show you how to make your kitchen and bathroom products work effectively for you.

Current Owner Marla (Greenspan) Richardson, with Past Owner Howard Greenspan, and one of the Original Owners, Belle Greenspan

Mark fondly recalls the people who have influenced him throughout his time spent at Community Home Supply, Co. He recalls names from the "Way Back Machine" such as Jerry Cohn, and Larry Couty. Both men had an encyclopedia of knowledge for plumbing, heating, and general technical know how. He remembers, When Larry had a free minute, he would pull Mark to the side, and tell him "This guy is asking for this...but what he doesn't know is, he is also going to need this." It is this type of thorough problem solving and foresight that has allowed Community Home Supply, Co. to sustain its home on Lincoln Avenue.

Mark Kestler - Customer Service Manager

Mark's most recent influence comes from a familiar face from Community Home Supply, Co.  Rafael is one our current employees at the plumbing counter. Mark says, although he has more experience than Rafael, he find's himself trading information, and learning from Rafael. We are grateful to have both gentlemen on staff.

Mark Kestler in the Middle of an Install.

Recently welcomed back to the halls of Community Home Supply, Co. is Joel Richardson. Joel has spent close to forty years in the industry. He brings with him, outside sales experience as well as technical understanding and knowledge of the industry.  He too spent time working at Community in his past. He remembers and was influenced by the past employees such as, Michael Schmidt, John Hock, and Retired Owner Howard Greenspan.  He remembers Howard was always eager to impart knowledge, not only to his employees and customers, but to aid newcomers in the industry. He advised from experience, things like, pitfalls to watch out for, product knowledge, and training.

Joel Richardson - Community Home Supply, Co.

Joel also recalls John Hock. John, not only helped customers and employees understand what to do, and how to do it, he truly loved plumbing and was licensed to practice. If you asked him for help he would patiently explain it until you understood it, However, if you walked away, or became distracted during the lesson...Well, that was your last lesson from him. His understanding of his craft was second to none.

FV and Acorn Neo Metro Light Up The Chicago Community

The window displays on Lincoln Ave. receive heavy foot traffic, intensely sought after, and eye catching!
Acorn Neo Metro and Franz Viegener, and Americh, and Amerec, Fleurco, and a Custom Shower Door are featured in this window display.

The sink and toilet are from Acorn Neo Metro. The cobalt blue Ebb sink is a steel sink powder coated in matte black. The glass counter top boasts LED Lighting in a custom cobalt blue hue. It features a matte black frame for rigid strength and function. This Ebb sink is matte black set off by cobalt blue around the edges.  The Acorn Neo Metro Miniloo wall hung toilet is available in a variety of custom colors from Neo Metro.  A perfect compliment to the Ebb sink is the Ebb mirror, which is also framed with LED lighting, beneath cobalt blue resin.  With the opportunity to do something a little bit wild, and a little bit funky with Acorn Neo Metro's Miniloo, we jumped at the opportunity. We had the Miniloo made in Matte Black!

The Americh Beverly is a 32" Deep, Japanese style air and whirlpool tub, strictly for relaxation and serenity. This soaking tub is a 40x40 Inch square shape with a circle in the middle for you to sink into.  We built a counter top deck around the tub and under mounted it to make the illusion that the tub is completely circular.

Franz Viegener Lollipop Faucet

The Faucet on the Matte Black Ebb Sink is the Lollipop Faucet by Franz Viegener. The Lollipop Faucet is single hole, single handle, and is seen here in a brushed nickel finish. We carried Franz Viegener (FV), into the shower, complimenting it with an Industrial Chic Series, Shower Head, Valves with red handles and a Hand Shower Bar.  We accented the tub with a Franz Viegener Roman Tub Faucet, also with red handles.

Inside the shower, Amerec's steam generator is paired with the new Amerec Steam Control. Amerec's control features touch screen navigation.

The Acorn Neo Metro, Franz Viegener Window Display.

At press time, the Fleurco shower base has been paired with a custom shower door with Titan speed control hinges from Midwest Glass.

We are proud of our new window display, our store and our staff, so if you pass by 3924 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago,  whether you are taking a stroll, stuck in traffic, or simply stopping in, we'd love to here your comments! Find us in Chicago or Online at CommunityHomeSupply.Com, Facebook.Com/CommunityHomeSupply, Facebook.com/CommunityII, Twitter.com/Commhomesupply, Pinterest.com/CommunityHome,

Community II and Amy Across from the Mart

In the River North Neighborhood of Chicago, Community II is now off and running. Amy Sicheneder takes care of the Community Home Supply, Co. clients who choose to meet downtown in our luxury loft, showroom space.  The Kinzie Design Center, located at 220 W. Kinzie Ave. on the 3rd Floor, you may remember being in our space as it's former namesake, Chicago Brass.  Chicago Brass is still located on the fourth floor of the building and now has a storefront adjacent to Community Home Supply, Co. on Lincoln Ave. It is through this partnership that Community and Chicago Brass have been able to add a second showroom space to each of their offerings.

The Kinzie Design Center features, Bavette Restaurant, Bentley Prince Street - a commercial carpet retailer, Chicago Brass and Community Home Supply, Co.  Four great companies in one great location. Don't forget The Doughnut Vault is around the corner!

Amy has been busy already, as Community II has already hosted an opening party, as well as a  Taste of Argentina Event sponsored by Franz Viegener Faucets (FV) who are based there.  In the future, Cambria will be hosting two CEU Credit Courses from Community II. The First CEU Course is scheduled for July 24th, 5-7PM. The Second event is scheduled for August 21st 5-7PM.

Keep in mind, our Community II Space is geared towards the architectural and design community and appointments are recommended. However, we are open to the public, so feel free to drop in.
Amy and Community II are a member of the River North Design District, and Amy will be participating in the the ASID Progressive Showroom Walk in September.

Amy is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Interior Design and Marketing. She holds nine years of experience in the Industry and has a keen eye for the details and project management.
We are excited about our second showroom location Community II and looking forward to helping you through the kitchen and bathroom design process.

Community Summer Update

So, it's been a while. I'm back now, as things begin to settle back into a rhythm here at Community Home Supply, Co. on Lincoln Ave.  After hosting our 75th Anniversary Party in which we partnered with Designs 4 Dignity, our Community II Opening Party, and a successful Tent Sale, we are pausing to refresh and check stock as we proceed.

It is already halfway through the summer we have been extremely busy here.
New customers and contractors are walking in hourly sharing plumbing stories, jokes, and receiving the help or solutions they require to remedy their kitchen or bathroom plumbing woes.

In fact, we have added two new Design Associates to our showroom staff, as well as an outside sales associate. Annie is a kitchen specialist who has industry experience designing high end kitchen cabinetry. She earned a BFA from Harrington College of Design, in Chicago.  She is a proponent for sustainable materials and recommends them whenever possible. Annie is a smart, sharp addition to our sales staff and we are grateful to have her as part of our Community.

Michael is also relatively new to our staff.  Michael comes to us from sunny California. He earned his interior design degree from the International Academy of Interior Design.  He has spent 20 years in the industry, and returns to Chicago after living in San Diego for several years.  If function and style are concerned, Michael is your man, due to his keen design sense and impeccable sense of style.  With a methodical approach and passion for cohesion, the results of your kitchen or bathroom project are sure to be fabulous.  In the past Michael has worked with professional athletes on projects, and fondly recalls designing themed bathrooms and an indoor/outdoor master bedroom. Michael has a great eye for detail. Set up an appointment, or call.

Joel also joins us at Community Home Supply, Co.  Joel is a 40 year veteran in the industry. His focus are project sales, dealer sales, and general plumbing knowledge. His contacts are many, and he has spent time with Community in the past. Away from Community Home Supply, Co. his interests, are hockey, baseball, basketball, horse racing and a love for dogs.

Victoria & Albert Cabrits Tub on Display at Community Home Supply

For Three Weeks as of October 19th, 2012, Community Home Supply Co. has The Victoria & Albert Cabrits Bathtub on display in its Lincoln Ave. Showroom in Chicago. A sexy, curvacious slipper tub contoured for luxurious looks and ergonomic comfort, the Cabrits tub is fabricated from a one piece cast volcanic limestone resin. Harder than acrylic, the volcanic limestone resin brings a high gloss finish to the inside of the tub and a matte finished exterior offers a customizable aspect to the outside of this extraordinary slipper bathtub.
     The Cabrits Tub is at the forefront of this new breed of lighter, durable freestanding bathtubs. To allow for customization, the exterior of this freestanding tub can be painted, faux finished or stenciled. A special dual drain is also available in Chrome, Polished Brass, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel, or Oil Rubbed Bronze. The Matching Cabrits sink also available, However not on display at this time.
     Dimensionally this tub is 68 1/2" in length. The depth on the shallow end is 14 1/4" to the overflow. It holds approximately 33 Gallons of water with a bather. The Tub itself holds 46 1/2 Gallons of water.
   Come see this beautifully sculpted slipper tub while it is on display at Community Home Supply.

Customer Service at Community

     "Do you have one of these?" The man asked while waving in the air a 15 year old crusty, corroded cartridge. "I need two," he said, as he ambled through the front door of Community Home Supply. Before a response could be offered, the man reattached his mobile phone to his ear and continued his cross-continental conversation.
     Rafael, looks up to find the man impatiently standing in front of him at the counter, while still speaking loudly in another language, and waving his old, crusty, corroded cartridge around. The hitch is, Rafael is currently assisting a client. Tom and Randy, look up and recognize the man's haste to be serviced, but cannot assist, because they too have a client waiting for their attention. Randy picks up the public address phone and calls in reinforcements.
     In walks the once young, spry, but seasoned, fire-balling, right-handed, Customer Service Manager, hailing from down the block. The 28 year veteran Manager Mark Kestler glides down from his crows nest office perched above the counter of Community Home Supply already smiling. How can I help you, Mark spouts out before even turning the corner to walk behind the counter.
Now, his attention turns back to the man at the counter needed some cartridge assistance. Before Mark even concludes his greeting, the man abruptly says good-bye to Europe, and tears into Mark. Muttering thickly, "I have this cartridge. I come here all the time, I walk in with my part, I showed your people behind the counter and no one wants to help"...Mark takes this opportunity to interject. "Sir, let me stop you right there. Sir, we would love to help you! It looks like my counter guys are currently all helping someone, but, in the future, if you take a number you will be next in line." However, since you seem to be in a bit of a rush today, let me take care of you personally."
     With a smile and a few toilet jokes, Mark talks the man off his figurative ledge and politely explains to the gentleman that he remembers him coming in often several years back, but, I haven't seen you in about as long.  He asks about the mans wife, children, the mans former employer.
Now, I have to explain to you the deal with these cartridges you need.  These cartridges are a brand we are no longer carrying but I happen to have two in my desk, that I have been saving just for you.
     The man walks out of Community Home Supply that day grinning peacefully, while reconnecting cross-continents via his mobile phone, but quietly satisfied that he walked in with a problem and walked out with a solution. We strive to offer the same caring service to every individual with whom we work.

A Day in the Life of Community Home Supply

DPHA Guest Blog by Eric Richardson 3^rd Generation Community Home Supply

     It is seven thirty on a weekday morning at Community Home Supply on Lincoln Avenue. Rafael, Tom, & Randy are hard at work behind the “Old School” Plumbing Counter. The Chicago El Train can be heard going past a block away as the Brown Line stammers on to the next stop. Wrigley Field sits quietly two miles down the road waiting for players and fans to arrive. Putty, p-traps, and cartridge sales begin trickling out the door, but the real magic happens when someone walks in with a broken piece of a faucet that had been manufactured in the early 1900’s. The part is instantly recognized as if it were an old friend they haven’t seen in decades. Often times a solution to the customer’s plumbing issue is found. Finding the correct part or fitting is the Community goal.

     Since 1938, Customer Service has always been the goal of Community Home Supply. Solving problems related to plumbing and creating beautiful bathrooms is what we do. To the customer, a daunting unsolvable issue, such as a hard to find fitting is easily resolved by our staff who are knowledgeable in their trade. With a friendly smile and a handshake, the counter people make both the plumbers and homeowners feel confident they are receiving the help they require and welcome them when they return.

     By eight in the morning, the showroom is open and the sales associates are beginning to check their messages, while helping walk-in customers and appointments. All are welcomed, and the client’s needs are attended to skillfully. Painstaking care is required and given to make sure drawings are correct, and the proper parts are ordered. Choices of product are plentiful ranging from high end and hard to find items, to reasonably priced budget items.

The Showroom is where the design process takes place.  A rough layout with wall dimensions is transformed into a uniquely beautiful kitchen or bathroom. The result is a room matching or exceeding the client’s expectations. With a good contractor, the end result is a satisfied customer with a remarkable kitchen or bath.

     Customer Service is the key to standing apart from the pack. We have knowledgeable, caring individuals who will aid you when necessary in sorting out issues, setting up deliveries, or troubleshooting.

     For the do-it-yourself shopper our website is now available for shopping 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with products being added daily.

The latest edition of Community Home Supply is Community II on Kinzie Avenue, An ultra-luxurious loft space located across from the Chicago Merchandise Mart. In this fine living showroom space are some of the most unique products being sold in the United States.

     The proof is in the pudding after 75 years of service, generations of Chicagoans have shopped here. Three generations of one family have cared for this Community Home Supply Distributor and treat and service every customer with concern, patience, knowledge and a solution. When your project is completed and looks like the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams, we have done our jobs well and we look forward to seeing you again.