The PowerHouse Cool Collabs

Wendy Cohen
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The PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast (collaborators/collaborations) features interviews with the coolest leaders in luxury design, build, development, and real estate, who live with an attitude of gratitude and give back to help humanity. CEO Wendy Cohen will select and interview special guests, exploring their success stories, philanthropic efforts, and innovative collaborations. Three pillars: Coolest Leaders, Attitude of Gratitude, Helping Humanity

  1. Oct 22

    A Woman General Contractor? Now THAT Takes Courage!

    A Woman General Contractor? Meet the Woman Breaking the Mold What does it take to walk away from a successful 3 decade career in IT and become a woman general contractor in a traditionally male-dominated industry? Meet Dee Thompson, Founder of Urbane Home, a boutique luxury design-build firm serving Chicago's most sought-after neighborhoods. With a hidden passion for design and construction, Dee took a leap of faith and never looked back. Today, she leads a team of 10, predominantly women, bringing together creativity, structure, and a refreshing approach to the building experience. In this inspiring episode of PowerHouse Cool Collabs, Wendy Cohen and Dee explore the courage to reinvent yourself, the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why bigger isn't always better. Dee also opens up about the very real challenges of balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and personal well-being, and why learning to say "no" can be one of the most important lessons in leadership. From carefully selecting clients and trade partners to showing gratitude through the smallest personal gestures, Dee reminds us that great businesses are built on more than beautiful projects. They're built on relationships, trust, and a genuine commitment to people. Her advice? Believe in yourself, follow your passion, and take the risk. A wonderful conversation about courage, collaboration, gratitude, and defining success on your own terms. Learn more about Dee and Urbane Home at www.urbanehome.com. Where to find Dee Thompson: Urbane Home:  Email:  LinkedIn, Dee Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deethompsonchicago/?isSelfProfile=false LinkedIn, Urbane Home: https://www.linkedin.com/company/urbanehome/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanehome/ Website: https://www.urbanehome.com/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanehome/ Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/urbane-home-pfvwus-pf~1224903079 Where to find the Host: PowerHouse Companies: Visit PowerHouse Companies Website: www.powerhouse-co.com Podcast on the Website: https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2 Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056 PowerHouse SMART Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/ PowerHouse SMART Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/ PowerHouse Recruiting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/ PowerHouse SMART LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-smart/?viewAsMember=true Wendy Cohen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/?skipRedirect=true

    A Woman General Contractor? Now THAT Takes Courage!

  2. Oct 19

    From “Shockingly Shy” to a Leader Others Look Up To

    Growing beyond shy to superhero! What if the person you are becoming is someone your younger self would have looked up to? In this episode of PowerHouse Cool Collabs, Wendy Cohen sits down with Kaitlyn Stokes, Designer Extraordinaire and Showroom Leader at Belle Kitchen, located in Minneapolis and creating beautiful projects across the country. Join us for a candid conversation about confidence, career growth, collaboration, gratitude and becoming someone your younger self admires. Kaitlyn shares that when she began her career in interior design, she was “shockingly very shy” and intimidated by the very design professionals and firms she hoped to work with. Nearly 15 years later, everything looks completely different. Today, Kaitlyn leads, collaborates, creates incredible luxury projects and makes a point of mentoring students and emerging professionals who may be feeling exactly as she once did. Her recent realization says it all: “I’m the person I used to look up to.” Kaitlyn and Wendy also talk about taking career risks, imposter syndrome, knowing your strengths, leaving your ego at the door, why we don't have to “do it all,” and the power of relationships and collaboration. And for the design lovers, Kaitlyn shares what she's seeing next in kitchen and home design—including a refreshing shift away from what's “safe” or trending and toward spaces that are deeply personal to the people who live in them. An inspiring conversation about growth, gratitude, confidence and realizing just how far you've come. Where to find Kaitlyn Stokes Email: kaitlyn@bellekitchen.com LinkedIn, Kaitlyn Stokes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-stokes-45872580/?isSelfProfile=false Instagram, Kaitlyn Stokes:  https://www.instagram.com/kaitlyn_m_stokes1/ Belle Kitchen 275 MARKET ST #110, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55405 (612) 343-8889 Website: https://www.bellekitchen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/belle-kitchen-llc/about/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belle_kitchen_/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/bellekitchenmpls Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/belle_kitchen/ Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/belle-kitchen-pfvwus-pf~1006638913

    From “Shockingly Shy” to a Leader Others Look Up To

  3. Oct 8

    Bigger Isn't Better: Building Success with Intention, Gratitude & Jarmila Singer

    Small by Design, Big on Success | Jarmila Singer, Sound Living What does success really look like? For Jarmila Singer, Co-Founder & CEO of Sound Living, it isn't about being the biggest company in the room. It's about being intentional about how you grow, staying close to your clients and your work, building a team that feels like family, and creating a business that is both profitable and resilient. In Episode 51 of PowerHouse Cool Collabs, Wendy Cohen sits down with longtime friend and PowerHouse SMART colleague Jarmila Singer for a conversation that goes far beyond luxury home technology. Jarmila shares the remarkable beginning of her story, immigrating to the United States from Czechoslovakia as a political refugee with her family, and how that experience shaped her deep sense of gratitude, discipline and responsibility. She also shares the story behind Sound Living, the company she and her husband Gary built together, and why they made the very intentional decision to remain small by design. Small by Design, Big on Success Wendy and Jarmila talk candidly about profitability versus size, surviving challenging economic cycles, building loyal teams, owning mistakes, choosing the right collaborators and why the strongest business relationships begin by asking a simple question: “What can we do more and better together?” And perhaps the greatest reminder of all: what we sometimes call luck may really be preparation meeting opportunity…with a few synchronicities and God winks along the way. A beautiful conversation about business, relationships, gratitude and defining success on your own terms. Where to find Jarmila Singer LinkedIn - Jarmila Singer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarmila-singer-8109817/?isSelfProfile=false Email: jsinger@soundliving.com Phone: 312.218.9230 Website: soundliving.com LinkedIn - Sound Living: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sound-living/ Blog: https://www.facebook.com/SLStudioBarrington/ Instagram Jarmila Singer:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DH8gCxXAfHU/ Instagram Sound Living Studio: https://www.instagram.com/slstudiobarrington/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/SLStudioBarrington/

    Bigger Isn't Better: Building Success with Intention, Gratitude & Jarmila Singer

  4. Oct 1

    People by Design: Building Culture, Belonging & Business Success with Kassie Chapel

    What if the most important thing we build isn’t a building at all, but the culture and people behind it? In this episode of PowerHouse Cool Collabs, Wendy Cohen sits down with Kassie Chapel, Director of People & Culture and Head of HR at LG Group, for a thoughtful conversation about what it really takes to create a workplace where talented people can thrive. Kassie’s journey has taken her from higher education and the world of design at Savannah College of Art and Design, to nearly a decade abroad, global learning and talent development, and ultimately to LG Group, where she now helps shape the people experience within the fast-moving worlds of development, design and construction. Together, Wendy and Kassie explore why people and culture are not simply “HR” initiatives, they are business strategies. Kassie shares powerful insights around recruiting versus retaining great talent, the critical role managers play in the employee experience, creating clarity around career growth and expectations, developing high-performance teams, and recognizing retention signals before great people walk out the door. They also explore a fascinating idea: people design.  Just as extraordinary spaces are created with intention, so are extraordinary workplaces. The physical environment, leadership, communication, belonging and human experience all work together. And at the heart of it all? Gratitude. For Kassie, gratitude begins with mindfulness—being present enough to recognize the people around us, appreciate their talents and passions, and understand the impact we can have on one another every day. Whether you're a builder, architect, designer, developer, business owner, HR leader or emerging professional, this conversation is a reminder that behind every successful project is something even more important: People who feel seen, supported, challenged, connected and inspired to grow. Where to find Kassie Chapel: LinkedIn Kassie Chapel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassiechapel/ Email: kchapel@lg-group.com Website: https://lg-group.com/ LinkedIn LG Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-group-chicago/posts/?feedView=all YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTWtfftrmctnzeBwPTIuGOw Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lg__group/

    People by Design: Building Culture, Belonging & Business Success with Kassie Chapel

  5. Sep 25

    Friend-Raising: The Human Side of Building a Luxury Brand | Donille Perrone, SKS

    What happens when you build a luxury brand by putting relationships before transactions? On this episode of PowerHouse Cool Collabs, Wendy Cohen sits down with Donille Perrone, Senior Brand Manager for SKS, whose unconventional career journey took her from therapeutic footwear to toilets, light bulbs, and solar before leading her to the opportunity that would bring together her talents, personality and passion: helping build SKS from the ground up. Donille shares how SKS entered the competitive luxury appliance world by listening first,  working directly with design professionals to understand their challenges and create products designed around real industry needs. But the heart of this conversation goes far beyond appliances. Donille shares one of the most important lessons she learned from mentor Zach Elkin: “friend-raising.” Build the relationship first. Be accessible. Answer the phone. Earn trust. Create genuine connections, and let everything else grow from there. Wendy and Donille also talk about mentorship, developing the next generation of leaders, why human-to-human communication matters more than ever in an AI-driven world, trusting an unconventional career path, taking risks, and what it means to live a life with no regrets. An inspiring conversation about luxury, leadership, relationships and remembering that the most powerful business strategy may simply be being human. Where to find Donille Perrone: LinkedIn Donille Perrone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donille/ Email: donilleperrone@gmail.com Website: https://www.sksappliances.com/en-us/ LinkedIn SKS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sksappliances/home/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT0j67IgA_mMjUChXd7jGGw FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/SKSappliances/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sksappliances/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SKSappliances/

    Friend-Raising: The Human Side of Building a Luxury Brand | Donille Perrone, SKS

  6. Sep 18

    Building More Than Buildings: Leadership, Legacy & a Life Well Lived with Jim Wells

    From Carpenter to Executive: Building a Career, a Community & a Life Well Lived with Jim Well, Executive Vice President, Urban Street Group. What does it really mean to build something that lasts? On this episode of PowerHouse Cool Collabs, Wendy Cohen reconnects with longtime friend and industry leader Jim Wells, Executive Vice President of UrbanStreet Group, for a conversation that goes far beyond buildings. Jim shares his remarkable journey from working as a carpenter in high school to helping lead major multifamily development across multiple markets, and the lessons in leadership, resilience and relationships he has learned along the way. Wendy and Jim talk about the evolution of residential development, creating communities around the way people actually live, the importance of listening to your team and trades, mentoring the next generation, and why attitude and passion can matter more than having every skill on day one. And in true Cool Collabs fashion, the conversation ends with heart as Jim shares his definition of a life well lived: finding happiness in what you do, appreciating the people who helped you along the way, giving back and offering a hand up whenever you can. Because ultimately, the most meaningful things we build aren't always buildings, they're centered on human relationships, opportunities and legacy. Where to find Jim Wells: LinkedIn Jim Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-wells-bb67bb19/ Email: jim.wells@wi.rr.com Website: https://urbanstreetgroup.com/ Telephone, Urban Street Group: 312-726-9966 Address, Urban Street Group: 2250 Progress Pkwy, Schaumburg, IL 60173 LinkedIn Urban Street Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/urbanstreet-group/home/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@urbanstreetgroup Magazine by Urban Street Group: https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=728268&p=1&view=issueViewer

    Building More Than Buildings: Leadership, Legacy & a Life Well Lived with Jim Wells

  7. Sep 10

    The Psychology of Home: Curiosity, Reinvention & Designing for Real Life with Emily Flaxman

    Your Home Is the Backdrop to Your Life What if the twists and turns in your career aren't detours at all, but exactly what prepares you for what's next? On Episode 47 of the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Emily Flaxman, Founder of Flax Interiors, for a conversation about curiosity, reinvention, entrepreneurship and the psychology behind great design. Emily's path to interior design was anything but linear. She studied psychology, worked in sports television, entered the world of high-end residential design, moved into e-commerce and branding, earned her MBA from NYU Stern, worked in retail marketing at Levi's, and ultimately brought all of those experiences together when she launched Flax Interiors in 2020. Her philosophy? We don't leave our past experiences behind when we pivot. We bring them with us. Emily and Wendy explore how psychology influences not only the spaces Emily creates, but the entire client experience, from understanding how someone wants to feel in a room to guiding families through the very real stress of construction. And perhaps the biggest takeaway: our homes aren't museums. They're meant to be lived in. They are the backdrop to our lives, our photographs, our relationships and our memories—and great design should evolve right along with us. You'll hear about: Why starting over doesn't mean starting from zero How curiosity became one of Emily's greatest entrepreneurial strengths The connection between psychology and interior design Why understanding the client is as important as understanding the space Creating homes around how people want to feel and live Guiding clients through the emotional side of construction Why collaboration and community are central to Emily's next chapter It's a conversation about design, but even more, it's about people, growth, connection and having the courage to keep exploring what's next. Where to find Emily Flaxman: Flax Interiors Website: https://www.flaxinteriors.com/ LinkedIn Emily Flaxman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-flaxman-19350016/ Email: hello@flaxinteriors.comPhone: (415) 379-0129 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flax_interiors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063940354676# LinkedIn Flax Interiors: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flax-interiors/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flaxinteriors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlaxInteriors

    The Psychology of Home: Curiosity, Reinvention & Designing for Real Life with Emily Flaxman

  8. Jul 24

    Building Trust Before Building with Stone: How Kristin Armitage Turned Marketing into Hospitality

    How Kristin Armitage Turned Marketing into Hospitality Most people think marketing is about getting attention. Kristin Armitage believes it's about earning trust. In this episode of the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Kristin Armitage, Marketing Manager at Buechel Stone, to explore how one company has transformed the customer experience by treating marketing as hospitality rather than sales. Kristin shares her unconventional career journey—from working in manufacturing immediately after high school, to returning to college after a plant closure, to becoming an intern at age 30, and ultimately discovering a career she truly loves. Today, she leads marketing for one of North America's premier natural stone companies, where creativity, authenticity, collaboration, and gratitude shape every customer experience. Together, Wendy and Kristin discuss: • Why great marketing begins with genuine human connection• How Buechel Stone transformed its showrooms into educational, relationship-driven experiences rather than sales environments• The power of collaboration between builders, architects, designers, and homeowners• Why gratitude should be woven into every customer interaction• The importance of taking risks, embracing creativity, and trusting your instincts as a leader• How authentic company culture becomes your greatest marketing advantage Whether you're in design, construction, architecture, marketing, sales, or leadership, this conversation is a reminder that the strongest brands aren't built through advertising—they're built through trust, relationships, and remarkable experiences. Because in the end... People rarely remember your marketing. They remember how you made them feel. Kristen Armitage, "When someone chooses to work with you, gratitude shouldn't be optional—it should be the foundation of the entire experience." Where to find Kristin Armitage: Buechel Stone LinkedIn Kristin Armitage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kma523/ Website: https://buechelstone.com/ General Inquiries: https://buechelstone.com/design-centers#virtual-consultationPhone:  800.236.4473 and WI 855-444-2838 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buechelstone/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buechelstone/?rf=157727624257569 LinkedIn Buechel Stone:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/buechelstone/posts/?feedView=all Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/buechelstone Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/buechelstone/ Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/buechelstone/ Buechel Stone, Stone Journal: https://buechelstone.com/stone-journal/

    Building Trust Before Building with Stone: How Kristin Armitage Turned Marketing into Hospitality
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The PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast (collaborators/collaborations) features interviews with the coolest leaders in luxury design, build, development, and real estate, who live with an attitude of gratitude and give back to help humanity. CEO Wendy Cohen will select and interview special guests, exploring their success stories, philanthropic efforts, and innovative collaborations. Three pillars: Coolest Leaders, Attitude of Gratitude, Helping Humanity

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