Behind the Brand: California Faucets
Posted by Daniel Edelman on
Unlike much of the mass produced fare that floods the market today, California Faucets prides itself on made-to-order fittings. Get to know California Faucets in Edelman's new series, "Behind the Brand."
Remember that Jim Carey movie where his character challenges himself to say “yes” to everything for an entire year? It was called Yes Man. If there’s a company in the plumbing industry that shares an infinity with this slapstick comedy it’s California Faucets, an eco-friendly custom faucets, drains and shower company based in the heart of Huntington Beach, CA.
Not only does California Faucets describe their company culture by the word “yes”—their goal is to give customers exactly what they want, when they want it— they also pride themselves on having a great sense of humor.
This is California Faucets’ new commercial for their decorative shower drain system called StyleDrain®.
It’s not just California Faucets’ “yes” attitude that makes them a success. The company DNA is a combination of these three offerings: quality, solid brass decorative product; fastest delivery for a customer product; and, superior customer service, i.e. “yes”—the notion of flexibility and the ability to please a customer. They offer lifetime warranties and quality control that surpasses government regulation codes.
“Our founder, Fred Silverstein, has been in the industry, like Sheldon Edelman, since the 1980s. There’s a kind of kindred spirit there,” said Noah Taft, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales at California Faucets. “There are a myriad of reasons why Edelman is successful. I think if I asked Sheldon why his business is successful, his answer would be similar to Fred’s answer. Fred would say, if family businesses are run well they include all the benefits of a well-run business with the added warmth and commitment that can get lost in the corporate world.”
In the late 1980s, while Sheldon Edelman was expanding Edelman’s offerings in Northeast Ohio, Fred Silverstein was doing the same in California. The faucet used to be solely a utilitarian device. When the trend shifted into decorative, businesses had to adapt with these changes in order to stay competitive.
California Faucets offers 30 faucet series, available in over 30 finishes, each featuring a complete line of coordinated fittings, including lavatory faucets, shower sets, tub sets, bidets. and bathroom accessories.
“Remember the Henry Ford model that allows you to pump out as many of the same product as possible to achieve economies of scale?” said Taft. “We have a completely opposite mindset; instead, give customers the tools to create their exact desired design vision.”
California Faucets also offers 16 finishes in PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), a state-of-the-art process that molecularly bonds your desired finish to the faucet. California Faucets guarantees that their PVD-finished products will not corrode, discolor or tarnish. PVD is the second hardest material next to diamond.
The California Faucets' Palos Verdes widespread lever handles create visual balance as the silhouetted water steam flows from the angled, tubular spout.[/caption]
The PVD finishes, as well as traditional finishes, are completed in-house. “Our components are sourced globally, but are finished and assembled here in Huntington Beach, California,” said Taft. “It comes down to pride for us; pride in providing local jobs. If we could do every single aspect of our business locally we would. Our goal is to provide jobs to as many people in our community as we can, which is a sentiment I think most Americans feel the same way about.”
Hands know the nooks and crannies in a product that a machine cannot know. “There is no contest between artisan or machine made,” Taft argues.
California Faucets will introduce six new contemporary and transitional faucets series, as well as two additional finishes, in 2017. One is “Carbon,” an almost-black PVD finish with a rustic, industrial feel. The second is “Ultra Stainless Steel,” which is actually made from brass, but finished using PVD to replicate stainless steel. All California Faucets kitchen and bath products are constructed by hand from solid brass because of the malleable metal’s exceptional durability. The PVD finishing then transforms the brass foundation into nearly any desirable aesthetic.
When asked to describe his personal design style, Taft laughed and answered, “It’s turning to my wife and saying, ‘honey, what would you like?’ It’s why I’ve been married for as long as I have.”
In their master bath, the Taft’s have the Cardiff 3/4 series in satin nickel and the StyleTherm® Thermostatic Shower System with a SH76 shower head and three body sprays.
“When I’m under that shower, it’s instant relaxation,” said Taft. “I list taking a shower as one of the top five human experiences of all time.
We can’t argue with that.
Call Edelman to speak with an expert sales associate to learn more about California Faucets or to visit our showroom. Browse our Pinterst board for more California Faucets' products.