In the debut episode of the IDS podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with Dean Camastro, the Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Duravit, a historic plumbing products manufacturer. Dean shares insights into his extensive role, covering the territory from Philadelphia to Maine, and elaborates on the company's wide range of products used in both residential and commercial settings.

Dean is also the current president of IDS Long Island, an association that supports the A&D community through various programs and events. He discusses how he first got involved with IDS six years ago and highlights the association's growth and impact on the industry. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of IDS, where members, even though competitors, work together to support and uplift the industry.

The conversation touches on several key initiatives of IDS Long Island, including the Pay It Forward committee, which undertakes charitable projects like the John Thiessen Foundation and Canstruction, an event that designs structures from cans, which are later donated to local food banks. Dean also talks about the Swatched event, a design competition that has grown in popularity and now includes chapters nationwide.

Dean and Brian also explore the importance of adapting to new technologies, such as AI in interior design, and the various educational programs IDS Long Island offers to keep members informed and ahead of industry trends. They discuss the association’s monthly meetings, which are held at different showrooms and offer both networking and educational opportunities.

The episode wraps up with a look at the national conference of IDS, highlighting its role in providing the latest industry insights and fostering connections among members from across the country.

For more information about IDS Long Island and upcoming events, visit their website at idslongisland.org.

If you need to reach Dean Camastro, you can email him at dean.camastro@us.duravit.com.

Location Sponsor: AF Plumbing Supply.

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