KB & CO. January 2026 Update

BIG NEWS!

Lots of things are changing in our industry and the same is true for my company. Since 2022 I have been partnering with Gabriel Contract Solutions for several lines. Moving forward I am limiting the number of lines I rep and look forward to increasing sales in Austin, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley. Patrick and I will work together to ensure a smooth transition and I wish him and his team all the best.

I am your contact in Austin, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley for these manufacturers:

Via Seating

Mergeworks Acoustics

OE Electrics

Patrick Gabriel is the contact for:

BuzziSpace

Heartwork

OFGO

Sedia/Akouo

He can be reached at pgabriel@gabrielcontractsolutions.com or 281-865-2567

Let me know if you would like an in-person update, budget pricing, or symbols for your projects. My commitment to you is that I will get back to you ASAP with complete and accurate information to help you serve your clients.

Make it a great day; the choice is yours!

IIDA UPCOMING EVENTS

1/29 TOMORROW! Happy Hour CEU Register HERE

UPDATED LINE LIST

HERE

HELP WITH ACOUSTICS - HOW DOES IT WORK?

Your client has an acoustic issue. The HR manager is next to a conference room and it is impossible to have a private conversation. Bill across the office takes all of his calls on speakerphone and no one can concentrate. Whatever the complaint, I can help.

Where do you start?

The Acoustic Calculator HERE tells you how much PET material is needed in the space to control the echo. From there it is a design choice.

Add PET baffles, wall tiles, desk dividers, or art work.

I am here to walk you through the process.

Solving acoustics issues is really fun because it truly makes a difference. People can focus better and this improves privacy and productivity.

FAMILY UPDATE

Javier is 21 and a senior at the University of Arkansas. He plans to go to law school after graduation. We enjoyed having him home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Lucy is a senior in high school and we are taking it all in. I am thrilled to report she has been accepted to Texas A&M and plans to study Education. We are headed to Orlando for her last cheer competition next week.

ANIMATE BY OE ELECTRICS

A faster, often cheaper way to add power

Adding new outlets sounds simple until you do it…

Permits.
Contractors.
Downtime.
Flooring disruption.
Scheduling around classes or business hours.
And the sneaky costs that appear once walls or floors are opened.

Battery-based power lets teams add capacity quickly where demand already exists.

No trenching. No floor boxes. No waiting for the next shutdown window.

Many customers start small: a pilot in high-demand areas like libraries, meeting zones, or collaboration hubs. Then they scale once usage proves itself.

That incremental approach is often far easier to justify than committing upfront to permanent infrastructure that may not match how the space will evolve.

More info HERE

VIEW UPDATED WEBSITE HERE

IIDA UPCOMING EVENTS

2/11 MergeWorks Showroom and Factory Tour

Happy Hour and Valentines Day Craft

VIA SEATING PRICING UPDATES

Spec-It Updates:

The Indoor price list in Spec-It is live. LINK
Outdoor product pricing updates on Spec-It, TBD. In the meantime, pricing has been zeroed-out. For pricing on outdoor products, please use the 2026 price book here or contact customer service.
Spec-It is still fine to use for imagery.

Design Tools: CET/2020/Configura's Spec Updates

All price adjustments will be updated in CET and Cyncly 2020 (CAP, GIZA & Worksheet) releases live January 28. In the meantime, pricing is zeroed out.

Please take this quick survey from IIDA San Antonio City Center LINK

MERGEWORKS DESK DIVIDERS

Less Distraction. Better Focus.

A fast, flexible way to bring privacy and focus to the desk.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into workstations, height-adjustable tables, and shared desks, our desk dividers offer multiple sizes, materials, and customization options.

Easy to specify and simple to install, they’re an easy add-on for most projects. Configure HERE

Watch the video HERE to see our desk divider options

Thank you so much for trusting me with your projects in furniture, acoustics, and power. I look forward to a wonderful 2026, and am only a phone call, email or text away!

Kristen Benavides

call, text, or email

210-861-2801

kristen@kbandcotx.com

www.kbandcotx.com