BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation national sales manager Bob Johnson was recently honored by KB Home, one of America's premier homebuilders, with its first-ever Michael Ulinski Leadership Award. Presented at the KB Home Strategic Supplier Conference, the award recognizes Johnson's leadership in the appliance industry, as well as in the building industry. According to KB Home, the Michael Ulinski Leadership Award is considered to be the uppermost honor for its suppliers. A 25-year veteran at Masco Corporation, Ulinski was a well-respected leader in the building industry. He received the KB Home supplier leadership award October 2008 before passing away in August 2009. KB Home decided to rename its supplier leadership award in his memory, recognizing a strategic supplier who shares the same leadership qualities as Ulinski. "Michael Ulinski will always be held in high regard in our industry and it's a great testament to Bob Johnson's leadership skills for him to receive this award," said Daniel Bridleman, vice president, national contracts and studio for KB Home. "Whether it's helping us find innovative ways to solve problems, reduce costs or better meet the needs of our homebuyers, he always puts KB Home first." In 2008, Johnson and the KB Home team implemented a program to ensure that every new KB home features only ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. "This is a major honor for our team and a well deserved award for Bob's success in representing Whirlpool Corporation to KB Home," said Tom Halford, general manager, contract sales and marketing at Whirlpool Corporation. The award also further reinforces the strong relationship Whirlpool Corporation has had with KB Home since 1993.
