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/