Chris Slyman, President of Slyman Bros Appliances, Named to NKBA Thirty Under 30 Class of 2026
St. Louis (Dec. 17, 2025) — The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced its prestigious Thirty Under 30 Class of 2026, and among this year’s honorees is Chris Slyman, President of Slyman Bros Appliances, recognized for his innovative leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and commitment to community, Slyman joins an elite group of rising stars shaping the future of the kitchen and bath industry. The Thirty Under 30 class of 2026 will be celebrated at the 2026 KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) trade show in Orlando, Feb 17-19, 2026.
Chris has also been named a recipient of the St. Louis Business Journal’s notable 2025 “40 Under 40” Award, honoring the region’s most influential young leaders who are shaping the future of business and community.
Celebrating Leadership and Growth
Under Chris’s leadership, Slyman Bros Appliances, a third-generation family-owned retailer, is celebrating its 60th anniversary with remarkable expansion. Since assuming the presidency, Chris has driven significant revenue growth since 2022. His strategic initiatives have transformed the company into a regional powerhouse:
- B2B Expansion: Chris established a builder sales division supplying appliances to home builders and property managers. In 2025 alone, the company equipped over 1,000 new apartment units across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Arkansas.
- Showroom Evolution: He spearheaded major construction projects, expanding the South County showroom to 10,000 square feet and enhancing the West County location with immersive, interactive experiences.
- Luxury Partnerships: Slyman Bros secured exclusive retailer status for Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Cove, elevating its reputation as a destination for premium appliances.
- E-Commerce & Logistics: Chris optimized online operations and logistics, ensuring faster delivery times than Amazon Prime and same-day pick-up options at the company’s distribution center.
- Expanded First Store Location Out of St. Louis: For the first time in the company’s 60-year-history, Slyman Bros opened its first store and warehouse outside of St. Louis in Columbia, Mo in November.
Passion for Industry and Community
Chris’s influence extends beyond business metrics. He is deeply committed to advancing the kitchen and bath industry while giving back to the St. Louis community:
- Awards & Recognition: Slyman Bros has consistently earned accolades, including Best Appliance Dealer by St. Louis Magazine’s A-List (2019–2025) and Best Appliance Store and Best Customer Service by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch STL Headliner Awards (2022-2025).
- Community Engagement: Chris has championed youth athletics through sponsorships with the St. Louis Youth Soccer Association (SLYSA) and St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club, fostering teamwork and healthy lifestyles. He also partnered with the March of Dimes 2025 Signature Chefs Auction, donating a luxury Wolf range to support maternal and infant health initiatives.
- Innovation: Chris launched the Slyman Preferred Partner Program, a referral initiative rewarding designers, remodelers, and builders. This program is one of the few of its kind nationwide, setting a new standard for collaboration in the industry.
A Visionary Leader
Chris Slyman embodies the core values of the NKBA Thirty Under 30 program: innovation, leadership, and passion. His ability to balance business growth with community impact has positioned him as a role model for peers and future leaders. As he joins the Class of 2026, Chris looks forward to networking with fellow honorees and continuing to elevate the kitchen and bath industry.
“Being named to the NKBA Thirty Under 30 is an incredible honor,” said Chris Slyman. “This recognition reflects not only my journey but also the dedication of the entire Slyman Bros team. Together, we are committed to delivering excellence to our customers and giving back to the community that has supported us for six decades.”
About Slyman Bros Appliances
Founded in St. Louis in 1965 by brothers Bob and Harry Slyman, Slyman Bros Appliances has grown into a recognized leader in premium appliances and service. Now with six locations—including its newest in Columbia, MO—the company remains family-owned and operated, dedicated to ensuring every customer enjoys a memorable buying experience. To learn more, please visit, https://slymanbros.com.