Special Recognition for Support of
Council & Charitable Endeavors Award
Paula Badalamente – IMAGIO
Just shy of celebrating 40 years in business, the automotive supplier that Paula Badalamente helped build was forced to close due to an economic downturn. Starting just out of high school and progressing to Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the company, the closing of the business she had worked in for 31 years was difficult. “The owner of the company, Jim Decker, was a dear friend and mentor who taught me about business,” said Paula. “Jim said that his business closing would give me an opportunity to do something wonderful. He was right. Founding IMAGIO Glass Design with Mike Trego in 2011 was that ‘something wonderful’ and it wouldn’t have been possible without the knowledge I learned from Jim and his guidance and support.”
IMAGIO launched its beautiful and unique “Interchangeable” backsplash product under the name of Kitchen Palette at the 2012 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. “The response was incredible and gained us features on HGTV, DIY Network and other shows,” said Paula. “People loved the idea of being able to put art behind their stovetops that could be changed out.”
Today, IMAGIO has a proprietary process that enables them to place any image on their tempered, high-quality glass surface and uses it for complete solid glass backsplash installations. IMAGIO glass backsplashes are healthier, grout-free, withstand up to 750 degrees, and are easily cleaned with glass cleaner. “While we are experts in backsplashes, we’re also gaining a reputation for backlit glass walls such as the 180 ft. wall we did at the University of Michigan,” said Paula. “We also do fireplace surrounds, showers, decorative glass murals, wall panels, cabinet glass inserts and other items. We have the most amazing team, and we owe our success to them. It takes a team to make the dream.”
It was Jim Decker who urged Paula to get involved with I Care of Michigan. She has been the treasurer and an officer of I-Care since 1980. The non-profit organization helps families to resolve their immediate crisis needs by providing financial support and a speedy response, especially in situations where no other help exists.
“I am so passionate about I-Care,” said Paula. “I sit on the HBA Professional Women in Building board and was involved in the 2019 Design Challenge. I-Care was able to donate $1500 to Habitat for Humanity and assist several families for Christmas.” Paula also served as a Girl Scout leader for 11 years, passing on those lessons Jim taught her about leadership and empowering people.