Articles written by Chris Berl
Articles written by
Chris Berl

Stainless Steel Grab Bars: The Complete Guide for Commercial Spaces

Safety, accessibility, and durability are the hallmarks of stainless steel grab bars, making them indispensable for commercial environments like restrooms, showers, and healthcare facilities. At Berl’s, we offer only the best, ADA-compliant accessories. These grab bars combine robust construction with customization options, ensuring long-lasting performance and aesthetic appeal. Here’s what you need to know about mounting methods, finishes, sizes, shapes, and the importance of proper installation.

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Why Excel Dryer’s Sustainable Hand Dryers Beat Paper Towels as the Future of Eco-Friendly Hand Drying According to a New Life Cycle Assessment

A recent Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by independent consultancy TrueNorth Collective reveals that sustainable hand dryers—specifically those manufactured by industry leader Excel Dryer—significantly outperform paper towels in reducing environmental impact. The study found that Excel hand dryers can reduce carbon footprint by up to 94% compared to paper towels.

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Low Flow Faucets: Features & Benefits for Commercial Facilities

Commercial buildings use thousands of gallons of water every day, and a surprising amount of it flows through restroom and break room faucets. As utility costs climb and sustainability benchmarks tighten, more facilities teams are turning to low-flow faucets as a practical way to cut waste without disrupting operations. These fixtures may not be flashy, but the right spec can drive long-term savings, simplify compliance, and support better water management across your property.

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A Complete Guide to Commercial Restroom Renovation: Meeting Restroom Requirements

Renovating or building a commercial restroom requires careful planning and consideration to ensure functionality, compliance, and a positive user experience. Whether you’re upgrading outdated facilities or starting from scratch, addressing essential restroom requirements is key to creating a safe, accessible, and efficient space.

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How Many Hand Dryers Per Toilet: A Comprehensive Guide

Determining the appropriate number of hand dryers for a bathroom involves considering several factors that can significantly influence usage and efficiency. Here are some key considerations to help make this decision:

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New Elkay Filtered Bottle Filling Stations

When it comes to innovation in hydration, Elkay is a name synonymous with quality and forward-thinking design. Their latest line of filtered bottle filling stations takes things to the next level, offering new features, enhanced functionality, and a sleek look tailored to modern needs. These stations cater to schools, offices, recreational facilities, and public spaces, providing a sustainable and hygienic way to keep everyone hydrated. If you’re looking for an upgrade that combines convenience, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, Elkay’s new offerings are worth exploring.

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When are Drinking Fountains Required? A Comprehensive Guide

Discover when drinking fountains are required, how many are needed, and compliance tips. Ensure public health and accessibility with our comprehensive guide.

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Creating Vandal-Resistant Bathrooms

Discover strategies to create vandal-resistant bathrooms, including design tips, anti-vandalism technologies anf fixtures, and maintenance practices to keep public restrooms safe and functional.

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Types of Bathroom Partition Materials

When it comes to selecting the right bathroom partition material for your facility, it's essential to consider factors such as durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetics. Each material has its unique benefits and is suited for different environments. In this article, we'll explore the various types of bathroom partitions to help you determine the best material for your needs.

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ADA Compliant Restroom Guidelines

Ensuring your restrooms meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards is essential for creating accessible and inclusive public spaces. ADA compliant restrooms not only meet legal requirements but also provide a safer and more convenient environment for all users. This article will explore key aspects of ADA compliance, from general requirements to specific dimensions and layouts.

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Hand Dryers vs Paper Towels: Pros and Cons

If you're considering paper towels vs hand dryers for your space, read our comparison. Determine what's more suitable with electric hand dryers vs paper towels.

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Berl's Thunder Road Warehouse Groundbreaking

Going to Thunder Road!

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About Chris Berl

Christopher Berl is the CEO and President of Berl’s Commercial Supply, and the Managing Director of Bavada, Ltd. Chris is an expert in hand dryers, restroom accessories and drinking fountains.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics, Chris got his start in the field of commercial equipment, fixtures and accessories on the buy-side as a restaurant owner in Rhode Island in the 1990’s. Chris started, outfitted and ran several food establishments at that time, including the Newport Coffee Grinder and the Newport Fruit and Smoothie Company.

From there, Chris attended the Darden School of Business as a full-time MBA, receiving his Masters in 2001. Chris then moved to the sell side of the commercial industry while working at United Technologies (now Raytheon, Carrier and Otis) in the fields of Industrial Efficiency, Business Development, M&A and Sales and Marketing.

Eventually, Chris became the VP of Sales and Marketing at World Dryer Corporation, one of the major hand dryer and restroom accessory companies in the world, and was instrumental in the buy-out of that corporation from Carrier Corp. As the number two at World Dryer, Chris was involved not only in Sales and Marketing, but also product development and design. During his tenure at Word Dryer, Chris dove deeper into hand dryers, commercial restroom accessories and drinking fountains, and is now considered one of the foremost experts in those fields.

In 2008, Chris Berl founded Berl’s Commercial Supply in the US, and Bavada Ltd in Europe, to provide restroom accessories, drinking fountains and plumbing products world-wide. Chris has gained years of in-depth experience, working for both companies, in the products they sell.

As the owner of Norrible LLC, Chris also has experience owning and developing industrial warehouses and so has lived, first-hand, the decisions that property owners and managers must make when choosing building materials and fixtures.

In addition to his expertise in commercial restrooms and commercial building fixtures and accessories, Chris was previously a member of the United States Rowing Team, rowing for the US at three World Championships and achieving a bronze medal.

Christopher lives in North Carolina and Massachusetts. His wife, Elizabeth (Lou) Berl, is a collegiate rowing coach. They have three brilliant daughters who text them pictures of restroom accessories wherever they go.