Volume 7 / Issue 1 • Quarter 1, 2014 • Single Issue $14.95
Industry Forecast 2014 Page 20 Advanced Stone Marketing Strategies Page 28 Growth — The Double-edged Sword Page 30 Fabricator Profile: Surface Link Page 32
New Colors & Materials Spotlight The latest in the surfacing world Page 14
Circle RS#01 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
ISFA Member since 1997
CREDITS Letters to the Editor
Photography
Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or fax to (412) 487-3269 attention: Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferably an email address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow. org or mail to ISFA, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or fax to (412) 487-3269 attention: Editor.
Photography/graphics provided by: Cosentino, Jeff Baumgaurt, Stone Marketing Systems and Surface Link.
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor. If you have questions about the magazine, or would like to make a comment, or voice an opinion about the magazine, ISFA, or the industry in general, please feel free to write to us.
Photos in this publication may not depict proper safety procedures for creative purposes. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces support the use of proper safety procedures in all cases and urge readers to take steps to institute such procedures.
Magazine Credits
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Contacting ISFA
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About This Magazine
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Phone: (412) 487-3207 Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 Fax: (412) 487-3269 editor@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth “Buyers Guide” issue publishing in September. Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces are available at the nonmember “newsstand” price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is also available by individual subscription at the following rates: ISFA nonmembers, one year (five issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year free with every membership renewal. Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States. Call for details. To subscribe, call (877) 464-7732. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without publisher’s written permission. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. For change of address, please include old label with new information, including both old and new zip codes. Allow 3-6 weeks for address change to take effect. Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Gibsonia, Pa., post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers.
Dave Paxton, President Mike Langenderfer, Immediate Past President Mell Hill, Vice President Erica Hussey, Treasurer Adam Albee, Secretary
Mike Woods, Director Kate Dillenburg, Director Ryan Miller, Director John Hansen, Associate Member Representative Jeff Smith, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Staff
Chuck Sawyer, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Communications Director and Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Mike Nolan, Education Director Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative Paula Goncz, Administrative Assistant & Registrar Keith Haight, Project Manager
Cover Photo
The new Dekton material from Cosentino (pictured here in the color Danae, which is in Dekton's Natural Collection) is one of many new materials and colors that has come out recently or will be available in the near future. Read the full story on Page 14.
Postmaster: Send address change to Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 3
CONTENTS
Features 14 New Colors and Materials Spotlight
A look at the latest in the surfacing world
20 Industry Outlook 2014 Economists and indicators all point toward a positive year 28 Advanced Stone Marketing Strategies for Those Who Want More Profits Lessons for leveraging your current assets 30 Growth — The Double-edged Sword
14
Tips for managing the move up
32 Fabricator Profile: Surface Link
How focusing on repairs has led to success for this unique surfacing company
Departments 6 From the Editor 8 Guest Editorial
20
10 Management Matters 11 Calendar of Events 12 Industry News 13 Education Connection 26 From the President 36 ISFA News 41 ISFA Fabricator Directory
28
30
32 4 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
46 Product News 49 Reader Service Form 50 Classifieds/Ad Index
Circle RS#02 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
ISFA Member since 2000
From the Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director
With Spring Comes Hope I’ve had my fill of shoveling snow, salting the driveway, school closings
exhibiting there over the past few years were back in full force. IBS and
mid-February, and the tease of spring is just around the corner.
big thing to improve their businesses and eager exhibitors with new
and discussions about the “Polar Vortex.” As I write this editorial, it is
I hope by the time you are reading this the below-freezing temperatures
StonExpo were similarly full of enthusiastic people looking for the next products to help them accomplish that.
and immense snowfalls many of us endured this winter are a thing of the
At the shows I spoke with numerous fabricators, as I do all the time,
days until spring arrives.
everywhere I go, whether it is a networking event, educational seminar,
past. I know that I, for one, will not miss them. I’m counting down the
This time of year, as the snow begins to show signs of melting away, the days start to grow longer and the dream of greener landscapes begins
to return, I always start feeling hopeful. But this year, I think it is not just the dissipation of a long, hard winter that has my spirits up, but also a general feeling that things are improving all-around that has me in an optimistic mood.
Every year in the first issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces
magazine I put together a look ahead at the industry and try to gauge whether it is going to be a year full of challenges or opportunities (or
sometimes both). I spend a lot of time looking at a variety of factors that may indicate what to expect, as well as researching what a number of
economists and experts on this or that subject are saying. Then I try to
distill it into a few pages that you can easily digest for the betterment of your business (see Industry Outlook 2014 on Page 20).
Needless to say, over the past half dozen years this has been an
exercise in pain. However, last year we started to see things turn around and it looks like 2014 will follow suit.
But, a forecast is just an educated guess and it should be kept in mind
that a variety of factors — international, regional and local — can affect the overall situation, or just the situation in a given area. That said, though, I believe things are really looking up.
and there is hardly a naysayer to be found among them. It seems
trade show or even the local hardware store, things are really starting to look up. And everyone I talk to lately, whether it’s a machinery manufacturer, a material or equipment supplier, a distributor or a
fabricator, are all abuzz with renewed vigor and hope for a positive and productive year — and that’s in spite of the harsh winter that typically brings depression rather than positivity.
Another opinion that I hold in high regard is that of Aaron Crowley,
an author and speaker who runs a stone business and really knows his
stuff. In his article in this issue on growth (it’s been awhile since that has been a popular subject), he shares his belief that things are booming
and even makes a case that fabricators should not let their growth go unchecked (see Growth — A Double-edged Sword on Page 30). If you have to have a problem, that is a good one to have.
I hope you are feeling as optimistic as I am about 2014 and the
approaching spring that is just around the corner. After all, spring has
long signified rebirth, renewal and hope, but this year I think it is even more so. Of course, with all of the volatility that has been playing out over the past several years, certainty anything having to do with the economy is a difficult thing. But, one can hope … As always, I look forward to your feedback. Sincerely,
If you recently attended the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS),
StonExpo or the International Builder Show (IBS), you certainly have
some anecdotal evidence as to the signs of improvement. I just returned from KBIS last week, and by attendance standards, the show seemed to be quite a success. And, many of the companies that had not been
6 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher kevin@isfanow.org
Circle RS#03 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Guest Editorial Set Up to Succeed
Transitioning leadership in a family-owned business to the next generation through the fine art of communication By Jeff Schurman, CAE
Trouble is, those considering retirement may balk
As predictably happens in the wake of
finished learning its many intricacies. At the same
economic downturns, the ensuing recovery prompts many small business owners to hand over the reins of power to the next generation and retire. Or maybe not. Although convinced they’ve placed their life’s work in capable hands—the new CEO may have grown up working in the shop—the now-former CEO may feel it necessary to hang around to help out. What happens next can drive the creative juices, and potentially the new CEO, right out the door. Young people today prefer to learn as they go. And they want to be treated as adults. Think about it. The Millennial Generation, or Millennials as they’re known, is the population demographic coming of age at just the right time to take the controls of your business as we move past the Great Recession. This is good, because the cohort, born between the early 1980s and early 2000s, was brought up teaching themselves to master information technology, the Internet and smartphones. The previous generation introduced the remote control; this one knows intuitively how to use it.
In Memoriam
at handing over their business to one who’s not time, for the new leader, having Mom or Dad
looking over their shoulder can be, well, annoying. Some liken it to a flashback to childhood. They’d prefer to communicate adult-to-adult rather than parent-to-child—and from a few retirement
communities away. Intergenerational conflicts like these need to be addressed upfront by clarifying
and separating key ownership and CEO roles and responsibilities. And get it in writing.
The CEO should be granted complete control of
business operations, albeit subject to the direction of the owner or ownership group. This gives the
CEO space to operate but within the framework of the owners' vision for the firm. For its part, the
ownership group should be responsible to set the direction for the organization, hire the CEO and monitor his or her performance against
quantifiable measures. Such separation of powers works well in large corporations. Bylaws grant the board leadership and oversight duties yet limiting the board’s role in operating the enterprise.
Operational matters remain the realm of the chief executive officer. Small businesses should adopt a similar protocol.
The ISFA Staff and Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to remember Michael Reis, Editor & Associate Publisher of Stone World magazine, who passed suddenly on Feb. 7 at the age of 43 while vacationing in Jamaica. Reis served at the magazine for more than 20 years and was known as a staunch advocate of the stone industry. He received numerous awards and recognitions from various stone-related organizations and his passing is a loss not only to his family and friends, but to all who work in the natural stone trades. ISFA would like to express its deepest sympathies to his loved ones. Cards and letters of condolence may be sent to: Alex Bachrach Stone World 210 Route 4 East, Suite 203 Paramus, NJ 07652 8 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Getting agreements in writing is important to a successful intergenerational leadership transition. But it doesn’t assure success. For all involved in a small family-owned business, nothing works better to keep the business—and the family— together than clear interpersonal communications. Communication, both formal and informal, is so important in relationships that it is wise to spend some extra time working on this aspect of the business. And don’t overlook that good listening skills play a large role in effectively communicating with others. Your high school English teacher was right: Clear communication is vital to clear understanding. About the Author: Jeff Schurman, CAE, is a leadership and organizational development consultant at Leading Causes, LLC. He has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. Previously, Jeff served for a decade as the executive director of a trade association in the housing finance industry. He holds a master's degree in Leadership and Liberal Studies from Duquesne University a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from La Roche College. He can be reached at jeff@leadingcauses.com.
Circle RS#05 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Management Matters From the desk of Jon Olson
Selling Solid Surface as a Kitchen Countertop If you are offering solid surface countertops, it’s
Speaking of colors, consumers spend quite a bit
can be a challenge right now. There are several
Naturally, countertops are a big part of the color
no secret that selling in the residential market
of time choosing colors for their homes.
reasons for that. Some say the price tag is too
picture. This is where solid surface really shines.
high. Others say granite is what many people are
There are hundreds of colors to choose from.
asking for. Still others would say it’s because of
Sometimes we joke about the large amount of
the amount of competition. If you let these
new colors that come out each year, but there’s
reasons become hurdles, then selling solid
a reason for that. Color trends are always
surface tops could seem very difficult. Let’s look
changing and people change, too. Colors that
at some ways to jump over the hurdles and
worked 10 years ago may seem tired and dated
make these important sales.
today. Solid surface has the advantage of being able to keep up with these changes. Sell that to
The best way to sell anything is to know your
your customers. Work with color. You will be the
product and to be aware of trends pertaining to it. So what do we know about solid surface as a product?
Photo courtesy of Jeff Baumgart
designer or fabricator everyone goes to. Also, be sure to take the time to do your
First, it is a scratch-resistant, heat-resistant,
Displaying a coved backsplash in a showroom is a great selling tool.
growth of mold and mildew when cleaned
stop with your countertop? Every kitchen
social media. It’s vital to gather information to be
should have a cove backsplash top for
Selling solid surface is becoming easier. One
nonporous surface that will not support the properly. Also, it has inconspicuous or invisible seams. And because of solid
surface’s workability it can be crafted like no other surface.
showroom that has a solid surface display customers to appreciate. When you think
about selling tools, this is an investment that will bring results.
Every kitchen showroom that has a solid surface display should have a cove backsplash top for customers to appreciate. When you think about selling tools, this is an investment that will bring results.
same way. Let’s stop and think about that.
Consumers pay for the beautiful crown and
cabinets to look custom, so why should you 10 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
clients. It’s all about the color. Clients want to
large radiuses and drop-down end panels on an
Another designer said, “I can’t believe when I
imagination go wild on designs. Curvy tops,
island can all be done with other surfaces. But with solid surface it’s much easier to do, thus
lowering fabrication cost. You can have a great
Things are trending really well right now in favor
kitchen, a solid surface top can be fitted the
used to work doesn’t fit the design needs of my
A fabricator told me, “Today’s kitchen styles are
Think about a cove backsplash with a scribe
has been coped to fit and follow any wall in the
designer told me, “It’s time for a change. What
With solid surface, you can really let your
Let’s look at trends.
gobs of silicone. Just like the crown molding that
successful in the solid surface world.
stand out. They need different options.”
Here’s an example:
spectacular. You see no large visible gaps or
design shows, trade shows, or my favorite,
Here’s another example of knowing the product:
design and stay within budget.
strip. The way it fits against the wall is just
homework on what’s trending. Use magazines,
of solid surface. Years ago if you wanted to
stand out you had to have a granite top, but that is changing. Homeowners are looking for
something different. The styles are trending in
kitchen designs to a cleaner, contemporary look.
Contemporary means more solid colors, such as whites, grays and blacks. And solid surface can deliver that look.
becoming more understated and neutral." show the solid surface how much enthusiasm there is for it.” So prepare yourself. With a well-prepared presentation of both the product and how trends affect design, there isn’t anything that can hold you back from selling solid surface. About the Author Jon Olson works for DuPont as a key account consultant for Corian and Zodiaq surfaces in New England and has more than 30 years' involvement in the solid surface industry, with experience in all aspects of fabrication and sales. He is the past recipient of ISFA’s Fabricator of the Year and Innovator Awards and can be reached at jonathan.m.olson@ dupont.com.
Calendar of Events SFA Workshop March 6 – 7 Mobile, Ala.
Braxton-Bragg Polishing Pro Training
March 11 – 13 Knoxville, Tenn. (877) 493-0205
Regent Stone Products Engineered Stone & Granite Repair Course
March 13 – 14 Virginia Beach, Va. (800) 624-8210
MIA Stone Summit March 20 Raleigh, N.C. (440) 250-9222
Braxton-Bragg Lavina Training & Certification March 25 – 26 Knoxville, Tenn. (877) 493-0205
ISFA Total Fabricator Training – Stone/Quartz Hosted by Alpha Tools April 7 – 9 Oakland, N.J. (877) 464-7732 paula@isfanow.org MIA Stone Summit
April 17 Edison, N.J. (440) 250-9222
ISFA Business Boot Camp April 22 – 23 Pittsburgh, Pa. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org Coverings 2014
April 29 – May 2 Las Vegas, Nev. (703) 683-8500
MIA Stone Summit May 14 Toronto, Ontario Canada (440) 250-9222
ISFA Total Fabricator Training – Solid Surface May 19 – 22 Morganton, N.C. (877) 464-7732 paula@isfanow.org Carrara Marmotec 2014
May 21 – 24 Merina di Carrara, Italy +39 0585-787-6022
Braxton-Bragg Fab King Training May 27 Knoxville, Tenn. (877) 493-0205
IWF 2014 (with new Countertops Pavilion) Aug. 20 – 23 Atlanta, Ga. (404) 693-8333
Regent Stone Products Engineered Stone ISFA Total Fabricator Training – & Granite Repair Course Solid Surface June 5 – 6 Sept. 15 – 18 Virginia Beach, Va. Morganton, N.C. (800) 624-8210 (877) 464-7732 paula@isfanow.org SFA Workshop June 12 – 13 Portage, Mich.
MIA Stone Summit
June 19 Dulles, Va. (440) 250-9222
ISFA Total Fabricator Training –
Stone/Quartz Hosted by Alpha Tools June 23 – 25 Las Vegas, Nev. (877) 464-7732 paula@isfanow.org SFA Workshop July 10 – 12 Kernersville, N.C.
ISFA Total Fabricator Training – Solid Surface July 14 – 17 Morganton, N.C. (877) 464-7732 paula@isfanow.org ISFA Total Fabricator Training – Stone/Quartz Hosted by Alpha Tools Aug. 4 – 6 Oakland, N.J. (877) 464-7732 paula@isfanow.org SFA Workshop
Aug. 7 – 8 Liberty Lake, Wash.
ISFA CEO Roundtable Aug. 19 Atlanta, Ga. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org Countertops Symposium
Aug. 19 Atlanta., Ga. (404) 693-8333
MIA Stone Summit
Sept. 19 Waite Park, Minn. (440) 250-9222
Canada Woodworking East Sept. 26 – 27 Montreal, Quebec Canada (888) 454-7469
Concrete Décor Show Oct. 1 – 3 Ft. Worth, Texas (877) 935-8906
ISFA Total Fabricator Training – Stone/Quartz Hosted by Alpha Tools Oct. 6 – 8 Las Vegas, Nev. (877) 464-7732 paula@isfanow.org StonExpo/Surfaces/TileExpo East Oct. 19 – 22 Miami Beach, Fla. (866) 550-6808
ISFA Annual Member Meeting Oct. 24 Miami Beach, Fla. (877) 464-7732 gatherings@isfanow.org MIA Stone Summit
Nov. 6 Tempe, Ariz. (440) 250-9222
MIA Stone Summit
Nov. 11 Anaheim, Calif. (440) 250-9222
Submit your event for consideration in our Calendar by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 11
In the Industry Wilsonart Exclusive Distributor for Antimicrobial Eos in 38 States Wilsonart is now the exclusive distributor of Antimicrobial Cupron Enhanced EOS Surfaces in 38 U.S. states. The copper-enhanced material kills greater than 99.9 percent of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria within two hours of exposure and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Public Health Claims. “Cupron Enhanced EOS Surfaces is the first synthetic hard surface proven to kill specific disease-causing bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),” stated Joseph Elia, Wilsonart Solid Surface Sales Manager. “With Cupron Enhanced EOS Surfaces, our sales force will be able to provide expanded options and substantial healthcare solutions to healthcare organizations, architects and healthcare consultants among others.”
MIA Announces New Board of Directors The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has announced the results of its board of directors' election. David Carnevale, president of Carnevale & Lohr, of Bell Gardens, Calif., Brenda Edwards, owner/general manager of TexaStone Quarries of Garden City, Texas, and Robert Zavagno Jr., president of Cleveland Marble Mosaic Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, have been elected by the MIA membership to serve five-year terms. Carnevale will represent Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Edwards will represent Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Zavagno fills an at-large position.
NSF, Natural Stone Council Develop Stone Sustainability Standard NSF International and the Natural Stone Council (NSC) have developed NSC 373 Sustainability Assessment for Natural Dimension Stone. It establishes criteria for sustainable development aspects of stone production while defining environmental requirements for stone quarrying and production. Under NSC 373, the NSF Sustainability Division will evaluate natural stone quarrying and fabrication operations in several key impact categories, including water, transportation, site management, land reclamation and adaptive reuse, and management of excess process materials and waste. Certification to NSC 373 is based 12 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Bio-Glass — Interior Innovation Award Winner 2014 Topaz Blue, the latest color of Coverings ETC’s Bio-Glass designed by Ofer Mizrahi, was bestowed the Interior Innovation Award, an international design award of the German Design Council. The annual awards recognize outstanding design in the home furnishings industry. Bio-Glass received the “Interior Innovation Award - Winner 2014” distinction in the “Wall, Floor, Ceiling” products category. on point totals to achieve Bronze, Silver, Gold
slabs measure 120 in. long by 55 in. wide, and
periodic re-evaluation is required to maintain
3cm. Diresco has been operating out of Belgium
or Platinum level certification. Monitoring and
certification. When finalized as an ANSI standard, it is expected to assist in acceptance of NSC 373 by trade and sustainability stakeholders.
Full certification for stone products will be
achieved through a combination of NSC 373
certification for quarries and processors along with chain of custody (NSC COC) compliance for the rest of the distribution chain. The NSC
COC program is currently in development and near completion.
Coverings Trade Show Celebrates 25th Anniversary
is available in three thicknesses: 1.2cm, 2cm or for numerous years, but is new to the United
States. Aetna will first introduce the product in the Chicago and Rockford, Ill., markets before
expanding into the other areas it services. Diresco USA, headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., plans to offer its quartz surfacing material in several other major U.S. cities within the next two years.
U.S. Green Building Council Launches LEED v4 The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v4, the newest version of
the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
The Coverings tile and stone exposition and
Design green-building ratings program. It is
at this year’s show from April 29 to May 2 at
in five years. The update builds upon the
showcases new products, tools and machinery
and also offers a new system that readies all
opportunities and training and education on an
levels. Highlights of LEED v4 include new market
techniques for distributors, contractors,
distribution centers, hospitality, existing schools,
official anniversary party on April 30 to honor
simplified LEED credit submittal requirements
will receive a 25th anniversary commemorative
materials; and new impact categories, such as
conference is celebrating its 25th anniversary
the first major revision to the ratings program
the Las Vegas Convention Center. The expo
fundamentals established in previous versions
and provides certification programs, networking
LEED projects in a portfolio to perform at higher
array of topics from design trends to installation
sectors such as data centers, warehouses and
installers and others. The show will host an
existing retail and mid-rise residential projects;
this milestone. Additionally, show attendees
and descriptive step-by-step reference guide
collectible at the show.
climate change, human health, water resources,
Aetna Plywood to Distribute Diresco Quartz Surfacing
natural resources.
biodiversity, green economy, community and
Aetna Plywood, based in Maywood, Ill., is now
Klingspor Offers New Catalog
Surfacing in the Midwest United States. Aetna
Catalog. The catalog features the company’s
Indiana and Minnesota and services 15 states.
sheets, rolls, specialty abrasives and tools, as
in polished or honed finish in 26 colors and
catalog is available upon request.
the exclusive distributor for Diresco Quartz
Klingspor introduced its new 2014 Woodworking
Plywood operates out of four locations in Illinois,
full range of abrasive materials — belts, discs,
The Diresco quartz surfacing product comes
well as, reference information. The full color
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
Education Connection The ISFA Continuing Education Program ISFA is pleased to announce that it has been
The ISFA Continuing
for the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
has four levels of
approved as a provider of continuing education Continuing Education System.
ISFA is also pleased to announce that it already has five sponsors for the program: Aetna
Plywood; Cosentino; Diresco; Dixie Plywood and Lumber Company; and Meganite.
The Continuing Education System was developed by the AIA to:
1. Support life-long professional learning for AIA Members
2. Record member participation in education for AIA membership
3. Provide members opportunities to meet their MCE requirements
As an Approved Provider for the AIA
Continuing Education System (CES), ISFA has
participants:
company who, through their financial support,
helps with the development and execution of ISFA’s Continuing Education Program.
CONTRIBUTING MEMBER: An ISFA member company who provides personnel
resources and content for
the development of specific
courses for ISFA’s Continuing Education Program.
SUPPORTING MEMBER:
ISFA members. ISFA is responsible for the
who, through their financial
the point-of-contact for the AIA and other
development and execution of ISFA’s Continuing
continuing education programs. The ongoing
MEMBER: An ISFA member company who
courses through a program with participating
An ISFA Fabricator member
coordination of the CEU efforts, plus provides
support, helps with the
professional organizations that conduct
Education Program
responsibility of ISFA, with guidance from
program participants. ISFA will also train and register presenters who will be qualified to
deliver approved courses on behalf of ISFA. There are currently three courses approved for the AIA CES:
ADA for the Decorative Surfaces Industry — Course #ISFA13G4101 – 1 LU/HSW
Solid Surface Design Basics — Course #ISFA13SS1101 – 1 LU/HSW
Understanding & Using the ISFA Quartz
Standard — Course #ISFA13Q1103 – 1 LU/HSW
Figure 1
SPONSOR: An ISFA member
developed content for a variety of approved
administration of the CEU programs is the
In
Education Program
desires to participate in ISFA’s Continuing
Education Program by providing trained and
registered presenters capable of delivering ISFA educational programs
Participants in the program will be able to
present approved continuing education courses as representatives of ISFA.
Because AIA and other organizations have
specific requirements concerning the content,
structure and presenters for CEU classes, ISFA
Figure 2 order to be able to use ISFA continuing education content, members will need to participate in the program through one of the categories indicated in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, there will be a number of benefits associated with participating in the ISFA Continuing Education Program. For information concerning the ISFA Continuing Education Program or to request an application for participation, please contact Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@isfanow.org or Paula Goncz at Paula@ isfanow.org or by phone at (877) 464-7732.
ISFA CE Program Sponsors:
will supervise and conduct the development
of content for approved classes. ISFA will also organize, train and register individuals who
will be qualified and approved to deliver ISFA
Other courses are already in the works, such
continuing education content in accordance
Surface, which is being worked on by Andrew
programs in which ISFA participates. See Figure
as Advanced Fabricating Techniques for Solid
with the necessary requirements of the various
Dreves of Fabricator Member Company A.S.S.T.
1 for the fees associated with this administration. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 13
New Colors and Materials Spotlight Abet Laminati
Stratificato, a decorative high pressure, self-supporting, compact laminate by Abet Laminati, is used for countertops, furniture, backsplashes, gym lockers, toilet partitions or any laminate application requiring extra strength, durability and design. With new colors and digital designs, it is offered in more than 500 colors and patterns, 30 finishes, eight sizes and various thicknesses. The surface is composed of decorative paper impregnated with melamine resin. Several colors in 12mm thicknesses are in stock in North America. Digital print is also possible — any design can be printed right on the surface. It is Greenguard certified and has low VOC emissions. Circle RS#25 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Avonite
Avonite Surfaces will be launching its new Symphony collection in April. The six new solid surface designs were inspired by the majesty of marble concert halls and opera houses, and named for the symphonic sounds that elevate the spirits within them. The unique patterns can also be custom-colored to perfectly match any design needs. The collection is reminiscent of natural stone, sharing the same random patterns and movement seen in nature. Unlike natural stone, however, solid surface is nonporous making it naturally hygienic.
14 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Avonite’s Right-Sized sheet can be optimized to fit
the demands of any project, creating added value by minimizing seams and waste.
Circle RS#26 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Brilliant Surfacing
Cordia Quartz Surface, from the
makers of Brilliant Solid Surface, is introducing six new colors this year. The new colors are Cloud
Gray, Cloud White, Pure White, Fine Slate, Bianco Carrara
and Noir St Laurent. Cordia is nonporous, making it highly
resistant to staining without the need for sealing, polishing or
reconditioning. It is also scratch-resistant and versatile. It
also comes with a manufacturer’s 10-year limited warranty. Circle RS#27 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Caesarstone
Inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful natural marble,
Caesarstone’s newest designs
represent the five new additions
to the Classico collection, all with a unique blend of earthy tones and delicately infused veins.
These new designs are all made using cutting‐edge technology
and are completely unique and exclusive to the Caesarstone
brand. The five designs include:
Frosty Carrina, a soft ivory white with delicate powdery gray veins; Dreamy Marfil, a blend of creamy beiges with gentle brown veins; London Gray, an opaque light gray with soft
charcoal veins; Piatra Gray, a slate gray with chalky white
veins; and Emperadoro, a fusion deep browns with maple colored veins. The new colors and design options have all the stain, scratch and water resistance qualities of quartz, making them suitable for kitchen countertops, backsplashes, vanities, wall linings and furniture.
Pacific, Mediterranean, Bering, Hudson and Atlantis, all available in the polished finish. As with all Silestone quartz products, the Ocean Series is nonporous and never needs to be sealed. It is easy to clean and has high scratch, stain and heat resistance.
Circle RS#28 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#29 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Cambria
Coverings ETC
Cambria introduced its new Galloway design, as part of the company’s new Coastal Collection of quartz surfacing. The Coastal Collection distinguishes itself by the grand and vast organic movement flowing throughout each design creating a masterful clashing of rock, sand and water. These designs illustrate a balance of neutral tones with striking variation and glistening streams. With its distinct appeal, the Coastal Collection creates a unique and dramatic look. Galloway is an amalgam of neutral tones; the white of a sun-bleached sail, the black of a steel anchor–with a spray of glittering gold. Although no two pieces are the same in their movements, the spirit and tonality of Galloway remains consistent. With the addition of the Coastal Collection and Galloway, the company’s design palette now offers 103 designs. Cambria will continue to develop and add designs to the Coastal Collection throughout 2014 and beyond. Circle RS#49 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Cosentino
Cosentino has released its new Dekton product and is also introducing its new Ocean Series of Silestone quartz surfacing. Dekton is an ultra-compact surface made from a mixture of inorganic raw materials Dekton found in glass, porcelain tile and natural quartz. The proprietary process by which it is made, Particle Sintering Technology (PST), uses extreme heat and pressure to create its technical characteristics. These include UV resistance for color stability outdoors, exceptional strength, very low water absorption, Silestone Ocean Collection and high resistance to impacts, scratches and abrasion for use in high-traffic areas. Dekton’s resistance to thermal shock enables the product to be used in any climate, creating potential for design to flow from the indoors to outdoor spaces. These unique characteristics make it suitable for flooring, countertops and bathrooms. It is available in 12 white, gray, black, and natural stone hues and in three polished, matte and slate finishes. It is made in large format slabs (126 by 56 in.), and available in three thicknesses: 1.2cm, 2cm and 3cm. The new Silestone Ocean Series is the most exotic Silestone color series available. The collection features six colors with bold patterns and a wide range of movement, offering a natural aesthetic similar to that of exotic granite. The series showcases unique veining, adding a distinctive look to any kitchen or bathroom, and includes the colors Arctic,
Topaz Blue is the latest color added to Covering ETC’s Bio-Glass collection. All of the Bio-Glass colors are 100 percent upcycled and made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled glass. Topaz Blue rounds out a roster of six colors including White Diamond, Oriental Jade, Fossil Amber, Malachite and Emerald Forest. The material is stainproof and scratch-resistant making it suitable for kitchen countertops, backsplashes, vanities, partitions, facades and wall coverings. It is available in sheet sizes measuring 110 by 49 in. and is ¾ in. thick. The layers of compressed glass within the panels allow for the retention and play of light, and no colorants, epoxies or resins are added during the manufacturing process. Circle RS#30 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Curava
Curava offers a slab material that contains sea shells and 100 percent recycled glass particulate and is resin-based. It comes in seven colors: Mocha, Toffee, Wheat, Arctic, Taupe, Lemongrass and Savaii. It is 3cm thick and is suitable for indoor use in countertops, vanity tops, table tops, and shower and tub surrounds. It is made in Italy, and is stain-, scratch- and heatresistant. The material has more than 30 percent recycled content, with 70 percent of that content being post-consumer. The majority of the recycled glass content comes from beer and wine bottles from landfills; window and windshield glass waste; and broken bottles from bottling plants. It contains no VOCs and may contribute toward LEED points. Circle RS#31 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Diamond Surfaces
Diamond Surfaces introduces a new solid surface color series, “Clear Q.” These colors feature clear chips combined with solid background colors. Many customers have expressed an interest in solid colors with quartz-like translucent chips to combine the appearance of quartz and the benefits of solid surface in one product. Not only can designers select one of our standard colors but almost any color can be duplicated for a unique custom look. Circle RS#32 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 15
New Colors and Materials Spotlight Domain Industries
cost-effective and desirable product, the company has developed a
colors to its Affinity Surfaces line of
The material is available in eight colors: Port Laurent, Mogano Provenza,
Domain Industries introduced 17 new
strong support program that provides proven methods of marketing.
solid surface material. These color
Marrone Giallastro, Caramello Rosato, Siena Matisse, Avorio Persa,
additions inspire a wide range of
Cremino Imperiale and Bianco Delicatus.
design ideas within the kitchen and
Circle RS#35 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
bath industry, focusing on unique
patterns found nowhere else. The Affinity collection boasts 69 colors in total, including 23 top-selling “Essentials” colors that cover more than 80 percent of the market demand for standard solid surface patterns. Affinity also
includes the “Surreal” Collection, a dramatically unique approach to solid surface.The new colors are as follows: (Essentials Collection) Rain; Frost;
Cream; Crest; Serenity; Eminent; Carbon; Mist; Terrain; Reflection; (Surreal Collection) Ethereal Snow; Natural Summit; Elision Rock; Sepia Stone; Radiant Basalt; Shimmering Coal (pictured here); and Celestial Azure. Circle RS#33 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
DuPont
Four new deep, rich and
more durable DuPont Corian
solid surface colors featuring Deep Color™ Technology
are now available. This new proprietary technology is
designed to deliver a product
with unique and greater depth
of color with improved heat tolerance, along with a 50 percent reduction in scratch appearance. The colors are Deep Night Sky, a midnight black with
a galaxy of translucent particles; Deep Nocturne, a classic jet black; Deep Black Quartz, a black landscape with an array of ivory specks; and Deep Antrhacite, a black base with minute flecks of silver.
DuPont is also working on a new wireless charging technology for
smartphones and tablets integrated into Corian solid surface worktops, a product of DuPont’s participation in the Power Matters Alliance. Circle RS#34 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Empatico
Because quartz surfacing is
gaining market share, Empatico
has developed a brand of quartz surfacing — QuartzNaturalZ — that resembles exotic granites. The Treasures of the World
Collection was created with many of the visual characteristics that
give exotics their beauty, but with the qualities inherent in quartz
surfacing. Empatico is a vertically
integrated manufacturing and marketing company that provides natural stone and quartz surfacing solutions. It is currently searching for and
interviewing surfacing professionals that have interest in supplementing and enhancing their current product offerings. QuartzNaturalZ will
provide another way to keep existing clients happy, gain new clients
and provide an additional profit center. In addition to providing a quality, 16 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Endurant
Endurant fortifies its washroom
systems against commercial demands offering customizable solutions to
keep them clean and safe without the pressure of constant maintenance. It does this by using its BioPrism solid surface product manufactured at its
headquarters in Wisconsin that uses a bio-resin blend and recycled content. Washrooms and sterile environments are constantly under siege from
mold and mildew—and it has been a never-ending crusade to keep these
areas clean. BioPrism solid surface was developed to rescue both
facility maintenance teams and building users from this battle. BioPrism is available in a number of finished products including shower and tub
surrounds, receptors, wall panels, privacy partitions, vanities and more. The material is antimicrobial and nonporous to prevent the growth of mold and mildew and developed with renewable materials, including
bio-content, so it’s a responsible choice for the planet. Wall panels can be hard seamed to minimize the number of areas for dirt to hide and can be produced in large sheet sizes to reduce the number of seams needed and the amount of waste going into landfills. Circle RS#36 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Formica
Formica Corporation has added four sweeping granites to its
best-selling 180fx Collection.
180fx laminate designs capture
the beautiful detail and veining of
exotic, high-end surfaces without sacrificing the maintenance-free
and affordable nature of laminate. The 2014 introduction includes
River Gold 180fx, a creamy-white
granite with linear veins of gold and
gray highlighted by chocolate-brown crystals; Lapidus Brown 180fx, a versatile and timeless granite that features gold tones and iron veining highlighted by creamy white crystals and gray and black pebbles;
Magma Black 180fx, a dramatic stone in which each slab appears as if
liquid lava has been poured over it; and Red Dragon 180fx, an exotic red with dramatic veining and gray crystals.
Formica also expanded its residential HPL collection of laminates with Premiumfx finishes in 2014 to include seven new patterns that answer
Hanwha
the trend for soft stones, white stones and non-traditional materials,
HanStone’s newest designs are making a big
including quartz-inspired designs. All Formica laminate patterns
impact on the quartz industry. The three new
are designed to minimize environmental impact and are available
designs are Fusion, with a natural white vein;
with IdealEdge profiles. Suitable for curved, clipped or 90-degree corner installations, IdealEdge decorative edges transcend the
Epic, with a stunning small vein; and Crimson,
customary limitations of laminate by eliminating flat edges and
a rich red. Hanstone quartz is manufactured in
brown seams.
In addition to expanded laminate offerings, Formica has introduced 13
new solid surfacing patterns, adding a new range of quartz-like patterns and some contemporary shimmer to the brand’s collection of smooth, seamless and nonporous solid surfacing products.
London, Ontario, in 54 distinct colors. Hanwha
also manufactures Hanex solid surface, which
offers a wide range of 69 industry trending colors and
patterns.
Circle RS#39 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#37 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Lamitech
Glass Recycled
Lamitech, the largest
Glass Recycled Surfaces,
manufacturer of high pressure
under new ownership, is
laminates in Latin America,
focusing on multifamily,
takes it to the limit with Big
hospitality and institutional
Scale Granites. Big, bold
installations. Offering turnkey
patterns make dramatic
casting, fabrication and
installation that rivals granite, Glass Recycled Surfaces is introducing a new “green”
building material to these expanding markets. Made in the USA and
extensively tested for performance, its modern, vibrant colors enhance and complement any color scheme.
Circle RS#38 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
statements showcasing the
natural, varied colors in the veins of a real slab. And the bigger the better — these extreme designs don’t have any pattern repetition found in traditional laminates. The Big Scale Granites are available in three stone-like hues:
Lapidus, with exquisite and infinite gold tones; Santo Cinza, with a vibrant gray and neutral color scheme; and Santo Branco, with a color swirl of
cool and warm grays and whites. The company’s high pressure laminate
designs also include woods, concrete, metallics, pearlescents, solids and
ISFA Member since 2005 Circle RS#06 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 17
New Colors and Materials Spotlight textured surfacing options. They are all available in sheet sizes of 5 by 8 ft.,
and impervious to chemicals. The product is also wear-, scratch- and
special finish of Splendor and Pietra. The papers used in the materials are
Additionally, it is lightweight and easy to install. Neolith products are
5 by 12 ft. and 4 by 8 ft. They are offered in gloss and matt finishes and the all FSC certified and all of the laminates offer low VOC emissions and are Greenguard certified.
heat-resistant, and its colors do not change when exposed to UV rays. available in the United States and worldwide through a large network of distributors.
Circle RS#40 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#42 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Mystera
Mystera Acrylic Solid Surface is now available to meet the
growing demand for veined solid surface countertops and vertical applications. Striking designs
combined with the versatility of
solid surface offer the commercial designer or homeowner beauty with practical performance.
Fabricators can thermoform
Samsung
Samsung is launching eight new colors of Staron solid surface that will be featured in 2014. The new colors have a range of
tones, from dark to light. They are Metallic Galaxy, Metallic SatinGold, Metallic
SleekSilver, Metallic Yukon, Onyx, Quarry
Starred, Quasar White and Sanded Icicle. This brings the total number of Staron
colors to more than 75, including 20 with
sheets to meet the specifications of architects and designers for each
recycled content and 19 in the Tempest
linear veined colors. The linear veined colors infuse a fresh new look of
particulates that provide remarkable depth.
pallets. Additional colors are in development based on surveys from
quartz surfacing.
project. The initial rollout of 16 colors includes multidirectional and
Series, which have quartz-like translucent
natural veining patterns for some of the top “go to” colors in designers’
Samsung also offers 38 colors of Radianz
both commercial and residential designers. Currently offered in 12mm
thick standard sized 30- by 144-in. sheets, select colors of Mystera solid surface will also be available in 6mm thick shower panels, up to 60 in.
Circle RS#43 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
wide, later this year. Competitive pricing allows fabricators, millwork
Seieffe
companies and dealers to maximize margins while delivering value to
Seieffe Corporation has
customers.
introduced its new Pietre
Circle RS#41 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Preziose Collection of
Neolith
OKITE quartz surfacing.
a marble-aesthetic
inspired by the look of
Classtone,
feels like stone and has
Neolith now offers
This new collection is
product collection,
natural onyx. It looks and
suitable for kitchen
that is 93 percent natural quartz, the fourth hardest mineral known
interior wall cladding
the surface creating a dramatic, modern look and can be used for
coating and exterior
in which natural onyx is used. It is available in 5/8-in. thickness in three
countertops, flooring,
to man. This innovative new surfacing allows light to move through
applications, furniture
countertops, wall cladding, partitions and any other indoor application
facades. The pattern
standard colors: red, white and yellow.
is imprinted on Neolith’s reliable, high-performance brand of sintered compact surface, a new material category in the industry. Neolith
Digital Design (NDD), the state-of-the-art decoration technique, gives the product the visual appeal of marble with the strength, durability
and seamless appearance innate to Neolith. The product comes in four intense colors: Pulpis, Marfil, Estauario and Marquina. It is available in the newly introduced format size of 125 by 59 in. and thickness of ½
in., offering a larger, thicker slab for kitchen and bathroom countertops, which can be easily cut to measure to fit customer needs. The product is 100 percent natural with a high content of recycled composition and
has near-zero porosity, making it hygienic, stain-resistant, easy to clean 18 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
a material composition
and bathroom
And while natural onyx does not come in custom colors, OKITE Pietre Preziose is available for large projects in custom colors, allowing for a high level of customization. Its large slab sizes (120 by 55 in.) create
fewer seams in installation and create less waste while offering all the benefits and performance of quartz surfacing. It is easy to fabricate
and install, and is a LEED contributing product. The company has also improved the formula of its Bianco Assoluto whitest white, making
it even whiter and has developed two new Venati Collection colors: Calacatta Gold and Calacatta White.
Circle RS#44 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
US Surface Warehouse
1.5cm-thick slabs. In addition, fully fabricated countertops for both
introducing a new line of solid surface
of-the-art production facilities in Rome, Ga., and LaMirada, Calif.
US Surface Warehouse will be
to its LivingStone product offering
this year. Sold directly to fabricators,
four new colors will be introduced and include: Rolling Plains, Sand Dollar,
Stratus and Swirled Surf. Mimicking
residential and commercial projects can be ordered from our stateNationwide delivery is available for slabs and fabricated countertops.
VT Quartz is also available for cut-to-size multifamily projects requiring domestic or international fabrication.
Circle RS#47 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
the look of natural stone and
Wilsonart
highlighting veined patterns, the warm
Seven of eight new Wilsonart Solid
and earthy tones of these colors provoke an organic sophistication that
Surface designs are inspired by
truly captures the essence of nature.
urban landscape. The new Cityscape Collection features seamless and
Circle RS#45 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
sparkling surfacing material, sprinkled
Vicostone
with quartz-like translucent or glittery
Vicostone is introducing to the
chips, that is resistant to fade, heat,
U.S. market four new colors that complement its Heritage Stone Series. The new products are
Maple Harvest Solid Surface
Gold Glitz, Night Stars, Clouded, Paris
Life” theme in mind. The new
Fog, Chipped Chocolate and Maple
colors are made using Breton
Harvest (pictured here), as well as a
technology with special molds
classic white offering in the form of
and a color technique unique to are Gioia Carrara; Royal Gray; Akoya; and Taj Mahal. Circle RS#46 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
with FDA food contact requirements.
The new designs include Garnet Glitz,
developed with a “Nature and
Vicostone. These marble colors
mold, mildew and stains and complies
Avalanche Melange. Spring Carnival High Definition Laminate
Wilsonart also has 19 new laminate designs in both the High Definition
Collection and Premium Collection. The newest offering is Spring
VT Stone Surfaces
Carnival (pictured here), which debuted at the recent KBIS expo and
Iowa, introduces the VT Quartz
accented with gray tones that look like white Brazilian granite. This joins
VT Quartz is currently available in
Florence Gold, Bianco Romano, Golden Romano and Cosmos Granite.
to a full 20-color pallet during 2014.
grain designs — Old Mill Oak, which has a rich, dark chocolate oak
also available for large projects or
colors in the series are large-scale stone designs: Breccia Nouvelle,
features both 2cm and 3cm slabs
Pesco, Golden Lightning, Mocha Fantastico, Chocolate Brown Granite
in a 126- by 63-in. format can also
technology to add durable, long-lasting protection and resistance to
Another custom order option is
Circle RS#48 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
VT Stone Surfaces of Holstein,
is a confectioner’s overture of white chocolate and creamy brown,
line of hard surface countertops.
six other granite-inspired colors: Winter Carnival, Summer Carnival,
eight colors and will be expanding
The Premium Collection includes 12 entries, of which two are wood
Custom colors and patterns are
look, and Truss Maple that is a light blocked maple. The other 10
stocking colors. The quartz line
Breccia, Typhoon Gold, Typhoon Ice, Italian White di Pesco, Café di
in a 118- by 55-in. format. Slabs
and Madre Perola. All of the new designs feature exclusive AEON
be manufactured for select colors.
scratches, scuffs and everyday wear.
It’s more than just learning how to be more profitable, saving money on the bottom line and getting great referrals and discounts. Call ISFA today and find out how to make your world a better place. Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org Circle RS#07 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 19
Industry 2014 Economists and indicators all point toward a positive year By Kevin Cole, Editor
U.S. Housing Starts Historical Data
F
Year Total
Single- Multifamily family
orecasting is by nature a tricky endeavor. The general economy has a huge number of complex interlocking parts that all affect each other in a variety of ways that are difficult to predict with any real confidence. Because the big-picture conditions are subject to change based on any number of factors, they can have extensive effects on subsets of the market. However, looking at particular industry segments can help to paint a good estimation of how the year will look for individual markets, such as the countertop industry.
2006 1,801,000 1,465,000 336,000
To do this requires examining a variety of
to the most recent forecast. And other
2011 608,800 430,600 178,200
tempered with views of the overall economy
Washington, D.C.-based publisher of business
indicators and factoring in expert voices
put forth by experienced economists. And that
is the challenge with creating an article such as the one before you.
However, having done that, there is some
confidence that 2014 will be a solid year for the countertop industry. Of course, conditions are subject to local and regional factors that may not be taken into account here.
While the general economy is still growing at a pace that is slower than we would like, a look
at specific areas of the economy that influence the countertop industry, such as housing,
construction, home improvement/remodeling and cabinetry show very positive signs for 2014.
The General Economy There is little doubt that 2013 was a relatively good year when compared to the several
years that preceded it. And, general economic
consensus leans toward even better conditions
economic forecasters, such as Kiplinger, a
forecasts and personal finance advice, predict a GDP averaging 2.7 percent or better.
Other positive signs for the general economy are
continued decreases in unemployment, low short-
2010 587,000 471,000 116,000
2012 780,600 535,300 245,300 2013 923,400 617,800 305,600 Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Figure 1 than 923,000 housing starts in the United
rate dropped to 6.7 percent, the lowest rate since
levels. While single-family homes remain less
States in 2013, we have now surpassed 2008
2008 and significantly lower than the 7.4 percent
than half the level of the housing peak of 2006
the Fed expected at the beginning of the year. In
2014, the Fed predicts unemployment to drop as
low as 6.3 percent. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts an increase in
both disposable personal income and consumer spending of 3 percent in 2014.
Overall, these factors provide confidence that the general economy will continue to move in the correct direction. And, for the countertop industry specifically, there are even more
positive signs in a variety of allied areas that most affect the surfacing market.
of numerous well-known economists.
is closely tied to the housing market, and it
projections for GDP are up over 2013 levels.
2009 554,000 445,000 109,000
income and spending. In 2013 the unemployment
Housing
While no one is predicting extreme growth, the
2008 905,000 622,000 283,000
term lending rates and increases in disposable
in 2014. This is reflected not only in the stance
of the Federal Reserve, but also in the opinions
2007 1,355,000 1,046,000 309,000
As we know, the decorative surfacing industry (along with the automotive sector) led the way in economic growth throughout 2013.
when they hit almost 1.5 million, multifamily
dwellings are only 10 percent behind their peak
levels at 305,600 vs. 336,000. Kiplinger predicts housing starts will surpass the 1 million mark in
2014, and points out “inventories of new homes remain extremely tight. In December 2013, new homes stayed on the market for an average of 3.2 months before being sold, far below the 5.5-month average of the past 30 years.”
Another positive sign is the continued rise in
home prices. Data released in January by S&P Dow Jones for its Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home
prices, showed that nationwide, home prices grew on average more than 13 percent for
2013. Zillow, a well-known housing-related
website with a large real estate research team,
forecasted continued increases in home prices
In 2013 GDP averaged around 2.7 percent,
After taking severe hits in 2007, 2008 and
through 2014, but at a more normal rate. “We
projections for 2014. The Federal Reserve
making a significant jump in housing starts
… rising 4.8 percent between December 2013
figures show another significant jump of more
line with historic appreciation rates,” stated the
which seems to be the floor for most economic Board members and Federal Reserve Bank
presidents generally predict GDP in 2014 to
grow between 2.8 and 3.2 percent, according 20 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
2009, housing started to rebound slowly before
expect home value appreciation to continue
of more than 28 percent in 2012. In 2013, the
and December 2014 — a rate much more in
than 18.25 percent (see Figure 1). With more
Zillow forecast.
Nonresidential Building Construction (in millions of U.S. dollars) Type
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Lodging
35,806 25,499 11,635 9,129 11,423 13,135 14,301 15,323 16,020
Office
68,563
Commercial
86,212 54,069 39,450 43,386 46,303 47,256 49,691 53,773 57,942
Healthcare
46,902 44,845 39,344 40,204 41,797 41,581 44,003 47,533 51,749
Educational
104,890 103,202 88,405 84,985 84,618 81,333 84,704 89,245 95,066
51,908
37,850
36,011
38,433
37,481
38,924
40,885
43,399
Source: FMI Construction Outlook
Figure 2
Home Improvement Products Market
“We expect about a 4 percent increase in
5.1 million in 2013,” states Kiplinger’s Housing
Billions $ 278 293 312.9 334.9 351.8 367.7 383.7
existing-home sales, to 5.3 million, up from
Outlook 2014. “Inventories of existing homes remain moderately low at 4.6 months (as of
% Change 5 5.4 6.8 7 5 4.5 4.3 Source: IHS Global Insight/HIRI Home Improvement Products Market Forecast
December). This is fairly close to the average in
the housing market prior to the housing bubble, an indication that foreclosures coming into the
market are no longer creating an oversupply of homes.”
All in all, the indicators and subsequent
predictions are all positive, which looks good for the surfacing industry.
Nonresidential Construction When it comes to nonresidential construction, the outlook also seems relatively positive.
Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Figure 3 lead to smaller stores that combine in-store
sales with online shopping. Increases in store remodeling may limit new store construction. ■■ An aging population is the driving force
commercial property market point to healthy growth moving forward.”
Home Improvement/Remodeling
behind the predicted increase in construction
The outlook for the home improvement/
will focus more on technology and less on
is also indicating a good year of continued
facilities.
In the most recent update of the Home
in healthcare facilities; however, new facilities
remodeling sector of the U.S. economy in 2014
“frills.” Trends will be toward rebuilding existing
growth, according to experts.
FMI, a consulting and investment banking
■■ Educational funding is significantly lower,
predicted in its Construction Outlook Report
revenues for states and municipalities will help
segments historically tied to surfacing
country. School consolidation will be more of
educational) will all see modest increases in
affected by the growing trend for online degree
largest increases in the lodging, healthcare and
The Consensus Construction Forecast issued
and real income growth now on a slightly
also predicts nonresidential growth. In a report
forecast, we have also boosted projected
he states, “Nonresidential building activity
sales over the next two years” states
with spending levels largely unchanged from
6.9 percent in 2014-2015, with a slight
better year, with building activity increasing 5.8
housing market cycle runs its course.”
services company for the construction industry,
but increases in residential construction and tax
that the five major nonresidential construction
bring this market back in many areas of the
(lodging, office, commercial, healthcare and
a factor, and higher learning institutes may be
2014 (see Figure 2). FMI expects to see the
programs.
commercial/retail sectors, with these areas advancing 9, 6 and 5 percent respectively.
Points of insight in the FMI report include: ■■ Lodging construction grew 15 percent in
2013 over 2012. Revenue per room for lodging was up 5 percent in 2013; high-end properties
and major business destinations, such as New
Improvement Research Institute’s IHS Global Insight/HIRI Home Improvement Products
Market Forecast, the 2013 home improvement market was expected to finish up 5.4 percent over 2012 with a total overall size of $293
billion. HIRI is predicting these gains will be
even better, up another 6.8 percent, in 2014
(see Figure 3). “With housing market activity
by the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
higher trajectory in our macroeconomic
issued by Kermit Baker, AIA chief economist,
growth rates for home improvement product
had a disappointing performance in 2013,
the report. “We expect growth averaging
those of 2012. However, 2014 looks to be a
deceleration in the following three years as the
York City have the best chance of expansion;
percent overall, including a double-digit gain for
new properties, with green building more
into 2015, with spending increasing 8 percent
According to the Joint Center for Housing
hotel developers will renovate before building
commercial facilities. The recovery will continue
common in remodels and retrofits.
overall and 6 percent for institutional buildings.
■■ Office construction is still fighting to gain
“With the economy finally stabilizing,
11.4 percent. The center’s Remodeling Futures
improvement in the construction outlook,”
of the Leading Indicators of Remodeling
traction with a decline in 2013, but new office space is being absorbed at a fast rate.
■■ The turn to online sales will be a limiting factor for commercial construction; this will
Studies at Harvard University, 2013 was
predicted to finish with double-digit growth,
with Q3 finishing up 10.4 percent and Q4 up
there should finally be some substantial
Program estimates via its most recent update
Baker continued. “Both design activity at
Activity (LIRA) that these upward trends will
architecture firms, and the fundamentals of the
continue in 2014, with growth in the first half of International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 21
sales is being reflected in home improvement
activity,” said Eric S. Belsky, managing director of the Joint Center. “As owners gain more
confidence in the housing market, they are
likely to undertake home improvements that they have deferred.” Cabinetry Cabinetry sales numbers are another predictor for the countertop industry, and some of
the most positive news can be found in this
industry. After five years of massive negative
growth (2006 to 2011), sales are once again in the black with massive gains seen in 2013. Cabinet sales, as reported in the Kitchen
Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s (KCMA) monthly Trend of Business Survey, showed double-digit gains for 2013. Overall sales
jumped a whopping 20.7 percent in 2013, on the back of 7.3 percent in 2012 (see
Figure 4
Figure 5). Considering more than two-thirds of
the year at 14 percent or higher, and dropping
costs because spending will be near pre-
to just under 10 percent in the third quarter
recessionary levels.
(see Figure 4). The report attributes the slight slowdown forecasted in the second half of
“The ongoing growth that we’ve seen in home
the year to a predicted increase in borrowing
prices, housing starts and existing home
ISFA Member since 1999 Circle RS#08 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 22 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
the cabinet market participates in the survey,
the numbers are a pretty solid representation of where the segment stands.
According to a release by the Cabinet Maker
Association (CMA), its 2014 Benchmark Study
not only confirmed the numbers reported by the KCMA, but it also showed indicators of
Cabinet Sales in Billions of U.S. Dollars (includes 70 percent of industry reporting)
solid growth for 2014. Nearly three quarters
Year
Total sales
Overall % Stock cabinets change % change
Semi-custom cabinets % change
Custom cabinets % change
respondents reported sales increases of more
2013
$5.6
20.7%
26.2%
16.3%
17.9%
2012
$4.7
7.3%
11.7%
4.5%
0.1%
2011
$4.4
-1.7%
-3.2%
0.0%
-3.0%
increased sales leads.
2010
$4.5 -4.1% -6.7%
-0.5%
-13.2%
Because of the close alliance between the
2009
$4.8 -28.3% -24.1%
-30.2%
-37.2%
2008
$6.7 -19.3% -18.5%
-19.9%
-20.6%
2007
$7.9 -12.3% -19.8%
-4.7%
-5.2%
of the study’s more than 300 qualified
than 10 percent in 2013, and 82.4 percent
say they are more optimistic for sales gains in 2014, with more work in the pipeline and
cabinet and countertop markets, this is a
very positive sign for those in the countertop industry.
Countertops Specifically While all of the previous factors influence the
countertop industry, and all of them point to a solid year ahead, one research company, The Freedonia Group, actually published a 382-
page report in late 2013 titled “Countertops”
that offers some predictions and insights into the specific marketplace (see Figure 6).
The study reports that Wilsonart, Formica, Panolam, DuPont and Cosentino are the
five largest material suppliers to the U.S.
countertop market, accounting for 44 percent
2006 $9.0 Source: Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Trend of Business Reports, www.kcma.org.
Figure 5 of total sales by area in 2012. The first
per year to 750 million square feet in 2017,
three dominate the laminate segment, while
valued at about $25.2 billion. This comes
DuPont continues to lead the solid surface
off of the back of an overall contraction in
segment (while also holding a significant
the countertop industry by -2.8 percent
share of the engineered stone market) and
over the last several years. “Going forward,
Cosentino accounts for the largest share of the
countertop demand will be spurred by a
engineered stone market, states the report.
recovery in U.S. building construction and, in particular, gains in single-family housing
According to the report, U.S. demand for
completions through 2017,” stated the report.
countertops is forecast to increase 5.1 percent
ISFA Member since 2013 Circle RS#09 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 23
“Advances will also stem from a relaxation in
U.S. Countertop Demand (in millions of square feet) Item 2007 2012 2017 2022 Total Countertop Demand
670
585
750
860
% of Annual Growth 2007-2012 2012-2017 -2.7%
5.1%
By Material: 353 290 349 380 -3.9%
3.8%
Natural Stone
88
90
130
160
0.5%
7.6%
Solid Surface
87
77
97
110
-2.4%
4.7%
Engineered Stone
36
41
58
72
2.6%
7.2%
Cast Polymers
53
40
55
64
-5.5%
6.6%
Tile
43 35 44 51 -4.0% 4.7%
Other
10
17
23
3.7%
7.2%
By Market: 527
465
595
680
-2.5%
5.1%
Nonresidential Building
119
99
131
153
-3.6%
5.8%
-2.6%
2.7%
$/square foot
31
31
34
36
Countertop Demand (in millions of $)
20550
17850
25150 30700
--
1.9%
-2.8%
7.1%
Source: The Freedonia Group, Inc.
While laminate countertops will maintain the report predicts that share will continue
to decline. “Just a decade ago laminates
accounted for 60 percent of countertop surface area,” stated the report. “Their share will
continue to slide as they face rising competition from a wider variety of surfaces. By 2017,
laminates will account for only 47 percent of total demand as consumers opt for higher quality materials.”
continue to see large gains going forward. Of note is that this is the first time since
Freedonia has tracked countertop demand
that natural stone has showed a larger market
share than solid surface. And, according to the report, this trend will continue. “Until recently, natural stone materials were primarily used in
luxury homes,” it explained. “However, a drop
in the average price for granite (partially due to an increase in low-cost imports) has extended
Figure 6
Circle RS#10 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 24 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
countertop remodeling plans.”
Natural stone, according to the report, will
Residential Building
Nonbuilding 24 21 24 27
with needed financing to go forward with
largest share of the market, the Freedonia
Laminates
12
credit requirements, providing homeowners
the availability of this material to a larger portion of the mass market.”
However, the report goes on to predict big increases in other materials as well. The
report predicts engineered stone, along with
other materials such as metals, concrete and
recycled materials, will increase by 7.2 percent per year through 2017.
So, putting all of these things together, it
looks like the countertop industry can prepare for another year of continued growth. While
government for a variety of statistical
information made available to the public, as well as acknowledge the following sources used in the creation of this article:
nonprofit organization of home improvement industry companies The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), www.jchs.harvard.edu, Harvard University’s
The American Institute of Architects (AIA),
center for information and research on housing
www.aia.org, a professional membership
in the United States
association for architects
Kiplinger, www.kiplinger.com, a publisher of
The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA),
business forecasts and personal finance advice
www.cabinetmakers.org, a professional organization for cabinetmakers and
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association
woodworkers from both the residential and commercial markets
(KCMA), www.kcma.org, a nonprofit
track for surfacing. Cabinetry is showing the
FMI, www.fminet.com, a consulting and
cabinets and decorative laminates
and remodeling appears to be a high point for
construction industry
the general economy could be a bit stronger,
barring disasters, everything appears to be on best activity in more than a half dozen years
the year. But, both new home and commercial construction also look to be on solid footing.
Editor & Publisher Kevin Cole can be reached at Kevin@isfanow.org. The author would like to thank the federal
organization representing manufacturers of
investment banking services company for the
S&P Dow Jones Indices, www.spdji.com, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies and
The Freedonia Group, a research firm that
recently released a “Countertops” study that
is available for purchase from the company at www.freedoniagroup.com
The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), www.hiri.org, a membership-based,
the world’s largest global resource for indexbased concepts, data and research Zillow, www.zillow.com, a well-known real estate website with a large staff of industry researchers
ISFA Member since 2011 Circle RS#12 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. Circle RS#11 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 25
From the President From the desk of Dave Paxton, President of ISFA Board
I Am Throwing Down a Challenge! Hello Fabricators! I am the new president of ISFA for 2014. I own a business called Paxton Countertops and Showers Inc. out of Grand Ledge, Mich., along with my dad and sister. We fabricate laminate, solid surface, concrete, granite and quartz surfacing in-house. I’d like to begin with a big thank you to Mike
Hunter Adams: Hunter is smart as hell and is best
he’s done in this industry and for the association.
balance work with family.
Langenderfer, last year’s ISFA president, for all
Mike is a real leader and his leadership skills have really shown through when making decisions.
He’s the kind of guy whose mind you can really see work. Mike doesn’t worry about criticism,
described by the word “orderly.” He taught me to Mory Ludwig: Mory is a great guy and has a
showroom that is first class and an operation that anyone would be proud of.
doesn’t expect gratitude and asks questions
Vanessa Bates: Vanessa, in my opinion,
2005 at an ISFA regional meeting. He was the guy
countertop world. She told me to not buy big
rather than giving direct orders. I met Mike in
that was asking questions to the presenters and
then asking “why” to the answers he received. He has been a mentor to me and a true friend that I am thankful to know.
I urge you to get involved in ISFA events in order to have the opportunity to meet people like
Mike, who will increase your bottom line by just
brought good accounting practices to the
equipment just because it seems manly, but
because you need it to make more money. She
Jon Blasius: Jon is a marketing genius, a great salesman and a friend (plus he loves guns like
me). He introduced me to Atlas Shrugged, The Art of War, The Goal and other books and topics that continue to fascinate me. Adam Albee: Adam is very process-oriented, funny (looks like Will Ferrell) and is a huge resource on the ISFA Board of Directors. Rob Reglar: Rob is a fellow Michigander who
Christina Humiston: Christina is scary smart and
dependable and a great operator.
very energetic and taught me to dig deep into issues to find truth.
Russ Lee: In addition to being an outdoorsman,
I’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize
his good ideas helped me understand the
business and me grow. Each of them has left an
industry from him.
also taught me about market research.
questioning how you do things.
people in the industry that have helped my
has a great accent. I learned a lot about the stone
like me, Russ is very knowledgeable, and importance of a sound business plan.
impression on me that I won’t forget. I know I
Evan Kruger: Evan is what I would call a
this is published I’m going to kick myself for not
solid people skills, and taught me about
loves fishing, but beyond that he is honest,
Andy Graves: Andy is a smart guy who loves this industry. He is creative and I see us becoming
better friends in the future. Consider this an olive branch, Andy (no pun intended). Robert Butts: Robert has great business skills, answers the call of fabricators and is a realist.
have missed a lot of people and that as soon as
“master entrepreneur.” He is worldly, has
Gordon Deyoung: Gordon is a good guy, a fellow
including them.
networking and that everything has a window of
techniques as far back as junior high. He always
Ted Sherritt: Ted was my mentor in the ISFA
opportunity.
Million Dollar Mentor program. He taught me to
Mike Job: Mike was a past board member
makes up for a lot of loose processes. (He also
kind and was taken too soon by a motorcycle
measure results and that a great marketing plan taught me not to try to keep up with him drinking.) Russ Berry: Russ is one of the best minds in our
industry with a real knack for good word choices. He taught me how to present my ideas better in
public and that I should take every opportunity to speak in public, even if I might not want to.
Martin Funk: I roomed with Martin at an event, and he was up at 4 a.m. screaming in German
(time change). He taught me to speak when it is important and not to fill space.
26 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
and a savvy businessman. He was one-of-aaccident. You are missed my friend.
Dani Homrich: Dani, the person that invited me
to join ISFA, is the mad scientist of solid surface. He taught me important lessons on coving and material testing.
Tom Pinske: Tom is a real inventor and always
encouraged me. He was the one who originally taught me how to make shower pans.
Joe Hoffman: Joe is self-confident, funny and
deer hunter, and showed me a lot of fabrication encouraged me to keep up on my literature. Todd Werstler: Todd taught me to spend the money to get the right people on the bus. Tom Winkowski: Tom taught me about
distribution, weathering a storm and boldness. Steve Lefebvre: Steve is an inventor with wisdom and initiative. I own every tool this man has
made. I will buy any new tool he comes up with. I look forward to the day that we can spend time together. Sid McKay: I've always enjoyed talking to Sid. He is an honest man with a deep knowledge of the industry.
Mell Hill: Not only is she trustworthy and honest,
Jon Olson: Jon is a pillar in the solid surface
teaching processes and measurable standards
to others and that even the smallest thing goes a
people in the world on solid surface design and
to Aaron, stay seated and let him do a majority of
but Mell has also taught me to give appreciation long way and means a lot.
Erica Hussey: Erica grew up in the industry
community and one of the most knowledgeable material characteristics. He taught me to use social media and about 3-D solid surface.
and loves it. She taught me to analyze my own
Gordon Shell: Gordon is a very kind person
also taught me Bostonian.
continues to teach others in the industry and one
mistakes and criticize myself before others. She Mark Anderson: Mark respects others, shows
initiative and has great wisdom. Because of him
and taught my first Corian fabrication class. He
day I hope to be ringside when he beats the hell out of Mike Vic.
— a must read. If you have the opportunity to talk the talking.
Kurt Bonk: Kurt taught me to let Mike
Langenderfer buy drinks and to stay involved in everything just a little bit.
Fred Hueston: Fred showed me how to loop
the air in my stone shop to create more volume
without spending a bunch of money. I have also
I try to show loyalty, stay focused and keep a
Jack Hussey: Jack is a veteran in the industry
trick from him about Brazilian steak house cards.
knowledgeable and extremely funny. I spent time
All of these people helped me to be the person
in New Orleans. He ordered a Jack and coke, and
set the path for what the business and I are
positive attitude about others. I also learned a Michael Astill: Michael is enthusiastic and is
literally the best salesperson I know. This guy could sell me anything, a-n-y-thing!
Kevin Cole: Kevin, who does a great job on the
magazine and is continually improving it, is a book of knowledge; he reads everything and always appeals to nobler motives. He does not try to imitate others, but only tries to be himself.
Harry Hollander: Harry cracks me up. Over the
that knows people and how to interact. He is
with him watching ’80s bands on Bourbon Street they handed him the biggest drink I have ever seen. We had a great time.
Mike Nolan: Mike always seems to keep busy. He is a teacher who knows how to explain complicated procedures.
Bruce Akins: Bruce showed me SWOT analysis and how to apply it to my business.
used his “Dr. Fred’s” and it works great.
I am, to create the business I work in and to
becoming. I met all of these great people through my association with ISFA and was only able to
take advantage of all they had to offer because I got involved and made it a point to get to know
them. We are in charge of where we go not only in
our personal lives, but in our businesses as well. Excuses as to why you didn’t succeed are just
that, excuses! To those of you who are not taking
years his Mohawk has become less pronounced.
Layton Day: The conversations I have had
advantage of the opportunities to learn from and
processes. Harry taught me that everything can
entrepreneur that spends a lot of time monitoring
of advice: Get off your ass and interact!
He is always willing to help better our shop be tracked (using JobTracker of course).
Chad Thomas: Chad is very hard working and
with Layton left an impression on me. He is an
his market for the right time to grow and invest. I was listening, Layton.
grow with your industry peers, I have just one bit I am throwing down a challenge to all ISFA membership:
knows about adhesives in great detail. Because
Mark Lauzon: When I have screwed up really
I know more about adhesives than I ever thought
He’s hands-on and takes great pride in his work.
Give appreciation in the form of a letter, phone
coating (and I hope you don’t get offended from
helped you to become who you are and that
Contact everyone I have listed above.
of spending hours on the phone with him,
bad, I typically call Mark. This guy knows stone.
I would.
Mark speaks his mind, so don’t expect sugar
call, email, etc. to all of the people who have
creative foul language).
play a role in your operation running smoothly.
Ron McDermott: Ron taught me about laser templating (and how to open a beer bottle). Deanne Ellard: Deanne taught me to be
persistent, available and stay the course. Mike Heylman: Mike explained to me about the very quickly approaching risk of cheap Chinese
imports of prefabricated tops, and that if we band together, we can do something about it.
Jeff Puinti: Jeff taught me to smile, and that every once in a while the F-bomb is appropropriate.
Jon Lancto: I have been watching and listening
Encourage them.
to Jon for 16 years. We toured his shop in 2006
Call me. Let’s talk shop. Tell me how this
measure production. Jon is involved and I hope to
list. My cell phone number is (517) 719-0146.
where we were taught throughput and how to spend more time with him in the future.
Bill Wolle: I learned push caulking from Bill, and I
still have educational DVDs of him teaching topics that continue to be relevant even after more than
challenge is working for you. I want to be on your And if you aren’t already, be a member of ISFA. It could make a big difference in your success. Thank you and God bless,
a decade.
Chuck Sawyer: Chuck taught me about break-
Aaron Crowley: I would not be the least shocked
Dave Paxton
This is something that we monitor closely.
book "Less Chaos, More Cash" is a bible to us,
paxtoncountertops@yahoo.com
even point and that no dollar before that is profit.
if Aaron became a future U.S. president. His
ISFA President
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 27
Advanced Stone Marketing Strategies for Those Who Want
More Profits
By Aileen Davis
T
he classic book Acres of Diamonds, by Russell Conwell, teaches that most people
have love, money and anything they desire well within their existing reach. In my opinion, it is a “must read” for just about anybody and I urge you to do so.
To calculate your average customer value, you must first find out your average revenue per
job. To do this, simply take your gross revenue over the last 12 months and divide it by the
In the book, Conwell writes about Ali Hafed,
Regardless of their size or profitability, they
like most people, desperately wanted to be
they’re all looking for a solution outside of their
Next, find out how much a customer referral
this thinking, I advise them to look within their
referral for every two homeowners, divide your
they invest in more product offerings, a bigger
add this to your average revenue per job you
a farmer who owned acres of farmland but,
total number of jobs completed.
all want to increase revenue. But, like Ali,
existing asset. While there’s nothing wrong with
is worth. For example, if you average one
existing asset for profit opportunities before
average revenue per job by two. You can then
Internet marketing budget or whatever it is that
just calculated. You have now determined your
they’re thinking of doing.
average lifetime customer value.
for diamonds. He searched all over the world,
In the stone industry, you have the trust and
You CAN increase that number without raising
his own life.
are in very valuable stages of their lives. As
more products. This is just one of your own
Shortly after Ali’s passing, the gentleman that
events that surround the need for home
stone business.
wealthy.
One day, his priest told him that if he could
just find one diamond the size of his thumb, he could buy the entire country and live the
rest of his life as an extremely wealthy man.
So, Ali sold the family farm and went searching eventually going completely broke and ending
bought his farm was giving his horse a drink
from the river that ran through the property. As
he was standing on the river bank watching his horse drink, he noticed a sparkle in the water.
As he looked closer, he found a beautiful stone that glistened in the sun. He picked it up, and
thought nothing of it until the priest stopped by
and pointed out that it was, indeed, a diamond. It turns out that the entire farm sat on acres
and acres of diamonds and became one of the world’s largest diamond mines.
respect of people — your customers — who
prices, adding another customer or selling
you probably know, there are specific life
“acres of diamonds” that you have within your
improvements, such as countertops and
Leveraging Current Assets
flooring, and it’s crucial that you know what
they are. It’s even more crucial that you know
One way to begin the process of increasing
how to capitalize on them.
your lifetime customer value is to identify the
Calculating the Value of a Customer
in. The most common major life events are:
major life events your customers are currently
Conventional thinking in the stone industry tells us that homeowners have a lifetime value that is made up of a certain amount of projects, future job requests and referrals. I hear numbers all over the board.
Moving – Either somebody intends on selling
their home or has just moved into a new home. New Job/Inheritance – People who have come into additional funds or income.
Poor Ali had acres of diamonds right under his
nose and instead of leveraging what he already had, he left it behind for a miserable life and death.
The moral of the story is pretty easy to see. I believe that we all have our own figurative
Average Revenue per Job ÷ No. of Referrals per Customer
Average Revenue per Job
acres of diamonds. You have your own asset, just like Ali, and you just need to harvest it. I talk to business owners like Ali every day. 28 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
The first step to leveraging your assets is calculating the value of a customer.
Lifetime Customer Value
Empty Nest – Now that the kids are gone
businesses a qualified customer? Do you think
Meet with the decision makers of these local
and/or the age of the house requires it.
that customer? You bet! If you’re paying $100
tracking system that will make both of you
there’s more money for home improvements Marriage – A new kitchen/bath will help the couple to better enjoy their home together.
Once you are aware of these life events, you
can work on leveraging one of your business’s most valuable assets: the trust and respect of your existing customers.
By forming joint ventures with respectable local businesses that can fill a need that
people in those major life events are looking
for, you can increase the value of many of your customers by 25 percent, 50 percent, 200
the business would pay you a commission for for a new customer through your advertising
efforts, would you be willing to pay $80 for a
new customer if somebody brought it to you? Of course you would.
If a local business is paying $400 for a new
pay a few bucks for new customer, but others
will pay several hundred or more than $1,000 to acquire a new customer.
Now, what if you leveraged your trust and customer relationships and gave these
present to your customers that outline the
benefits of using your joint venture partners.
will go through the roof. As you continue
you just increased your lifetime value by $250. Do
that a few times and you’ve just struck diamonds. Form alliances with local businesses outside the
in the major life events above and the list of
they have a customer acquisition cost. Some will
Then create nice marketing materials to
dealing with a good customer. In that situation,
Joint Ventures for Success
again, they advertise. This all works out so that
have a nice slate of joint venture partners.
Before long, you’ll be getting commission
customers at $250. They save $150 and are
industry like movers, realtors, carpet cleaners and
day to grow their sales revenue. So, like you
comfortable. Do this multiple times until you
customer, they’d love you to bring them new
percent or more!
Just like you, local businesses are trying every
businesses to work out a fair commission and
so on. Think of companies that can help people companies will be easy to form.
For example, people who want to put their home up for sale need a realtor, moving
company, probably a handyman service to make their home presentable and quite a
few moving supplies. A couple who just got
married probably want to talk to a good interior decorator, insurance agent, financial planner, etc. The list is endless.
Grass Roots
Gatherings I S FA G rass R oots Gath e r i n g Coming this fall to Park Industries
checks in the mail and your customer value increasing your amount of new customers,
your revenue is boosted exponentially. That, my friend, is one large acre of diamonds within your existing business! About the Author Aileen Davis is the president of Stone Marketing Systems (SMS), which is dedicated to helping stone businesses increase their profits through innovative sales and marketing strategies. To subscribe to Aileen’s e-newsletter for free tips or schedule a 30-minute “Marketing Tune-Up,” visit www.StoneMarketingSystems.com or call (888) 813-9658.
Get Involved!
We need your help to make these events the best that they can be. For more information or to help organize an event in your area, please contact ISFA at gatherings@isfanow.org. If you are an associate member interested in sponsoring or displaying at a regional event, please contact ISFA at support@isfanow.org.
Watch for more information soon!
Circle RS#23 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 29
Growth Growth Growth
– The Double-edged Sword By Aaron Crowley In this situation, most employees will quietly
staff is working overtime to get quotes out the door,
help them accomplish their tasks. “Can you grab
what a great problem to have and what a great
experience to share with fabricators all over the country. And it is a shared experience.
In recent weeks I’ve talked with many countertop fabricators from all over North America and the story is the same with everyone: Demand for
premium counters is increasing and there is a sense that it isn’t a temporary spike. It’s not out of control, but judging by the way the numbers look and the
way the market feels, growth is not only expected, it's happening.
The great thing about growth in demand is that
prices will rise because supply is limited. When
customers clamor over a limited supply or capacity, there will be a period (until supply expands to
accommodate the new demand) where they will
pay more to get their projects completed on time!
so we can regulate its expansion. Whether it’s the number of kitchens, square feet or a combination of the two, truly knowing and understanding capacity is crucial if we seek to profitably add to it. So what is your daily, weekly and monthly average output? If you don’t already know the answers
If your phones are ringing faster than your office
staff can answer them, you are not alone. If your
Second, we need to know our current capacity
request the assistance of another employee to
that call?” or “Can you layout that next slab for
me?” are common responses to the rising water of demand seeping into the operation. Unfortunately this well-intentioned job sharing will evolve into
uncertainty as the line blurs between whose job it was and whose job it is to help finish tasks.
Imagine someone in the office thinking, “I got the
last call; it’s clearly his turn to grab this one” as the phone rings yet again, but this time unanswered. At this point the nagging uncertainty as to who is really responsible for answering the phone,
interpreting the drawings or laying out the next job becomes good old-fashioned confusion.
Wondering whose job it really is will inevitably put
someone in a position where they have to choose between doing the job they were hired to do and the one they have informally assumed.
to these questions, stop! Don’t add a job to the calendar until you have evaluated the last four months to determine your current output. Understanding current capacity and then deciding what the next level of capacity will be not only establishes a measurable target to increase capacity but it will also limit the tendency to overcommit. If your capacity is five kitchens a week but you agree to do a sixth (a 20 percent increase), costly chaos is going to follow and when the dust settles your profit will not be 20 percent higher. More than likely it will be a lot lower! Third and last, we must communicate with our staff. It is absolutely crucial to inform your staff that you have made the objective decision to take on work and add capacity to deliver it long before that additional work starts to show up on the calendar. Once additional work is scheduled, communication is even more critical. Because growth changes the
Higher prices equal higher profit margins! But,
When employees choose between two tasks, it
complexion of an organization very subtly, it is hard
growth phase.
quietly slip through the cracks.
communication between departments and staff
higher profits are by no means guaranteed in a
means one will get done and the other one will
The fact is that growth — profitable growth — in
Then it’s no longer just confusion; it's chaos. And
difficult to achieve if it isn’t managed effectively.
Employees who don’t have time to get all their
a custom manufacturing environment is very
In most shops, work will be scheduled faster than manpower and capacity necessary to deliver it is
it compounds an already straining operation.
work done the first time surely don’t have time to
redo it. But redo it they must, and at the expense
added. This creates strain and stress on the existing of the other work that still needs to get done! operation, and people and things can get out of control (and costly) quickly.
When critical tasks that are crucial to keeping
the promise to the customer easily slip through the cracks, it causes embarrassing delays and
expensive mistakes that must be corrected at the expense of other profitable work.
This happens because growth changes the
understanding that while growth solves many problems, it can create many more.
than were generated on lower sales volume.
So where does that leave us? Should we fear
growth? Should we avoid growth? No and no. We
should control growth. We should manage growth.
objectively comparing current sales activity
assist in setting up the counters for fabrication.
30 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Resisting the urge to take on more work because
valued clients while producing even lower profits
reduces time for other important tasks like passing
countertops to cut reduces the available time to
that would otherwise occur.
self-control. Managing that work requires an
First we need to have an idea of what the actual
that have already been sent out. Having additional
made to eliminate the uncertainty and confusion
great big headache that strains relationships with
The change means greater workloads for individual
to quote reduce the time for following up on quotes
to overwhelm. That way, formal decisions can be
it's there for the taking requires enormous
to sell only what we have decided we want to
important messages to key people. More drawings
declarations that increased demand is threatening
opportunity to grow the bottom line can become a
after a critical task has been overlooked and profit-
employees in many forms. Higher call volume
will turn those quiet requests for assistance into
What starts out as a welcomed development and
operation in subtle ways that may go unnoticed until Instead of selling everything we can sell, we need consuming chaos takes charge.
to predict where the strain will show up first. Daily
produce and have planned to take on.
growth might be. The only way to do this is by with previous periods. If the number of quote
requests in the last four months is up 20 percent over the same period last year, it is a reasonable
expectation that demand will continue to exceed your current capacity by the same amount.
Growth is a sharp sword that cuts both ways. So embrace the blessing of our improving economy and increasing orders for countertops, decide if and how much you want to grow, and then prepare to work even harder to make it all worthwhile! About the Author Aaron Crowley has worked in the countertop industry for 19 years, the last 15 as owner of Crowley’s Granite Concepts, a seven-time Angie’s List super-service award winner. Aaron also developed the Fabricators Friend line of stone-shop gear, founded RemnantLocator.com and authored the book Less Chaos, More Cash. He speaks and writes regularly about business management in the countertop industry, and can be reached at aaron@ fabricatorsfriend.com.
Circle RS#13 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
ISFA Member since 1998
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
Fabricator Profile: Surface
W
Link
hile most countertop and surfacing shops like to
believe they are different than all
of their peers, Surface Link Corporation can make that claim with an air of authority. Unlike other companies in the surfacing
industry, Surface Link covers all of the United States and Canada, but more than that, they specialize exclusively in rework.
While the company is headquartered in northern Virginia where it has its main
operations center, it has remote offices in most
Surface Link was rooted in solid surface work, such as this before and after of a major repair.
U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
The company handles repairs, modifications and refinishing work in both residential and
commercial settings. The spectrum of work
performed ranges from the smallest chips and
scratches all the way up to massive breaks and cracks and everything in between. Solid Beginnings Founder and company president John Vatis first got into the surfacing business in the ’80s in the solid surface segment of the
industry, and in 1988 he and a partner started
a fabrication shop. In 1997, after nine years of
The company expanded into repairing quartz surfacing in 2002, as shown in this before and after.
fabricating solid surface tops, Vatis sold his interest in the business and that same year
founded Surface Link to concentrate solely on the repair of solid surface.
In the beginning, he worked out of his SUV
handling solid surface repairs for a few of the major surfacing manufacturers and a large distributor in the Washington, D.C., area.
However, his business soon began to expand and he hired his first employee in 1999. The company now covers the entire contiguous United States and Canada, including the
Maritime Provinces, and has more than 50
personnel consisting of operations staff and field technicians.
No Material Left Unturned Although the company’s roots are in solid
surface, its arsenal of skills goes far beyond
Polishing and refinishing both in residential and commercial settings are part of the services offered by Surface Link. premium surface that we shy away from,” explained Vatis. “We handle green surfaces, such as recycled glass, as well as concrete, stainless steel, copper, zinc and other specialty
the variety of specialty surfaces. “Surfaces
trend in and out over the years,” said Vatis. “It is our thought that to have a healthy business we must be able to work with any of the
surfaces. They are all welcomed.”
current surfaces and educate ourselves about
surface into inspecting, repairing and restoring
In 2002, the company first began taking on
is enjoyable. Working with new materials and
as other specialty surfaces. “There is no
into granite and other natural stone as well as
just one material. Over the years the company evolved from exclusively handling solid
quartz surfacing, granite and marble, as well
32 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
quartz surfacing repairs and in 2012 delved
any new surfaces that are coming on. It also learning new techniques is interesting. Our people love that aspect.”
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
The company’s services go beyond just countertops as illustrated by this solid surface and crack repair and refinishing project on a boat.
“Every technician has to have an incredible amount of knowledge and training in the repair field,” explained Vatis. “The knowledge any particular technician needs just to repair solid surface and quartz alone is staggering.” And the fact that the company’s headquarters
has both a research and development shop and a training facility helps it to keep a handle on
the latest materials and techniques. “The R&D shop is used for development of new repair
techniques and tooling,” he explained. “If we haven’t repaired a particular surface, we will
work with it in our shop and find a solution.” Training to be the Best The company is extremely picky about its
technicians and spends a lot of time training
everyone to ensure the best service. As such,
the company has three in-house manufacturercertified instructors for quartz surfacing and solid surface. At the Surface Link’s training
center personal, hands-on training is required for all new technicians, as well as recurrent
training for existing technicians. The company
also offers training to fabricators wanting to get certified with a particular manufacturer or start their own businesses.
“Every technician has to have an incredible amount of knowledge and training in the
repair field,” explained Vatis. “The knowledge any particular technician needs just to repair
solid surface and quartz alone is staggering.”
It is this training that keeps the company
on the top of its game, which is key when
handling warranty work for manufacturers
and distributors — a large percentage of the business the company handles.
“It’s especially important that we provide
the best service and value to manufacturers for their warranty work,” said Vatis. “Our
technicians are incredibly talented. I am in awe sometimes.”
A Day in the Life The importance the company places on
training seems to have paid off, as during a
typical month, Surface Link’s operations center fields between 500 and 800 requests for repair
All of the company’s repair technicians are trained in-house by certified trainers and kept current through regular learning updates.
work. The center manages all calls, technical
fabricators are also a primary source of
been established, the center also takes care
support fabricators all over North America;
advisory services and sales. Once a job has
of the logistics and coordinating technicians in
the field to handle each call. Then, a technician working out of a fully equipped truck goes into action, putting their restoration/repair capabilities to work.
Keeping the hoppers full and the calls coming in requires a variety of sources. In addition
business,” explained Vatis. “We work with and they refer repair work to us so that they can
focus on new fabrication and installation. Our
relationships with fabricators are important to
us. We help them by providing a quality service that they can refer their customers to. They
know their customers are in good hands which reflects positively on their businesses.”
to warranty work, Surface Link also gets
In addition to these professional referrals,
material manufacturers and distributors. “It
business. This is brought in through marketing,
non-warranty referrals for repair work from is just as important to them to know that
referred consumers are handled carefully and
professionally, once again reflecting positively on their own brand,” said Vatis. “In addition, we perform inspections of high pressure
laminate surfaces for one major manufacturer on a national scale.”
Plus the company is happy to work with
other fabricators. “Repair referrals from other
the company does a good bit of direct sales
traditional advertising and online lead sources, as well as word-of-mouth referrals. A lot of this retail business is countertop and sink
refinishing and replacing existing sinks with updated models. Additionally the company
repairs and refinishes baths and showers on a case-by-case basis.
On the retail side, currently it is about an
80/20 split with residential work dominating its International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 33
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR commercial business. However, Vatis said the commercial market is picking up steadily for
Making a Difference Although quite a bit different than the typical
the company, and he sees commercial work moving more toward half of the business in the near future.
fabrication outfit, this type of business is not without its benefits. There is generally less urgency and consequently less pressure.
In addition to solid workmanship, Vatis credits much of the company’s ability to keep the calls coming in is because of the people working
“In the fabrication business, there are the
customers and the different trades all lined
up, waiting for the installation to happen so they can do their part,” explained Vatis. “In
at his main facility. “We have an amazing
the repair business, the countertop is already
operations center staff that is knowledgeable
installed. There is less urgency and the
and friendly,” he explained. “And that is a
atmosphere is more relaxed.”
key component in maintaining all of these relationships.”
and go away,” he said. “If you grow too fast,
you lose your quality. So we try to continue to grow, but slowly.”
However, one of the same things that makes
this sort of a unique business such a challenge also brings rewards. “This type of work has been done on a national scale by very few people,” said Vatis. “Consequently, there
are so many things to discover, invent and
learn. All of us — our operations staff and our technicians — continually come up with new ideas, techniques and approaches. It keeps
However, there is also a downside. “We have
us all fresh and enthusiastic. Everyone in our
business work,” he continued. “There aren’t
this work. And this is a feel-good, people-
to cover a large geographic area to make this
company, to the person, says that they love
many areas of the country that offer enough
helping business. We are the problem solvers,
something I learned from a good friend who
work to support a localized repair company.”
and that’s a great feeling at the end of the day.”
worked in this industry many years ago,” he
That means the company is always looking for
For more information, contact Surface Link
sure that growth is slow and well managed.
A, Chantilly, VA 20151, (800) 482-1774, info@
When asked about his philosophy for success, Vatis explains the “miser principle.” “It’s
said. “The miser principle is an acronym for ‘make it simple easy.’ We work really hard to make it simple and easy to do business with us.”
opportunities for growth. However, Vatis makes
Corporation at 4200 Lafayette Center Dr., Suite
“If you don’t continue to grow, you stagnate
surfacelinkcorp.com, www.surfacelinkcorp.com.
Learn Something New. Create More Profit. Make More Money. Give Your Company the Leading Edge. Upcoming Training Dates: Total Fabricator Training — Solid Surface Morganton, N.C. May 19-22 • July 14-17 • Sept. 15-18 Total Fabricator Training — Stone/Quartz Oakland, N.J. April 7-9 • Aug. 4-6 Las Vegas June 23-25 • Oct. 6-8
Find Out More & Watch Our YouTube Video! Visit www.ISFAnow.org/tft or call us at (877) 464-7732 Circle RS#60 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 34 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
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Personal Information Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: By providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax. Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email. About Your Business What type of material(s) do you work with? q Solid Surface
q Stone/Granite
q Concrete
q Recycled
q Quartz/E-Stone
q Laminate
q Tile
q Wood
q Other (please specify): ________________________________________________________
Subscribe at http://isfanow.org/magazine/ or fax this form back to ISFA at (412) 487-3269 or by mail: 2400 Wildwood Dr. Gibsonia, PA 15044 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 35
Here.Now.News. The ISFA Million Dollar Mentor Program Continues in 2014
Don’t Miss This Chance to Drive Your Business to the Next Level The popular Million Dollar Mentor Program is
Upcoming ISFA Training & Events For more information or to sign up to attend any of these events, call (877) 464-7732 or email gatherings@isfanow.org.
Total Fabricator Training — Stone/Quartz
continuing in 2014, and enrollment is currently open for those wishing to participate. This
to develop a profitable $1 million-plus fabrication
Hosted by Alpha Tools April 7 - 9, 2014 Oakland, N.J.
the next million dollar level. This is a business
Business Boot Camp
program is geared to fabricators whose goal is
business, or who wish to take their business to
April 22 - 23, 2014 Pittsburgh
development think tank and incubation program
providing the networking, business development
Total Fabricator Training — Solid Surface
lessons and the successful role models necessary to make successful growth happen.
Here’s a summary of the program: program, complete with guidelines, examples
Mentor program participants are paired up with industry veterans who will provide advice, coaching, information and insight into furthering their own businesses.
lessons that are designed to put companies on
set needed to grow from fabrication specialist to
the fast-track to growing their businesses.
business developer extraordinaire.
■■ Fabrication companies will be matched with a
The kickoff event, the Business Boot Camp on
face-to-face meetings, shop tour, telephone and
business management education, networking,
■■ New information to increase business
is required to grow a business. This year’s Boot
focus.
manufacturing, marketing essentials, financial
■■ We provide a nine-month structured
of successful fabricator operations and monthly
mentor for one-on-one advice and coaching via
April 22 to 23, is a two-day program offering
email discussions.
peer group discussions and directions in what
management skills and business development
■■ Peer group discussions and conference
calls that review the lessons; share the mentor’s wisdom; and present new ideas, software
and business processes (some with an expert
authority leading the discussion on the subject of the month) all designed to provide the
professional knowledge, processes and mind-
Camp features expert speakers covering lean
May 19 - 22, 2014 Morganton, N.C.
Total Fabricator Training — Stone/Quartz Hosted by Alpha Tools June 23 - 25, 2014 Las Vegas
Total Fabricator Training — Solid Surface July 14 - 17, 2014 Morganton, N.C.
Total Fabricator Training — Stone/Quartz
fundamentals for fabrication shops and other key topics.
Hosted by Alpha Tools Aug. 4 - 6, 2014 Oakland, N.J.
Space in the program is limited, so interested
ISFA CEO Roundtable
parties should contact ISFA Executive Director
Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@isfanow.org or call
(877) 464-7732 for more information as soon as possible.
Aug. 19 Atlanta
Countertops Symposium (at IWF) Aug. 19 Atlanta
ISFA Total Fabricator Training — Solid Surface Sept. 15 - 18 Morganton, N.C.
ISFA Total Fabricator Training — Stone/Quartz Hosted by Alpha Tools Oct. 6 - 8 Las Vegas
ISFA Annual Member Meeting The two-day kickoff event, the Business Boot Camp, brings in industry experts to provide information on a variety of topics essential for development of the skills needed for today's business environment. 36 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Oct. 24 Miami Beach, Fla.
ISFA is on the Move … with Help from our Sponsors and Participants
ISFA held its first Grass Roots Gathering of 2014 on February 20 in Boston, Mich. These gatherings are designed to bring fabricators together to share experiences and make connections that can benefit their businesses. The Michigan event featured: ■■ Networking ■■ An AIA CEU presentation on Cosentino’s new Dekton ultra-compact material ■■ A gourmet lunch
Preview of Coming Attractions Coming soon to your neighborhood…
■■ Vendor exhibits ■■ A tour of the impressive ILSD facility ■■ Door prizes
Isfa is currently engaged in the development of a program to revolutionize our Total Fabrication Training!
■■ Discussion on current ISFA initiatives Thanks to our participants and sponsors
A team of experienced educators is creating a new program that will result in a group of ISFA-approved trainers that will be able to provide fabrication training on a regional or local basis. With course modules developed by the ISFA team, we will be able to offer customized training at your shop. To participate in the development of this program or for questions about this program please contact: Chuck Sawyer, Executive Director, cksawyer@isfanow.org.
INTERN ATION AL SURFAC E FABRIC AT ORS ASSOC IATION
Circle RS#21 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
ISFANews ISFA Quartz/Granite Fabrication Class Returns to East Coast in April
The students will perform a sink cutout as well as a cooktop cutout in the kitchen project. Bowl mounting processes – An overview on attaching an undermount bowl to the
countertop, including faucet layout and hole coring. Basic repairs – A review of basic techniques for chip and scratch repair, including face polishing to match the existing finish. Finishing – A discussion of the proper The Level I Granite/Quartz Total Fabrication
including dust and fume issues, safe material
will be held at the Alpha Professional Tools
a shop safety program and suggestions for
Training class is back on the road in April and training center in Oakland, N.J.
handling, training shop safety rules, setting up reducing shop insurance costs.
The classes represent an opportunity for
Product knowledge – An overview of the
or to pick up an entirely new skill set for their
and quartz surfacing materials.
fabricators to send new employees to be trained businesses.
The class is scheduled for April 7 - 9. Teaching the three-day class is Fred Hueston,
well-known stone industry educator. A nationally
properties, features and benefits of natural stone Productivity concepts – An introduction to direct, indirect and non‐contributing labor
concepts and the thought processes for getting the most out of what you have.
known consultant, he has trained thousands
Templating – A discussion and demonstration
inspections and restoration of stone and quartz
The students will template the project top for
of stone craftsmen on fabrication, installation, surfacing products.
of hard templating as well as digital templating. production.
The course takes students through the
Seaming – A dialog covering material layout
material handling, safety and shop throughput.
adhesives and adhesive delivery systems,
essentials of stone fabrication and installation, The training offers knowledge through theory and hands-on fabrication. Elements of the course include:
Safety – A review of basic shop safety
procedures, material safety data sheets
for yield, color matching, tricks of the trade,
techniques for producing a professional finish. Polishing techniques covering diamond polishing pads, backing pads, variable-speed grinders and polishing the exposed edge for an undermount sink will be discussed and practiced. The discussion will also cover application environments, cleaner application, enhancers, sealers, waxes and caulking. Installation – A look at installation as a part
of total fabrication. The class will review tools and materials, loading sequence, customer relations, field seams, caulking, finishing, care and maintenance, warranty information and consumer completion. The students will install the project countertops on the mock‐up cabinets. Support systems – A presentation that will focus on various methods and materials to
preparing the material for seaming and clamping
provide for support for countertops including
methods.
overhang applications.
Cutouts – A look at sink cutouts, faucet cutouts
For more information or to register for this
rodding and the importance of proper support.
(877) 464-7732.
and cooktop cutouts. The class will also discuss
training class, contact paula@isfanow.org or call
Strong Countertop Programming Developing for IWF The partnership between ISFA and the International Woodworking Fair (IWF)
established to increase the focus on the countertop industry for the 2014 IWF show continues to gain momentum as the programming for the
show develops. A full educational track including such topics as process management, diversifying your business and lean manufacturing in the
fabrication shop are in the works. Additionally, the 2014 show will feature a “Countertop Pavilion.”
IWF is now signing up exhibitors for the Countertop Pavilion, and
companies interested in reaching the countertop market are beginning to
sign up to exhibit in this reserved space. ISFA members wanting to exhibit 38 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
will receive a discount on booth space, and ISFA will be co-sponsoring several events just for the countertop fabrication community, including the return of the full-day Countertops Symposium. Tentative speakers at the show include our new ISFA President Dave Paxton, of Paxton Countertops and Showers, renown author and speaker Aaron Crowley, of Crowley’s Granite Concepts, countertop installation and lean manufacturing expert Jason Nottestad, of VT Industries, and countertop industry guru and ISFA Executive Director Chuck Sawyer. IWF 2014 will be held Aug. 20 to 23, 2014, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Those interested in participating can contact either ISFA or IWF for additional information.
ISFA Board of Directors Dave Paxton
Mike Woods
Mike Langenderfer
Kate Dillenburg
Mell Hill
Ryan Miller
Adam Albee
John Hansen
Secretary Lincoln Laminating 5010 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 Phone: (402) 434-6009 adam@lincolnlaminating.com www.lincolnlaminating.com
Associate Member Representative Kohler 3721 Armstrong Dr., Ste. 2B Bloomington, IL 61704 Phone: (920) 207-7701 John.Hansen@Kohler.com www.kohler.com
Erica Hussey
Jeff Smith
President Paxton Countertops and Showers PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 Phone: (517) 719-0146 paxtoncountertops@yahoo.com
Immediate Past President The Countertop Shop 10406 Geiser Rd. Holland, OH 43528 Phone: (419) 868-9101 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net
Vice President Oldcastle Surfaces 1400 Marietta St. Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone: (404) 355-3108 Mell.Hill@oldcastle.com www.oldcastlesurfaces.com
Treasurer JCW Countertops 3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 Phone: (781) 935-1907 ericamaria@jcwcountertops.com www.jcwcountertops.com
Director Creative Countertop Solutions 919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 Phone: (615) 915-0718 mike@tnccs.com www.creativecountersolutions.com
Director Bisley Fabrication 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 Phone (715) 787-4410 kbisley@bisfab.com www.bisfab.com
Director VT Stone Surfaces 1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 Phone: (712) 368-4381, ext. 236 RMiller@vtindustries.com www.vtstonesurfaces.com
Associate Member Representative Gemstone 435 Harrison St. Elkhart, IN 46516 Phone: (574) 294-8899 jsmith@gemstoness.com www.gemstoness.com
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 6 / Issue 1 • 39
ISFANews New Fabrication Standards for Quartz Surfacing and Solid Surface Under Development An important function of the International Surface Fabricators Association is to provide stakeholders in the surfacing industry with education and information about the products and methods that are used. With the collaboration of manufacturing members and teams of experienced ISFA members, in 2013 ISFA published ISFA-2-01 (2013) Classification and Standards for Solid Surfacing. To parallel this standard, ISFA also created ISFA-3-01 (2013) Classification and Standards for Quartz Surfacing Material. These are now the industry standards for these categories of quality materials. The next phase is to develop the companion standards that describe, outline and recommend detailed steps for the fabrication and installation processes for these materials. The two standards that ISFA is currently working on are: ■■ ISFA-2-02 (2014) Fabrication Standards for Solid Surfacing Material ■■ ISFA-3 -02 (2014) Fabrication Standards for Quartz Surfacing Materials For these standards, ISFA currently has a task force headed by Keith Haight, president of Maximus Operandi Consulting, LLC, Elkton, Md. Along with helping to plan training activities, Haight will be coordinating our efforts to produce the fabrication standards for both solid surfacing and quartz surfacing. We currently have two committees of ISFA fabricator members working on these two new standards. Our goal is to complete these standards before the end of 2014. Each standard will have general descriptions of the materials and processes associated with the fabrication and installation of enduse products manufactured from these materials. There will be a detailed section describing the recommended fabrication and installation principles, with criteria, requirements and drawings for each topic. This is a huge task, but the end result will become the industry standard for quality fabrication. 40 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ISFA needs your help in producing these standards. We still have openings on the committees working on the both the solid surface and quartz surfacing fabrication standards. If you are interested in being a part of one of these teams, please contact ISFA Executive Director Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@isfanow.org. A future goal is to incorporate these standards into the ISFA Architectural Reference. The ISFA Architectural Reference will be a hard copy and online collection of standards and other information pertaining to the surfacing industry. It will be a useful desk reference manual for fabricators, architects, designers and other industry professionals.
Contents of the ISFA Architectural Reference include: n ISFA-2-01 (2013) Classification and Standards for Solid Surfacing Material n ISFA-3-01 (2013) Classification and Standards for Quartz Surfacing Material n ISFA-2-02 (2014) Fabrication Standards for Solid Surfacing Material n ISFA-3 -02 (2014) Fabrication Standards for Quartz Surfacing Materials n ISFA Specification for Solid Surfacing n ISFA Specification for Quartz Surfacing n ISFA CAD Drawing Library n ISFA Architectural Reference Disc (Contains all of the above) To participate in the standards process, please contact Chuck Sawyer at cksawyer@ isfanow.org
.
ISFA Contacts Main Office
2400 Wildwood Rd. Gibsonia, PA 15044 Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 Direct: (412) 487-3207 Fax: (412) 487-3269 www.isfanow.org
Education Director Mike Nolan (828) 403-7386 mike@isfanow.org
Account Representative Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 wisnefski@sbcglobal.net
Executive Director Chuck Sawyer
Administrative Assistant & Registrar Paula Goncz
Communications Director Kevin Cole
Project Manager Keith Haight
(724) 612-9768 cksawyer@isfanow.org
Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor (815) 721-1507 kevin@isfanow.org
(877) 464-7732 paula@isfanow.org
(484) 354-5909 keith@isfanow.org
Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals alabama
Surface One
2421 Hwy. 11 Pelham, AL 35124 205-621-1125 www.surface1.com
Alaska
Alaskan Counter Fitters 607 Old Steese Hwy. Ste. B PMB 354 Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-455-0247
Bicknell Inc.
PO Box 33517 Juneau, AK 99801 907-789-5727 www.bicknellinc.com
Cook Inlet Housing Authority
3510 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-793-3047 www.cookinlethousing.org
G2 Construction
PO Box 10690 Fairbanks, AK 99710 907-458-1087 www.g2const.com
Mountain Tops LTD
6605 Arctic Spur Rd. Anchorage, AK 99518 907-272-8107 www.mountaintops.net
North Coast Countertops 7720 Hacienda Dr. Anchorage, AK 99507 907-727-6419
Panco Inc.
PO Box 210 Talkeetna, AK 99676 907-733-6600
Fischer Tile & Marble 1800 23rd St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-452-1426 www.fischertile.com
Integra Cabinets & Millwork 249 W. Baywood #B Orange, CA 92865 714-283-2890 www.integracmw.com
Marble Expressions
1573 Seminole St. San Marcos, CA 92708 760-471-8737 www.marbleexpressions.com
Mio Metals
400 Western Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952 888-530-7630 www.miometals.com
Southwest Carpenters Training Fund 533 S. Fremont Ave. #401 Los Angeles, CA 90071 213-739-9343
The Countertop Factory
12349 Telegraph Rd. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net
Visalia Ceramic Tile
917 N. American St. Visalia, CA 93291559-651-2925
Colorado
AAFES Ft. Carson FMO 1510 Chiles Ave. Ft. Carson, CO 719-291-9206
Florida
Beverin Solid Surface 1108 Palmetto Ave. Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 239-368-9444 www.beverin.com
Natural Stone Motif Inc.
870 Sunshine Ln. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 407-774-0676 www.naturalstonemotif.com
Surface Crafters
711 Commercial Dr. Holly Hill, FL 32117 386-253-0826 www.surface-crafters.com
Atlanta Kitchen Inc.
Maxwell Counters, Inc.
196 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3220 www.atlanta-kitchen.com
Counterfitters LLC
1026 Lynes Ave. Savannah, GA 31415 912-231-0103 www.counterfittersav.com
Countersync
2014 Westside Ct. Augusta, GA 30907 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net
DELAWARE
Hawaii
Wilmington, DE 19803 484-354-5909
1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775
Duracite
2100 Huntington Dr. Fairfield, CA 94533 707-402-1600 www.duracite.com
Keith Haight
Troy Granite Inc.
711 Interchange Blvd. Newark, DE 19711 302-292-1750 www.troygranite.com
Dirk Foster
Georgia
Block Tops Inc.
1560 Harris Ct. Anaheim, CA 92806 714-978-5080 www.blocktops.com
PO Box 306 Millstadt, IL 62260 618-476-1345 www.custommarble.net
610 N. Illinois Ave. Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-2326 www.f-w-s.net
Oldcastle Surfaces Inc.
California
Custom Marble Inc.
F-W-S Solid Surface Specialist Inc.
DMS
1620 Paonia St. Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-574-1250 www.dmscustom.com
Illinois
8293 Consumer Circle Sarasota, FL 34240 941-955-8787 www.sterlingmfg.com
Specializing In Solid Surface 1440 Corona Fort Mojave, AZ 86426 928-788-1000
6250 Corporate Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719-599-4175
114 Lewis St. #3 & #4 Ketchum, ID 83340 208-726-1905 www.ketchumkustom woodworks.com
Sterling Mfg.
Lovell Construction, Inc.
Kitchen Bath & Beyond
Ketchum Kustom Woodworks
802 S. 26th St. Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 206-898-8163
Arlun Inc.
Arizona
Idaho
21880 Bradbury Rd. Grantville, GA 30220 770-253-0383
1400 W. Marietta St. Atlanta, GA 30318 404-355-3108 www.oldcastlesurfaces.com
Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc.
Superior Solid Surface 1620 Hau St. Honolulu, HI 96817 808-842-5556
PO Box 234 Farmer City, IL 61842 309-928-2848
New Age Surfaces 1237 Naperville Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-226-0011
Pierce Laminated Products Inc.
2430 N. Court St. Rockford, IL 61103 815-968-9651 www.piercelaminated.com
Solid Surface Creations Inc.
403 S. Sycamore Villa Grove, IL 61956 217-832-8207 www.ssctops.com
Sprovieri’s Custom Cabinets 55 Laura Dr. Addison, IL 60101 630-917-4690 www.sprovieris.com
Stalwart Systems
7797 N. Caldwell Ave. Niles, IL 60714 847-972-1193 www.stalwartsystemsusa.com
Stevens Industries Inc. 704 W. Main St. Teutopolis, IL 62427 217-540-3100 www.stevensinc.com
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 41
Fabricator Directory (continued) Companies in blue are Certified Professionals Ultimate Stone Inc.
1445 Tonne Rd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 847-437-8662 www.ultimatestone.net
Indiana
A. I. A. Countertops LLC 501 W. Railroad Ave. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com
Bollock Industries Inc.
900 Farabee Ct. Lafayette, IN 47905 765-448-6000 www.bollockstoptops.com
Countertop Pros
5901 S. Range Rd. North Judson, IN 46366 574-896-6013
VT Industries
1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 712-368-4381 www.vtindustries.com
Kansas
Countertop Shoppe
5855 S.W. 21st St. Topeka, KS 66604 785-271-8675 www.mycountertopshoppe.com
Fisher Lumber Co., Inc. PO Box 355 Garden Plain, KS 67050 316-531-2295
Mid-America Kitchens & Baths
1105 N. Industrial Marion, KS 66861 620-382-3390 www.midamericamarble Hard Surface Fabrications, Inc./ products.com/
Kormax
810 S. Beiger St. Mishawaka, IN 46544 574-259-4843
Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.
711 E. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401 812-824-6299 www.rakesolutions.com
M & W Countertops Inc. 11934 Witmer Rd. Grabill, IN 46741 260-627-3636 www.mwcountertops.com
Michiana Laminated Products Inc.
7130 N. 050 E. Howe, IN 46746 260-562-2871 www.michianalaminated.com
Iowa
Custom Countertops & More 1801 E. Oak St. Algona, IA 50511 515-295-4835
Granite Custom Design
2369 Heinz Rd. Unit #J Iowa City, IA 52240 888-452-0714 www.granitecustomdesign.com
Solid Fabrications Inc. 2515 Murray St. Sioux City, IA 51111 712-255-5319 www.solidfab.com
Surface Solutions Inc.
323 La Porte Rd. Waterloo, IA 50702 319-287-5056 www.surfacesolutionsia.com
Parman Brothers LTD
PO Box 7 Johnson, KS 67855 620-492-6882 www.parmanbrothersltd.com
Top Master Inc.
2844 Roe Ln. Kansas City, KS 66103 913-492-3030 www.top-master.com
Kentucky
Surfaces Unlimited Inc.
1272 Hwy. 490 East Bernstadt, KY 40729 606-843-6891 www.surfaces-unlimited.com
Louisiana
Dan Solid Surfaces
2020 Dallas Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-216-3900 www.dansolidsurface.com
Top Distributors LLC 412 Post Oak Rd. Sulphur, LA 70663 337-625-5751
Maine
Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc.
11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com
Massachusetts
MissISSIPPI
3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 781-935-1907 www.jcwcountertops.com
903 Ingalls Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39567 228-938-6484 www.alexandercounterwrights.com
PADCO Countertop Co.
Montana
Jack’s Custom Alexander Woodworking/JCW Countertop Counterwrights
5 Springdale Ave. Canton, MA 02021 781-828-1177 www.padcocountertop.com
Sterling Surfaces
76 Leominster Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-3321 www.sterlingsurfaces.com
Sterling-Miller Designs Inc.
1079 N. Montello St. Brockton, MA 02301 508-894-6999 www.sterlingmillerdesigns.com
TWD Surfaces
75 Hale St. Bridgewater, MA 02324 508-279-2650 www.twdsurfaces.com
Michigan Blasius Inc.
7343 Buell Rd. Vassar, MI 48768 989-871-5000 www.blasiusinc.com
Marbelite Corp.
22500 Heslip Dr. Novi, MI 48375 248-348-1900 www.marbelitecorp.com
Paxton Countertops PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 517-719-0146
Solid Surfaces Unlimited Inc.
6689 Sterling Dr. S. Sterling Heights, MI 48312 586-274-9668
Minnesota
Innovative Surfaces Inc.
Maryland
515 Spiral Blvd. Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1004
505 South St. Easton, MD 21601 410-819-0770 www.solidtops.com
119 Main St. Plato, MN 55370 320-238-2196 www.pinske-edge.com
SolidTops LLC
42 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
The Pinske Edge
BMC
3200 Hwy. 12 E. PO Box 5780 Helena, MT 59404 www.buildwithbmc.com
Jim Shreve
PO Box 721 Florence, MT 59833 406-880-3566
Pyramid Cabinet Shop
1201 Fourth Ave. N. Billings, MT 59101 406-671-8329 www.pyramid-cabinet.com
Solid Surface Designs 233 Lambeth Rd. Billings, MT 417-258-2787 www.ssdionline.com
VanSetten Walker Construction Co.
821 1st Ave. N.W. Great Falls, MT 59404 406-570-5283
WoodCo LLC
PO Box 30254 Billings, MT 59107 406-259-5177 www.woodcollc.com
Nebraska
Best Quality Countertops 4340 S. 90th St. Omaha, NE 68127 402-670-6338
Builders Warehouse 4600 N. Second Ave. Kearney, NE 68845 308-627-6702
Lincoln Laminating Inc.
5010 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-6009
Nevada
B & C Cabinets & Millwork Inc. 5241 Metric Way Carson City, NV 89706 775-322-6000
Carpenters Int’l. Training Fund 6801 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-938-1111
The Countertop Shop, LLC 301B Sunpac Ct. Henderson, NV 702-839-2224 www.thecountertopshopllc.biz
New Jersey
J. Dougherty & Son/ JDS Supply 337 N. Main St. Glassboro, NJ 08028 856-881-5444 www.JDSsupply.com
J&M Lifestyles
215 Rte. 10 Building 3 Randolph, NJ 07869 973-668-5057 www.jmlifestyles.com
Marvic Corp.
2450 Lorio St. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-4340 www.countertopsofnj.com
Solid Surface Designs Inc.
1651 Sherman Ave. Pennsauken, NJ 08110 856-910-7720 www.ssdtops.com
Spaulding Fabricators Inc.
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
110 Baker St. Syracuse, NY 13206 315-474-8422 www.buschproducts.com
9355 Amsterdam Rd. Anna, OH 45302 937-538-7024
6031 S. 129th St. Ste. B Tulsa, OK 74134 918-252-0451 www.hfccountertops.com
Busch Products Inc.
Dimensional Stone and Tile Designs 146 E. 3rd St. Mt Vernon, NY 10550 914-664-1200
Evans & Paul LLC
140 DuPont St. Plainview, NY 11803 516-576-0800 www.evansandpaul.com
Marker Systems Inc.
940 River Rd. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1102
Modern Home Distributing
PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523
Penn Fabricators Inc. 100 Bellport Ave. Yaphank, NY 11980 631-205-0282 www.penn4corian.com
1136 Industrial Pkwy. Brick, NJ 08724 732-840-4433 www.spauldingfabricators.com
Unico Special Products Inc.
New Mexico
Wilbedone Inc.
American Countertops 8013 Edith N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-897-3141
Jaynes Structures
2906 Broadway N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-344-8589 www.jaynescorp.com
OGB Architectural Millwork
3711 Paseo del Norte Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-998-0000 www.ogb-am.com
Pieper Construction
2420 N. White Sands Blvd. Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-437-2262 www.pieperconstruction.com
Rojo Enterprises LLC PO Box 429 Roswell, NM 88202 505-626-3553
25 Renwick St. Newburgh, NY 12550 845-562-9255 www.unicospecialproducts.com 1133 NYS Rte. 222 Cortland, NY 13045 800-734-8813 www.wilbedone.com
North Carolina Johnson Granite Inc. PO Box 511 589 Hiatt Rd. Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-719-2729
Meld USA Inc.
3001-103 Spring Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27616 919-790-1749 www.meldusa.com
Premier Plus Inc.
165 Wildwood Ave. Hamlet, NC 28345 910-995-5615 www.premierplusinc.net
Windbound Co.
PO Box 817 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 828-438-0892 www.windboundsurfaces.com
Bertke Countertops
Hoffman Fixtures Co.
Cabinets 2 Countertops
7142 Frank Ave. N.W. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-244-0221 www.cabinets2countertops.com
Cutting Edge Countertops Inc. 1300 Flagship Dr. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-9500 www.cectops.com
Oregon
Grifform Innovations Inc. PO Box 258 Glide, OR 97443 541-496-0313 www.grifform.com
Pennsylvania A.S.S.T.
Granex Industries
32400 Aurora Rd. Salon, OH 44139 440-248-4915 www.granexindustries.com
Heritage Marble Inc. 7086 Huntley Rd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-436-7465
805 W. Elm Ave. Hanover, PA 17331 717-630-1251 www.asst.com
Advanced Surfaces Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 814-663-0369
Kitchens by Rutenschroer
Blume’s Solid Surface Products
Korkan Granite
Chuck Sawyer
L. E. Smith Co.
John Kramer’s Fabrications Inc.
Laminate Shop, Inc.
McGrory Inc.
950 Laidlaw Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45237 513-251-8333 www.kbrmfg.com
904 Freeport Rd. Freeport, PA 16229 724-294-3190 www.blumes.net
4802 Au Sable Dr. Gibsonia, PA 15044 412-213-0370
4561 Crystal Pkwy. Kent, OH 44240 330-677-1883 www.korkangranite.com 1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 888-537-6484 www.lesmith.com
PO Box 41 Bernville, PA 19506 610-488-6213 www.kramershowerbases.com
PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536
Solid Surfaces Plus
576 Rosedale Rd. Kennett Square, PA 19349 610-444-1512 www.mcgroryinc.com
The Countertop Shop LTD
124 Ellis Woods Rd. Pottstown, PA 19465 610-326-6609 www.pencecountertops.com
4640 Manufacturing Rd. Cleveland, OH 44135 216-267-7040 www.solidsurfacesplus.com 10406 Geiser Rd. Holland, OH 43528 419-868-9101 www.countertopshop.net
Top Shelf Laminated Products 400 Dietz Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-393-1289
Tower Industries
PO Box 647 Massillon, OH 44648 330-837-2216 www.towersurfaces.com
Pence Countertops Inc.
Rhode Island New England Counter Top
PO Box F Pawtucket, RI 02861 508-761-7588
South Carolina Solid Products
109 Lazenby Dr. Ft. Mill, SC 29715 704-236-9796 www.solidproducts.biz International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 43
Fabricator Directory (continued) Companies in blue are Certified ISFA Professionals South Dakota
Virginia
Canada
Mexico
41181 179th St. Raymond, SD 57258 605-532-4150
9115 Digital Dr. Unit 12 Manassas Park, VA 20111 703-396-866 www.metrostoneworks.com
609 Alpha St. Victoria, BC V8Z 1B2 Canada 250-383-1926 http://colonialcountertops.com
Boulevard Hacienda Galindo 116 Villas del meson Juriquilla, 76230 Mexico 52-4422342743
Dakotaland Woodwork & Cabinets LLC
DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. 45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com
Formatop Co.
101 S. Franklin Sioux Falls, SD 57103 605-332-3151 www.formatopcompany.com
Tennessee
Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.
1446 S. Cooper St. Ste. 101 Memphis, TN 38114 901-278-9626 www.alexandermarbleandgranite.com
Creative Countertop Solutions Inc.
300 Peabody St. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecountersolutions.com
Texas
Classic Counter Tops
2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234 www.classiccountertopsinc.com
Counterscapes, Inc. 2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 903-581-5676
Southwestern Counter Tops & Millwork 4100 Frankfort Ave. El Paso, TX 79903 915-562-1116 www.swcelpaso@elp.rr.co
Metro Stone Works LLC
Surface Link Corp.
4200 Lafayette Center Dr. Ste. A Chantilly, VA 20151 301-482-1717 www.surfacelinkcorp.com
TRINDCO
1004 Obici Industrial Blvd. Suffolk, VA 23434 757-539-0262 www.trindco.com
Washington
FloForm Countertops 22445 76th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 253-639-4567 www.floform.com
Mt. Rainer Marble LLC 2606 Jackson Hwy. Chehalisi, WA 98523 360-520-1844 www.mtrainiermarble.com
RD Wing
11809 N.E. 116th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 425-821-7222 www.blimages.com
Sheridan Woodworking LLC 2175 Frog Hollow Rd. Walla Walla, WA 99362 509-540-7799
Synsor Corp.
1920 Merrill Creek Pkwy. Everett, WA 98203 425-322-9604
West Virginia
Alternative Building Concepts, Inc. 4341 Rt. 60 E. Ste. 187 Huntington, WV 25705 304-736-0494
Utah
Wisconsin
250 E. 400 S. Vernal, UT 84078 801-414-3512
700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 715-787-4410 www.bisfab.com
Alternative Surface
Quality Craft Wood Works HC 60 Box 703 Rocky Ridge, UT 84645 435-623-1707
Utah Kitchen and Bath
2098 E. 2250 N. Layton, UT 84040 801-814-8847 www.utahkitchenandbath.com
Bisley Fabrication Inc.
McDermott Top Shop LLC 200 A Main St. Sullivan, WI 53178 262-593-2456
Spectrum Surfaces Inc. 812 Marquis Way Green Bay, WI 54304 920-337-6575
44 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Colonial Countertops Ltd.
Coni-Marble Mfg. Inc.
PO Box 40 99 Harrison St. Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0 Canada 519-461-0100
Executive Millwork #5 1212 38 Ave. N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 6N2 Canada 403-291-0400
FloForm Countertops 125 Hamelin St. Winnipeg, MB R3T 3Z1 Canada 204-474-2334 www.floform.com
FloForm Countertops 10-710 Cynthia St. Saskatoon, SK S7l 6A2 Canada 306-665-7733 www.floform.com
FloForm Countertops 7630 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB T5B 1G3 Canada 780-474-7999 www.floform.com
Granit Design
77 Industrielle Stanstead, QC J0B 3E0 Canada 819-564-7111 www.granitdesign.com
France
CREA Diffusion
ZA Le Cheval Blanc Solgne F-57420 France 38-764-6923 www.crea-diffusion.com
Germany
Rosskopf & Partner AG Bahnhofstrasse 16 D 09573 Augustusburg — Hennersdorf Germany www.rosskopf-partner.com 493-729-12524
Lebanon
Respond S.A.L.
1st Floor Missirian Bldg. Beirut, Lebanon 90076 961-150-1414
Victor Coronado Services
RUSSIA
ARTCOR
60th km. Ring Road Ste. 4A Moscow Russia +7-485-657-8578 www.artcor.ru
United Kiingdom Interfab LTD
Unit 9 Willersey Business Park Willersey, Nr. Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7RR United Kingdom 441-386-858100 www.interfab.co.uk
Specialty Surfaces Fabricators, Manufacturers and Experts
Membership Application Main: (877) 464-7732 • Fax: (412) 487-3269 • www.ISFANow.org
Renewal Instructions: To renew your membership with ISFA, simply fill out the Personal Information section, and Payment Method and that’s it! Fax it back to (412) 487-3269 and we’ll do the rest. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your membership renewal packet to be delivered. New Member Instructions: For Surfacing Experts wanting to become a new member, please fill out the entire form. Membership in ISFA is the industry endorsement of high quality. This endorsement cannot be purchased for the price of membership, but must be established by the company and upheld by each member of the organization. Fax this form back to (412) 487-3269 and we’ll do the rest.Your new membership packet will be in the mail shortly. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Personal Information Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: By providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax. Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email. I Am: q Renewing My ISFA Membership
q Applying to Become a New Member
Method of Payment q I am faxing a copy of the check along with this form. (required if paying by check) Card Type:
q Visa
q Mastercard
q American Express
q Discover
Card Number: Print Name on Card: Expiration Date: Official Signature:
If paying by check, fax copy along with this order form. You can also mail this form to: ISFA, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044.
New Member Information Type of Membership: (please select one) q ISFA Membership: $400 — Any Specialty Surfaces
company that has been in business at least two years and carries appropriate liability insurance.
q Subscriber Membership: $400 — Applicant companies which meet all other qualifications, but have been in business for less than two years shall be eligible for Subscriber Membership in the Association.
q Branch Membership: $200 — Branch Membership is
available to companies having more than one location. Each location must fill out seperate membership applications. Branch Membership annual dues are one-half that of the headquarters location. Each location wlll be treated as a separate member in all respects, except only headquarter locations may vote in general elections.
Code of Ethics
Sponsorship Information: In order to become a member of ISFA, you need to provide information regarding an ISFA member or company willing to sponsor you. If you do not know what to put in this section, just leave it blank. We will help you with this. Sponsor Company: Contact Person: Telephone: Trade Reference: (Please provide a trade reference, generally your distributor of solid surface.) Trade Reference: Contact Person: Telephone: Proof of Insurance: A copy of your certificate of liability insurance must be attached to or faxed with this form to process this application.
(please sign below)
Each member of the International Surface Fabricators Association agrees to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of their business. By adhering strictly to the highest quality standards of fabrication, manufacturing and installation. By promoting only those products and services that are proven quality and value. By writing contracts and warranties that are clear, honest and fair to all parties involved. By honoring all contractual obligations in a reasonably prompt manner. By quickly acting on and attempting to resolve all customer complaints, and in situations where complaints appear unreasonable and persistent, by encouraging the customer to initiate and approach third-party dispute settlement mechanisms. By being fiscally responsible and honoring all legitimate financial obligations, By maintaining all required licenses and insurances. I,_______________________________, do hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and do agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the International Surface Fabricators Association for as long as I hold an active membership therein.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 45
Product News Karran Introduces New Quartz Sink for Seamless Integration into Laminate, Solid Surface Karran introduced the new Q-350 sink in its
plastic bag for easy dust removal. The collector is small, weighs approximately 50 lbs., runs on
110 volts and has an optional cart for portability. Circle RS#52 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
the correct angle and there is no raking. The
Quartz Series that is designed for seamless
connector eliminates the need to clamp, which
integration in laminate and solid surface. The
is faster, uses less space and prevents marring.
undermount sink is made of high-grade quartz
Workpieces connected with Tenso P-14 are
crystals and acrylic resins, and has dimensions of
easily stackable and can be moved immediately
32⅜ in. by 19 in. by 8½ in. The sinks are available
— no wait time for glue drying process.
in six colors: White, Bisque, Grey, Concrete,
Brown and Black. They are scratch- and chip-
Installation of the connector is simple — a
resistant, will not fade, will not support bacteria
T-shaped groove is made in the workpiece
growth, have uniform color throughout and are
by almost any CNC machine with a mounted
heat-resistant to more than 530 F.
groove cutter or the new hand-held Lamello
Zeta P 2 Biscuit Joiner with oscillating (up and
Circle RS#50 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
GranQuartz Offers New Dishwasher Brackets GranQuartz E-Z Bracket for
dishwashers attaches to the cabinet
with wood screws as well as to the
countertop with impact absorbing
adhesive caulk or silicone. It is made to
accommodate virtually any dishwasher
on the market and may be installed before
or after countertop installation. There is
joint so it ensures that the clamping force is at
Elkay Crosstown Series Provides Nine Sinks
down) cutter action. The connector is then
inserted by hand into the T groove, locking into
the workpiece for a strong and tight installation.
Available from Elkay are nine undermount
Glue is applied to the joint and then Tenso P-14
fabrication, creating the commercial look many
There is no risk of torsional movement because
apron-front style sinks have an innovative new
and aligns with only one fitting. The connectors
modified sink base cabinet to house these semi-
available in 80, 300 and 1,000 pair packaging.
Crosstown sink models that feature hand-
snaps together creating an invisible connection.
homeowners desire. Two of the Crosstown
of its patented ridge system, which connects
installation option: Instead of having to order a
are suitable for a variety of applications, and are
exposed models, the new apron design utilizes a sink front that slips over the front edge of the
Circle RS#54 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
allowing for retrofitting to an existing kitchen.
Polycor Introduces Unique Hardware
bracket across the top of the dishwasher bay,
17-in. front-to-back bowl dimension, providing
Polycor Inc. introduced Pierre Habitat, a new
screws provided at each end. The brackets
allowing for a standard faucet installation.
galvanized steel.
for easy cleaning and a Sound Guard®
Circle RS#51 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
reduces condensation. They are made
no need for the dishwasher to be on-site
because of the multiple attachment locations.
Countertop installers need only install the
flush tabs to the face of cabinet and install
are made in the United States from 22-gauge
Oneida Air Systems Offers High Suction Dust Collector The Oneida Air Systems Dust Cobra is a high suction dust collector with Rapid Pulse internal filter cleaner and full unit HEPA
certification that meets EPA
RRP requirements including lead. The cyclone system pre-separates 99 percent of dust, dropping it into
a 17-gal. bin lined with a 46 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
sink base cabinet, making installation easier and All of the sink models in the series feature a maximum space within the sink yet
hardware brand that
Each sink is 9 in. deep, has 15mm corners
the manufacturing
undercoating which dampens sound and
and Vetrazzo. Raw
with 18-gauge, type 304 stainless steel, and custom-fit stainless steel wire grids are also available.
Circle RS#53 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Colonial Saw Brings on New Lamello Connectors Colonial Saw now carries the new
Tenso® P-14 connector from Lamello that
allows users to quickly and easily create
completely invisible connections. Made
from rugged fiberglass-reinforced plastic, Tenso P-14 pulls from the center of the
utilizes materials from
processes of Polycor
materials, excess granite,
marble, limestone and
Vetrazzo recycled glass are combined with
an innovative manufacturing
technique to produce cabinet pulls and knobs
with distinct designs and colorful materials. The collection includes 10 designs available in eight metal finishes. Customers can choose from 26
Vetrazzo colors as well as five white marble, two black limestone and four Canadian granites. Pierre Habitat will also custom manufacture
hardware pieces from sink cutouts or remnants provided by the customer.
Circle RS#55 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
new graphic patterns are inspired by timeless textile designs. Decorative patterns include:
Cosmos, Flare, Loom, Marrakesh, Morocco, Serpentine and Tabby, and are highlighted
with a signature Móz textural grain. They are available in 48- by 96-in. and 48- by 120-in.
aluminum or corrugated aluminum sheets with
thicknesses that range from 0.04 in. to 0.125 in.
They are fabricated from recycled aluminum and contribute to LEED 2.0 MR Credit 4 recycled content. Created for a versatile range of
applications, the multilayered metal panels can
Móz Designs Expands Metal Panel Offering Móz Designs expanded the color-rich options
be installed as surface laminates or specified as column covers, room dividers, art panels, table tops, and terrace and keyway wall systems.
Circle RS#56 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
the SAi EnRoute 5 product family includes more than two dozen new productivity enhancing features and improvements including new
import filters, additional nesting options for the Automatic Toolpath Processing (ATP)
option and new Parametric Textures. With an
expanded range of import filters, SAi EnRoute 5.1 users benefit from improved compatibility with a variety of CAD programs. SAi EnRoute
5.1’s AutoCAD® DXF/DWG import filters now
accommodate current AutoCAD® objects, while both the Adobe® Illustrator and Acrobat import filters have been updated to support current
and legacy AI and PDF files, now supporting the import of layers. It can also take in Wavefront
3D OBJ files, and features support for Caldera
SAi EnRoute Has New 5.1 Update
digital registration and contour cut as well as
of panels. Subtle tones, such as Honey,
alongside vibrant renditions of Clementine Red,
SA International (SAi) has announced the
20 different cabinet and furniture design
available on the Graphix Metal Collection
Aubergine, Lime and Smoke, are now available
Peacock Blue, Mandarin Orange and Onyx. The
improved Onyx XML import. The software’s
ATP engine has now been expanded to support
availability of SAi EnRoute 5.1. This update for
applications. It also brings two new texture
ISFA Member since 1998
Circle RS#17 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#18 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 47
Product News tools to design and create an unlimited number of possible textures to apply to a 3-D surface. The new Flow Texture produces a 3-D surface with the random characteristics of a flowing fluid, and the Phase Texture generates a distinct sequence of recurring waveforms. Circle RS#57 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
natural quartz stone, making them durable and low maintenance. They are available in four
organic tones and have extra-deep offset bowls and low dividers. Available in standard sizes, the drop-in models reflect a contemporary
design applied to classic sink features. With no faucet hole and smaller rim dimensions, the undermount model mounts under any
countertop material including granite, quartz, solid surface and tile.
Circle RS#58 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Outwater Introduces Aluminum Panel Clips Outwater Plastics Industries introduced its
Swan Offers New Granite Sinks Swan offers a line of M-Series Granite Sinks available in both drop-in and undermount models. The sinks are made with 80 percent
Aluminum Panel Clips for hanging cabinets, wall
panels, partitions, signage and frames. The clips enable quick and easy installations with less
labor and cost. Users attach the upper portion of the clip to the back of the object to be hung
and the lower portion to the mounting surface to prepare the item for installation. The clips then
connect and lock together by merely lowering the upper portion that has been attached to the object to be hung into the groove of the lower portion that has been fastened to the intended mounting surface. In addition, the Aluminum Panel Clips readily allow items to be demounted as required. They are stocked in mill finished, extruded aluminum in 4-ft., 8-ft. and 12-ft. lengths. They are precut into 1½-in., 2-in. and 2½-in. pieces both with and without predrilled holes (holes are 3/16-in. diameter and accommodate #10 screws) in eight different profiles, permitting installed items to rest flush against any mounting surface. Circle RS#59 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
ISFA Member since 2013
Circle RS#19 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 48 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Circle RS#20 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
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Volume 7 / Issue 1 Get Your Free Product Information Today: For more facts on products and services, please fill out all the information below and circle the product referral numbers that are found in the magazine. Product referral numbers can be found below each advertisement. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer. You can submit this form via mail, fax, email (editor@isfanow.org) or visit us online at www.ISFAnow.org/info. Personal Information Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: By providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax. Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email. About Your Business What category best describes your business classification? q Fabricator
q Manufacturer
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Which one category best describes your job title/function? q Owner/Partner/Corporate Management and Related Personnel q Production/Plant Management and Related Personnel q Design (includes staff designer/architect and related personnel) q Purchasing/Specifier and Related Personnel q Marketing & Sales Management and Related Personnel q Other (please specify)
Information By Category If you want more information from several advertisers in a category, circle the category number that matches up with the category below. C01 Abrasives
C12 Sealers/Polishes
C02 Adhesives
C13 Seaming Equipment
C03 Air Quality Equipment
C14 Sinks
C04 CNC Machinery C05 Concrete Materials & Supplies C06 Hand/Power Tools C07 Laminate C08 Material Handling Equipment C09 Prefabricated Accessories C10 Quartz Surfacing C11 Saws
What surfacing materials do you work with?
____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Free Product Information Please circle below all of the referral numbers found in the magazine, or the category numbers found on this page that you would like more information on. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48
C15 Software
49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56
C17 Stone
57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64
C19 Tooling
65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72
C21 Waterjet Equipment
73
C16 Solid Surface
C18 Templating Equipment C20 Training
C22 Other Materials
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • 49
Classifieds —WANTED TO BUY—
Used V-grooving Machinery Looking to purchase 2 or 3 v-grooving machines Please call Michelle at 714-702-0441
Ad Index Referral Number
Page Number
11
Beckart Environmental, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
10
Betterly Industries, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
08
Chemical Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Fabricators!
ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment taking up space in your shop that you would like to sell? Are you looking to fill a key position in your operations? Our readers might be interested. Why not submit a FREE classified ad? That’s right, relevant classifieds in this publication are free to ISFA fabricator members! Just send us the text you’d like to run and we’ll do the rest. Email us today at editor@isfanow.org. To place a paid classified ad, for those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507.
13 Cosentino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 20 CountertopResource.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 03 Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 19 FabricatorsFriend.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 24
Integra Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
23
ISFA Grassroots Gathering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
60
ISFA Fabrication Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
07
ISFA Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
21
ISFA Regional Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
01 ITW Polymers Sealants North America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 05
IWF Atlanta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
06
Laser Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
17
Oneida Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
02
Park Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
18
Performance Abrasives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
22
Regent Stone Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
12 Vicostone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 09 Water Treatment Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 50 • Vol. 7 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
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ISFA Member since 2003