ISFA's Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Vol. 16, Issue 4

Making an Impact

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CREDITS

Editor:

Sarah Peiper

Contributors:

Stephen Alberts

Ambro Blackwell

Nancy Busch

Tony Calvert

Brian Kang

Paul “Max” Le Pera

Austin Maxwell

Jessica McNaughton

Tim Saddoris

Sylvia Yoo

Ed Young

Proofreader: Marsha Jo Scott

Design:

V2 Marketing & Management

Printing and Distribution: LSC Communications

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces (ISSN 2372-983X) is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth edition, a Buyers Guide, publishing in October.

Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine are available at the nonmember newsstand price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine is also available by annual subscription (five issues) for $30.00. ISFA members receive a complimentary annual subscription with every membership renewal. Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States. To subscribe, call (888) 599-ISFA.

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.

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine is proudly printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written consent.

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine and the International Surface Fabricators Association assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Opinions expressed by contributors in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos in this publication may not depict proper safety procedures for creative purposes. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine support the use of proper safety procedures in all cases and urge readers to take steps to institute such procedures.

Photography/graphics provided by:

Stephen Alberts

BACA Systems

Baldocer

Ambro Blackwell

Cambria

CaraGreen

Corian Design

Cosentino

Domain Industries

Durasein

Durat

EGGER

elemenAl

ENVI Surfaces

GEM Industries

GEOS

Gilasi

glass2

Häcker Kitchens

International Surface Fabricators Association

Hyundai L&C USA

Karran USA

Laminam

Lapitec

Laser Products Industries

Lensology Photography

Meganite

Museum Surfaces

PaperStone

Park Industries

Porcelanosa

Redemption Stone Craft

Walker Zanger

Emerald

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c/o Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine 3401 Heartland Drive Liberty, MO 64068

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SURFACE FABRICATORS ASSOCIATION

Hyundai L&C is proud to introduce the Opimo Collection by HanStone Quartz, our newest approach to countertop creation. This remarkable collection is an outcome of HanStone’s unwavering commitment to innovation, being the very first quartzite-looking quartz created leveraging the latest technology. Today, we invite you to become a part of this new experience, and with you, we are raising the bar on surfacing design.

For more information, please visit hyundailncusa.com/hanstone-quartz

FEATURES

22 Financing Sustainability: Unlocking Growth Opportunities in Your Business

Discover the financial solutions you need to propel your business toward a more sustainable and lucrative future.

24 Sustain Your Sales: How to Make Sure Your Top Customers Stay Your Top Customers

Never underestimate the power of fostering strong relationships, which are critical to building a sustainable business.

28 Eco-Friendly Fabrication: Sustainable Products for Your Shop

Check out these sustainable materials, tools and solutions for your shop.

38 ISFA Fabricator Profile: Redemption Stone Craft

This fully automated shop thrives on technology, thoughtful planning, streamlined processes and superior customer service.

44 Master the Art of Choosing the Right Sink for Your Next Project

Get a glimpse of the wide array of sinks that reflect your clients’ tastes and needs.

DEPARTMENTS

8 Editor’s Note

10 Calendar of Events

12 Industry News

16 Education Connection

34 Sustainability Matters

46 Perspectives: Nancy Busch

47 ISFA News

51 ISFA Associate Member Directory

54 Product News

58 Perspectives: Austin Maxwell

Cover Photo

Protecting Our Planet and Our People

This issue’s themes of sustainability and safety are resonating with me now more than ever, since this summer, I witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of decisions made hundreds of years ago. On August 8, 2023, deadly wildfires swept across the island of Maui in Hawaii, completely decimating the town of Lahaina and other areas, one of which was just a few miles down the road from my home. While the fires were likely sparked by downed power lines and hurricaneforce winds, experts say that drought conditions played a key role — drought conditions and unruly grasslands in an area that used to be lush wetlands. How they got that way is a mix of climate change and human impact.

According to Kaniela Ing, a seventh-generation Indigenous Hawaiian and national director of the Green New Deal Network, the landscape surrounding Lahaina used to be lush — nothing like it looks today. “It was the birthplace of aquaculture, with fish ponds across town, and people orienting life around nature, rather than in conflict with it.” She says the landscape started to change in the mid-1800s as the whaling industry boomed, and a stream was diverted into a canal to bring fresh water to sailors who docked at Lahaina. Later, as white settlers implemented sugar plantations, they diverted water to support their monocrops. These wetlands were essentially drained for development in the name of progress and profit.

Elena Bryant, senior associate attorney for Earthjustice, echos, “Lahaina was known as the ‘Venice of the Pacific.’ More than a century of water and land mismanagement, in addition to drought worsened by climate change, set the conditions for the most devastating wildfire in the history of Hawaii and the entire United States in more than a century.”

Today, the plantations are gone, and the land around Lahaina is dry and covered with invasive guinea grass. The streams are still diverted, only now to provide resorts and luxury homes with swimming pools, irrigated golf courses and more. What seemed like a good idea — for prosperity! — has had farreaching consequences.

It’s a wake-up call that no one should ignore. As we witness other natural disasters all over the world — floods, fires, rising sea temperatures, unprecedented weather events — we must realize that it’s all a lot of cause and effect.

There are some strong parallels when we think of safety and

sustainability in our industry. Consider how stone and minerals are mined, reshaping hillsides, and forests cut while impacting ecosystems — all these actions affect what tomorrow looks like. The safety of our workers, fabricating materials that pose health hazards — we know lives are on the line. There are consequences.

We all have a responsibility to look at our decisions and how they impact the future, the environment and our people. These problems won’t solve themselves, so it takes all of us to embrace change and stand as leaders to protect our workers and natural resources and find alternative paths to prosperity by using innovative tools and materials that minimize environmental impact.

In this issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces, we break down ways to rethink how you do business to embrace sustainability. Read about how you can get the financing you need to implement capital equipment that can help you minimize waste, use renewable energy, or recycle water (page 22); learn how you can create sustainability in your business by fostering lasting relationships and partnerships (page 24); and get in on more than a dozen materials and solutions that solve for our industry’s environmental impact (page 28). Our Sustainability Matters team asks the tough questions we all need to answer about how safety plays a role in the future of our businesses because sustainability is about protecting our greatest resource, our people (page 34).

What has been lost on Maui cannot be replaced; Lahaina will never be the same. But frankly, for more than 150 years, it wasn’t as it should be. It’s a long road ahead to fully understand this fire’s impact and rebuild what was once a thriving community. It must be a catalyst for change.

As we look forward to a new year, I encourage you to take steps toward nurturing a brighter future and remember that financial gain and sustainable initiatives are not mutually exclusive.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Middle East Stone Show

December 3-6

Dubai, UAE www.middleeaststone.com

2023

ISFA Webinar: Creating Raving Fans & Loyal Customers with Gratitude Campaigns

December 6 www.ISFAnow.org

Behind the Surface Podcast: The Art of Upselling December 11 www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA MemberConnect Meeting

December 14 Virtual www.ISFAnow.org

The International Surface Event (TISE) 2024

January 24-26

Las Vegas www.intlsurfaceevent.com

C.Next Fabricators 2024

January 30-February 3, 2024 Los Cabos, Mexico www.cosentinonext.com

ISFA MemberConnect Meeting

February 22 Virtual www.ISFAnow.org

KBIS 2024

February 27-29 Las Vegas www.kbis.com

NAHB International Builders Show 2024

February 27-29

Las Vegas www.buildersshow.com

ISFA Roundtable

March 7

Location TBD www.ISFAnow.org

Xiamen Stone Fair

March 16-19

Xaimen, China www.stonefair.org.cn

ISFA Solid Surface Fabrication Training

March 26-27

San Antonio, Texas www.ISFAnow.org

Woodworking Industry Conference

April 9-11

St. Petersburg, Fla. www.woodworkingindustryconference.com

Coverings

April 22-25

Atlanta www.coverings.com

HD Expo & Conference April 30-May 2 Las Vegas www.hdexpo.hospitalitydesign.com

ISFA Roundtable

May 9

Location TBD www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Solid Surface Fabrication Training

June 4-5

Chicago www.ISFAnow.org

AIA Conference on Architecture June 5-8

Washington, D.C. www.conferenceonarchitecture.com

NeoCon June 10-12

Chicago www.neocon.com

ISFA Solid Surface Fabrication Training

August 6-7

San Antonio, Texas www.ISFAnow.org

International Woodworking Fair

August 6-9 Atlanta www.iwfatlanta.com

ISFA Roundtable

August 15

Location TBD www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Fabricator Crawl

September 10-11

Location TBD www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA MemberConnect Meeting September 19 Virtual www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Roundtable October 10

Location TBD www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Solid Surface Fabrication Training October 22-23 Boston www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA MemberConnect Meeting November 14 Virtual www.ISFAnow.org

Submit your event for consideration in Calendar of Events by emailing Editor Sarah Peiper, Sarah@ISFAnow.org.

Registration Now Open for KBIS and IBS 2024

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) opened registration for the 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which will take place February 27-29, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

KBIS is the largest North American trade expo and networking opportunity for kitchen and bath industry professionals. The 2024 show will host more than 500 exhibitors and include programming and awards across various categories. The annual event is owned by NKBA and produced by Emerald Expositions.

“KBIS shines a spotlight on kitchen and bath design and technology. It’s an incredible opportunity for both new exhibitors and alumni to showcase their latest products and innovations — and for design professionals to discover the trends that will lead the industry in the coming year,” said Suzie Williford, NKBA executive vice president and chief strategy officer. “Building from a record-setting 2023 edition, this year marks the 60th anniversary of KBIS, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this milestone with an even larger layout and new programming.”

This milestone year for KBIS will prove to be its largest yet — an additional 50,000 square feet of exhibits will bring the show’s expanded footprint across three expo halls to more than 450,000 square feet — displaying top-of-the-line products from leadingedge exhibitors.

2024 exhibitors will include Beko, Cambria, Compac, Cosentino, Delta, Emtek, Fabuwood, Forte Group, GE Appliances Café and Monogram and Profile brands, James Martin Vanities, Karran, Kohler, LX Hausys, Middleby, Miele, Moen, Pfister, SMEG, Signature Kitchen Suite, Top Knobs – Hardware Resources, TOTO, Whirlpool and Z-Line, among others.

With a growing international scope, KBIS will host brands from Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom, among other countries. In addition, KBIS continues to grow beyond kitchens and baths, expanding to include products for outdoor kitchens, laundry rooms, bedrooms, walk-in closets and more.

“Over its 60-year history, KBIS has established itself as a ‘must-attend’ event for industry leaders. The show is a place for connection across disciplines with colleagues able to network and exchange ideas,” said Jason McGraw, CTS, group vice president of KBIS. “We look forward to

2024 and all that KBIS has to offer.”

KBIS and the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show (IBS) are pleased to continue colocating. Building on over a decade of collaboration, Design & Construction Week (DCW) will feature more than 1,900 combined exhibitors and 1,100,000 total net square feet for 2024.

More than 100,000 design and construction professionals are expected to attend to see the newest products and meet with industry experts.

“We are thrilled to once again bring together the housing industry for the event of the year,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Alabama. “This event is the spotlight for the industry’s cuttingedge products and trends, unbeatable education offerings, and the chance to network with other industry leaders. This year, we are excited to roll out even more opportunities and special features that our attendees are sure to love.”

An IBS Expo+Education Pass gives attendees three-day access to all IBS Education sessions as well as entry to IBS and KBIS show floors. This includes 100+ sessions led by renowned experts on a wide range of industry topics and daily keynotes and sessions led by high-profile speakers on industry trends. And new this year, IBS will offer even more of the most highly sought-after sessions as encore sessions to ensure that attendees have greater flexibility in scheduling the sessions they want to attend.

And for those looking to make the most of their show experience, several pre-show learning opportunities are offered Feb. 25-26, available for additional fees.

Learn more at www.surfacesmagazine.com/registration-nowopen-for-kbis-ibs-2024/.

IN THE INDUSTRY

Leaders from Skilled Trades Industries Unite to Combat Labor Crisis in U.S. and Canada

NEST, the pioneers of integrated facilities management, has teamed up with leaders across the construction, retail and skilled trades industries to create the Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC). Aimed to combat the crisis facing skilled labor in the U.S. and Canada, STAC’s founding advisers will leverage their resources and knowledge, and network to elevate the skilled trades as high-paying, honorable, and often heroic career paths, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, janitorial, construction and other essential jobs that require a rejuvenated workforce.

“I’m encouraged that so many others share my passion for growing the trades and ending the stigma that surrounds jobs in the industry,” said Rob Almond, CEO of NEST, who spearheaded the initiative. “STAC is a way for many of us to work together and find ways to encourage youth to consider a career in the skilled trades.”

According to online recruiting platform Handshake, the application rate for young people seeking technical jobs dropped by 49% in 2022 compared to 2020. Staffing firm PeopleReady estimates 40% of the 12 million people in the skilled trades workforce are over the age of 45, with nearly half of those workers over the age of 55.

Associated Builders and Contractors reported that the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 546,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2023 to meet the demand for labor.

LOTTE Partners with Doyle Farris To Distribute Staron Solid Surface

LOTTE Staron announced a partnership with Doyle Farris. This collaboration aims to bring the Staron solid surface brand to a broader audience across the U.S. market.

Doyle Farris will be stocking the complete range of Staron solid surface colors available in the U.S. This streamlined distribution process will result in accelerated lead times, enhancing the accessibility of Staron products for customers through large market distribution, making it more convenient than ever to experience the exceptional qualities of Staron solid surface.

Visit www.surfacesmagazine.com/lotte-partners-with-doylefarris-to-distribute-staron-solid-surface for details on the territory of distribution.

IN THE INDUSTRY

DOL, OSHA Ramp Up Enforcement, Compliance Regarding Silica Safety

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched a new initiative focused on enhancing enforcement and providing compliance assistance to protect workers in the engineered stone fabrication and installation industries.

“Many workers in the engineering stone industry are experiencing illnesses so severe that they’re unable to breathe — much less work a full shift — because of their exposure to silica dust,” explained assistant secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “Among them is a 27-year-old worker in California, who went to an emergency room with shortness of breath in 2022 and whose lung biopsy later revealed he had silicosis. Since then, he has been on an oxygen tank and unable to support his wife and three young children.”

Supplementing OSHA’s current National Emphasis Program for Respirable Crystalline Silica, this initiative will focus enforcement efforts on industry employers to make sure they’re following required safety standards and providing workers with the protections required to keep them healthy. It establishes procedures for prioritizing federal OSHA inspections to identify and ensure prompt abatement of

hazards in covered industries where workers face exposure to high levels of silica dust.

OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health identify silica dust exposure as a health hazard for workers involved in manufacturing, finishing and installing natural and manufactured stone, which includes the human-made, engineered, artificial or cultured types.

When inhaled, very small crystalline silica particles expose workers to the risk of silicosis, an incurable, progressively disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease. Unsafe silica dust exposure can also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or kidney disease.

A July 2023 study released by the American Medical Association underscores the dangers for workers in these industries. The “Silicosis Among Immigrant Engineered Stone Countertop Fabrication Workers in California” study cited 52 male patients diagnosed with silicosis caused by occupational exposure to respirable silica dust from engineered stone.

Visit www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2023-09-22 to learn more.

EDUCATION CONNECTION

Current economic signals are all over the map. Some geographic areas are still seeing record growth while some are already slowing significantly. Some market segments are still strong (large commercial projects) while some are weakening (new housing starts in some areas). Some forecasters predict a “soft landing” while others are predicting something more significant. Still other forecasters say we won’t have any sort of recession. It’s no wonder many shop owners are confused about how to plan for the next few years.

The good news is this uncertainty is creating opportunities for shop owners who recognize them and are prepared to take advantage of them.

Increase Market Share

When a market shrinks (or when companies think a market is shrinking), most business owners automatically start to reduce their operating costs. One of the first items to be cut is advertising. Their logic is, if people aren’t buying as much, then there is no point spending

money to advertise. This is a poor strategy for several reasons.

With many fab shops tucked away in commercial areas, marketing is the primary way to let the public know you exist. Cutting the ad budget could lead many people to think you may have gone out of business. This is doubly so if you also cut showroom hours in an attempt to reduce labor.

If the market is truly shrinking (lower overall sales level) and if the majority of shops cut their marketing activities, then any shop that continues to advertise or even increases its ad budget has a chance to increase its market share. This means the shop that continues to advertise can maintain its sales level during slow times. Executed well, this approach can even increase your share of the market because other shops aren’t marketing. When the market eventually turns around, as they always do, the shop that increased its market share will grow much more quickly than those who stopped advertising.

Taking the opposite approach of your competitors can yield strong dividends.

Upgrade Labor

Even prior to the pandemic, good people were hard to find. Lockdowns made that many times worse. Experiencing a reduction in orders, some shops have started cutting operating hours while others have already laid off some employees.

When hours get cut, the first people to voluntarily leave for another job are usually the best employees — because they can more easily find other opportunities. If you have some current employees who aren’t performing, the increased pool of experienced employees can allow you an opportunity to upgrade your staff. If you have a competitor that has cut back on shop hours, consider placing yard signs near that competitor or use geofencing to target specific areas when advertising your current openings. This cost-cutting mentality isn’t limited to the surface fabrication industry. Most businesses follow this

model. If you have a good training program, there will be more quality applicants of all backgrounds to select from, allowing you the opportunity to upgrade your workforce.

Enhance Your Company Image

Get your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) out there. If you don’t have a UVP, now is the time to create one.

Your UVP tells prospective customers why they should buy from you instead of your competition. Even though fabricating every countertop requires templating (or a blueprint), fabrication and installation, your business still has characteristics that are different from your competition. Some of these are how well you execute your work, your level of customer service, the market segments in which you specialize, any additional services you offer and more. The key is to craft a simple but compelling UVP.

Pro tip: A strong UVP rarely includes a low-price component. If it is compelling enough, your UVP will reduce the pricing pressure that normally comes with an economic downturn.

A marketing strategy that leverages your UVP is the key to keeping your sales volume up while everyone else is slowing down. A solid strategy would include social media and an email campaign along with traditional marketing methods.

This strategy could also include encouraging your team to invest time working with local nonprofit organizations. A great way to do this is to provide a “paid match” for this volunteer time. A typical plan would be

to match every hour an employee volunteers with an hour of pay. For example, they work an hour for free and the company pays for the next hour. This means the employee essentially gets paid ½ time for the hours they help a nonprofit.

If you are struggling to craft a UVP or to define a solid marketing strategy, get professional help. While this will cost some money, it won’t cost nearly as much as your mistakes will.

Improve Processes

Sooner or later, we know the business cycle will come back around to growth. When that happens, you will need all the good employees you can find. If you lay off good employees now or if you cut hours and some good employees leave, you will have to compete with everyone else who is hiring when the economy rebounds.

If you don’t want to lose your good people now only to have to replace them in a few months or a year, consider putting them to work improving your processes. If you have been struggling to find time and resources to work on your business processes, this could be your golden opportunity.

Have you been thinking about implementing a different software package? This could be the time to tackle that project. Have you been wanting to build out your training program so you can finally grow your own in-house experts? Now is the time to do it. Have

you been wanting to straighten up the shop and organize your tooling? Have you wanted to visit other shops in the organizations you belong to so you can see what everyone else is doing? Or better yet – send some of your key people on those visits? Safety is a topic that is getting more and more visibility each day. This would be a great time to conduct your own safety training and conduct some self-audits.

Bring on New Product Lines

Are you getting more requests for porcelain but have struggled with this material in the past? Now’s your chance to get some solid training and start building and improving your procedures for those materials. Your consumables supplier can help you with getting the right tooling. The International Surface Fabricators Association can provide the hands-on technical training you and your team need for a number of materials including solid surface, porcelain, sintered stone and ultracompact materials.

Further, increased pricing pressure is common during a downturn. Rather than reducing pricing on your main bread-and-butter products, consider taking on some lower-priced product

EDUCATION CONNECTION

lines. This will give your customers an array of options to meet their budget requirements without hurting your primary business.

Enhance Your Customer Experience

Chances are that while reviewing or developing your UVP, you have assessed your current level of customer service. This would be a great time to consider upgrading the overall experience of your customers. How long does it take to generate a quote? How can you improve the speed of following up on initial customer inquiries? What can you do that your competition is not willing to do? Is this the time to experiment with in-home sales? Is this the time to work

on shortening your template-to-install lead time? Maybe now is the time to consider offering annual countertop inspections and sealing services. Raising the bar on your customer experience can put a lot of pressure on your competitors — yet another way to gain market share. For a business to grow profitably, key people must spend a large portion of their time working ON the business as opposed to working IN the business. While the uncertainty can be a bit scary, an economic downturn can present the ideal opportunity to work ON your business. Companies that execute well on these items will create a strong competitive advantage that will pay off handsomely — both now and also when the economy rebounds.

Ed Young is the owner of Fabricator’s Business Coach, a consulting firm designed to strengthen and elevate fabrication shops of all sizes. A former shop manager, Ed fully understands the challenges of today’s professionals. He has consulted with a range of businesses, from one-person startups to international Fortune 100 corporations, covering a broad array of products and processes. As a result, Ed knows that each business needs an appropriate structure for its unique situation. To learn more about how Fabricator’s Business Coach can take your shop to the next level, visit www.fabricatorscoach.com or reach Ed directly at Ed@fabricatorscoach.com.

C C A A B B 2 2 V V

How to Optimize Your Website for Mobile Visitors

By Stephen Alberts, Countertop Marketing Co.

In today’s digital age, the mobile device has become an essential tool for people worldwide. From online shopping to searching for local services, the mobile phone is the go-to device for countless daily tasks. As a countertop shop owner, this shift in consumer behavior presents a unique opportunity to connect with your target audience through their mobile devices. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that your website is configured to deliver the best experience for mobile users.

The Mobile Revolution

The rise of mobile devices as the primary gateway to the internet has brought about a seismic shift in the way businesses reach their customers. Consider these eye-opening statistics:

• Up to 70% of web traffic now occurs on mobile devices, according to CIODive.

• The World Advertising Research Center predicts that by 2025, 75% of users will access the internet using a mobile device.

• Smart Insights claims that more than one-quarter of all emails are opened on smartphones.

• Approximately 40% of mobile users search for local businesses, often including the phrase “near me.” (Source: Aumcore)

• A well-optimized mobile website can lead to a more positive opinion about your business, with 61% of users holding this view. (Source: Smart Insights)

• According to Google, 57% of users claim they wouldn’t recommend a company if its mobile website design is poor.

• More than half of all e-commerce sales are done via mobile devices. (Source: 99firms)

• According to a report from Hitwise, nearly 60% of all online searches are now carried out on a mobile device, with some sectors reaching 72%.

• 96% of Facebook users access the platform via the app on their mobile devices. (Source: Google)

Given these statistics, it’s evident that mobile devices have become an integral part of consumers’ lives. To thrive in this landscape, shops must optimize their online presence for mobile users.

Mobile-Optimized Websites

The foundation of any successful mobile marketing strategy is a mobile-optimized website. Before diving into the world of mobile marketing, it’s crucial to assess your website’s mobile compatibility. Here’s how to get started:

First, check your competitors. Identify your closest competitors and assess whether they have mobile-optimized websites. A quick visit to their site on your mobile phone can provide valuable insights.

Next, evaluate the user experience. Evaluate the mobile user experience on your competitors’ websites by checking out the site on your mobile device. Did their sites load quickly? Were key information and contact details easily accessible? Was the site optimized for mobile screens? If so, they have invested in catering to mobile users.

Now, turn the spotlight on your website. If it doesn’t provide a seamless mobile experience, you might be losing potential countertop projects.

Analyzing Your Mobile Status

To compete effectively, you must thoroughly analyze your mobile status. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses in mobile marketing is critical for future success. Here are some essential questions to consider:

• Mobile website usability: Is your mobile website userfriendly? Does it load within seconds and provide the necessary information consumers seek while on the go?

• Search engine visibility: Does your mobile website rank

well on mobile search engines when local consumers search for relevant terms on their mobile devices?

• QR code implementation: Are you using QR codes to increase awareness about your business? Are these codes prominently displayed on your marketing materials, directing traffic to your mobile website? By addressing these questions, you can pinpoint areas for improvement and develop a targeted mobile marketing strategy.

Spy on Your Mobile Marketing Competitors

To gain an edge in mobile marketing, it’s essential to understand what your competitors are doing. Fortunately, spying on your competitors’ mobile marketing initiatives is straightforward. Start by visiting your competitors’ mobile websites on your smartphone. Explore their sites, noting design, features and user flow. While the goal isn’t to copy their strategies, you can gather valuable insights for your mobile website. Check if your competitors use QR codes to generate interest in their business. Scan these codes with your mobile phone to uncover their purpose and the incentives they offer. Remember, the information you gather should inform your mobile marketing strategy positively and ethically.

Make Customers Call Your Business with Mobile Marketing

To outperform your competitors, use mobile marketing to make your countertop company more appealing to your target audience. Here are some effective strategies:

• Ensure your website is mobilefriendly, loads quickly, and offers essential information that mobile users seek. User experience is paramount.

• Embrace digital engagement: Stay active on social media platforms and maintain an easily accessible online presence via mobile devices. Implement QR codes to engage local consumers and provide instant gratification.

• Implement mobile SEO techniques to attract qualified traffic to your website. Mobile users constantly search for local products and services on the go, so ensure your business ranks well in mobile search results.

Finding Your Business Basics

For potential customers searching for countertops, having basic information readily available on your website is crucial. Users in the research phase typically want to know who you are, your location and how to request an estimate. Ensure your website caters to these needs.

Mobile optimization is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s business landscape. As consumers increasingly turn to mobile devices, businesses must adapt to remain competitive. By assessing your mobile status, studying competitors, and implementing effective mobile marketing strategies, you can make your countertop business more appealing to local consumers, drive inbound calls and stay ahead in the mobile marketing game. Embrace the mobile revolution, and watch your business thrive in the digital age.

Stephen Alberts is the owner of the Countertop Marketing Co. and STONE ENGAGE. They specialize in helping countertop companies grow the retail side of their business outside of wordof-mouth and referrals. They also offer software to help you engage more with customers and close more countertop projects.

To learn more, visit www. countertopmarketingco.com or www.stonengage.com. You can also email Stephen at steve@ countertopmarketingco.com.

FREE BOOK FOR COUNTERTOP SHOPS!

The world of online marketing can be confusing, but when done correctly, it can completely change your countertop company. This article is adapted from chapter 8 of Stephen’s book, The Complete Guide to Internet Marketing for Countertop Shops. To learn more about how you can up your online game, get a free copy of the book at https://countertopmarketingco.com/ book/.

Financing Sustainability: Unlocking Growth Opportunities in Your Business

By Ambro Blackwell

The countertop fabrication and remodeling industries are increasingly influenced by consumer demand for sustainability. However, achieving a green transformation can require a significant investment, often posing a challenge for many small business owners. Fortunately, financial solutions are available to propel these businesses toward a more sustainable and lucrative future.

The Business Case for Sustainability

In today’s market, the appeal of sustainability extends far beyond the eco-conscious consumer. Homeowners are interested not only in beautiful aesthetics, but they are also looking for long-lasting, environmentally friendly options. Sustainable practices are no longer just nice-to-haves but have become compelling selling points that can set a business apart in a crowded marketplace.

Embracing sustainability in your business can unlock a few opportunities. For one, it can set you apart from your competition. This brand differentiation can serve as a unique selling proposition (USP) that makes your business stand out. Standing out is a potential point of leverage for your business. In addition, you can realize long-term financial

gains; energy-efficient equipment and waste reduction can lead to significant operational savings over time.

The third play here is toward the consumer. Your customers are more likely to return to and recommend businesses that share their values. This organic, word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to gain market share.

Financing the Sustainability Dream

Achieving sustainability is often hindered by the upfront costs of new equipment, materials and technologies. Small business loans can bridge the gap, enabling shops and studios to finance their green transition. While borrowing money entails interest payments and requires sound financial planning, the return on investment (ROI) for sustainable initiatives can potentially justify the expenditure. Consulting with a certified public accountant will help you understand your options.

There are a few types of financing available.

• Traditional bank loans: These often require a strong credit history but usually offer the most favorable interest rates.

• Government loans and grants: Federal and state programs may offer financial incentives for sustainable

businesses. This is an option that many small business owners often overlook.

• Specialized green loans: Some lenders focus on eco-friendly business practices, offering terms tailored to these initiatives.

Investing in Sustainable Equipment and Infrastructure

Modern machinery typically offers higher efficiency rates with lower energy usage, effectively reducing a business’s carbon footprint. Coupled with this are the long-term savings in energy bills, which can offset the loan’s interest payments.

A few simple examples include:

• Digital cutting machinery: These precision machines can help reduce waste and speed up the fabrication process, enabling you to take on more jobs.

• Energy-efficient lighting and temperature controls: Financing the installation of energy-efficient systems can lead to long-term energy and cost savings.

• Solar energy: While costly upfront in some cases, solar panels can drastically reduce energy costs and even become an income source if excess energy is sold back to the grid.

Bulk Purchasing of Sustainable Materials

Buying materials like recycled glass, reclaimed wood, or low-VOC adhesives and finishes in bulk can be cost-effective but requires significant initial investment. A small business loan can enable this form of purchasing, with the cost savings realized over time to counterbalance the loan interest. Keep in mind that there is the possibility that your tax adviser might treat the interest paid on the small business loan as a tax write-off.

Funding Research and Development

Sustainability in design is a rapidly evolving field. To stay competitive, businesses can invest in research and development (R&D) to explore innovative materials or fabrication processes. Financing this R&D can provide a competitive edge and potentially unlock new revenue streams.

Staff Training and Certifications

Being recognized as a sustainable business isn’t just about materials and processes; it’s also about expertise. Training staff in sustainable practices and obtaining relevant certifications can boost employee morale and self-worth and significantly bolster a business’s credibility. Loans can help cover these educational investments, which can attract a premium clientele willing to pay for this specialized service.

Marketing and Branding

Once a business has implemented sustainable practices, the next step

is to let the world know. An effective marketing campaign focused on the company’s green initiatives can attract attention and bring in clients. From website redesign to online advertising, these strategies often require capital, another area where small business loans can be instrumental. Some of the largest companies and organizations today place a tremendous amount of focus and capital into improving their marketing and keeping their branding in line with who they are as a company or organization.

Risks and Considerations

When it comes to financial planning, be sure that the ROI of the sustainable initiatives justifies the loan amount and interest rates. Having a conversation with your bank representative and tax adviser is instrumental. Be aware of the loan terms and fees, including interest rates and repayment schedules. Keep abreast of changing regulations in both lending and sustainable practices to avoid future complications. Consulting with your attorney or legal counsel should help you stay on top of these changes.

Embracing sustainability offers more than just environmental benefits; it opens avenues for business growth and differentiation. Through strategic small business lending, these enterprises can invest in a more sustainable future, attracting new customer segments and potentially increasing long-term profitability. With financial barriers removed, the path toward a green and prosperous future becomes a journey often worth embarking upon.

Ambro Blackwell, vice president and senior business banking relationship manager at JP Morgan Chase, is the bestselling author of Small Business Loans Made Simple. He is a certified treasury professional, according to the Association of Financial Professionals, and he helps business owners and decision-makers properly manage cash flow and obtain commercial financing. For more information, visit his website at www.yourcashflowstrategist.com.

Is your big idea losing ground because you lack capital?

Unsure where to start when it comes to financing? Want to lessen the personal risks of that entrepreneurial leap? Small Business Loans Made Simple is a straightforward roadmap for navigating the lending process. Deftly explained with his insider knowledge, professional tips and keen analysis, Blackwell breaks down technical aspects in accessible language. And by following his detailed guidelines, you’ll be able to win the financing your enterprise needs to move forward and prosper. Get the book at www.amazon.com/ Small-Business-Loans-Made-Simple/ dp/1959605003.

Sustain Your Sales: How to Make Sure Your Top Customers Stay Your Top Customers

By Tim Saddoris, Grand Onyx

I don’t want to be an alarmist, but the warning signs of a potential recession are all around us. While we all hope it doesn’t come to pass (some are saying it won’t), you need to be proactive just in case. Building a sustainable business model before any downturn happens is the smart play. If an economic downturn does occur, you’ll be better prepared. If not, you’ll have taken steps to solidify your business. So what should you do to prepare? Get closer to your clients right now.

Start Getting Sticky

For most stone fabricators, the most significant revenue source comes from wholesale clients, builders, kitchen and bath, etc. So, you want to look at your client base and categorize them into tiers. Figure out your best grouping of clients and start getting sticky.

Have you ever tried to super-glue something and get some on your fingers? Even after scrubbing off the residue, you might still be picking at it for days. It’s a constant reminder of the job you did. You want to be that sticky with your clients — constantly reminding them of the value you bring. You want them to know you support them and value their business. However, it’s not just about your basic products or services. It’s about the things you do that make you invaluable to them.

Dependability and Communication

Your wholesale clients aren’t concerned only with price. They choose fabricators based on two important things:

dependability and communication. If either is lacking, customers have a reason to look elsewhere.

Look at things from their point of view. For example, a builder managing several homes might be coordinating several dozen contractors and scheduling all of them on tight timetables to meet deadlines. So, if they’ve scheduled a plumber on a Tuesday, the countertops had better be there on a Monday. Dependability is crucial. If you told them 30 days ago that the countertop would be installed by a particular day, it better be. If you miss the install date, you can easily create a ripple effect that throws off the builder’s entire schedule.

The second piece is communication. Let’s say a builder orders a specific slab of quartz and it’s coming from your supplier. You find out that the delivery from your supplier is running a few days behind. We all understand that things that are out of control can happen, but bad news never gets better with age. You need to know about any delays as soon as possible and communicate with your client. You may not always be perfect, but you can always communicate. And it’s a heck of a lot better to tell them two weeks in advance versus 48 hours. The more notice you give them, the better they can plan. Stick close to your top-tier clients and suppliers to keep those lines of communication open.

Everybody has a schedule of when a quote is accepted. That starts a series of events to meet delivery and installation dates. From the time a quote is accepted to install, there might be dozens of interim steps before the job is complete. You need to map the interim steps and have a schedule to track

any potential bottlenecks. For example, are you always projecting 30 days from the coded date? Is it always 30 days? What is the probability that you’ll hit that 30-day mark? In other words, how accurate and predictable is your calendar?

In many cases, they might be able to make a minor change in what they do, but it could solve a big problem for you.

That’s a win.

If it’s not accurate at a highly predictable rate, you must identify what’s preventing it. If you can isolate where potential bottlenecks can occur and correct them, you can significantly increase your dependability with your clients, and that’s the kind of relationship you want — one where they know they can depend on you and that you’re always going to deliver. And, if there are problems, you’ll let them know in plenty of time so they can adjust their plans before they become a crisis.

How Can I Help?

Those are powerful words but rarely spoken in business. Think about it for a moment. When was the last time a vendor asked if they could help and really meant it? If they did — and it was genuine — think about how that would affect your relationship, especially if they could fix one of your problems. In many cases, they might be able to make a minor change in what they do, but it could solve a big problem for you. That’s a win.

Even more importantly, when was the last time you went to your best customers and asked, “How can I help you?” If you can do that and really listen, you can help them solve their problems and find ways to grow their business — thereby strengthening your relationship.

Looking at your top-tier clients as a group, you’ll likely find many of them have the same concerns. If you can dig into their pain points and offer a solution, you can use it across multiple clients. If you do that, here’s what’s going to happen when the economy turns around: They’re going to remember that you were there to help, not just make a sale. At the same time, you will have new capabilities, so you’ll be better prepared to move forward with a stronger customer base.

Complacency is the Enemy

When things are going well, it’s easy to make assumptions. Orders come in. Invoices go out. Bills get paid. Things seem to be going fine, and suddenly, you lose a client. It’s

happened to all of us. Customers don’t always share when there’s an issue, and their problems may have nothing to do with you. But, it becomes your problem when they stop doing business with you.

Find out what that issue is now and do something about it. That only happens when you know your customer well and can have honest conversations. “How can I help?” may start the conversation, but it requires talking about things beyond your business. There are often problems you can help solve that a client would never think to bring up.

I’m a big fan of Dan Sullivan’s D.O.S. conversation strategy. D.O.S. stands for Dangers, Opportunities and Strengths.

Dangers: Talk to your clients about what they fear. In other words, what are they afraid of losing? Are they afraid of moving backward?

Opportunities: Learn what opportunities they are excited about — especially what they would regret if they could not capture it.

Strengths: Find out what they are confident about and the strengths they’ve gained from previous experiences that they can maximize.

These emotions – fear, excitement and confidence — become the raw materials for strengthening your relationship. I’ve been married for 15 years, and I’m still learning about my wife and what’s most important in our relationship. You know how it works; you often don’t find out about things until you ask.

Such conversations can uncover hidden information a client might never tell you otherwise, and you may have a way to help. They may not know your capabilities or connections, so they’d never think to ask. Once you gain this knowledge, however, you may be in a position to help. Maybe you have a connection with a key vendor they’re trying to attract or can offer a different way to approach payment structures to free up capital so they can take on more jobs. There are all sorts of possibilities that may arise that you’d never know about otherwise. Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Roger Staubach said it best: “There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.”

And, when things get tight, or business picks up, your clients will remember who was there to help and made an investment in them.

This strategy isn’t going to work with every client you have. I know because I’ve lost some clients over the years. What I learned is that the clients who do respond will create stronger relationships that can last well into the future. Those that don’t can free up your time to provide greater value to the clients you do have.

Build Relationships and a Sustainable Business

Fostering stronger relationships is critical to building a sustainable business. The economy will turn around and improve at some point. These strong relationships will serve you well with your clients when business is booming. In the meantime, getting sticky and finding ways to help before and during a recession can help keep clients doing business with you.

Tim Saddoris is the president of Grand Onyx. a firm dedicated to helping stone fabricators increase their revenue by 30% to 300% using proven techniques and a World Class Blueprint System to help you build a more profitable, scalable business. They help companies refine their sales process, uncover insights about better ways to sell, and coach sales teams for greater success. Learn how Grand Onyx can help your business grow at www.grandonyx.pro.

Eco-Friendly Fabrication: Sustainable Products for Your Shop

By Sarah Peiper

Sustainability is at the forefront of nearly every conversation around design and remodeling, and you’re behind the times if you aren’t considering integrating sustainability in your business. The betterment of our communities and the health of our environment depend on every business, no matter how big or how small, taking responsibility for how they work and contributing to a better planet. There are all kinds of materials, tools and solutions for the decorative surfacing industry that can help you embrace sustainable products and practices. Here are 15 innovations to consider for your shop.

BACA Systems’ PURE Water Filtration System

PURE is a water filtration system that removes stone particulate, so gray water can be recycled and reused in cutting. PURE Systems are available in varying sizes to meet the shop’s needs, filtering from 80 gpm to 320 gpm.

The PURE System pumps dirty water from a collection pit by a heavy-duty, sealless pump to a centrifugal separator, where solids are filtered to 40 micron. The water is further filtered to approximately 10 micron

through a series of hydrocyclones. Solids are collected in a sludge hopper and settling weir, both of which are lined with removable bags for easy disposal. The filtered water enters a holding tank before a horizontal pump delivers the water back to the shop at 75 psi. Additional features can be added to the PURE System. Learn more at www.bacasystems.com/baca-pure.

Corian Design — A Responsible Choice

Corian Design offers a wide portfolio of beautiful, on-trend designs that are harmonious with human health and the environment. The company is innovating to reduce waste and incorporate postconsumer and post-industrial recycled content. The Corian Solid Surface portfolio includes a variety of high-recycled content aesthetics, including the new Terrians collection. Corian Endura High Performance Porcelain is made from 100% natural minerals and clays. The North American manufacturing facilities are zero waste, and electricity comes from renewable energy sources.

Corian surfaces are GREENGUARD Gold certified and contribute toward LEED points. In alignment with the AIA Materials

Pledge, they’re NSF certified, UL certified as mold-resistant and do not contain BPA. A low-VOC material, Corian is free from dangerous chemicals, which supports better indoor air quality. The Corian Design portfolio allows for beautiful and safe interiors with sustainability as a top priority. To learn more, visit www.corian.com.

Durasein Solid Surface

Diamond is Durasein’s newest addition to their marble-inspired Dreamy Collection. From unique color blends to mesmerizing visual textures, Durasein patterns are magically crafted with the help of their proprietary robotic color dispensing tech to create a surfacing product that provides both elegance and performance. From air quality to food safety, Durasein is engineered to maintain a safer environment for human health. With concerns that prolonged exposure to nanoparticles may lead to health issues, it’s also reassuring to know that Durasein solid surfaces are free from nanoparticles. With zero emissions, Durasein’s material and the cured adhesive used in installation are 100% free of formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions. In addition to GREENGUARD, GREENGUARD Gold

Indoor Air Quality, HPD and REACH certifications, Durasein surfaces are also NSF-51 certified to ensure that they are safe for food equipment and food contact.

Durasein’s solid surfaces have also been tested to meet and/or exceed the requirements for industry standards, including ASTM, ANSI, UL and NEMA. It’s undergone strict stain and chemical resistance testing in accordance with CSA B45.5-17/IAPMO Z124-2017, and EN ISO 16000-9 testing to show that there are no traces of harmful substances in the products. Learn more at www.durasein.com.

Durat Sustainable Solid Surface

Durat has always strived to limit their impact on the environment through the concept of circularity, designing material with the intention of being reused and recycled. Durat consists of up to 28% recycled hard plastics diverted from the waste stream and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life through Durat’s takeback program. The material originated in Finland but is also made in the USA. The company also recently invested in an Environmental Product Declaration, which is available to the public. One of the most amazing aspects of Durat is the nearly endless color

choices available. Durat is not only a more sustainable choice but is also easy to work with, maintainable and nonporous. For more information about Durat or to request a sample, visit www.caragreen.com/durat.

EGGER’s Thermally Fused Laminate

EGGER’s thermally fused laminate (TFL) panels are naturally sustainable thanks to their ability to store carbon, the renewable resources used as a raw material and the circular production processes used to manufacture them. According to the Composite Panel Association, composite wood panels store as much or more carbon than is released during the manufacturing process, making them carbon negative or carbon neutral.

EGGER values wood as a natural resource and is committed to optimizing its

use. Particleboard and TFL panels produced at the company’s Lexington, North Carolina, plant are made primarily using what would otherwise be considered waste or recovered wood — wood chips left over from other milling and manufacturing processes. About 70% of the wood in EGGER’s composite panels comes from these sources. With the addition of a brand-new on-site wood recycling center, these boards will also now be produced with up to 20% post-consumer recycled wood material. See all of what EGGER has to offer at www.egger.com.

elementAl Recycled Solid Surface

elementAl is a unique solid surface material made of recycled hard plastics from the post-industrial waste stream. There are two styles of surface: light and heavy. The light collection is made up of semitranslucent colors ranging from traditional

gray to bright yellow and lime green. The heavy collection features similar colors of semi-translucent acrylic with flecks and pieces of recycled metal within. The result is a dazzling assortment of silver, gold and

copper speckling the surface. All elementAl sheets are manufactured in Buffalo, New York, where it is made to order, allowing for customization. The material is great for backlighting, thermoforming and furniture, in addition to traditional vertical and horizontal surfacing applications. For more information visit www.caragreen.com/ brands/elemental/.

GEOS Recycled Glass Surfaces

With a carefully chosen terrazzo-style mix of pre- and post-consumer recycled glass, GEOS is a unique surface of superior strength and remarkable beauty. GEOS is a nonporous, durable recycled glass surface that performs, fabricates and installs like engineered stone or terrazzo. Combined with proprietary resin binders, GEOS Recycled Glass Surfaces do not require sealing. GEOS Surfaces are available in several unique color combinations and are suitable for both commercial and residential applications looking for a terrazzo

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Sustainable Innovations That Meet Consumer Demand

By Brian Kang & Sylvia Yoo

A recent study found that countertops are the first feature homeowners upgrade during kitchen renovations. Approximately 42% of homeowners undertake kitchen renovations for a complete style change, and 29% do so to enhance the resale value of their homes. These statistics clearly indicate a market demand for innovative and irresistibly attractive designs. In recent years, the quartz trend has centered around mimicking Calacatta designs, but today’s consumers are yearning for something fresh and exciting. Material manufacturers across the globe are answering the call by innovating extraordinary designs that stand the test of time.

Best of Both Worlds

When it comes to surface materials, the beauty of natural stones, especially quartzites, is hard to beat. However,

alongside the aesthetic allure, quartzites come with inherent drawbacks such as high costs, demanding maintenance requirements, and limitations in chemical resistance and fabrication complexity.

But what if capturing the essence of quartzites while addressing these downsides was possible? HanStone Quartz, for example, has pushed the boundaries of design to introduce the Opimo Collection, a line that captures the allure and sophistication associated with quartzite while meeting the durability, chemical resistance, and ease of maintenance that quartz is renowned for.

This remarkable collection is an outcome of HanStone’s unwavering commitment to innovation, being the first quartzite-looking quartz created leveraging the latest Italian technology. With the implementation of this cutting-edge

The Opimo Collection by HanStone Quartz, Matterhorn

technology with the premium material, the Opimo Collection achieves a new level of depth and translucency that has never been seen in quartz surfacing, ensuring a lasting impression. Similarly, no two Opimo slabs are exactly alike, just like the natural quartzites. Each slab showcases slight color variations and translucency, faithfully mirroring the captivating beauty of quartzites. Every detail of the collection has been carefully considered to deliver an authentic quartzite experience.

Step Toward Sustainability

The benefits of this technological breakthrough extend beyond design alone. Taking into consideration a heightened awareness of ecological impacts and far-reaching consequences on the environment, sustainability has become a focal point in many decision-making processes. Concurrently, an increased understanding of health-related concerns prompts manufacturers to evaluate the potential impacts of countertop materials on fabricators’ well-being. Countertops free of harmful chemicals not only establish a safer environment for food preparation but also contribute to the overall well-being of those living in the household. The shift toward sustainable countertops is more than a trend; it

embodies a conscious commitment to reducing the impact on the planet.

Manufacturers like HanStone Quartz have responded to this call by embracing eco-friendly practices and innovative approaches to countertop creation. The production of the Opimo Collection is optimized to reduce energy and material consumption, epitomizing the dedication to sustainability and responsible manufacturing. HanStone’s investment of approximately $4.6 million in solar panels was strategically placed throughout its Sejong facility in Korea. Through the use of these panels, a notable annual reduction of 686.2 tons in CO2 emissions was realized, coupled with a concurrent 15% reduction in electricity consumption.

In a world where our choices increasingly impact the environment and overall well-being, HanStone Quartz’s Opimo Collection is a terrific example of forward-thinking innovation and stands as a beacon of progress and possibility. It embodies what discerning homeowners have longed for — the perfect blend of beauty, modern convenience, and steadfast commitment to a sustainable future.

To see the entire Opimo Collection, please visit hyundailncusa.com/hanstone-featured-colors. C C C C A A A A B B B B

The Opimo Collection by HanStone Quartz: Patagonia

The Opimo Collection by HanStone Quartz, Elba White

countertop look and a sustainable story. For samples or more information visit www.caragreen.com/brands/geos/.

Gilasi Recycled Glass Surfaces

Gilasi is an innovative surfacing manufacturer located in Chicago. The surfaces are made of recycled glass and epoxy resin and were carefully engineered for superior performance. Gilasi is unique in that much of the glass in their material is sourced locally from industrial waste streams in and around Chicago. The company strives to do their best for the environment by purchasing carbon offsets for all its production energy consumption and employee commuting. Gilasi offers two standard lines of nonporous solid surface: one with large glass aggregate that creates a terrazzo aesthetic, and one with very tiny glass aggregate that creates a monochromatic look. In addition to the 20

standard colors, Gilasi can create custom recycled glass surfaces, allowing customers to specify the colors and sizes of glass used. For samples or more information visit www.gilasi.com/gilasi-is-green/.

glass2 Recycled Glass Surfaces

glass2 was engineered to be nearly 100% recycled glass while remaining durable and easy to fabricate. The resulting surface is made of 99% recycled glass fused together, requiring no resins or binders. It is suitable for interior and exterior applications for both residential and commercial use. It

can be fabricated by both stone and glass fabricators. Since it is all glass, it is a great material for creating backlighting effects. glass2 allows you to create a stunning visual experience and tell a sustainable story with countertops, columns or cladding. For samples or more information visit www.caragreen.com/brands/glass2/.

Hanex Solid Surfaces by Hyundai L&C USA: Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Process

In interior design, sustainability is crucial in making spaces aesthetically pleasing and practical. With growing environmental awareness, Hanex Solid Surfaces continues its journey toward sustainability and an ecofriendly manufacturing process. Through a keen focus on waste reduction and efficiency, production practices ensure minimal wastage. Moreover, 100% recycled waterbased manufacturing processes are in place, allowing Hanex to refrain from releasing harmful volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

The company’s sustainability journey continues with a focus on transportation. Hanex strategically minimizes transportation distances between various production stages. By sourcing materials and manufacturing products closer to each other, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with long-distance transportation are significantly reduced.

Hanex is deeply committed to ecofriendliness, influencing everything from its composition to production practices. To learn more about the sustainability of Hanex, visit www.hyundailncusa.com/blog/Hanex-SolidSurface-Where-Sustainability-Meets-EcoFriendliness.

HydroClear Pro by Park Industries = Big Time Savings

Reduce your water consumption by over 90% and be an environmental steward with the new HydroClear Pro Water Recycling System from Park Industries. This system manages high water demands by recycling water at a sustained flow of 325 gallons per minute.

The HydroClear Pro offers a variety of unique systems to minimize operational costs and increase efficiencies, including:

• Mechanical Pit Stir system to eliminate the need to clean out the pit.

• Automated chemical dosing system for easy management.

• VFD-driven slurry pumps to provide increased performance, longevity and water quality.

Here’s what one fabricator had to say about the system: “We love the ability to recycle and know where our water is going. We’ve saved millions of gallons of water with the HydroClear Pro and cut our water bill in half.” Park Industries offers seven unique HydroClear Pro systems to meet your needs. Learn more at www.parkindustries.com/ water-systems/hydroclear-400.

Lapitec Silica-Free Surfacing

As a company, Lapitec is committed to sustainability and quality. They remain at the forefront of innovation in surfacing. As the only true sintered stone, Lapitec has created a truly phenomenal product using a proprietary mix of minerals that eliminates the need for crystalline silica. The Italian facility where all Lapitec is made is covered in solar panels to supply energy for the production process. The company has taken action toward product transparency by investing in a life cycle analysis and Environmental Product Declaration. Sintered stone is 100% natural by design, incredibly durable and versatile. It can be used indoors or outdoors as it is highly heat- and stain-resistant. Learn more about Lapitec’s products and commitment to the environment by visiting www.lapitec.com/en.

LT-2D3D by Laser Products Industries (LPI)

Practice sustainability by going digital with the LT-2D3D from LPI. Eliminate waste from used wood, paper, or plastic templates and go paperless by creating digital template files. Did you know that many wood templates cannot be recycled due to glue and adhesives? Get more usage out of slabs with the accuracy of digital templating and nesting capabilities to reduce landfill waste and prevent costly reworks and in-field modifications.

With a digital templator, you can reduce gas consumption, emissions and

your company’s overall carbon footprint by minimizing the need to travel back and forth between job sites and the shop, and by emailing files back to the shop or uploading files to cloud storage. You can downsize to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars with the compact nature of the LT-2D3D and eliminate large physical templates, supplies and tools.

To learn more about the LT-2D3D Laser Templator and its environmental benefits, please visit www.laserproductsus.com.

PaperStone Recycled Paper Composite

PaperStone is exactly what it sounds like: stone made of paper. This incredible material takes recycled paper materials, soaks them in proprietary phenolic resins and presses them into durable stonelike sheets. The sheets are highly durable and easy to cut and shape. PaperStone is a favorite because it can be handled as easily as wood. PaperStone offers a warm alternative to stone and quartz, and is

a great choice for homes, restaurants, office buildings and education facilities. All PaperStone material is manufactured in Hoquiam, Washington, making it a great local resource for projects in the United States. Learn more about PaperStone’s product options at www. www.paperstoneproducts.com.

Silestone by Cosentino

HybriQ+ Technology for the manufacturing of Silestone is a true testament to Cosentino’s commitment to sustainability and taking care of the present to protect the future. HybriQ+ Technology is a high-performance blend of premium minerals, quartz and recycled materials produced with 100% renewable electric energy and 99% recycled water. HybriQ+ is the result of four years of research and development, and it represents a $12+ million investment and 1,200 hours of laboratory and facility testing.

“At Cosentino, I believe we must strive to uphold our core values of innovation and sustainability with each product we put forward,” said Valentin Tijeras, product, innovation and quality vice president at Cosentino. “We’re proud to be able to continue to manufacture our Silestone collections sustainably.”

Silestone sets a new standard for the industry, propelling us toward a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.cosentino.com/usa/silestone/hybriqtechnology.

SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

Safeguarding Sustainability

By Jessica McNaughton and Paul “Max” Le Pera

In this installment of the Sustainability Matters series, we arrive at a topic argued to be one of the most crucial aspects of our work in the fabrication industry: safety. Although it may appear disconnected from sustainability, it is critical. Safety transcends routine practices and accident prevention and extends its influence through procurement processes — even delving into the components of materials. Without the implementation of comprehensive safety measures, not only do you jeopardize the success of your business, but, more importantly, you endanger the wellbeing of your workforce. Sustainability means safeguarding the planet and its inhabitants; hence, safety is a paramount concern.

The Making of a Safe Facility

From the moment you acquired your workshop, secured your workspace and procured equipment, the safety of individuals occupying these areas and commanding these machines should have been a top priority. Ensuring the well-being of your employees necessitates establishing standard safety procedures, proper storage for blades and tools, protective personal equipment, eyewash stations and more. Equally vital is the presence of certified forklift operators and material handlers and the implementation of sound packaging and storage practices — all of which are instrumental in

safeguarding

your employees.

Within the confines of your facility, equipment must be safe to operate while sufficiently capable of carrying out the necessary tasks securely. Forklifts, overhead cranes, carts and appropriate tooling are indispensable for minimizing the physical strain on your employees. Safety equipment, including hard hats, gloves and other protective gear — notably respirators and masks for those exposed to airborne particles, discussed further below — are widely recognized as essential tools. Continuous and fundamental training on proper equipment operation is imperative to uphold safety standards.

Equipment continually evolves, becoming safer, more efficient and reducing downtime. For instance, transitioning from propane forklifts to electric alternatives can enhance safety by eliminating employee exposure to indoor fumes. Sustainable energy systems such as solar and water recapture mechanisms are pivotal to minimizing your facility’s environmental impact.

Some equipment manufacturers introduce safety features post-purchase. Remaining vigilant about equipment changes and upgrades can boost your bottom line and enhance your employees’ efficiency, potentially allowing you to accomplish more with fewer resources. Improved equipment handling and increased automation of equipmentrelated processes can curtail employee

exposure to hazardous procedures. In addition, let’s not overlook the fact that safer, happier employees are typically more productive.

The Problem with Silica

Crystalline silica has taken a prominent position within the industry, becoming a focus of discussions, as industry associations and their partners are actively engaged in finding ways to effectively mitigate risk and impart knowledge regarding its inherent dangers, from the manufacturing process to installation. This ubiquitous material is found in an array of products, including concrete, masonry and luxury quartzites, where it presents hazards if not handled with care and appropriate equipment.

Endeavors to ban engineered stone have surfaced in Australia and the United States, particularly in California’s Los Angeles County. While the installed material is generally safe for end users, architects and designers are keen to ensure safety and sustainability from the initial extraction phase to the end of its useful life.

The extraction of crystalline silica, as well as its subsequent fabrication and polishing, entails inherent risks. Although guidelines and standards exist for proper management, recent audits have uncovered a concerning number of companies failing to adhere to these norms.

A steadfast commitment to safety

SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

necessitates establishing comprehensive procedures and continuously implementing educational and training programs. Given the rapid developments in sustainability and safety measures — particularly regarding crystalline silica abatement — companies must adopt a proactive stance rather than reacting to emerging challenges regarding equipment enhancements and procedural improvements. Safety, symbolized by hard hats and orange vests, is intertwined with sustainability, and dismissing either in the current state of our industry would be unwise.

The Innovation of Safer Materials

Prominent industry leaders have begun introducing new materials that remedy the silica problem. Notably, Lapitec from Breton, a pioneer in quartz production, emerged as an alternative to quartz, primarily due to its reduced crystalline silica content. Breton revealed the development of its BioQuartz technology, a new process line for engineered stone without any crystalline silica. The pace of innovation continues with Cosentino’s HybriQ technology, which has significantly reduced silica content in Silestone compositions, with the goal of reaching zero. Lapitec has transitioned its entire sintered stone production to be silica-free, while Caesarstone publicly expressed its intent to meet a crystalline silica content threshold of 40% or less.

Subsequently, Cosentino’s Dekton and Neolith and several other companies have introduced lower silica options for quartz countertops, including sintered and porcelain materials. More manufacturers are likely to follow suit.

The Future of Sustainability Through Safety

As we breached this rather large topic of

safety at many levels here and placed it as a significant pillar within the domain of holistic sustainability, what survives now and poses the greatest stress on sustainable progress rests in three main areas: leadership, culture and commitment. Sustainability and employee safety remain intrinsically linked in this evolving landscape.

For example, while the risk of silicosis is not new information to most fabricators, the prominent reactivity to the health hazard is. For safety to become a truly viable and effective pillar of the sustainability paradigm, it must be championed — proactively. Although this is more of a moral, ethical and human respect issue, let’s address the elephant here quickly: Safety is not an expense; it is an investment.

That said, as a company systematically prioritizes safety and sustainability, the goal is to protect those who are contributing to your business’s success — those who put their futures at stake for your profits. They have every right to expect their safety to be taken seriously and championed. With leadership setting a high bar through intentional investment and demonstrated actions, we begin to see the development of a company culture around safety. Any positive investment into company culture will profoundly affect productivity and loyalty — a powerful synergy.

Safety starts at the top. It must be embraced as a core value to yield its efficacy. Fabrication company owners and managers have a decision to make every morning: “Are my people safe, and if not, where are the vulnerabilities?” Safety is something that is never too late to embrace, improve and champion. Investing in safety is a deep-rooted pillar of servant leadership, and the more that is invested in people and safety culture, the more fluid and sustainable the operation can be. Again, safety is not an expense; it is a wise and necessary investment.

Jessica McNaughton serves as president at CaraGreen, a provider of sustainable building materials, including many alternative surfacing materials. She has 20 years’ experience in sales, marketing, business development and strategy. Previously the director of sales and marketing at CaraGreen, Jessica has maintained her status as a LEED Accredited Professional since 2009 and she hosts a podcast, Build Green Live Green. She can be reached at jessica@ caragreen.com.

Paul “Max” Le Pera is the president and founder of Proprietary Ventures, LLC, a boutique-style global firm devoted to researching, discovering and deploying disruptive and sustainably oriented proprietary products and technologies. He serves on the ISFA board of directors as vice president of standards. He can be reached at paul.l@ proprietaryventures.com.

ISFA Fabricator Profile: Redemption Stone Craft

By Sarah Peiper

Bobby Finn has worked in the construction and remodeling industry for almost 25 years. He got his start as an installer, fabricator and salesperson at some of the biggest fabrication shops in the country. He spent the last decade or so helping struggling companies become profitable. Now, he owns Redemption Stone Craft, a business he started from scratch in 2022. “After a while, I decided to stop working for someone else and open a shop,” recalled Bobby. “I guess I wanted some redemption for all the hard work I put into making others successful. Now I’m doing something for myself; it’s been a wild ride.” Located about 30 minutes north of Detroit in Clinton Township, Michigan, Redemption Stone Craft is a fully automated shop that thrives on technology, thoughtful planning, streamlined processes and superior customer service.

Built from the Ground Up

“I have a 10,000-square-foot shop space,” he explained. “In just under 45 days, I put this shop together. Everything from staff, machinery, suppliers — you name it.” Previously in his career, Bobby connected with Ed Hill, an expert in Synchronized Flow, a concept that looks at the entire business as one system of separate but dependent

events. “That chain of events, when mapped from beginning to end,” explained Ed, “shows that the capacity of the entire chain is limited by only one process step, that being the weakest link in the chain — also known as the business system’s constraint. Anything that the business does to increase the capacity and productivity of that constraint strengthens the entire chain and makes the business more productive.” It’s based on the theory of constraints, which is best described in the book The Goal by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt.

Bobby used some of this logic to develop his workflow. “You have to identify the steps in your production process and understand what your people are doing in each department,” he said. “That is the challenge. Without some kind of system, the only way you can know what everyone is doing is to sit in a room and watch, and that’s just not possible or productive.”

In the Shop

Bobby leans on technology to arm the shop with tools that help them run lean and mean. They use StoneApp by StoneGrid, an all-in-one enterprise resource planning software that automates sales, marketing, customer

service and more in one platform. “I created task triggers in StoneApp to monitor each part of the process. It creates a chain of events — one task

Bobby Finn is the owner of Redemption Stone Craft in Clinton Township, Michigan, a business he started from scratch in 2022.

Redemption Stone Craft has a showroom that’s open six days a week. They typically have about 70 different slabs on display in the showroom.

Redemption Stone Craft focuses on specialty materials, including quartzite, marble, porcelain and ultra-compact surfaces like Dekton.

completion triggers another. If the tasks don’t get completed, I can see where the break is and why we are behind. Now, I don’t have to be physically present in every part of the business.” He can see it all in a dashboard in real-time. It created accountability in the processes; if he sees a breakdown, he can get ahead of it and make changes. And it establishes accountability among his team because they can all see where the breakdown is, and no one wants to be responsible for a fail point. “We have these quick-start meetings every morning, and if someone is behind, the last thing they want is to have to admit it in front of the team. So they don’t let it happen.”

Redemption Stone Craft operates with 10 employees covering a 100mile radius. The company focuses on specialty materials, including quartzite, marble, porcelain and ultra-compact surfaces like Dekton. Bobby says they cruise through about 100 slabs per month. “We work with a lot of materials

that most fabricators won’t touch.”

The benefits of working with multiple materials are simple, he explained. “Profitability increases when you successfully embrace specialty work — a custom world. It’s very different. If you’re known for being a shop that focuses on custom work, including drop-down waterfall legs, full-height fireplace cladding and wet wall cladding using unique materials, then you can carve out a niche and concentrate on those kinds of projects without jamming in hundreds of basic jobs.”

On the flip side, Bobby admits a significant drawback when working with these materials is that you need to understand the nuance of the material inside and out — you have to be an expert, and that includes everyone on the team. “The tooling needed to fabricate these different materials varies,” he added. “You need to understand what blades and RPMs work best on each material while having special equipment

Redemption Stone Craft is operating a lot of equipment from BACA Systems, including the Miter X miter saw, a Robo SawJet 2.0 and the BACA Pure water filtration system.

In addition to equipment by BACA Systems (top), Redemption Stone Craft uses a Comandulli Omega 100 polisher (bottom), cranes for material handling (middle), and Bobby likes the Flexijet 3D laser measuring system for templating.

FABRICATOR PROFILE

to move slabs safely.”

Redemption Stone Craft is operating a lot of equipment from BACA Systems, including the Miter X miter saw, a Robo SawJet 2.0 and the BACA Pure water filtration system. They’re also using a Comandulli Omega 100 polisher, and Bobby likes the Flexijet 3D laser measuring system for templating.

“Machinery can either be a game changer or a dealbreaker. You have to run the right equipment for the kind of work you do, and this setup works well for us. And safety is important to me, so I’ve set up the shop in a way that keeps our workers safe. We’re a dust-free shop — no dry cutting,” he added.

In the Marketplace

Redemption Stone Craft doesn’t offer other services like cabinetry, flooring or plumbing. That’s a strategic move on Bobby’s part. “I like to stick with what I know and love; for me, that’s surface fabrication.”

They target the residential sector by partnering with a few local builders and cabinet companies, including E.W. Kitchens, Cabinetry By Better Bilt, Kitchen Cabinet Value, Cabinet Creations, Kitchen & Baths by Majestic, and others. “We also work with Arteva Homes, PRM Custom Builders and Moceri, just to name a few.” In addition, Redemption Stone Craft has a

showroom that’s open six days a week. They typically have about 70 different slabs on display in the showroom.

A favorite material is a quartz line called New Symphony, made by Dwyer Marble and Stone. “It’s not throughbody, but it’s stronger than porcelain and cuts beautifully on the Robo SawJet. The miters come out amazing!” Natural stone, predominately quartzite, is another material that often moves through the shop. “A lot of our clients are looking for quartzites, which drives revenue because we charge more to fabricate it because it’s a more complex process.”

Redemption Stone Craft is a word-

“Safety is important to me, so I’ve set up the shop in a way that keeps our workers safe. We’re a dust-free shop — no dry cutting,” said Bobby.

This fireplace is clad in porcelain, a material that requires extra care when fabricating.

FABRICATOR PROFILE

of-mouth company. “We don’t pay for advertising, but we’re active on Facebook. We get quite a few leads this way, and having a Google Business Profile has been super helpful for our brand and reputation. We have over 100 Google reviews averaging five stars.” In follow-up communications to customers, they ask them to leave a review. Because the Redemption team prioritizes excellent customer service, customers are almost always happy to leave glowing reviews. “We build trusting relationships with our customers by educating them about what they are purchasing,” he explained. “We’re with them every step of the way and beyond. We foster a personal connection with everyone, so by the end of the project, they’re motivated to share their positive experience.”

Bobby is thrilled to see Redemption Stone Craft develop into a household

name. “Growth has been steady — exceeding my expectations, to be honest,” he said. “We are on pace to do upward of $2 million this year, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come in just a couple of years.”

Redeeming Qualities

Redemption’s mission is to provide efficient, cost-effective, and functional countertop solutions and systems for its customers while adding value to any project, and this means consistently exceeding expectations. Redemption strives to be a leader in the industry, maintaining trust and forming a partnership with its customers.

What sets Redemption Stone Craft apart from other fabricators is a strong company culture and a team that comprises some of the best experience in this business. “I have a lot of industry knowledge, and of course, I’ve made a

lot of mistakes along the way,” admitted Bobby. “But as long as you turn mistakes into learning opportunities, you’re heading in the right direction. I suppose that’s what redemption, by definition, is all about — the chance to come back and do it right.”

The team prides itself in how it serves its customers; sometimes, the customer is a fellow fabricator. “Not every shop has the experience or the equipment to handle specialty materials, so some fabricators will seek us out for help with some of their more complex jobs,” he explained.

Staying Connected

For this fabricator, it’s imperative to stay active in the industry. “It’s constantly evolving with new technology and equipment,” he said. “We attend The International Surface Event (TISE) each year — StonExpo in

This kitchen is finished in a 3 cm granite and features veining that flows in the same direction.

FABRICATOR PROFILE

Las Vegas — where all the fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers get together to learn about new products and network.”

One of Bobby’s philosophies for success is to take care of the people around him — his staff. Last year, he took all his fabricators to the show. Some have been working for more than 10 years in this industry but have never been able to go to a trade show like TISE. It’s crucial for Bobby, as a business owner, to enable his team to grow and learn. He says the connections made at events like that can really make a difference. “The knowledge you learn from everyone — you can’t put a price tag on it.”

Bobby maintains that you’re only as good as the people around you, and if you do right by your people, they will do right by you. “People don’t leave bad companies,” he mused. “They leave bad managers.” He’s a working business owner, and he’s right there next to his team when things get hard. Staying connected to the work helps him make better decisions for his business while building trust with his team.

“There’s a lot of good information shared out there among fabricators. You can learn something new every day. I spent decades traveling the nation, connecting with other fabricators, and it’s part of why I am so successful today.”

What’s Next

Bobby has no intention of slowing down. “I had this dream, and I’m chasing it,” he admitted. Despite the sacrifices he’s made and the challenges he’s faced, there’s nothing better than the sweet smell of success. “It’s a tough business. You have to work harder than the next guy — reach higher. Many people doubted me, which only inspired me to take this further.”

What’s next for Redemption Stone Craft? Bobby intends to take this as far as possible; he has his sights on expanding. “We have one location for now, but we are talking about opening a satellite shop in the Carolinas,” he said. “We have big dreams for Redemption Stone Craft.”

To learn more about Redemption Stone Craft, visit www.redemptionstone.com.

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Shown here is Symphony quartz called Sigfrid. The mitered edges show off the veining.

This reception desk features quartzite in Fantasy Brown. The backlit logo was fabricated using equipment from BACA Systems.

With such a wide array of kitchen sinks in today’s marketplace, it’s sometimes hard to decide which color works best and what materials are most suitable for your customers’ style, size and design considerations. The sink is regarded as the kitchen’s focal point and is one of the most frequently used fixtures in the home. They come in a variety of materials and styles. Master the art of choosing the right sink for your kitchen projects by understanding the options on the market that reflect your clients’ tastes and needs.

What’s in a Sink?

The most popular kitchen sink materials include stainless steel, composite (granite or quartz), cast iron and fireclay. Each material has its own characteristics, and this should help in the decision-making process.

Stainless steel is sturdy yet lightweight, stain-resistant and easy to maintain. However, it can be prone to scratching or denting. Some stainless steel sinks have scratch-resistant properties and come in different gauge thicknesses. Some could even have a textured surface finish to increase the lifetime of the sink.

Composite and resin-based sinks are available in the largest range of colors, shapes and finishes. They are generally heat-, scratch- and shock-resistant and easy to maintain. Some of the more popular high-end materials for stone composite sinks

Master the Art of Choosing the Right Sink for Your Next Project

by Tony Calvert, Karran Kitchen Sinks & Faucets

include granite and quartz, the better ones of which have an 80/20 stone-to-resin ratio, giving the sink an alluring look and enduring finish.

Fireclay and cast iron sinks have high thermal, scratch and stain resistance. They are popular for their durability and are used in many traditional kitchen designs. They are heavier and less shock-absorbent than other sink materials, and the finish on these sinks can chip.

Choosing the Right Installation

There are several different types of sink installations, and this could determine which sink your customer chooses. Without going into much detail about how to install sinks, here’s an encapsulation of what you need to know about each type of available installation.

Overmount, top mount, or drop-in sinks are the most common type of sink. These are inset into a cut-out hole, overlapping the countertop. Undermount sinks are fitted underneath the countertop. This can save counter space and allow for easier cleaning of the surface, but they require the countertop cut-out holes to be carefully measured and

pre-finished to align with the sink.

Apron-front sinks, also known as farmhouse sinks, sit on top of a cabinet base underneath the countertop, with the front exposed. They are often large and deep and are an extremely popular choice in traditional kitchens. When working with apron-front sinks, make sure the dimensions of the base cabinet are suitable for the chosen sink.

Choosing the Number of Bowls

The number of bowls chosen will depend on the countertop space available. How the sink will be used is also a significant factor: Larger cookware may require a deeper and larger bowl than standard dishes, pots and pans. How often and the amount of use also need to be considered. Larger bowl options are more suited to more frequent use.

Double sinks come in many shapes and sizes, including bowls of equal size, one large and one small, completely separated or with a low-level divider. These low-level divider sinks can provide more flexibility when washing and cleaning larger dishes or kitchen cookware. Two large bowls may be

a more convenient option for larger kitchens that may have multiple people using the kitchen simultaneously. If space is limited, double sinks with one large and one small sink are a favorable choice.

Single-bowl sinks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Small single-bowl sinks may be favored by people with limited kitchen space or who don’t cook that often. Larger single-bowl sinks may be preferred over divided versions as they can facilitate quicker cleaning when using larger cookware or equipment.

Workstation sinks are becoming popular as they provide an array of accessories and come in various materials, including stainless steel, quartz and fireclay. Workstation sinks maximize a kitchen’s workspace by allowing you to use the area directly over your sink for prep work, chopping, slicing, drying dishes, draining produce and many other tasks. Depending on the model, the accessories can turn the sink into a temporary countertop or a more productive cleaning area.

Choosing the Shape

The shape of a kitchen sink can help expedite kitchen chores, and the design and structure of the kitchen, along with the countertop, may lead one to choose a specific sink.

Rectangular sinks seem to be the most favored shape and are available in many sizes and configurations, such as with two bowls or ones that include a draining board.

Corner sinks take advantage of what would typically be unused space, especially in L- and U-shaped kitchens, which frees up counter space.

Round and square prep sinks have one basin without a drainboard and are appropriate for food prep tasks. While round basin bowls may be more arduous for washing, their smooth curves are usually easier to clean than squareshaped sinks.

There are many things to consider when choosing the right kitchen sink. It may just boil down to personal style and what one finds the most functional for the individual purpose in the new or remodeled kitchen. Listen to your customer’s needs, understand the space and structure of the room and cabinetry, and be aware of all the options on the market so you can offer the best solution. C

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Changing Lanes but Staying on Track

By Nancy Busch, ISFA Executive Director

Change is a constant force that shapes our lives in unexpected and profound ways. The past three years of my journey with the International Surface Fabricators Association have been a testament to the power of change and the incredible opportunities it brings. As I step away from my role, I am filled with gratitude for the transformative experiences, cherished memories and the remarkable individuals I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.

When the opportunity to lead the association presented itself, I wasn’t actively seeking change. However, an undeniable pull within me urged me to step up and make a difference within an industry and community I deeply cared about. Reflecting on these three years, a sense of pride wells within me as I contemplate the achievements and growth that the association and industry have undergone.

The first year brought unforeseen challenges as we navigated the uncharted waters of the pandemic. With the inability to gather in person, we swiftly adapted, creating a virtual series of fabrication training for various materials. This initiative exemplified our community’s resilience and set the stage for the success of the first-ever virtual Annual Conference. The support of our sponsors was instrumental in turning hurdles into steppingstones.

In 2021, we reunited in person in Wickenburg, Arizona, for the Annual Conference. Industry experts like Eric Tryon, Ted Sherritt and Aaron Crowley imparted invaluable wisdom on business growth and succession planning. Their messages reminded us that change is constant and preparedness is essential.

Amidst these endeavors, the ISFA family expanded its reach through initiatives like the Behind the Surface Podcast. This platform became a conduit for meaningful information, aligning with our mission to educate, provide resources, foster camaraderie and enhance safety within the manufactured surfaces industry. The collaboration and commitment of countless volunteers and sponsors, like the yearlong Installing Profitability podcast series sponsored by BACA Systems, made

these ventures possible and impactful.

Yet, it’s not just the visible accomplishments that define our journey. The behind-the-scenes dedication of member volunteers has been the bedrock of ISFA’s success. One remarkable example is the ongoing solid surface training, a two-day immersive experience unparalleled in depth and hands-on learning. Contributors like ISFA Past President Joe Duszka, Aristech’s Aaron Davis, Augie Chavez and his team at Gecko Solid Surface Solutions, and the Lakewood Countertops team exemplify the spirit of generosity and knowledge-sharing that make our community thrive.

As we ventured into new materials, such as mineral surfaces, the willingness of industry peers to open their doors for training sessions showcased the unity and collective pursuit of excellence. Companies like Smokey Mountain Tops, Tower Industries and FLOFORM Countertops, supported by sponsors like Crossville Inc., Daltile and MSI, demonstrated the incredible potential of collaboration and resource-sharing.

Change is indeed an opportunity — a chance to embrace new horizons, learn and grow. The tapestry of my time with ISFA is woven with threads of gratitude for the countless individuals who’ve walked this path with me. The road ahead holds promise, potential and the excitement of continued collaboration. As we bid farewell to one chapter and usher in the next, I am filled with profound gratitude for the past, present, and the unwritten future that awaits.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how change can open doors we never imagined. I genuinely believe that the energy we’ve built will not just persist but flourish, guided by the committed leadership of our board and the incredible ISFA team.

And now, as my role shifts and I prepare to transition from a leader to a volunteer, the story continues. This change marks not an end but a new chapter. I’m not venturing far; I’m still committed to serving ISFA and its mission. This time, I’ll stand alongside the volunteers and contributors who have made this journey remarkable.

Fabricators Get Up to Speed on Porcelain and Sintered Materials with ISFA’s Mineral Surfaces Training Program

By Sarah Peiper

ISFA held a Mineral Surfaces Fabrication Training session September 13-14 in Massillon, Ohio; the comprehensive, twoday training event was held at Tower Countertops, a division of Tower Industries. Sponsored by Panoramic Porcelain by Daltile, the course is designed to arm fabricators with the knowledge and skills they need to embrace these materials to meet growing customer demand.

More than 30 fabricators were in attendance, including shop owners, operators and managers. The event started with a welcome to new members, covering ISFA membership benefits, programs and more.

Raul Amat, the national manager of Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces for Daltile North America, presented a comprehensive overview of mineral surface materials, including porcelain, sintered stone and ultra-compact surfaces. The presentation was sent to attendees after the training so they could share it with staff at their shops.

“The overview explained how the materials are made and provided a foundation of understanding that I wasn’t aware of,” said Joey Carrabetta, Bluemar Marble. “Learning how these materials differ from others was helpful, and how to handle porcelain slabs was very useful. I gained a lot, including new tools and processes I will need in my shop.”

Rey Matos, the technical support and fabrication specialist for Daltile North America, conducted the training. In the shop, attendees learned about all facets of the fabrication process, including material handling and inspection, cutting techniques (feed rate, blade recommendations, tension release cuts), sink cutouts, miters, overhangs, seaming, polishing and finishing, installation, and chip and scratch repair techniques. Attendees learned ways to minimize the risk of cracking and chipping. The trainer recommended larger pads, for example,

when offloading these materials from the delivery trucks, and they identified ideal locations for A-frame placement and other storage and handling best practices.

Then fabricators worked in teams to glue up mitered edges, complete sink cutouts, bore holes for faucets and polish edges, including a waterjet demonstration. The training also covered vertical applications, including handling and installation. At the end of day two, the instructors covered chip repair techniques and other troubleshooting topics.

“This was my first training session with ISFA,” said Brian Yi, Zean Century Stone Ltd. “It was a great experience overall. ISFA is a warm and welcoming group, and the training covered most of the areas I expected. The trainers are very knowledgeable professionals.”

In addition, this training event included a moderated shop safety discussion with safety experts from Sheakley, a family-owned firm dedicated to practical and innovative risk management and safety solutions, and Kerry Klodt, general manager of Tower Industries, gave a presentation about Entrepreneurial Operating System, which has been successfully implemented at Tower for more than five years.

Participants who completed the Mineral Surfaces Training with a satisfactory result received a certificate recognizing that they are an ISFA Certified Professional, and session materials including a fabrication guide, tool recommendations and other resources.

ISFA is planning additional Mineral Surfaces Fabrication Training sessions for 2024. For more information about ISFA’s fabrication training options, including solid surface, or to get on the list for the next Mineral Surfaces event, contact Trainer@ISFAnow.org.

Scenes from the ISFA Annual Conference

By Sarah Peiper

Fabricators and other industry professionals explored growth opportunities during the ISFA Annual Conference in October on the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. With nearly 70 in attendance, the event kicked off with a welcome reception and awards ceremony, which unveiled 10 recipients of the 2023 ISFA awards across nine categories.

The award winners included:

Commercial Solid Surface Project of the Year:

Seneca Valley Ehrman Crest Elementary School in Harmony, Pennsylvania, fabricated by ASST of McSherrystown, Pennsylvania. (photo 2)

Residential Solid Surface Project of the Year:

The Madison Club feature wall in Palm Springs, California, fabricated by M|R Walls of Santa Monica, California.

Commercial Quartz Project of the Year:

3D Puzzle of Superlatives public benches in Uppsala, Sweden, fabricated by Rosskopf + Partner of Germany. (photos 3 and 4)

Residential Quartz Project of the Year:

Floating stairs in a home in Austin, Texas, fabricated by Alpha Granite & Tile of Austin, Texas. (photo 1: Owner Denis Phocas and Sales Manager Tracy Rodriguez)

Commercial Mineral Surface Project of the Year:

The Silva Hotel rooftop grills in Washington, D.C., fabricated by Ellis Page Company of Manassas, Virginia.

Residential Mineral Surface Project of the Year:

A series of bathrooms in a home in Hesse, Germany, fabricated by Rosskopf + Partner of Germany. (photo 5)

Sustainable Project of the Year:

The Tideline Autograph Marriott in West Palm Beach, Florida, fabricated by Moderno Porcelain Works of Sunrise, Florida. Fabricator of the Year:

Eastern Surfaces, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Hall of Fame Inductees:

Mike Langenderfer, The Countertop Shop, Monclova, Ohio

Omar Salazar, Rockin’teriors, Raleigh, North Carolina

Educational sessions were held in subsequent days, including a presentation by Rich Hubner, safety practice lead for BSI, about driving successful change in safety culture, a topic that attendees were passionate about amidst the growing concern around the dangers of silica. A Q&A discussion followed, during which fabricators shared ideas and strategies for building a strong company culture. Additional panel discussions focused on optimizing software and technology to improve productivity, and implementing new equipment and other systems that streamline processes and increase efficiency.

“This was my first time attending the ISFA Annual Conference,” said Chris Sturdevant of Adobe Walls Stoneworks. “It was a terrific event. I met a lot of great people who understand my business. The programming was designed to help owners and managers like me troubleshoot, find ways

to improve and keep growing. The safety presentation helped clarify hazard versus risk while gaining a better understanding of what steps need to be taken to stay OSHA compliant.”

After lunch, attendees enjoyed leisure time to take advantage of the resort’s amenities, including a private pool party. Located close to Casino Royale and the famous Maho Beach, the resort was an idyllic place to bask in the sun on a white sand beach, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, play a round of golf, tour a nearby distillery and more.

“This year’s annual conference was a huge success,” said Austin Maxwell, ISFA president. “The educational sessions were so informative, and I’m always impressed by what comes out of these discussions. There are so many valuable takeaways, and it’s amazing to see our fabricator members and associate members come together to help each other strengthen businesses and further the industry. That’s the heart of ISFA.”

ISFA would like to thank the sponsors of this year’s event: Dal-Tile, Aristech Surfaces, BB Industries, Caesarstone, Cosentino, Durasein, Infinity Surfaces, Integra Adhesives, Laser Products Industries, LX Hausys, Kohler and Park Industries.

For more coverage of the ISFA Annual Conference, visit www.ISFAnow.org.

Attendees enjoyed a breathtaking island backdrop during networking events at the 2023 ISFA Annual Conference.

The ISFA Annual Conference includes educational sessions and presentations that helped fabricators share ideas and learn strategies for growth.

Attendees enjoy some fun in the sun at the ISFA Annual Conference.

Robert Hausserman of Precision Countertops and Todd Scott of Smokey Mountain Tops.

Brian Rocca, owner of Eastern Surfaces, accepts the 2023 Fabricator of the Year Award.

Victoria Waterman, Heather Ricciardi, Brian Ricciardi and Mark Bulman of Ricciardi Marble & Granite are all smiles at the ISFA Annual Conference.

Thank You and Welcome ISFA Members (In alphabetical order)

NEW FABRICATOR MEMBERS

Advanced Interiors

Jenison, Mich.

Bluemar Concord, Ontario

Cain Millwork

Rochelle, Ill.

Cook Inlet Housing Authority Anchorage, Alaska

DAP Construction Vista, Calif.

Design Surfaces Tile and Stone Westlake, Ohio

Down East Fabrication Mechanicsburg, Pa.

DS Fabrication

Aberdeen, S.D.

Jedco Surfaces

Vernal, Utah

Kellerman Kitchen and Bath

Baton Rouge, La.

RENEWING FABRICATOR MEMBERS

323 Design Team Chenoa, Ill.

Accent Countertops Murray, Utah

Allbuilders Millworks Ruston, La.

American Epoxy Scientific Mountain Home, Ark.

ASST McSherrystown, Pa.

Atlanta Kitchen Decatur, Ga.

Atlantic Countertops Raleigh, N.C.

Bella Casa Countertops and Stone Littleton, Colo.

Counter Fitters Savannah, Ga.

Countertops of Memphis Memphis, Tenn.

Craftmark Solid Surfaces Norcross, Ga.

Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. Madison, S.D.

DeLorenzo Marble Torrance, Calif.

Eastern Surfaces Allentown, Pa.

Fischer Tile & Marble Sacramento, Calif.

Galaxy Granite & Marble Hopkinton, Mass.

Gecko Solid Surface Solutions San Antonio, Texas

Gunckel Architectural Stoneworks Seguin, Texas

Middle Tennessee Granite

Nashville, Tenn.

Moderno Works Sunrise, Fla.

Quality Cabinets and Counters

Fort Myers, Fla.

Rozelle Stone

Easley, S.C.

Sawtooth Concepts Meridian, Idaho

Henry H. Ross & Son Lititz, Pa.

J.C.W. Countertops Woburn, Mass.

Jaynes Structures Albuquerque, N.M.

Kauffman Kitchens New Holland, Pa.

Mill-Rite Woodworking Company Pinellas Park, Fla.

Modern Home Distributing Nunda, N.Y.

Nelson Tile and Stone Bend, Ore.

OGB Architectural Millwork/ Santa Fe Flooring Albuquerque, N.M.

Outlaw Construction Kodiak, Alaska

2023 ISFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Austin Maxwell, president Maxwell Countertops (309) 928-2848

Austin@maxwellcounters.com www.maxwellcounters.com

Laura Grandlienard, vice president ROCKin’teriors (919) 577-0207 Laura@rockinteriors.com www.rockinteriors.com

Jessica McNaughton, secretary CaraGreen (919) 929-3009 Jessica@caragreen.com www.caragreen.com

Ted Sherritt, treasurer FLOFORM Countertops (204) 474-2334 Tsherritt@floform.com www.floform.com

Joe Duszka, immediate past president Carolina Custom Surfaces (336) 215-5518

Joe@carolinacustomsurfaces.com www.carolinacustomsurfaces.com

Schmidt’s Fine Woodworking Fort Worth, Texas

Skyline Structures

West Orange, N.J.

Stone Systems Raleigh, N.C.

Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, Texas

Traditional Marble & Granite Milan, Ohio

Parthenon Marble and Granite New Port Richey, Fla.

Pohaku Fabrication Lihue, Hawaii

Quality Cabinets and Counters

Fort Myers, Fla.

QVG Houston, Texas

Routt Construction Company Van Buren, Ark.

Rumford Stone, Inc. Bow, N.H.

Southern Inventions Granbury, Texas

Spaulding Fabricators Brick, N.J.

Sterling-Miller Designs Brockton, Mass.

Mike Henry, director ASST (717) 451-4935 mikehenry@asst.com www.asst.com

Kimberly Homs, director Great In Counters (401) 233-0666

Kimberly@greatincounters.com www.greatincounters.com

Paul “Max” Le Pera, director Global Surfacing Alliance (908) 358-5252 pmlp33@gmail.com

Steve Mast, director Precision Countertops (503) 660-3023

Steve.m@precisioncountertops.com www.precisioncountertops.com

Travis McDermott, director McDermott Top Shop (262) 593-2456

Travis@mcdermotttopshop.com www.mcdermotttopshop.com

ISFA NEWS

Visalia Ceramic Tile Visalia, Calif.

Wilcor Solid Surface Elk Grove Village, Ill.

Surface Creations of Maine Portland, Maine

The Countertop Factory Midwest Addison, Ill.

The Granite & Marble Depot Aurora, Ill.

The Granite Place Burlington, Mass.

Top Priority Waipahu, Hawaii

Triple M Surfaces Elkhart, Ind.

Unique Countertops Buda, Texas

White House Stone Lake Park, Fla.

Mike Schott, director Onslow Stoneworks (252) 393-2457 mike.schott@onslowstoneworks.com www.onslowstoneworks.com

Eric Tryon, director The Rockheads Group (678) 614-7111 Tryonea@gmail.com www.rockheadsusa.com

Rodrigo Velazquez, director INDEKO 52 331-028-7863 Rodrigo@weareindeko.com www.indeko.mx

Jim Callaghan, assoc. member rep. GranQuartz (248) 660-3291 Jcallaghan@granquartz.com www.granquartz.com

Frank Sciarrino, assoc. member rep. Quote Countertops (858) 499-8934 frank@quotecountertops.com www.quotecountertops.com

ISFA NEWS

THANKS TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS

Sponsorship opportunities are available for qualifying manufacturers, distributors and other industry-related companies. These businesses are dedicated to the success of the International Surface Fabricators Association and fabricators everywhere. Through their contributions, sponsors enable ISFA to create meaningful opportunities for its membership including training, education, business development, networking and more.

ISFA P.O. Box 627

Ingomar, PA 15127 (888) 599-ISFA www.ISFAnow.org

Fabricator Member Services

Carol Wilhite (412) 487-3207

Carol@ISFAnow.org

Member Experience Coordinator

Samantha Winslow (888) 599-ISFA

Samantha@ISFAnow.org

Content Manager | Editor

Sarah Peiper (888) 599-ISFA

Sarah@ISFAnow.org

Web/Database Administrator

Amy Kyriazis (412) 487-3207

Amy@ISFAnow.org

Administrative Assistant Kanani Camacho (888) 599-ISFA Kanani@ISFAnow.org

SILVER GOLD

ISFA ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORY

Companies listed in red are ISFA 2023 Sponsors

ACS International 4775 South 3rd Ave. Tucson, AZ 85714 520-889-1933 www.acstone.com

Aetna Plywood Inc. 1401 St. Charles Rd. Maywood, IL 60153 708-343-1515 www.aetnaplywood.com

Akrilika

Svobody Str., 29 Moscow 125362 Russian Federation 79119451961 www.akrilika.com

Aristech Surfaces 7350 Empire Dr. Florence, KY 41042 859-283-1501 www.aristechsurfaces.com

BACA Systems 101 Premier Dr. Orion Township, MI 48359 248-791-3060 www.bacasystems.com

BB Industries

4100 Appalachian Way Knoxville, TN 37918 800-575-4401 www.bbindustriesllc.com

Better Vacuum Cups

13841 Roswell Ave., Ste. K Chino, CA 91710 877-379-9909 www.greenbvc.com

BNP Media 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd. Ste. 700 Troy, MI 48084 (248) 362-3700 https://www.bnpmedia.com

Breton S.p.A.

Via Garibaldi, 27

Castello di Godego 31030 Italy 3904237691 www.breton.it/en/

Bronwick Recruiting

7700 Basil Dr. Austin, TX 78750 512-981-5294 www.bronwick.com

Caesarstone US 1401 W. Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28208

818-378-2667 www.caesarstoneus.com

Cambria USA 31496 Cambria Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-5003 www.cambriausa.com

CaraGreen 1406 Transport Dr. Raleigh, NC 27603 919-929-3009 www.caragreen.com

Chemcore Industries 5311 Fleming Ct. Austin, TX 78744

866-243-6267 www.chemcor.com

Chemical Concepts 410 Pike Rd. Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 800-220-1966 www.chemical-concepts.com

Colonial Saw 122 Pembroke St. Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-4364 www.csaw.com

Compac USA 1777 NW 72nd Ave., Unit 2 Miami, FL 33126 305-406-3600

Cosentino USA 355 Alhambra Cir., 10th Floor Coral Gables, FL 33134 786.812.0509 www.cosentino.com

Countertop Marketing Co. 402 Pequot Ave., #772 Southport, CT 06890 203-993-6676 www.countertopmarketingco.com

Covia Corp 9930 Kincey Ave., Ste. 200 Huntersville, NC 28078 800-243-9004 www.coviacorp.com

Crossville 349 Sweeney Dr. Crossville, TN 38555 931-456-2110 www.crossvilleinc.com

Dal-Tile Corporation 7834 CF Hawn Frwy. Dallas, TX 75217 214-309-3162 www.daltile.com

Dixie Plywood & Lumber P.O. Box 2328 Savannah, GA 31402 912-447-7000 www.dixieply.com

Doyle Farris (Bellavati) 6606 FM 1488, Ste. 148-517 Magnolia, TX 77354 859-533-3079 www.doylefarris.com

Duda Consulting 3601 Southwest River Pkwy. Portland, OR 97239 503-949-7738

DuPont (Corian Design) 200 Powder Mill Rd. Wilmington, DE 19803 314-941-5179 www.corian.com

Durasein USA 7030 Quad Ave., Ste. 3 Rosedale, MD 21237 877-771-7712 www.durasein.com

Durcon 206 Allison Dr. Taylor, TX 76574 512-595-8000 www.durcon.com

Dwyer Marble & Stone Supply 23177 Commerce Dr. Far mington Hills, MI 48335 248-476-4944 www.dwyermarble.com

Elevated Industrial Solutions 2050 West Barberry Place Denver, CO 80204 303-908-9095 www.lanesupplycompany.com

Emnas Technologies

347 Ferndale Dr. South Barrie, ON L4N 9Y6 647-302-3630

Evans Midwest

11441 E. Lakewood Blvd. Holland, MI 49424 616-546-8225 www.evansmidwest.com

Fabricator’s Business Coach

309 Gassaway St. Central, SC 29630-9197 864-328-6231 www.fabricatorscoach.com

Federal Brace

710 E Catawba St., Ste. A Belmont, NC 28012 877-353-8899 www.federalbrace.com

Fifth Gear Technology (Speed Label)

450 N. Addison Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-606-8055 www.speedlabel.net

GEM Industries

5030 N. Hiatus Rd. Sunrise, FL 33351 954-749-1228 www.gem-industries.com

Gemstone

2040 Industrial Pkwy. Elkhart, IN 46516-5411 574-294-8899 www.gemstonesinks.com

Grand Onyx

134 West South Boundary St. Perrysburg, OH 43551 567-686-1040 www.grandonyx.pro

Granite Gold, Inc.

12780 Danielson Ct., Ste. A Poway, CA 92064 858-499-8934

www.granitegold.com

GranQuartz

3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093 800-458-6222 www.granquartz.com

ISFA ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORY

Companies listed in red are ISFA 2023 Sponsors

Groves Incorporated

818 Trakk Ln. Woodstock, IL 60098

815-337-9780

www.groves.com

Hallmark Building Supplies

901 Northview Rd., Ste. 100 Waukesha, WI 53188

800-642-2246 www.hllmark.com

Home Stone Designs

26834 Avenue of the Oaks Unit B

Santa Clarita, CA 91321 818-518-4428

Hyundai L&C USA

2839 Paces Ferry Rd., Ste. 1100 Atlanta, GA 30339 888-426-9421 www.hyundailncusa.com

Ignite Consulting Group (Hot Sauce Selling Software)

450 N. Addison Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126

630-606-8055 www.hotsauceyourtops.com

INEOS Composites

5200 Blazer Pkwy. Dublin, OH 43017 614-790-2078 www.ineos.com

Infinity Surfaces

Via Giardini Nord 225 P.IVA : 00175990365 Pavullo Nel Frignano Modena 41026 Italy 39 0536 329322 www.infinitysurfaces.it

InfoStream Solutions

134 West South Boundary St. Perrysburg, OH 43551 567-686-1040 www.InfoStreamUSA.com

InnoChem/Akemi 160 Candlewyck Dr. Avondale, PA 19311 www.akemi.com

IPS Adhesives LLC (Integra Adhesives)

455 W. Victoria St. Compton, CA 90220 919-598-2400 www.integra-adhesives.com

Jaeckle Distributors

4101 Owl Creek Dr. Madison, WI 53718

608-838-5400 www.jaeckledistributors.com

Karonia Surfaces

Ansym Lodge, Water Lane

Eggborough, GOOLE

DN14 0PN United Kingdom 447814415724 www.karonia.com

Karran USA P.O. Box 667 1291 E. Ramsey Rd. Vincennes, IN 47591 410-975-0128 www.karran.com

Kohler Co. P.O. Box 899 Kohler, WI 50344 920-457-4441 www.kohler.com

Krion Solid Surface (Porcelanosa)

CTRA Villareal-Puebla De Arenoso KM1 Villareal 12540 Spain 34964506464 www.krion.com/en/

Lapitec Via Bassanese 6 Vedelago, Treviso 31050 Italy www.lapitec.com

Laser Products Industries, Inc. 1344 Enterprise Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-755-5402 www.laserproductsus.com

LOTTE Chemical 6 Centerpointe, Ste. 100 La Palma, CA 90623 714-443-0901 www.lottechem.com

LX Hausys America

900 Circle 75 Parkway Ste. 1500 Atlanta, GA 30339 678-535-4113 www.lxhausysusa.com

Moksh Tech #1204, Pushpak Landmark Bldg. Near Titanium City Center Anand Nagar Rd. Prahlad Nagar Ahmedabad380 015 India 3012522673 www.mokshcad.com

Moraware 13125 Welcome Way Reno, NV 89511 866-312-9273 www.moraware.com

MSI Surfaces 2095 N. Batavia St. Orange, CA 92865 www.msisurfaces.com

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 1095 Willowdale Rd., MS-2800 Morgantown, WV 26505 www.cdc.gov

Natural Stone Institute

380 E. Lorain St. Oberlin, OH 44074 440-250-9222 www.naturalstoneinstitute.org

Ollin Stone

301 E. Ball Rd. Anaheim, CA 92805 714-535-0800 www.ollinstone.com

ONE Wade

10075 Davisburg Rd. Davisburg, MI 48350 248-804-1408

Park Industries P.O. Box 188 St. Cloud, MN 56302 320-251-5077 www.parkindustries.com

Parson Adhesives Inc. (Chromalok)

3345 Auburn Rd., Ste. 107 Rochester Hills, MI 48309 248-299-5585 www.chromalok.com

Poseidon Industries

4080 Duncan Rd. Punta Corda, FL 33982 www.poseidonmachinery.com

Princeton Chemical Company 7030 Quad Ave., Ste. 3 Rosedale, MD 21237 877-778-6878 www.princetonchemical.com

Prodim Systems 7454 Commercial Cir. Ft. Pierce, FL 34951 772-465-4000 www.prodim-systems.com

Quote Countertops 11811 N. Tatum Blvd., #3078 Phoenix, AZ 85028 619-726-7660 www.quotecountertops.com

Rep Methods 1613 Congressional Ct. Richmond, VA 23238 804-238-3461 www.repmethods.com

Rock Doctor/Apex Products

8333 Melrose Dr. Lenexa, KS 66214 913-894-0288 www.rockdoctor.com

Rockheads Group

815-210-1006 www.rockheadsusa.com

Sage Surfaces

6700 The Woodlands Pkwy. Ste. 230-303 The Woodlands, TX 77382 837-403-2847 www.sagesurfaces.com

Sasso USA

220 N. Smith St., Ste. 414 Palatine, IL 60067 224-200-8004 www.sassousa.com

Schechner Lifson Corp.

4 Chatham Rd. Summit, NJ 07901 908-598-7813 www.slcinsure.com

ISFA ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORY

Companies listed in red are ISFA 2023 Sponsors

Schultz Forming Products

2796 Loker Ave. W., Ste. 105 Carlsbad, CA 92010

800-822-2875 www.schultzform.com

Slab Caddy

5949 American Rd. E Toledo, OH 43612 419-726-7400

SolidSurface.com

6641 N. Cibola Ave. Tucson, AZ 85718 520-247-3304 www.solidsurface.com

Stone Fabricator Elite

211 E 43rd St., 7th Floor, #270 New York, NY 10017 646-599-5704 www.stonefabricatorelite.com

Synchronous Solutions

3405 Rainbow Dr. Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-560-1536 www.synchronoussolutions.com

Taffy Events

2300 Clarendon Blvd., Ste. 305 Arlington, VA 22201 301-774-7739 www.taffyeventstrategies.com

Tile Council of North America

100 Clemson Research Blvd. Anderson, SC 29625

601-506-1609 www.tcnatile.com

TotalHousehold Pro

65A Walnut Hill Rd. Bethel, CT 06801 203-733-1276

www.pro.totalhousehold.com

Trajus Surfaces

3 Dubon Ct. Farmingdale, NY 11735 516-777-2700 www.trajuscorp.com

Triton Stone Group 6025 West 80th St. Indianapolis, IN 46278 317-644-1200 www.tritonstone.com

US Silica 24275 Katy Fwy., Ste. 600 Katy, TX 77494 346-334-0745 www.ussilica.com

US Surfaces

4601 Spicewood Springs Rd. Bldg. 1, Ste. 100 Austin, TX 78759 512-454-2229 www.ussurfaces.com

Vicostone USA 11620 Goodnight Ln. Ste. 100 Dallas, TX 75229 972-243-2325 www.us.vicostone.com

Water Treatment Solutions 6 Merrill Industrial Dr. Hampton, NH 03842 603-758-1900 www.watertreatmentonline.com

Web-Don 1400 Ameron Dr. Charlotte, NC 28206 800-532-0434 www.web-don.com

Willis 1149 Pioneer Rd. Burlington L7M 1K5 Canada 289-775-5814 www.4willis.com

Wilsonart 2501 Wilsonart Dr. P.O. Box 6110

Temple, TX 76503-6110 800-433-3222 www.wilsonart.com

Wood Stock Supply

4705 S. I-90 Service Rd. Rapid City, SD 57703 605-341-6900 www.woodstocksupply.com

ZOLLER

3900 Research Park Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-332-4851 www.zoller.info/us/home.html

PRODUCT NEWS

Baldocer Porcelain: Dome Series

B-Plus is Baldocer’s top brand which consists of largesized and slim porcelain tiles. B-Plus porcelain tiles are produced in 240 by 120 cm and 260 by 120 cm with 6 mm thicknesses. The Dome series, featured in Baldocer’s B-Plus product category, is a 20-mm thick porcelain stoneware in an 80 by 80 cm format with a rectified finish. Available in four colors — Bone, Ash, Nut and Antrathite — the collection includes a nonslip matte finish. The series perfectly imitates an exterior basalt stone. Dome is ideal for floors, walls, countertops and exterior cladding. Find more information at www.baldocer.com/ en/product/dome/.

Workstation Quartz Sink by Domain Industries

Discover the Workstation Quartz Kitchen Sink, constructed from 80% natural quartz. This blend ensures a sink surface that is both durable and hygienic. Emulating the smooth feel of stone, the quartz material boasts soundabsorption properties and offers robust protection against heat, scratches and stains. Available in four distinct colors, its versatile design is suitable for both drop-in and undermount installations. The sink features a deep 9-1/2inch bowl with sleek corner radiuses for straightforward cleaning. Unique to this sink is the integrated workstation ledge, designed to accommodate and optimize the use of the accessory kit items. This kit includes a stainless steel rollout mat, wood cutting board, stainless bottom grids, and color-matched strainer basket and disposal flange. For more information, visit www.lexiconsinks.com.

Cambria Introduces Six New Designs

Cambria recently introduced six new additions to its iconic quartz design palette. The groundbreaking new designs are fueled by Cambria’s proprietary technology and techniques, and transcend the existing palette to further expand its innovative quartz surface collection.

The three new Windsor designs include Windsor Brass, Windsor Steel Satin Ridge and Windsor Brass Satin Ridge, pictured here. In addition, three new Inverness designs have been added: Inverness Swansea, Inverness Everleigh and Inverness Bristol Bay. All six of the new Cambria designs are available immediately and come in 2 cm and 3 cm thicknesses and are available in jumbo slab size of 65.5 inches by 132 inches (60 square feet).

Cambria has the most extensive palette of designs in the world with over 170 bold designs. These state-of-the-art designs can be viewed in full slabs at Cambria’s galleries and showrooms across the country. Samples can be ordered online at www.cambriausa.com.

ENVI Quartz and Porcelain Slabs

The ENVI Quartz and Porcelain slab collections represent a turnkey brand solution for savvy trade professionals. Backed by their concierge support team and comprehensive merchandising program, each brings together the world’s most on-trend looks, crafted by their handselected group of dedicated producers. Expansive and always evolving, these marketdefining collections now encompass 40 quartz and 40 porcelain selections. Recent quartz additions include eight brand-new, on-trend colorways: Cristall, Tiffany Gold, Venetian Lace, Matera, Galena, Palazzo, Waterfall and Alpine Blu. Guided by decades of industry experience, the ENVI team ensures every slab meets our exacting specifications, performance requirements and high-value expectations. You can rely on ENVI Surfaces to help your customers create the environments they envision — spaces everyone will admire. Pictured here is a sleek, contemporary kitchen showcasing the classic aesthetic of ENVI Cristall. For more information on both ENVI quartz and porcelain collections, visit www.envisurfaces.com.

PRODUCT NEWS

Durasein Presents The Ansel Sink

From leaders in the solid surface industry, Durasein’s Ansel Sink captures both beauty and grandeur with a striking sense of depth. It is available in two colors: Arctic White and Natural White. Durasein solid surface sinks and lavatories are certified by Home Innovation Research Labs and tested in accordance with CSA B45.5/IAPMO Z124. The Ansel Sink is also:

• 100% acrylic.

• Easy to clean.

• Nonporous.

• Stain-resistant.

• Mold- and mildew-resistant.

• Suitable for residential and commercial applications.

• Integral overflow? Yes.

From air quality to food safety, Durasein is engineered to maintain a safer environment for human health. Durasein is GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold Indoor Air Quality-certified to have low chemical emissions, and EN ISO 16000-9 testing also showed that there were no traces of harmful substances in its product. Both Durasein’s material and the cured adhesive used in installation are 100% free of formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions. Durasein is NSF-51 certified to ensure that it’s safe for food equipment and food contact. Find more information at www. durasein.com/us/sink/the-ansel-2/.

New Lighter Weight GEM Orbital Sander

The GEM Orbital Sander features an 11-inch drive pad which reduces labor by at least 50% over traditional 5- or 6-inch rotary tools. And as opposed to high-speed rotary sanders, the 100% orbital action of the GEM Orbital Sander eliminates the possibility of swirl marks, leaving a totally consistent and uniform finish. There is no need to apply pressure; the weight of the machine does all the work. Simply guide the sander across the surface like polishing a car. The GEM Orbital Sander comes with, or without, a shroud attachment for dust collection, and is available in 220 volts. Eleven-inch abrasives are available. This is the ideal tool for sanding large flat solid surface countertops. For more information, visit www.gem-industries.com.

HanStone Quartz by Hyundai L&C USA: Bianco Marquina Collection

Inspired by nature’s elegance and explosiveness, HanStone Bianco Marquina collection is a harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics and something new. With its two colors – Aurelia and Odina — the collection infuses a refreshing twist of modern confidence into any space. Aurelia, portraying the golden morning sunrise, perfectly embodies warmth and elegance. Its pristine white base and delicate gold veining are sure to create a welcoming air, bringing a beautiful addition. Drawing inspiration from the grandness of the mountain range, Odina portrays a combination of dynamic and natural beauty. This bold design adds a touch of confidence to any space, making it the perfect choice for those who seek to make a statement. To see the full collection, please visit www.hyundailncusa.com/hanstone-quartz-featured-colors.

Hanex Solid Surfaces by Hyundai L&C USA: Cascade Collection

Inspired by the beauty of cascading waterfalls, the Hanex Cascade collection is designed to emulate the graceful movement of cascading waterfalls. This visually captivating and versatile collection consists of six distinct colors: Cascade Cream, Grey, Black, Ice, White and Beige. Each features subtle color variations and delicate patterns contributing to their natural and elegant appearances. Additionally, the Cascade collection boasts a low overall color contrast, suggesting that each color can easily complement a wide range of interior spaces. This adaptability is valuable for anyone seeking a material that can perfectly blend with any decor. With its practicality and timeless beauty, Hanex Cascade collection serves as a source of inspiration for designers, architects and homeowners, embodying an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. To see the full collection, visit www.hyundailncusa.com/hanexsolid-surfaces-colors.

PRODUCT NEWS

Alpinus White from XTONE by Porcelanosa

Introducing Alpinus White, a unique design that’s highlighted by a background of cream tones and small crystals that beautifully detail the nature of this Brazilian stone. With an extensive format, and a variety of finishes and thicknesses, XTONE sintered stone surfaces adapt to any environment and application, achieving greater continuity and visual aesthetics. The large format surface allows the materialization of ideas through a durable, elegant and functional material. These sintered stone surfaces are an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor use with endless application possibilities from flooring and countertops, to decorative elements and more. Alpinus White sintered stone surfacing is applicable for all settings and environments from residential, contract and retail to institutional and beyond.

Alpinus White is produced in Porcelanosa’s state-of-the-art facilities which feature a total of 4,475 solar panels that promote sustainable energy consumption. The facility also recovers 100% of the heat from the kiln, reuses 100% of water through a treatment facility, and recycles 100% of waste by reincorporating it back into the production system. Learn more at www.xtonesurface.com/en/products/sintered-stone/alpinus-white.

Meganite Launches the Nature Series

The Nature Series includes earth-inspired designs that are nurtured to reflect the unspoiled landscape of the world’s vast wilderness with neutral and warm shades, and soft yet sophisticated aesthetics. With four colors, including Soft Statuario, Mont Blanc, Himalaya and Crater Lake (shown here), the collection embraces design elements that replicate the organic beauty of nature, complemented by a minimalistic and timeless earthy color palette, rendering it a versatile option for contemporary interior designs. Find technical documents and specification tools at www.meganite.com.

LT3Raptor by Laser Products Industries

LT3Raptor is a new digital templating platform designed with a robust cloud-based management hub to make you faster and more efficient not only in templating, but also other areas of your process including job management, programming and more. LT3Raptor has built-in Templating Intelligence to make quick even quicker. From Edge Detection to One-Touch technology, finish fabrication-ready files in fewer clicks easily and intuitively. LT3Raptor has taken the user-friendly foundation of the current LT software and enhanced it. The new UX and UI feature workspace customization, improved Quick Actions and more. This management hub enables you to view and manage jobs, edge styles, drop-ins, user permissions and workflows. If you are interested in learning more about LT3Raptor, visit www.lt3raptor.com.

TITAN 4000 CNC Router Series by Park Industries

The legend of TITAN forges forward with the new 4000 Series. Unmatched efficiency, uptime and production come together as the pinnacle of CNC router productivity. This powerful combination of size, speed, accuracy and operational ease feels beyond the realm of possibility. The new TITAN 4000 series features swift rapid speeds and high-speed tooling optimization. Produce installation-ready parts straight from the industry’s easiest-to-operate CNC router and save 90% on labor. With the largest work area in the industry, the TITAN 4000 Series is now in a compact design that takes up 25% less floor space. TITAN 4000 Series is the most productive way to finish countertops, vanities and more. Learn more at www.parkindustries.com/titan.

Museum Surfaces: Sublime Series

Sublime presents a wide range of designs that can stand alone or be mixed and matched to craft extraordinary surfaces. The collection offers four different stone-look motifs, each conjuring a mystical scenery.

Striking graphics, bold colors and larger-than-life tiles come together to create fantastical interiors. Sublime is available in a 150-by-320 cm (12 mm) format with shaped finish. See more at www.museumsurfaces.com/en/elevate/sublime.

Walker Zanger Presents the Perpetua Quartz Collection

Part of Walker Zanger’s engineered surface collections, Perpetua Quartz is meticulously crafted from handpicked quartz crystals. It is the perfect marriage of timeless beauty and long-lasting durability. These premium quartz slabs have it all — durability, diverse color and richly complex markings that define any room they play a role in. They also offer exceptional resistance to scratches making them well-suited to kitchens that combine functionality with signature style. Used alone, they create handsome, highly-unified spaces, but they can also act as a subtle background for more graphic tiles and slabs. View the whole collection at www.walkerzanger.com/ product-category/slabs/collections-slabs/perpetua-quartz/.

Häcker Kitchens: PerfectSense with Feelwood for Cabinets and Countertops

Häcker Kitchens, the leading German manufacturer of modern kitchen cabinetry, continues its exploration of creative and highly functional surfaces with the introduction of PerfectSense with Feelwood, another innovation for cabinet and countertop surfaces. PerfectSense with Feelwood delivers a matte, silky and pleasantly warm surface. The exclusive design of the new wood veneer in a horizontal grain relief front produces an extravagant and elegant look. PerfectSense with Feelwood surfaces are light- and UV-resistant, heat-, light-, water- and stainproof, and easy to clean with its inherent anti-fingerprint properties. Learn more at www.hackerkitchens.us.

Laminam I Naturali Collection

Laminam has officially introduced four new exquisite colors to the existing I Naturali collection in the North American market. The colors are inspired by highly sought-after natural marble stones found in Italy, Spain and Brazil. Homeowners now have the ability to feature these beautiful, inspiredby-nature surfaces in their homes with minimum maintenance. Perfect for fireplace cladding, countertops, outdoor kitchens and furniture, Laminam surfaces can be used for both interior and exterior applications with high resistance to heat, UV rays, scratches and stains. Learn more at www. laminam.com.

The Power of Partnerships

By Austin Maxwell, ISFA President

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a time for introspection and planning for the future. This is an opportunity to reflect on the critical role that our partners play in our business — particularly our suppliers. There’s significance in cultivating strong and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers, as they can profoundly impact our business’s success. Selecting the right suppliers is more than just a matter of cost; it’s about creating a partnership based on reliability, quality and shared values.

Take this opportunity to assess your current supplier relationships. Are your suppliers consistently delivering high-quality materials punctually? Do they offer competitive pricing? Are they responsive to your requests and concerns? Do they bring you opportunities to grow your business? Reflecting on these aspects can help identify areas for improvement or opportunities to cultivate new supplier partnerships.

It’s easy to get caught up in reviewing the cost of materials on the supplier’s price list, and we forget about the intangible costs we incur due to suppliers. You have to look beyond price when evaluating suppliers. What is the cost of your company’s reputation faltering due to a material supplier that didn’t deliver on time or supplied damaged goods, forcing you to reschedule the installation? While cost-efficiency is essential, focus on the overall value a supplier can bring your business. Factors like product quality, lead times, reliability and willingness to adapt to your business needs should be considered. Choose vendors who make your life easier and avoid the vendors that cause you problems and headaches.

While it is, in some ways, advantageous to develop deep relationships with one vendor, proceed with caution if any one vendor makes up more than 50% of your purchases. Consider diversifying your supplier base to reduce risks associated with

overreliance on a single source. Building robust connections with multiple suppliers can offer you flexibility and alternatives when it comes to sourcing materials, enhancing the resilience of your supply chain.

In addition to strengthening supplier relationships, consider the transformative power of industry involvement and networking when evaluating your options. Getting engaged in the countertop fabrication and installation community can open doors to valuable insights and opportunities.

Attending ISFA Roundtable events, trade shows and conferences can be a game-changer for your business. These gatherings provide a means to connect with industry peers, experts and potential partners. Networking isn’t just about making connections; it’s also about sharing knowledge. Sometimes, learning just one valuable insight or strategy from a fellow professional can completely transform your business.

For example, a pointer I picked up at the 2017 ISFA Annual Conference has paid for my annual membership dues and all travel and event expenses since then. When you go to these events, you can pick up a whole host of ideas to take back to the shop. The fact is that just one or two of these can make a huge impact.

As you conclude this year and prepare for the next, remember that your supplier relationships are central to your prosperity. Take the time to evaluate your existing partnerships and explore opportunities to enhance them in the coming year. Simultaneously, consider actively participating in the countertop fabrication and installation industry by attending events and networking. Engaging with industry professionals and staying updated on the latest developments is a catalyst for growth and innovation that shouldn’t be overlooked.