ISFA's Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Vol. 10, Issue 2 - Q2 2017

VOLUME 10 / ISSUE 2 • QUARTER 2, 2017 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95

New Silica Regulations Explained Page 18 Material Handling Spotlight Page 24 A Deeper Look At Soapstone Page 27 Success Beyond Hard Work Page 30

FABRICATOR PROFILE:

The Pinske Edge A look at the evolution of a world-class surfacing company Page 34

IN TERN ATIO N AL SU RFACE FAB RIC AT O RS ASSO CIATIO N

Circle RS#01 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info.

ISFA Member since 2010

Circle RS#02 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

CREDITS Letters to the Editor

Photography

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor.

If you have questions about the magazine, or would like to make a comment, or voice an opinion about the magazine, ISFA, or the industry in general, please feel free to write to us.

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

Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or fax to (412) 487-3269 attention: Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferably an email address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow. org or mail to ISFA, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or fax to (412) 487-3269 attention: Editor.

Photography/graphics provided by: Maqstone and The Pinske Edge.

Contacting ISFA

Ryan Miller, President Adam Albee, Immediate Past President Kate Dillenburg, Vice President Mike Langenderfer, Treasurer Kelley Montana, Secretary

Phone: (412) 487-3207 Fax: (412) 487-3269 editor@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org

About This Magazine Countertops & Architectural Surfaces (2372-983X) is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth “Buyers Guide” issue publishing in September. Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces are available at the nonmember “newsstand” price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is also available by individual subscription at the following rates: ISFA nonmembers, one year (five issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year free with every membership renewal.

Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States.

Call for details. To subscribe, call (412) 487-3207. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without publisher’s written permission.

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. For change of address, please include old label with new information, including both old and new zip codes. Allow 3-6 weeks for address change to take effect. Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Gibsonia, Pa., post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers.

Postmaster: Send address change to Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044.

4 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Magazine Credits Publisher & Editor: Kevin Cole Proofreader: Nancy Mueller-Truax Design: V2 Marketing Communications

ISFA Officers of the Board

ISFA Directors Mike Woods, Director Augie Chavez, Director Amy Miller, Director Matt Kraft, Director John Hansen, Associate Member Representative Jessica McNaughton, Associate Member Representative

ISFA Staff Bryan Stannard, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Communications Director and Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Carol Wilhite, Operations Manager Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative Chad Thomas, Account Representative Amy Kyriazis, Program Manager Lynn West, Membership Coordinator Chris Pappenfort, Trainer

Cover Photo This countertop was fabricated by The Pinske Edge from its Rochester, Minn., location from Russett Aggranite Quartz, provided by Midwest Tile, Marble & Granite. The project was in a private residence in Riceville, Iowa, and includes a bullnose edge profile on the countertops and cabinets made by the Amish. Read more about The Pinske Edge on Page 34.

Circle RS#03 on the Reader Service Page

or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

CONTENTS

Features 18 OSHA’s New Silica Regulation Deadlines Are Rapidly Approaching An explanation of the upcoming OSHA regulation changes 24 Material Handling Spotlight A look at the latest and greatest material handling equipment 27 A Deeper Look at Soapstone This surfacing material is both natural and versatile 30 Raise Your L.I.D. to Success There’s more to getting ahead than just hard work 34 Fabricator Profile: The Pinske Edge Examining the evolution of a world-class surfacing company

18 Departments

8 From the Editor 10 From the President 12 From the Executive Director

24

14 Calendar of Events 18 Education Connection 20 Industry News 37 ISFA News 40 ISFA Fabricator Directory 44 Product News 49 Reader Service Form 50 Classifieds/Ad Index

27

30 6 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

34

Check us out on social media for more regular information: Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CASMagazine/.

Follow us on Twitter as @ISFA.

Circle RS#04 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

From the Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director

Don’t You Lock up Something That You Wanted to See Fly All of us like to think we are a critical cog in

morph into something much different. If

successes, while knowing that few great

stop when we pass through the doors of our

business and the employee must ultimately

setbacks along the way.

the machinations of our lives. This doesn’t

workplaces. And while all of us our replaceable, at least in our job roles, we were also hired for a reason.

The common reason any employer hires a

particular person is because they feel they have the best candidate at the level of benefits they

are offering. Employers do this by analyzing the person’s history (via a résumé or application), talking to others who know the person (by checking references, verifying work and

educational records), looking at outside data (such as running a background check, drug

testing, etc.) and making personal contact with that person (through the interview process).

Also, we ask the opinions of others we trust (have others sit in on the interview or have multiple interviews at various levels).

And, of course, the employee is sizing up the

potential job opportunity at the same time they, themselves, are being sized up. The employee may already have a job and be looking for

a better opportunity or may be out of work and needing gainful employment. Both of

these implies something about the candidate, whether it be level of ambition, loyalty,

cooperative ability, motivation, ability to adapt

to a work environment or any number of things.

The employee-employer relationship is basically a contract. It’s the role of the employers to

determine the best fit for their operations, and at the same time it is the role of the candidate to determine if they will be satisfied with a particular role with the employee.

you hire a star, the relationship between the become a trust-based relationship in which a star is allowed to shine.

Certainly training on systems, company culture and protocol are keys to having that new hire

fit in well with the programs in place, but if you

hire an expert (or even if one comes up through the ranks of your employees), then you have to

give them the room to use their expertise to the advantage of the business. If your corporate

atmosphere is one of micromanagement and constantly thinking for your employees and

fitting them into your mold, chances are you are going to end up with people who don’t

innovate, who don’t think for themselves and who don’t use their expertise to drive your business to new heights.

That is not to say that there shouldn’t be

oversight. Companies that operate under a flag of anarchy likely won’t last long. But, by and

large, people want to be successful; they want

to be proud of their work and they want to grow and be recognized for contributing to a job well done. And if these things are not part of your corporate culture and your management is

not open to new ideas that may improve your

There’s no reason to hire some superstar

performer, whether it’s a salesperson, shop

manager edge polisher or really any role from the top of the chain to the bottom, if you are just going to chain them to an ironclad wall of rules, systems and procedures. If that is

your management style, and there are people that it works for, then you are better off hiring weak-willed bodies that you can put in your unwavering mold. But we’ve all heard the

adage with “risk comes with reward” a million times for a reason.

You may very well be the smartest person in

your business, and you may understand how each cog in the machine works, but chances

are you aren’t the best at every single function that takes place. So sometimes, you have

to stand back and give your people room to

kick some butt, while watching from afar and taking notes.

Chris Cornell, a great contemporary singer who

is also known for his critical thinking said it well: “Don’t you lock up something that you wanted to see fly. Hands are for shaking, not tying.”

business, you are likely to end up with a staff

So let your eagles soar, your songbirds sing

vested in your company or your success. That

a more successful business with happier and

of time clock punchers who aren’t emotionally isn’t good for you or for them.

There is certainly a middle ground between micromanagement and anarchy, and most businesses operate in that zone. From my

and your stars shine, and I believe you will have more loyal employees.

As always, I look forward to your feedback.

Sincerely,

experience, the best are the ones that hire

Once the potential candidates have all been

thoughtful people, put them in a framework

times) and the best available fit for the position

and their minds in an engaging way, and

researched and interviewed (perhaps multiple

that is flexible to allow them to use their skills

is decided upon, the relationship must then

rewards and acknowledges them for their

8 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

advancements ever come without some

Kevin Cole, Publisher & Editor kevin@isfanow.org

Circle RS#05 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

From the President From the Desk of Ryan Miller, 2017 ISFA President

Leadership “Everything rises and falls on leadership” is a quote from one of, if not my favorite author on leadership, John Maxwell.

That statement rings just as true now as it always does.

I hope everyone is off to a great start to 2017. The surfacing industry is buzzing with a lot of positive energy and the leading indicators all point to a prosperous year. I have yet to speak with a customer, vender or industry peer who isn’t forecasting a year of growth. This is exciting to see!

However, are you ready for the potential growth?

Have you strategically planned and properly positioned your business and your team(s)?

I’ve been lucky enough to work for only one company (VT Industries, Inc.) in my career. I’ve held many different roles during my first 20 years at VT, each providing me an opportunity to grow in my leadership skills and I hope provide additional value to our company. I have had the opportunity to work with, and be mentored, by many great leaders. Our company specifically has an amazing leader in Doug Clausen, its president and CEO. Before Doug took on this role, it was his father Roger who founded the company and had the courage and vision to start a small business in Holstein, Iowa.

Both Roger and Doug continually state our company is only as good as our people, and I agree 100 percent!

I wanted to share this with you because like John Maxwell and Roger and Doug Clausen, I firmly believe the true success of our businesses is directly correlated to how strong we are in our leadership qualities, both as individuals and teams.

So I ask you, “Are you devoting time to grow yourself, your leaders and your team(s)? Are you committed to becoming a better leader?”

Maxwell stated, “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” I was fortunate enough in my early career to be encouraged to learn new skills and leadership styles. It was often a challenging process to devote the time — typically outside of the normal work hours — to learn new skill sets. I believe in today’s fast-paced working environments the challenge to learn and grow is even more difficult. However, each of you should consider that the long-term rewards to you, your team(s) and your business

greatly outweigh the short-term challenges to find the time to grow in your leadership skills.

For me, the best opportunities for leadership growth have come from reading books on leadership, mentoring, attending seminars, and volunteering and participating in organizations outside of your business. I’d like to share with you examples on each of these items.

Books

such as our CEO/Upper Management Gatherings or our Annual Meeting and Conference. If you’ve

never been to a seminar, take the time to attend. I promise that you will leave inspired!

Volunteering and Organizational Participation I have always tried to be a part of an organization or activity/event. I remember my dad telling me in

junior high that he didn’t care what extracurricular activities I participated in, but that I had to be

Numerous perspectives from others can be found in books. If you travel like I do, they are a very convenient way to learn while sitting on an airplane, or at an airport, etc. Some books I recommend that have had a positive influence on me are: The four books in the REAL Leadership 101 Collection series

by John Maxwell (Relationships 101, Equipping 101, Attitude 101 and Leadership 101); The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey; 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell; 25 Ways to Win with People by John Maxwell; and The Oz Principle by Connors, Smith and Hickman. And there are so many more …

involved in at least three throughout the year. I’ve

Mentoring

leadership skills and influence. Push yourself and

tried to keep this same philosophy throughout my

career. My current tenure with ISFA has been one of my most challenging, yet rewarding experiences.

I’ve had the great privilege to meet so many of you for the first time and have learned from the

experiences. Further, it has provided me an

opportunity to try to give back to our industry. I

encourage everyone to volunteer and be part of an organization you’re passionate about if given the opportunity!

My hopes in sharing my experiences here are that

you will be encouraged to continue growing in your

All of us have had a mentor in our life, although we may not always call them by that name nor recognize them as such. For me, my dad and grandfather were my first life/leadership mentors.

Additionally, I had mentors in college and continue to have several mentors in my life both personally and professionally. I believe it’s critical for everyone to have mentors. It’s another way for us to receive additional perspectives as well as be challenged. I would also share that I’ve learned just as much or more being a mentor. I encourage and challenge everyone to make the time to be a mentor. It’s very rewarding!

your teams to grow outside of your “comfort zones”

Seminars

All the best to you on your journey!

and reap the rewards.

I’ll end with one last Maxwell quote: “The single

biggest way to impact an organization is to focus

on leadership development. There is almost no limit

to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them.”

Please reach out to me or anyone on the ISFA

Board of Directors at any time. We are always here to serve you, and lead this organization to give back and grow our industry.

Research the type of seminar that interests you.

I’ve had the opportunity to go to Maxwell seminars, speeches by Colin Powel, Margret Thatcher, and others. ISFA also offers its own leadership seminars Ryan Miller, ISFA President rmiller@vtindustries.com specifically for the surfacing/countertop industry,

10 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Circle RS#06 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 2015

From the Executive Director From the Desk of Bryan Stannard, Executive Director

Closing the Skilled Labor Gap What is the difference between skilled and unskilled labor? Skill is a measure of the amount of worker’s expertise, specialization, wages and supervisory capacity. Skilled workers are generally more trained, higher paid and have more responsibilities than unskilled workers.

Skilled trades are those labor jobs that require specific training, such as a carpenter, a tile setter, an electrician or a countertop fabricator. Much of the labor involved

with skilled trades is manual work and can be physically demanding.

A skilled worker is any worker who has special

skill, training, knowledge and/or (usually acquired) ability in their work. A skilled worker may have

attended a college, university, technical school or other training program. Or, a skilled worker may have learned their skills on the job.

Why list these definitions? Because just about everyone in the surfacing industry is facing a shortage of skilled labor.

For the last decade, the most difficult segments of the workforce to staff were not nurses, engineers

or even Web developers. It has been skilled trade

roles, which are highly prevalent in manufacturing and construction.

America has millions of job openings. That

means employers are hiring and businesses

are growing across the nation. However, this

exposes a significant problem under the surface: the skill gap.

In truth, vacant jobs cost companies money every day in lost profit, and ultimately hurt

our economic growth. A recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America

revealed that nearly 80 percent of construction businesses are having a hard time finding

qualified skilled labor. The reality is that like

logical conclusion is that there should be an excess of qualified candidates out there.

The problem is that if this is true, and there is an

excess of skilled labor, companies sure are having a hard time finding them.

When the recession hit, many skilled workers that were unable to find jobs completely dropped out

And while the building industry has experienced steady and positive growth, the growth would

have been even faster if we could find qualified people to fill all the open positions.

The numbers show that there should be plenty

high schools don’t even have shop or vocational

classes and instead push their attendees toward colleges, universities and white collar jobs.

And now as older workers from the aging Baby

Boomer generation retire, there just isn’t anyone ready to replace them.

your up-and-coming employees can learn on the

very equipment they will be using. ISFA can even

help polish your already trained employees as well.

With a deep knowledge of shop operations and

Experts advise that employee training be more than

just developing skills; it should also be learning how

to be successful within your business so employees are comfortable, positive and able to move up.

This means having a system that values learning

so employees can seek out ways to grow, whether it’s cross-training, internal mentoring or continued

shortage in construction trades. As the economy

Growing loyal employees also requires incentives

this. We have just started to see the true labor

improves, building activity strengthens and the

demand for skilled labor continues to grow, it’s

only going to get worse. This will cause increases in prices and delays in projects.

educational opportunities with external peers.

and rewards. These can be based on establishing and meeting training goals for newer employees and later by accomplishing on-the-job goals,

such as completing projects ahead of schedule,

I guess the million dollar question is, “How do

under budget, with no rework or breakage, or any

encourage them to see what we have to offer?”

aren’t monetary, although that can be part of it.

we get the youth interested in the industry and

However, one answer I can give you that those with staffing shortfalls are using to solve their

labor problems is hiring unskilled workers and

training them. While this path is not without its

shortcomings, if done right it can work well, and we can help.

ISFA offers fabrication training programs for solid

2011, and there are still 1 million fewer jobs

promising unskilled labor a great understanding

today. When you look at those numbers, the

We can even come to your shop to do it, so that

I have talked to people over and over about

of workers looking for jobs. The construction

industry lost 2.3 million jobs between 2006 and

to date with the latest techniques and processes.

years assisting them to improve, our trainers are of whichever segment of the construction industry well versed in best practices. their skill set matched, and never returned. On top However, training an employee can be a big of that, many members of the younger generation investment in time and resources, so you also coming into the job market generally won’t even have to be able to retain them. As most employers consider the construction industry as a viable know, this can be easier said than done. well-paying career. The truth today is that many

spring, labor shortages are now in full bloom. This That’s a question I can’t answer. is causing repercussions throughout the country.

training performed by a seasoned expert that is up

surface, quartz and granite. We can give your

of the fabrication process, along with hands-on

12 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

number of possibilities. And certainly, all rewards Employee recognition can go a long way. People like to know they are appreciated.

Lastly, employers and managers should

understand they need to make sure that being at work doesn’t have to be a negative thing. If you

provide an engaging experience that is receptive,

accepting and even enjoyable for employees, they will be much more likely to stick around.

Bryan Stannard, ISFA Executive Director bryan@isfanow.org

Circle RS#07 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Special Section

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone May 16 – 19 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org Interzum 2017 May 16 – 19, 2017 Cologne, Germany 49 221-821-2200 MIA+BSI Industry Education Series Hosted by MSI June 1 Jessup, Md. (440) 250-9222 ISFA CEO Roundtable Hosted by JCW Countertops June 6 – 8 Woburn, Mass.

(412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org Vitoria Stone Fair June 6 – 9 Espirito Santo, Brazil +55 27 3434 0600 CCI Ultimate Concrete Countertop Training June 12 – 16 Raleigh, N.C. (888) 386-7711 MIA+BSI Industry Education Series June 22 Livermore, Calif.

(440) 250-9222 Dwell on Design LA June 23 – 25 Los Angeles, Calif.

(323) 930-7930 CCI Ultimate Concrete Countertop Training June 12 – 16 Toronto, Ontario Canada (888) 386-7711 AWFS July 19 – 22 Las Vegas, Nev. (800) 946-2937 MIA+BSI Industry Education Series Hosted by MSI July 20 Norwood, Mass.

(440) 250-9222

MIA+BSI Industry Education Series Hosted by MSI Sept. 14 Aurora, Colo.

(440) 250-9222 ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Sept. 19 – 22 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org The BOLD Summit Sept. 25 – 27 Chicago, Ill. (609) 490-0999 Marmomacc 2017 Sept. 27 – 30 Verona, Italy 045 829 8111 Canada Woodworking West Oct. 4 – 5 Abbotsford, British Colombia Canada (604) 850-1533

ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Dec. 5 – 8 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org NAHB International Builders Show Jan. 9 – 11, 2018 Orlando, Fla. (800) 368-5242 The Int’l. Surface Event (TISE) Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2018 Las Vegas, Nev. (972) 563-6320 Coverings 2018 May 8 – 11, 2018 Atlanta, Ga. (703) 539-5504 www.coverings.com

MIA+BSI Industry Education Series Oct. 5 Tulsa, Okla.

(440) 250-9222 CMA Regional Meeting Oct.18 Lancaster, Pa. (866) 562-2512 MIA+BSI Industry Education Series Hosted by MSI Nov. 2 Austell, Ga. (440) 250-9222 Concrete Décor Show Nov. 6 – 10 Palm Harbor, Fla. (877) 935-8906 Greenbuild Nov. 8 – 10 Boston, Mass.

(972) 536-6363 ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 Cancun, Mexico (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org

14 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Submit your event for consideration in Calendar of Events by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org.

Circle RS#07 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#08 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR

Education Connection OSHA’s New Silica

Regulation Deadlines Are Rapidly Approaching

By Shannon DeCamp On June 23, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new rules to improve protections for more than 2 million workers exposed to respirable silica dust. These rules are expected to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers by limiting exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The new regulations are issued as two separate rules, one for construction and one for general industry.

How Does This Affect Surface Fabrication Shops?

OSHA argues that for many shops, the current methods commonly used to limit silica exposure do not adequately protect worker health. Stone and quartz countertops contain high amounts of the natural mineral silica. The tasks involved in manufacturing, finishing and installing these products can release hazardous levels of very small crystalline silica dust particles into the air that workers breathe. Workers operating powered hand tools, such as saws, grinders and high-speed polishers, have some of the highest silica dust exposures. It is not only the workers performing these tasks that are at risk — anyone in the area where silica dust is present may also be exposed and face lifelong health consequences.

Installation and fabrication done at jobsites is covered under OSHA Construction standards.

Most of the requirements for the new silica construction standard will be in effect on Sept. 23, 2017. Work that is performed in the shop is covered under OSHA General Industry Standards. Most of the requirements for the new Silica General Industry standard go into effect on June 23, 2018.

What Do the New Regulations Require?

The final rules reduce the permissible exposure limits (PELs) and require employers to use engineering controls and safe work practices to reduce exposure to safe levels. When these methods are not enough to reduce exposure to safe levels, respiratory protection and a full respirator program must be implemented.

■■ Replace water and air filters as needed to control dust.

■■ Adjust water flow as necessary to control

dust, following manufacturers’ recommendations for water flow rates.

■■ Pre-wash stone slabs before cutting.

■■ Implement regular and thorough housekeeping procedures for water slurry and settled dust. Note

that care should be taken when disposing of water contaminated with silica dust. Once it dries, the This program must meet the requirements of OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard. It also requires employers to limit personnel access to high exposure areas, provide training, prepare written exposure control plans and offer medical examinations to highly exposed workers.

residual dust poses risks all over again.

Engineering Controls

respirable crystalline silica dust exposure.

■■ Provide HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleaning worker clothes and water for hand, face and hair cleaning.

■■ Do as much work as possible under controlled shop conditions instead of on-site, or perform

work outdoors or in well-ventilated areas to reduce

NIOSH and OSHA have identified the following Identify and Isolate Remaining control options for stone/quartz and other silica- Dust-generating Operations containing countertop manufacturing, finishing Where air monitoring identifies high exposure areas: and installation operations: ■■ Use water spraying systems and remote-

controlled tools at the impact site where a saw or grinder generates dust.

■■ Large bridge or gantry-like saws should use water sprays and can be remote-controlled for dust control and cooling.

■■ Hand-held angle grinders can be modified

to deliver water to the point of contact with the stone.

■■ Wet-edge milling machines or stone routers

■■ Isolate the silica dust-producing operation(s) using enclosures or walls. Enclosures are more effective when used with LEV.

■■ Alternatively, enclose the person, if possible, by putting him or her in a protective control booth.

■■ In some cases it may be necessary to isolate certain tasks in separate areas. This may be

needed more frequently for engineered stone because of its high silica content.

The new construction regulation provides a table of specified controls employers can follow that a clean edge profile using a diamond wheel. provide greater certainty and ease of compliance.

■■ Use hand tools (e.g., drills, masonry saws, These methods are equally valid for general grinders) equipped with a shroud and a vacuum industry. If employers follow these specifications, with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter they can be sure they are providing their workers with the required level of protection. Employers when wet methods are not practical.

■■ Install local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems may provide alternative methods of protection as long as they make sure their methods effectively at fixed locations to capture dust at its point of reduce workers’ exposure to silica dust. The origin. following is a subset of this table that includes ■■ Use a combination of both water and tasks that surface fabrication shops likely ventilation controls, if necessary. perform. can replace dry grinders in shops. They provide

■■ Wet methods for dust control may not be

practical on or near finished cabinets, walls and

The following apply when implementing the control measures specified in Table 1:

should be used during these operations.

■■ For tasks performed indoors or in enclosed

floors, so other suppression methods (e.g., LEV) Safe Work Practices

areas, provide a means of exhaust as needed

to minimize the accumulation of visible airborne

■■ Use wet sweeping or HEPA-filtered

dust;

possible. Do not use compressed air or dry

water at flow rates sufficient to minimize release

vacuuming to clean up dust as soon as

■■ For tasks performed using wet methods, apply

sweep.

of visible dust;

18 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR Where an employee performs more than one task on Table 1 during the course of a shift, and the total duration of all tasks combined is more than four hours, the required respiratory protection for each task is the respiratory protection specified for more than four hours per shift. If the total duration of all tasks on Table 1 combined is less than four hours, the required respiratory protection for each task is the respiratory protection specified for less than four hours per shift.

What Do Employers Need to Do Now? Again, for shops to which the construction standard applies, these steps must be taken

by Sept. 23, 2017. General industry employers have an extra year to get in compliance; at a minimum, planning should take place now.

1. Establish a written exposure control plan (ECP) for protecting employees from the hazards of silica.

2. If there is not objective data that demonstrates personnel cannot be exposed above safe levels, the employer must test the amount of respirable silica that is present in the workplace environment.

■■ If initial monitoring indicates that employee exposures are below the action level, the

TABLE 1: Specified Exposure Control Methods When Working with Materials Containing Crystalline Silica Equipment / Engineering and Work Practice Control Methods Task

≤ 4 hours / shift Stationary masonry saws

Use saw equipped with integrated water delivery system None that continuously feeds water to the blade.

Hand-held and standmounted drills (including impact and rotary hammer drills)

Use drill equipped with commercially available shroud or cowling with dust collection system.

None

None

None

n When used outdoors

None

None

n When used indoors or in an enclosed area

None

APF10

Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissions.

Dust collector must provide the airflow recommended by the tool manufacturer, or greater, and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism.

Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum when cleaning holes.

Hand-held grinders for uses other than mortar removal

For tasks performed outdoors only: Use grinder equipped with integrated delivery system that continuously feeds water to the grinding surface.

Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissions.

OR

by such monitoring.

Use grinder equipped with commercially available shroud and dust collection system.

■■ Where monitoring indicates that employee

Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissions.

at or below the PEL, the employer must repeat

Dust collector must provide 25 cu. ft. per minute (cfm) or greater of airflow per inch of wheel diameter and have a filter with 99% or greater efficiency and a cyclonic pre-separator or filter-cleaning mechanism.

recent monitoring until the exposure is brought down below the action level.

■■ If test results indicate that silica is present

in the workplace environment in excess of the

None

None

employees whose exposures are represented

monitoring within six months of the most

> 4 hours / shift

Operate and maintain tool in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize dust emissions.

employer may discontinue monitoring for those

exposures are at or above the action level but

Required Respiratory Protection and Minimum Assigned Protection Factor (APF)

PEL, special precautions must be taken to

protect employees from exposure. Monitoring

must be repeated every three months until the exposure is brought down below the PEL.

established by the employer to address the risks.

3. Inform employees of the results of workplace testing.

7. Provide medical examinations to highly exposed workers.

4. Establish regulated areas and post appropriate signs based upon the results of the exposure testing.

8. Maintain records related to air monitoring, objective data, medical examinations, employee training, and any injuries or illnesses related to exposure to silica in the workplace.

5. Provide engineering controls, safe work practices and proper protective equipment to protect employees from exposure.

6. Train employees about silica exposure, the use of protective equipment and the policies

It is important to keep in mind that, as with all new regulations, silica will be a focus area for OSHA. It is best to get a head start on compliance immediately, not only to protect

your business, but, most importantly, to protect your most important asset – your employees.

About the Author Shannon DeCamp is Client Services Manager for TechneTrain, Inc. TechneTrain has a full line of safety training programs and reference manuals specifically designed for the surface fabrication industry, including a turnkey employee training program for the new silica regulation. These products are available from ISFA at discounted prices. For further information regarding OSHA Compliance requirements for the surface fabrication industry, visit www.technetrain.net, or contact TechneTrain, Inc. at (800) 852-8314.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 19

In the Industry Cosentino Moves North American Headquarters to Miami

A.S.S.T. Fabricates New York Stock Exchange Podium

Cosentino Group announced plans to move

A.S.S.T. was recently selected to fabricate the new podium for the New York Stock Exchange. Fabricated from Porcelanosa Krion solid surface, the new podium integrates the latest technology to start the trading day on the floor of the exchange. The team at STUDIOS Architecture designed the project, Patella Woodworking installed, and Team A.S.S.T. (Ken Parr, Brian Magness, Mike Henry, Zach Sentz, Matt Gervasio, Jared Shearer) headed up fabrication under a tight deadline.

its North American headquarters from the

Houston area to Miami this summer. Plans

for further expansion in the coming months

prompted the move. This move is designed

to facilitate coordination with the company’s

headquarters in Almeria, Spain, and make the management of the North American market more efficient. The company also recently

opened six new “Cosentino Centers” in the United States. These facilities combine the

functions of warehouse, training center, offices

Hanwha Surfaces Opens New Warehouse

has its own facilities in half of the 50 American

Hanwha Surfaces opened a direct distribution

concept showrooms in Montreal, Toronto and

Columbus, Ohio. The 40,192-sq.-ft. facility

near future. The first opened in San Francisco

deliveries of HanStone Quartz and Hanex Solid

in Miami’s Design District in July. In addition,

on the heels of the company’s groundbreaking

of U.S. and Canadian employees to more than

Ontario, Canada in December 2016. The facility

and showroom. With these centers, it now

states. Cosentino also operates three “City”

warehouse and designer showroom in

New York, with plans to open two more in the

can provide the surrounding area next-day

at the end of April, and the second will open

Surfaces. The opening of the new facility comes

the company anticipates to grow the number

of a state-of-the-art second production line in

1,200 by the end of 2017.

is in near the London factory and will provide

Moraware Holds Live Training

Kentucky and West Virginia with daily deliveries.

Ohio, Michigan, western Pennsylvania, eastern Hanwha hired eight distribution center and

Moraware held its first live training for fabricators using JobTracker scheduling software in

February. This was initiated in response to

MSI Builds New Innovation Center

using the software to its fullest potential. The

Neolith, a compact sintered surface supplied

requests from users who suspected they weren’t event sold out quickly and attracted fabricators from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The number of

attendees was limited to 40 to ensure participants received individual attention from the support

team. Moraware’s software partners were also in attendance. Representatives from DataBridge, Duda Consulting, Fabricators Choice and Job Well Done demonstrated how they can help

extend the capabilities of JobTracker to address a wider variety of business problems.

AG&M Merges with Pental Surfaces

new space. It also opened similar facilities in

Philadelphia in late 2015, Atlanta in February of 2016 and Springfield, Mass., in spring 2016.

Lackmond Products Names Steve Leeper as President

by MSI, built a new state-of-the-art Innovation Center for its national marketing and

merchandising team in Atlanta. The center

houses MSI’s marketing, trend and design,

web, digital and social media, merchandising

Lackmond Products,

and channel-focused teams. The new center

Inc. named Steve

was designed to accommodate the company’s

Leeper as president,

growth, with enough space to more than

overseeing the

double the size of the team. The Center

includes significant warehousing space for sampling, displays, product reviews and

display board construction. Progressive design

Architectural Granite & Marble (AG&M), the

elements, including the extensive use of glass,

distributor, announced a merger with Pental

natural light, were incorporated into the space.

customers under their established brand names.

conferences, staff roundtables and customer

surfaces including natural stone, engineered

decorative mosaics and wall tiles, as well as

United States.

throughout the Center.

Austin, Texas-based countertop material

high-efficiency LED lighting and abundant

Surfaces. Both companies will continue to serve

A training room is available for events like

The merger creates a distributor of interior

presentations. MSI’s flooring, countertops,

stone and tile, with 13 locations across the

hardscaping products, are used extensively

20 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

four sales employees to serve the needs of the

Lackmond Products

and Lackmond Stone’s divisions in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Leeper brings more than 41 years of experience in the

construction industry, providing products and

services through distribution to the residential, commercial and industrial markets. He joined Lackmond in 2007 as vice president, with

his most recent role as senior vice president.

Leeper has played a key role in expanding into the Canada and Mexico markets, launching a

new division in Lackmond Stone and creating the Beast Brand.

Coverings Reports Show Growth and Announces Award Winners Coverings 2017 reported increased attendance numbers with its return to Orlando, yielding

the highest attendance in several years. Nearly 28,000 industry professionals attended the

week-long show in April, reflecting a 9 percent increase from last year’s show in Chicago.

The show also announced its award winners.

Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards

honor outstanding design and installation of tile and stone. Four prize-winning teams, including

each designer and installer, received $2,500 and a one-night stay in Orlando to attend Coverings.

The winners were: Residential Stone — Art

House, The Zajeski Project designed by CVG Architects and installed by Blue Pearl Stone; Residential Tile — Contemporary Twilight

designed by DKOR Interiors and installed by

Newman Brothers Construction; Commercial

Stone - Energy Center III designed by Kirskey Architecture and installed by Camarata

Masonry Systems; Commercial Tile — Project:

Maurices Corporate Headquarters designed by RSP Architects and installed by Twin City Tile and Marble.

network, and launch products into new markets. He will also continue working closely with all CNC manufacturers as part of an enhanced software integration initiative made to streamline job processing from measuring through fabrication. Doug Jackson was hired as the South Central sales manager with the responsibility for the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Jackson has 15 years of sales and technical experience, most recently at Salem Distributing. Eric Harrison was hired as the Northwest sales manager covering Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming,

and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Northwest and Yukon Territories. He brings more than 20 years of experience in many aspects of solid surface applications including countertops, tile and flooring. JT Hoffman will serve as the North Central sales manager. Hoffman is a 10-year LPI employee and will bring his hands-on experience into Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut. Matt Thomson, named Northeast sales manager, has more than 25 years of industry experience. He will assist customers in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lapitec Partners with Arredo3 As of this spring, Italian kitchen designer Arredo3 is featuring Lapitec® in a wide variety of finishes and colors in its 2017 catalog. Highlighted in

kitchen counters, waterfalls, backsplashes and more, the design and technological innovation of the full-bodied sintered stone meshes well

with the Venetian company’s mission. Arredo3 chose three finishes in nine colors for its

catalog: Lux, a luminous and reflective surface; Satin, a soft choice for kitchens; and Lithos,

a gently textured surface that offers a tactile experience with each touch.

TigerStop Opens Office in Mexico Citing growth in sales and the potential for expanding into foreign markets, TigerStop opened a new office in Mexico City and

hired Gregorio Aspeitia as the national sales manager for Mexico. An industrial engineer

with a master’s in administration, Aspeitia has more than 23 years of industry experience in product engineering, design, manufacturing and corporate sales. He is tasked with new business development and building a new dealer network that can sell and support

TigerStop products throughout Mexico and

In addition to the CID Awards, Coverings honored

South America.

Honorees were recognized for their contributions

TCNA Announces New ANSI Gauged Porcelain/‘Thin Tile’ Standards

L. Bellerose, Granite & Marble Works; Chanel

More than four years of cross-disciplinary industry

Jeffrey Court Inc.; Marcos Castillo, David Allen

from the TCNA Laboratory Services team have

industry “Rock Stars” during the convention.

to the tile and stone industry. They are: George

Carrizosa, Icon Tile & Design; Andrew Cassanova,

collaboration and 4,000 hours of research

Company; Lauren Congrove, Distinctive Marble

culminated in two new standards: ANSI A137.3,

the American National Standard Specifications for

and Granite; Eva Mallory, MS International;

Gauged Porcelain Tiles and Gauged Porcelain Tile

Dimce Manev, Imperial Tile & Stone; Marie-Noelle Neidemire, Panzica Building Corporation; Matt Newbold, Elite Tile Setters; Joseph Roberts,

International Stone & Tile; and Jessica Webber, Webber Development & Construction.

Coverings 2018 will be held May 8-11 in Atlanta.

Laser Products Expands Sales Force Laser Products Industries (LPI) expanded its Canadian and U.S. sales forces and is

reorganizing its U.S. sales territories. This

is an effort to optimize the team’s ability to

quickly respond to, and accommodate the

growing number of customers and their needs.

Drew Thornton took on the role of director of

business development where he will manage

LPI’s national accounts, grow the LPI partner

Panels/Slabs, and its companion, ANSI A108.19,

BLANCO IKON Apron Front Sink Receives Good Design Award

Interior Installation of Gauged Porcelain Tiles

BLANCO’s IKON Apron Front single bowl sink won a 2016 Good Design award. Made of BLANCO’s patented SILGRANIT® material, the IKON is a combination of design, function and durability. Created in 1950, Good Design is among the world’s most recognized, prestigious and oldest design award program organized annually by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. More than 900 new products from more than 46 countries competed as entries for the 2016 awards.

Cement Mortar or Improved Modified Dry-Set

and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs by the

Thin-Bed Method bonded with Modified Dry-Set Cement Mortar. Currently known in the industry as the “thin tile” standards, the standards use

the term “gauged” to cover a range of precise

thicknesses that can carry different loads and be used in different ways, taking a similar approach to standardized wire gauges and gauged sheet metal. Two classes of gauged tile products are

defined: those for wall applications from 3.5mm

to 4.9mm and for floor and wall applications from 5.0mm to 6.5mm. ANSI A137.3 standardizes the minimum required properties for the products themselves, and ANSI A108.19 standardizes

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 21

In the Industry the methodologies for installing the products in interior installations by the thin-bed method with specific mortars. A free download of a preview copy is available from TCNA, and a professional publication of both standards will be available for purchase from TCNA in July.

NEOLITH Nero Marquina wins Red Dot Award 2017 NEOLITH® Nero Marquina has won the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017 in the Materials and Surfaces category. Inspired by marble from Spain, the trendy monochromatic décor stood out to the judges because of the outstanding technical skills applied to achieve a design that perfectly replicates the natural stone. Nero Marquina is a result of NEOLITH’s innovative Digital Design (NDD) decoration technique that pushes the boundaries of what colors and textures are

possible in sintered stone. This marks the second time the company has won the award, with the first being in 2015. The winning entries receive certificates during the Red Dot Gala in July at

the Aalto-Theater in Essen, Germany. The Red

Dot Design Museum Essen will then present all

award-winning products in its four-week winners’

exhibition. The international award is a benchmark for excellent product design worldwide. The

Rockhead Group Undergoes Changes for Expansion The Rockhead Group, LLC, a private group of

stone fabrication businesses, announced plans

to expand in the North American market over the next three years. The “Rockheads” have recently undergone changes in leadership and strategic marketing plans to help grow membership and

40-strong jury had to appraise 5,500 products

bring more group benefits to its independent-

aspects such as innovation, quality, functionality

member companies with individual revenue of

from 47 categories, assessing the entries on

company member body. There are currently 50

and ecological compatibility.

over $10 million per year. As part of the leadership

Festool Hires New Chief Sales Officer

natural stone industry, who is also a managing

changes, Jon Kaplan, a 15-year veteran in the

Festool hired Aaron Brading as chief sales

owner of the Group, assumed the position of

sales functions in the United States and Canada.

and industry relations. Brian Lynch, formerly

the power tools and accessories, and civil and

Rockheads as senior vice president of member

successful, multichannel sales initiatives.

with a focus on increasing membership in an

officer, responsible for leading the company’s

managing director to further develop vendor

Previously with Hilti, Inc., Brading led teams in

from Cosentino North America, also joined the

energy divisions, where he managed a number of

relations and will support the activities of the group

Circle RS#10 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 2013 22 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

effort to bring greater value to the group at large.

merchandising services and event management.

Enterprise Green Communities building, meaning

the Rockhead Group is undergoing a complete

that engage the appropriate audiences for trade

a more sustainable environment. At the event, top

In addition to its internal leadership changes,

marketing strategy makeover and has partnered with Marqet Group to proactively develop

campaigns, programs and branding that support its vendor relationships and member benefits.

Former Cosentino VP Opens Marqet Group Marketing Agency Marqet Group, founded by Former Vice President of Marketing for Cosentino North America

Lorenzo Marquez recently established the Marqet Group, a full-service marketing agency located in

Houston. With experience and knowledge geared toward the design and construction industry, the agency offers a 360-degree approach to

marketing services. Marquez has also been on

the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Board of Directors since 2013. Marqet connects

businesses with qualified customers and industry

influencers through public relations, social media, digital, content marketing, graphic design,

The Group specializes in creating strategies

professionals, particularly in the surfacing industry, with consumers, retailers and designers.

residents will benefit from lowered utility costs and executives from TOTO joined more than 75 Habitat NYC donors at TOTO’s New York City Gallery.

TOTO USA Donates to Habitat for Humanity New York City

ATI Announces Third Annual Product Installation Contest

TOTO USA hosted a donor appreciation event for

ATI Decorative Laminates announced that

a major advocate and developer of affordable

Annual Product Installation Contest. ATI is

Habitat for Humanity New York City (Habitat NYC), homes for ownership, to celebrate its substantial

product and monetary contribution. In addition to a $5,000 donation, TOTO will donate 15 luxury, highefficiency toilets and sets of high-end bathroom accessories, a total value of $20,000, to future

homeowners of the Dean Street Residences in

Brownsville, Brooklyn. The Dean Street Residences is a four-story, 15-unit development consisting

of two-bedroom apartments reserved for owners earning between 50 and 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). Among the building’s

many amenities, Dean Street is also a certified

it will be accepting submissions for its third inviting architects, designers, project managers, specification managers, contractors and

installers to “Show Us Your Winning Formula” by submitting photos of MirroFlex, NuMetal,

Fusion or LumiSplash installations. Installations

completed after Jan. 1, 2017, are eligible and all entries must be received by Oct. 27, 2017. This

year’s contest will be judged by three independent industry experts. Projects will be judged based on the ATI product chosen, creativity and quality of

the installation. The first place winner will receive a cruise trip to the western Caribbean.

Circle RS#11 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Members since 2004 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 23

Material Handling Spotlight Safety should always be at the forefront of any shop’s policies, and having the proper material handling equipment plays a large role in that. Additionally, proper material handling can save money by eliminating unneeded labor as well as accidental breakage.

With that in mind, we present a round-up of information on some of the latest and greatest material handling equipment for the surfacing industry. Hopefully there is a gem here to consider from which your operations can benefit.

operated

attachment, linked

between the

boom pole of a forklift and the clamp.

The forklift

operator can

independently

Better Vacuum Cups A new size of vacuum cup is now available

control and manipulate

currently being marketed throughout North America, and the company predicts the

from Better Vacuum Cups Inc. and ready to

the slab’s movement by the touch of a finger.

demand for more will increase due to the

standard height of 105m. Another size also

release the latch mechanism and lift and

an integrated pallet that allows easy access

by 105m (SS150300). More sizes as well as company’s website.

ship. The SS150 is 150m by 150m with a

It allows the operator to stay on his machine,

product’s versatility. The Deltarack features

available now is the company’s 150m by 300m

control the slab with 360-degree rotational

from all four sides from either a forklift or a

capability at his or her fingertips.

pallet jack. Wheel sets and wheel boards are

videos of them in operation are available at the

Circle RS#51 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

available that make moving the Deltarack from

DeltarackUSA

the staging area to the truck or from work site

Circle RS#50 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Braxton-Bragg

DeltarackUSA, a division of Leading Edge,

Circle RS#52 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

introduced the Deltarack, a lightweight,

Braxton-Bragg carries Stone Pro Equipment’s The Rock Jockey. Moving stone slabs using the traditional two-man team has long been one of the stone industry’s leading causes

of injury and even death. The risk comes in

placing a worker on the ground in the potential fall zone of a slab. From a safety point of view, eliminating the ground personnel reduces the risk to them. This equipment is a remotely

24 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

practical and affordable solution for the

to work site a breeze.

transport and handling of large-profile

Domain Industries

glass and drywall. The pressed birch

Interfuse Surface

flat materials such as stone, granite, plywood A-frame design is strong

enough to handle 2,000 lbs. and is

shipped in a flat-pack of six racks that can be easily assembled in minutes.

Four distinctly sized Deltaracks are

Suction Handles SKU # IFSC-1010 (4” Dual Handle) SKU # IFSC-2020 (8” Single Handle)

Material Handling Spotlight

Interfuse suction clamps available from

on shipping.

supplying premier quality tools, equipment

suction giving instant handles to flat

assemble and

complete line of material handling equipment

Domain Industries provide strong, reliable

It is easy to

surfacing products like solid surface, natural

comes with

stone and glass. They are available in two

the necessary

sizes, the IFSC-1010 4-in. dual-handle model

tools. Overall it

and the IFSC-2020 8-in single-handle model.

The easy clip system provides quick and simple suction, with 100-lbs. horizontal and 50-lbs.

measures 49 in.

long by 25 in. wide by 48 in. tall with a deck that measures 44 ¼ in long by 23 in. wide.

vertical capacity on the 4-in. model and 125-lbs.

Circle RS#55 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#53 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Groves

capacity on the 8-in. model

and accessories. The company offers a

ranging from slab racks and A-frames to

transporting dollies, vacuum lifters, booms

and more. It carries well-known and trusted brands, such as Omni Cubed, Groves

Incorporated, Wood’s Powr-Grip and Abaco to meet all material handling needs.

Circle RS#57 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Groves

Incorporated

in Woodstock, Ill., offers two

sizes of heavyduty bundle racks rated

F. Barkow F. Barkow Inc. is an exclusive manufacturer of aluminum or stainless steel stone racks for pickup trucks and vans designed for transporting full countertops, islands or

backsplashes. F. Barkow stone carriers are

mounted about 18 in. from the ground, making it easier to load and unload heavy stone. This

reduces breakage and increases productivity. It also helps reduce employee injuries. F. Barkow exterior and interior stone carriers are fully

at a 9,000-lb.

capacity between two posts. The 3-H72 has

standard 5-ft.-long rails, and the new 5-H7290 features 7 ½-ft.-long rails. They are shipped with connector tubes that facilitate joining

Omni Cubed

racks were designed to safely store jumbo

Cubed is the only all-weather carrying clamp

multiple rails for long storage runs. These

sized stone bundles when bolted to the floor.

Units features heavy-guage, welded steel

construction and 2 ½-in. square tubular steel posts with a 3/16-in. wall thickness.

Circle RS#56 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

The Aqua-Jaw™ Carry Vise™ by Omni

designed to hold onto wet stone, and its

super-strong vise action allows carrying stone up stairs and over other challenging terrains.

Aqua-Jaws promote safer, more ergonomic

lifting to reduce strain and injury while moving

welded and custom-built by craftsmen to safely

slabs. They are the highest capacity carry

Loc® self-locking stakes, featuring patented

up to 800 lbs. per pair. Aqua-Jaws open up

and protection.

and miters. An optional Handle Kit accessory

transport stone. They are equipped with Stake-

clamps on the market — capable of handling

Barpads® and Barkleats™ for additional safety

to 4.25 in. wide to accommodate thick edges

Circle RS#54 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

adds extra handles, allowing four people

GranQuartz

quick-spin tightening handles easily secure

to share the load of heavy materials. Dual

Diarex® Stone Cart offered by GranQuartz is

the product in place, and rubber-lined gripping

an economical cart that features sturdy all-

rails protect tops from scratches.

steel construction and four nonmarking 8-in.

Circle RS#58 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

urethane on steel casters. It has a capacity of 1,760 lbs. and comes with two fixed wheels

Regent Stone Products

and two swivel wheels (one of which has a

Lackmond Stone

The Saw Trax Panel Express self-adjusting

brake for safety). It can also serve as an install cart. At only 23 in. wide, it can fit through any

Lackmond Stone was established to meet

standard interior or exterior door. It features all

the needs of the stone fabrication market by

is suitable for sheets of wood, plastic, glass,

steel construction and is packed flat to save

offering experience and knowledge as well as

panel cart, from Regent Stone Products, Inc., granite and sheet rock. Rubber grippers

inside the brace mechanism keep material International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 25

Material Handling Spotlight

steel. They are completely hot-dip galvanized.

This process allows both the outside and even the inside of the steel to be zinc galvanized from being marred. The product has a handle for movement when empty, a brace lock for

loading multiple sheets and nonmarring 5-in. locking casters, as well as a 700-lb. weight

coated. This means zero rusting, no paint flaking, no salt concerns, and no worries for leaving them outside or in the back of trucks.

On average galvanized steel is expected to

capacity and a 3-in. opening in the brace.

last more than 30 years. The A-frames are

one-man loading and unloading; the ability to

grade T-slot rubber. This rubber does not

of its easy storage, small footprint and low

worn-out, the rubber can be easily replaced

automatically adjusts to hold any width sheet

structural support beams in the A-frames are

pneumatic tires that allow for easy movement

run from the middle bottom to the top end of

Additional features and benefits include: easy

made with specially designed T-slot premium

take it along to jobsites for installs because

bleed onto the stone and lasts for years. Once

profile; a self-adjusting brace mechanism that

completely in less than 10 minutes. The

up to 3 in.; all steel construction; 12 ¼-in.

also hot-dip galvanized. These cross beams

over air hoses and electrical conduit and the

ability to load sheets directly onto panel saws.

Circle RS#59 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

the A-frame and provide tremendous strength and support. This keeps the A-frame perfectly straight and structurally strong, adding years to its life, reports the manufacturer. Every

See our ad on Page 11

A-frame comes complete with a set of fully

WEHA

hot-dip galvanized locking upright poles lined

Wood’s Powr-Grip The PT10FS10AIR vacuum lifter from Wood’s Powr-Grip has established itself around the world as a workhorse for handling stone slabs in fabrication shops. This lifter features powered tilting, 10 specially designed vacuum pads and a 1,500-lb. (680kg) capacity. The specialized vacuum pads attach quickly to unleveled surfaces, handling both unfinished and finished slabs. Individual pad shutoffs allow the lifter to attach to oddly shaped slabs, while a high-flow vacuum system provides a quick release, increasing the efficiency. The PT10 continues to be a valuable tool to stone workers, reducing both material breakage and manpower needs, all

Formica Corporation introduced several new

with T-slot rubber and a brass buckle and strap at no additional cost.

while increasing safety.

Germany using premium European grade-A

Circle RS#60 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#61 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info

WEHA Transport Carts manufactured by Weha

CEO and Upper Management Gathering in Boston June 6-8

CHECK OUT OUR

More details available at www.isfanow.org.

Hosted by

26 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

JCW Countertops and sponsored by:

Soapstone is natural, requires no sealant, durable, renewable and makes a great option for kitchen countertops.

A Deeper Look at Soapstone

This surfacing material is both natural and versatile

By Raphaiane Silva and Kevin Cole Although it has been used for countless years

stone which exudes a sensation similar to that of

such as lead, pewter and silver. It has also

overlooked as a countertop material when

soapstone generally ranges from 50 to 75 percent,

stones and other cookware, fireplaces and

in a variety of applications, soapstone is often designing or remodeling a kitchen, bath or other potential areas of application. While no material can fill every material demand, soapstone

possesses several natural advantages that

make it a viable competitor of other countertop materials. Soapstone is chemically inert,

resistant to heat and durable, yet also malleable.

These qualities, combined with its beauty and

ease-of-care, have made it a suitable option for multiple choices of use.

Just What Is Soapstone?

Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a

metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, with varying amounts of chlorite, micas, amphiboles,

and other minerals like carbonates, magnesium, silicate, etc. Most soapstone deposits were

formed from 300 to 400 million years ago, and they can be found throughout the world. The

name soapstone is derived from its “soapy” feel

that is soft to the touch caused by the talc in the

a dry bar of soap. The talc content in architectural making it soft and smooth. However, the other minerals in the composition lend the stone its strength and durability.

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that was

been used traditionally for cooking pots, pizza wood-burning stoves, and even tobacco pipes.

Soapstone is also nonporous, which makes it

stain-resistant and limits the ability of germs and bacteria to penetrate the surface, increasing its

formed by millions of years of fluctuating heat

hygienic properties. It is also suitable for use as

mineral-rich water and other liquids. It has

Because soapstone is primarily talc, which is

and pressure combined with the infusion of

been quarried and used for thousands of years

throughout the world. Major distribution centers

in the ancient world were known to have existed

basins and sinks.

chemically inert, it is highly resistant to etching

and chemical reactions that may mar it’s beauty.

in what are now India and Iran. Today, the most

Soapstone is an attractive stone that is typically

Brazil, the United States, Finland and India.

color. It can have considerable veining, which

productive soapstone quarries are located in

Several natural properties of soapstone make it suitable for use as a countertop surface.

The hardness/durability of soapstone can be

gray, bluish, green and sometimes brown in

provides for a wide variety of grains or patterns.

Some people confuse serpentinite for soapstone, but they have very different characteristics.

compared to high-end marbles; however it is

Soapstone naturally darkens with age and use,

rock, it is very resistant to heat. In fact,

beyond the surface. This natural darkening

relatively easy to fabricate. As a metamorphic

even though substances cannot penetrate

soapstone is often used for casting metals,

occurs at different rates across a slab, so

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 27

for aesthetic purposes, mineral oil or wax is sometimes applied to make the darkening

process spread evenly throughout the surface.

Mineral oil application will turn the stone into a dark charcoal gray or even black. Some

varieties that contain a hint of green will draw out and enhance the green hues.

Although soapstone is not as hard as some

other countertop surfaces, it can easily last a lifetime with the proper care. The edges may

soften, and scratches or nicks may develop with use, but soapstone is completely renewable.

Soapstone In Use Soapstone has a wide range of practical

applications in the modern home. It is primarily found in the kitchen, which coincides with its

historical uses as cookware and stone cooking

slabs. The ability of soapstone to resist heat has continued to make the material popular in both

surface. Fabricators like working with soapstone

The soapstone production process requires a lot of attention. Blocks, such as those taken from this quarry in Brazil, have to be selected carefully to make sure that the pattern, size and structure are perfect to be properly cut into slabs.

consumers enjoy soapstone for its aesthetic

Besides its use in homes, soapstone also has

a softer material, the right tools have to be used

been used for decades in laboratory countertops

will make the slabs unusable. After the slabs are

gourmet and working kitchens as a countertop

because of the ease in which it can be cut, while value and durability. Soapstone countertops not only resist heat damage, but their appearance

and integrity is upheld through their resistance to both acidic and alkaline chemical etching.

It naturally has a matte or honed finish so end

users do not have to worry about fingerprints or drip marks showing. And, because soapstone

several commercial applications. Soapstone has and tabletops because of its chemical etching resistance. Its high durability makes it useful wherever a hard surface is required.

Fabricating Soapstone

is nonporous, it is weatherproof, which makes

Soapstone is a less complex material to work

kitchens, or even swimming pool borders.

than other natural stone surfacing materials,

it popular as a countertop surface for outdoor Soapstone is not only used in kitchens as a countertop surface, but it is also used as a

material for upscale kitchen sinks. This use

extends to the bathroom, where soapstone

can be used for vanities and as tub surrounds.

Soapstone may also be set vertically or tiled

onto shower walls. Some architects have also

found that soapstone tiles work well for bathroom flooring because of their water resistance

and high traction. Because it has a low heat

conductivity, soapstone is not as cold in the winter as many other types of tile flooring.

Other popular uses of soapstone in the home include fireplace and wood-burning stove

surrounds. During the last several years, its

usage has increased substantially in areas with

colder climates for use in fireplace manufacture/ fabrication. When used as a firebrick, it can

absorb great amounts of heat and will softly radiate for several hours.

Soapstone is also commonly used for indoor or

outdoor planters, birdbaths and garden fountains.

28 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

with for fabricators. Because the rock is softer fabrication is faster, takes less labor and does not

require the same high-powered cutting tools used for harder materials such as granite or quartz.

Fabricators will find that woodworking tools are sufficient to handle working this material.

Soapstone fabrication involves no unique safety

issues, although general fabrication safety certainly applies when working with the material. As long as general safety protocols are followed, the

leading danger in soapstone fabrication involves maintaining the integrity of the slab. Because

soapstone is so easy to cut and polish, it is also

easy to do so too quickly, so care must be taken.

Pricing and Availability of Soapstone Soapstone slabs are harvested from the earth,

and during the production process of the slabs no toxic chemicals are used. The stone can be

to cut the blocks; otherwise, thickness issues

cut, depending on the structure of the stone, a

net may be adhered to the backside of slabs to

make them stronger. Selecting the correct grain of grinding wheels is very important to get the perfect finishing on the slabs.

Soapstone is generally quarried in slabs or

blocks measuring 30 by 72 in., so if a job calls for a length greater than 72 in., more than

one slab is required. However, when installed

properly, the seams between two slabs can be very inconspicuous. The only problem may be

matching up the grain because the veining can

vary even between slabs cut from the same block.

The standard thickness for soapstone

countertops is 3cm (about 1 Âź in.) Because

soapstone is very dense, cutting it any thicker makes for a heavy slab that is difficult to work with and install.

The pricing of soapstone varies by quality, locale, how it is finished and how it is marketed. It is generally comparable to other natural stone

surfacing. A standard 3cm slab may be retailed from $40 to more than $100 per sq. ft.

Caring for Soapstone

recycled, and it has a low percentage of silica.

Soapstone care requires less effort than many

Blocks have to be selected carefully to make

At a minimum, all that is required is standard

The production process requires a lot of attention. sure that the pattern, size and structure are

perfect for the block to be cut into slabs. As it is

other countertop surfaces, natural or synthetic. cleaning with any common household cleaners.

Soapstone does not have to be sealed or

conditioned, and because it is chemically

Oiling/waxing is generally recommended on

However, for best results, it is recommended to

then it can be reduced to once per month.

inert, acidic or alkaline cleaners can be used.

After one to two years, most people find that

stain resistance and natural sanitary qualities, those choosing this material for a project can be assured that the material will age with warmth and character.

at all. However, it does help to remove light

About the Author

a weekly basis for the first three months, but

use mild cleansers that are not too abrasive.

Some companies selling soapstone recommend the application of stone sealer to protect the

they no longer have to oil/wax soapstone

scratches. Deeper scratches can be removed

countertop surface, but many believe that it

80-grit sanding sponge.

to apply a light coat of mineral oil or specialty soapstone enhancing product shortly after

Soapstone is a beautiful natural stone that can

the wax/oil keeps the natural darkening evenly

used equally well with ultra-modern or rustic

installation. Soapstone darkens as it ages, and spread throughout the surface. It will give the

enhance any kitchen or bathroom. It can be

soapstone a darker charcoal appearance, and it will also bring out the detail in the veining.

Raphaiane Da Silva has been working in the international stone industry for more than 10 years, and is the CCO at Maq Stone, a large producer of soapstone in Brazil. For more information contact Raphaiane by email at export@maqstone. com.br.

by professionals through sanding lightly with an

is not necessary. However, it is a good idea

dĂŠcor. It has a warm finish, and the properties

of the stone make it ideal for working kitchens and bathrooms. With its pleasing matte finish,

Editor & Publisher Kevin Cole can be reached at kevin@isfanow.org.

Circle RS#12 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 29

Raise Your L.I.D. to $ucce$$

There’s more to getting ahead than just hard work

By Paul Max Le Pera Success can be defined in numerous ways;

many of which are as unique and personal as

one’s fingerprint. It’s a universal truth, however, that hard work is compulsory for success,

regardless of the definition. And yet, success is not a linear equation, nor is success a

guaranteed product of hard work. When we

peer into the lives of “successful” people, there are a few truths that reign universal. The lowest common denominators of these truths are

generally three things, namely: luck, inspiration

and Darwinism, collectively referred to as L.I.D. Quite often, as we plow through our day’s

work, multitask, stay late to get more done, get in early to get a jump on the day, email,

text, make phone calls and skype, our focus on success tends to become tunneled

vision on financial gain and volume of work

completed. No doubt, finishing a pile of work can be quite rewarding, and yet, day in and day out, it’s a slow starvation of the soul — that is, without balance.

For the sake of this article we will focus on

success in business to mean a comfortable living, adequate time with the family and

friends, and time for your mental/physical/ 30 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

When we peer into the lives of “successful” people, there are a few truths that reign universal.

The lowest common denominators of these truths are generally three things, namely: luck, inspiration and Darwinism, collectively referred to as L.I.D. emotional self, perhaps better termed, Profitable Balance (P$B). Ebenezer Scrooge was the quintessential workaholic, who made money his idol and his sole definition of success. Without the intervention of his (fallen) angel, Jacob Marley, Scrooge would have died

If we sum up success to mean P$B, then how

do we get there without cranking out hard work every day and trying to shove 36 hours in a 24hour day? Simple. Understand what makes up

success and focus on the recipe — then it’s all about execution. Once we embrace the notion that more is not always better and in fact,

less can be more, we manifest a harmonious

balance which becomes the ultimate platform for sustainability in our lives.

Luck and Involvement The “L” in L.I.D. stands for luck. Yes, there is some element of luck in every person’s

life. Nearly every entrepreneur will tell you

something serendipitous happened to them along the way. Be open to it — have a spirit of expectancy, and you may just attract it.

Luck may also be considered by some divine

a very wealthy, but lonely and miserable man.

intervention, depending on your beliefs, so it

“I wear the chain I forged in life,” Marley said

watch grace unfold in your life.

to Ebenezer. “I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”

Remember, our habits are the chain we forge in life–a chain that can pull us down, or lift us up.

may be argued to keep true to your faith and Luck may sometimes be “bad” – something

unfortunate may happen, which is very costly or yields some personal or professional

setback. Because the glass is indeed always “half full,” every set back should be viewed

as a means to something better; pain points (in general) in life tend to be alarms that

something needs changing. Some of the

best beef has been tenderized; smooth and

perfectly glassy golf balls do not fly very far or straight; callouses allow you to handle more;

and remember, you cannot get your diamonds unless your coal goes under some extreme

pressure. All experiences are or can be made good experiences. Always remember: Life is

10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it, so use your luck to make

something wonderful to happen to you, and so shall it be done.

Working 12- or 15-hour days may periodically be necessary, but you must be very mindful when the frequency increases and it is justified away as being necessary.

Chronic motion = Mental commotion.

Luck is something that can and will happen as you put yourself out there. Those chance encounters happen when you are living life —

more diamonds!

reading, watching and in front of other people.

Luck also requires involvement. It’s nearly

it is tempting to resist it, as complacency can

impossible to get lucky when sitting in the

office behind papers or in front of the television all day. Luck comes when you are getting out and getting involved. It could happen in a

meeting, a dinner, subway rides, while talking to the neighboring passenger on a plane or

even at a movie or museum. Getting involved and meeting people is where the attraction

happens. These random outcomes occur in

active situations — also called involvement.

Get up, get out and get involved; expect

Growth happens through change. However, be comfortable, effectively yielding a false positive on the scale of success. Change is both necessary and inevitable. Embrace it and keep your outlook always gray. No, not dim, but gray, meaning all options are open. Do not label things and compartmentalize them as black or white, this or that, good or bad.

Seeing them as gray allows for the ability to see the positive side to any event.

You should know that the fundamental rules

of our lives, existence and the universe are

governed by the laws of Quantum Mechanics,

whose foundation is woven into probability not

determinism, which may seem counterintuitive.

Indeed, proven beyond any doubt, reality is

relative and the longer we stay neutral in our

judgments, the longer we exist on a continuum.

We can learn a lot from science and for now,

embrace luck as inevitable, a great teacher and something compulsory to success.

Inspiration for Success The “I” in L.I.D. refers to Inspiration. Essentially, we want to work smarter not harder. Grinding away for the sake of accomplishment and

reducing piles is not necessarily inspirational.

In fact, chronic paperwork or busyness can

be the No. 1 killer of creativity and business

intelligence. With a finite amount of energy we

have in a day, (mental, emotional and physical), it is incumbent upon the successful business person to be mindful of how they ration it.

Temps or overtime to office staff may cost

money, but they can also be an investment in

your creative self. Success requires intelligence, inspiration, creativity, innovation and problem

Circle RS#09 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 2013 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 31

solving. By watching, listening, thinking,

and intelligence (how to build a home,

dare say, praying and/or meditating, your inner

to change as external conditions change.

planning, dreaming, brainstorming and, may I creativity emerges and blossoms. The very

part of you that decided to go into business or pursue management or leadership is the

nucleus of who you are. Follow your passion and success will follow you.

Inspiration comes from focusing on your

passion — whatever that may be. Becoming inspired frees up energy to do things like

reading, going to seminars, canvassing the competitive landscape, investigating the

latest trends, spending more time with your people, research and development, and

getting involved in the fabric of your business to evaluate its “blood-flow.” We should be

seeking natural activities that stimulate your

brain to P.R.I.C.E: Problem solve, Research, Innovate and Create Efficiencies.

Do what you love and love what you do.

This breathes oxygen on your inner fire and

provides the inspiration to drive on every day and in every way!

Darwinism and the Dream Finally, the “D” in L.I.D. is Darwinism. For those who know me, I frequently draw parallels to life and science — they indeed have

inexorable bonds. As I come to understand

more about human behavior and psychology, I get an overwhelming sense that everything we do, every discipline we study and every strategy we formulate is just a lower level

state of philosophy. It’s rather fascinating that the guiding principles that govern behavior

in particles and humans are eerily similar. It

communicate and defend yourself) is the ability It’s called, adaptation. Sticking to a plan is important in that it provides structure and

common goals/rules, etc. Without a plan, there is likely duplicity and possibly anarchy. Rigid

adherence, however, without being in tune with changes in the environment, your staff, interest rates, competitive products and/or technology, for example, can be damaging if not fatal to your business.

Just as important are the more subtle changes, including changes in behaviors, inflation

and where your company’s bread and butter

resides in the product life cycle. Ignorance of these changes can blindside you to a slow and very expensive decline or at the very

least, a loss of several pole positions on the

profitability and competitive hierarchy scale.

Adaptation is putting your intelligence into action! Adaptation is necessarily defined by

contradiction, however. For example, to adapt can mean to conform or to change; invest or divest; hire or fire; grow or sell off; increase

automation or increase labor; raise or lower your prices; and so on. Adaptation means

change, and change is necessary to stay in

front of a concern. Philosophically, it seems

ironic that almost all growth happens during a period of change. No pain, no gain. For

example, muscles can plateau if you do not change your workout. Change is necessary for growth and change is woven into the fabric of success. Adaptation is merely intelligent change.

seems to be a sort of a divine genius.

Also of note is Einstein’s notion of “time

Charles Darwin spent years doing research on

will tick slower than one that is not —

the Galapagos Islands. What he experienced and documented was the most successful

survival strategy amongst the vast number

of indigenous species, stemming from their ability to adapt to change. He has been quoted to say:

“It is not the strongest of the species

that survive, nor the most intelligent,

but the one most responsive to change.”

He coined this general phenomenon, “Natural Selection.”

I will say, Darwinism is the quintessential

blend of luck and intelligence. Indeed, random

mutations may provide an advantage; however, that advantage is not necessarily absolute.

What’s more critical than luck (mutation)

32 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

dilation.” He said, “A clock that is accelerating therefore! I say to you, if you are not changing, you are indeed aging faster than those who are!” Voila, science and life are confined by

different facets of the same energy dynamics that hold quarks together.

It is true that other elements come into what

we consider success, such as perseverance.

What successful business person did not have to persevere through some or many

trials? Another may be partnership. Perhaps you had a synergy between yourself and

your partner(s) and without that synergy, you would not have been successful. Indeed,

perseverance and synergies are categorically part of success and yet, I have specified

L.I.D. as the lowest common denominator for successful attributes. Simply put, all other

aspects of what it takes to be successful are encompassed by these three foundational pillars.

Perseverance is analogous to effort and I would place effort under adaptation.

To adapt can mean modest or radical change and implicit in change is hard work and perseverance. Synergy amongst team members can be a combination of intelligence and adaptation. Certainly, we should all recognize that complementary skills and personalities can be combined so that the whole of working together is greater than the sum of the individual and distinct efforts. That’s intelligence and to make sustainable partnerships requires adaptation.

Mindfulness is compulsory in managing your time. Small business owners always have an agenda that can’t fit in a day. And yet, those who get out and live life attract luck; those who read, listen, learn, watch and network become intelligent; and those who change as change is needed, who modify as often as necessary and who can shift gears as the landscape requires will successfully adapt survive and most importantly, thrive.

Your legacy is what you leave behind. Whether it’s your children, a foundation, the livelihoods of all your workers and their families, your spouse, your friends or your family, once you get the right L.I.D., your success is as close to certain as you can make it.

Success comes with balance — balance in living, learning and changing. Both life and science can be seen or understood as different forms of philosophy. We can learn much from the luck, inspiration and Darwinism we see working in our lives. Want to be your best most successful selves and businesses?

Get up and get out, dare to change, stay inspired and adapt.

As the saying goes, “Never complain about the wind changing direction — expect it and then adjust your sails.”

About the Author Paul Max Le Pera is the Global Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Hirsch Glass & Spectrum Quartz, with 20 years’ experience in business and marketing strategy for the building materials industry. He can be reached at (908) 358-5252 or Max@ HirschGlassCorp.com.

If you are not a member of ISFA, this could the last issue of this magazine you receive! Join ISFA or make sure to renew at www.isfanow.org/magazine-subscription before it's too late...

Renew Your Subscription Today!

PERSONAL INFORMATION Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: By providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax.

Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email.

ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS Subscribe at www.isfanow.org/magazine-

What type of material(s) do you work with? q Solid Surface

q Stone/Granite

q Tile

subscription or fax the bottom of this

q Quartz/E-Stone

q Laminate

q Wood

q Concrete

q Recycled

form to ISFA at (412) 487-3269, or by mail:

q Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________

2400 Wildwood Dr. Gibsonia, PA 15044 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 33

ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE:

The Pinske Edge is a Minnesota-based

The Pinske Edge

This Russett Aggranite Quartz countertop with bullnose shows the beautiful craftsmanship The Pinske Edge puts into its work.

designer and fabricator of surfaces in multiple

materials, including natural stone, quartz, solid surface and specialty surfaces. The company designs, fabricates and installs everything

from countertops to retail displays, shelving, vanity tops, kitchen tops, conference room

tables, shower pans and enclosures, window sills, wall cladding, furniture and just about

any project using premium surface that can be dreamed up.

Forging a Different Path While the company’s story started out much

like other early solid surface fabricators, The

Pinske Edge chose a much different path and is far from the typical fabricator.

CEO Tom Pinske founded the company in Plato, Minn., and was among the earliest

In 2016 The Pinske Edge became a 100 percent employee-owned company under an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

fabricators to work with solid surface.

However, Pinske found the proper tools for

working with solid surface to be lacking. It all

virtually perfect. Other fabricators, having

started with a straight edge, or rather the lack

seen the remarkable results of his tools, asked

woodworking tools did not provide the cutting

and selling them in the marketplace. This is

finished products. Because fabrication tools

path and branched out with a tool division.

exist at that time, Pinske decided to design

three divisions and is widely recognized for its

edges and seams of his countertops became

innovative solutions.

of one. He realized almost immediately that

if he was willing to begin mass producing

accuracy and precision he required for his

where The Pinske Edge split from the usual

designed specifically for solid surface did not

Now, 31 years later, The Pinske Edge has

and build his own solution. As a result, the

high quality, excellent customer service and

34 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Tools Division Originally established as an independent

company under the name “The Pinske Edge,” the tools arm of the company grew from

a small Midwestern company to a world-

renowned supplier of solid surface fabrication equipment. This division also offers training videos and other fabricator educational

materials. In 2013, the Glencoe Area Chamber of Commerce named The Pinske Edge

ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE: The

Pinske Edge

The company works out of two well-equipped locations, with a solid surface shop in Plato, Minn., and a hard surfacing shop in Rochester, Minn.

“In addition to being personally invested in the success of our customers and the well-being of The Pinske Edge, our emplyees are highly motivated to consistently produce the highest quality products and go above and beyond in innovation, growth initiatives and exceptional service.”

Both the kitchen and bath in this home were fabricated working with Med City Builders. The master bath was fabricated using Calcatta Quartzite and the kitchen top with a matching island was fabricated from Novus Colorquartz.

“Manufacturer of the Year” and honored Tom

Both locations specialize in the retail,

Pinske for his significant role in supporting the solid surface fabrication industry across the Midwest.

Commercial and Residential Divisions The other two divisions center around

fabrication markets, with one focusing on commercial work and the other being the

company’s residential division. These fabrication arms of the company were initially established in 1976 in Plato under the name “Plato Home Center,” which later became “Plato Custom Concepts.” The original facility includes a

healthcare, education, hospitality and residential markets and offer a wide variety of products. The Pinske Edge reaches the market through association with retail display designers, engineers, architects, millhouses, builders, general contractors, kitchen & bath dealers, and direct sales to homeowners.

The company’s fabrication divisions have a nationwide service area, and its customers benefit from its breadth of capabilities and materials, craftsmanship, high-volume production and short turnaround times.

showroom, design center and fabrication shop

Solid surface and hard surfacing each account

and baths are designed and fabricated. They

“Stone and engineered quartz jobs are

Custom Cabinetry. In 2014, the company

dealers, and walk-ins to our showroom,”

which offers natural stone and quartz products

“Solid surface work, on the other hand, comes

where solid surface countertops for kitchens

for about half of the company’s business.

are also the area dealer for Plato Woodwork

generated mostly by builders, kitchen & bath

opened a new location in Rochester, Minn.,

explained Sales Manager Cindy Eggersgluess.

to the residential and commercial markets.

from a variety of sources, chief among them

are general contractors, millwork houses, retail fixturing companies and a few walk-ins.”

A New Name and New Owners In 2016, the company rebranded all divisions/ locations under the name “The Pinske Edge,” combining its operations under a new brand identity whose tag line is “Excellence from Every Angle.” This rebranding effort was a

natural evolution that allows the company to

better align its capabilities and products with its core markets and provide increased value and service to its customers every day.

However, in 2016 The Pinske Edge took

another step that is far from common in the

industry. It became a 100 percent employeeowned company under an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

“Becoming a company that is 100 percent

owned by our employees is probably the most significant event in the history of The Pinske

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 35

ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE: The

Pinske Edge

Edge,” said Company President Scott Nelson.

“In addition to being personally invested in the success of our customers and the well-being

of The Pinske Edge, our employees are highly

motivated to consistently produce the highest quality products and go above and beyond in innovation, growth initiatives and exceptional service.

“Because all of the employees helped the

business get to where it is today, I wanted to

turn the business into a 100 percent employeeowned business,” added Pinske. “I didn’t want to sell the business and possibly have it move out of the area.”

As an ESOP company, management continues

This project at the Children’s Hospital in San Antonio was complex in that solid surfaces were wrapped around and angled up an elliptical wall. About a dozen forms were used to thermoform 24 sheets of LG HI-MACS solid surface (used 24 sheets of solid surface and 114 sheets of particle board!)

to run the business under the guidance of

a board of directors. The employee owners in turn have a stake in the outcome of the

business. Stock is allocated each year into their accounts, so as the company grows, the value of their stock grows.

This vested interest by the 28 workers the company employs means they work hard

for their customers and focus on personal

attention, flexibility, exceptional service, quality and exceeding customers’ expectations. This leads to some amazingly short turnaround

times (such as completing a 48,000-sq.-ft. project in just two months) and leveraging

in-house expertise to expand capabilities to meet any challenge.

This has also led to making sure they have the right equipment for the job. Among the tools at their disposal, employees have a Komo

Twin-Spindle CNC Router with a 60- by 155-in. table; a Streibig Vertical Panel Saw; PhotoTop

Templating Systems; Jib Cranes; a v-grooving

Custom LG HI-MACS solid surface “Horned Frog Purple” was made to match the Texas Christian University colors. “THE WAVE,” a bench seat with an integrated back wall and ceiling, including the internal wood framing, was built by The Pinske Edge using 24 sheets of solid surface. The material was thermoformed, adhered to the forms, and then final trimmed on the CNC machine.

machine; several pieces of equipment from

Park Industries, such as a Titan CNC Router,

Fusion WaterJet Saw, Pathfinder and Wizard; as well as a Northwoods CNC machine and

access to all of the various material handling,

seaming, edging and other equipment available from The Pinske Edge itself.

said Eggersgluess. “Our quality is unsurpassed, our pricing is competitive and we will deliver

his belt, Pinske replied, “Remember where you came from and treat everyone the way you

product on time.”

want to be treated.”

When asked about the company’s philosophy

“No project is too large or too small,” said

That mind-set has brought The Pinske Edge a

Philosophy for Success for success, the managerial team had solid

Nelson. “Always put your customer first and

answers that complemented each other.

value-engineer your projects.”

“We like to be a one-stop shop for our

And when asked what advice he would offer

customers and supply whatever they need,”

after putting three decades of experience under

36 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

long way, and is certainly one that will continue to lead the organization firmly into the future.

More information on The Pinske Edge is available at www.pinske-edge.com or by calling (800) 874-6753.

Here.Now.News.

Boston CEO and Upper Management Gathering in June Still time to register for this excellent learning opportunity!

With the continuing success of ISFA’s CEO/

Upper Management Gatherings, which are also being co-sponsored by the North American Building Materials Distribution Association

He is also the past recipient of ISFA’s Fabricator of the Year and Innovator Awards, and was recently inducted into the ISFA Hall of Fame.

(NBMDA), a second event has been scheduled

Wendell Parish, owner/president of Vermont

in Woburn, Mass., (just outside of Boston),

solid surface in the Vermont/New Hampshire

for June 6 – 8. Hosted by JCW Countertops

Solid Surface, one of the largest fabricators of

the event will include a tour of JCW, which

area. Parish has more than 20 years’ experience

specializes in solid surface fabrication, as well

as discussions moderated by some of the most well-known and successful personalities in the industry.

in the fabrication industry, and his company is among the few companies that has earned the “Preferred Certified Fabricator Installer” status from DuPont.

The event presents opportunities for companies’ executive management to share experiences,

common concerns and best practices regarding

the processes of running (and growing) surfacing businesses. The gatherings are designed to bring together smaller groups of CEOs and

upper management from a variety of companies

to share ideas and network in a close-knit, semistructured environment.

The official hotel for the event is the Hilton

Boston/Woburn located at 2 Forbes Road,

Woburn, MA 01801, and can be reached by phone at (781) 932-0999.

The event agenda is as follows:

Tuesday, June 6 6 p.m.: Welcome Reception/Cocktail Hour networking event at Hilton Boston/Woburn.

Wednesday, June 7 10 a.m.: Roundtable meeting, including lunch sponsored by Colonial Saw, moderated by Jon Olson.

Thursday, June 8 9 a.m.: Roundtable Meeting, moderated by

Speakers/moderators for the event are: Jon Olson, fabricator representative with

Parksite, a distributor of solid surface and quartz surfacing, as well as a variety of other building/

construction materials. Olson has more than 30

Wendell Parish, followed by a tour of JCW Countertops.

Cost for the event is $199 per person (does not include hotel) and space is limited.

years’ experience in the surfacing industry in all

Those wishing to attend can sign up on

as a fabricator, shop manager and sales rep for

the ISFA office at (412) 487-3207, or email

aspects of fabrication and sales. He has worked

the ISFA website at www.isfanow.org, contact

a large solid surface and quartz manufacturer.

carol@isfanow.org.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

Upcoming ISFA Training & Events

For more information or to sign up to attend any of these events, call (412) 487-3207 or email info@isfanow.org.

ISFA CEO Roundtable Hosted by JCW Countertops June 6 – 8 Woburn, Mass.

(412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Sept. 19 – 22 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 Cancun, Mexico (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Dec. 5 – 8 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 37

ISFANews Find Great Educational Opportunities at the

2017 Annual

Member Meeting & Conference

Come and join us for this great opportunity to improve your business and also enjoy yourself.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SPONSOR

Educational Presenters Kim Lewis Kim Lewis, a designer, speaker and philanthropist, is a “Little lady with big ideas!” She is best known for her work as the Lead Designer behind ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and founder of Kim Lewis Designs in Austin, Texas. In six years with the television show, Kim designed more than 120 homes in 43 states. Her work has been featured on television networks ABC, HGTV, TLC, National Geographic, Spike TV and FYI’s “Tiny House Nation.”

Dan Sedor As a Certified Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®) Implementer and partner at Leadership Resources, Dave Sedor helps entrepreneurial leaders get more of what they want out of business and life. Sedor spent the first half of his career working as an engineer in corporate America, solving problems, building systems and achieving goals as part of a team.

Over the last 13 years, his company has specialized in developing emerging leaders and helping companies grow through strategic planning.

The 2017 ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference will once again be held in Cancun, Mexico. Running from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, an all-inclusive resort.

YOUR CONFERENCE TICKET INCLUDES:

Three nights all-inclusive accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, the welcome reception, educational sessions, the ISFA Annual Meeting, the ISFA Awards Dinner, and airport transfers to and from the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. You may register online for the event at www.isfanow.org or contact the ISFA office at 412-487-3297 or email info@isfanow.org.

38 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

ISFANews ISFA On-Site ISFA brings training programs to your shop ISFA On-Site is a customized solid surface

training program designed to meet the needs of a

knowledge, handling, inspection, safety, tooling,

■■ Standard woodworking tools plus solid surface

shop layout, templating, material layout, cutting, specific business or organization. Basic fabrication seaming, edge treatments, sink and bowl instruction includes product orientation, safety, mounting, cutouts, backsplashes, thermoforming, tooling, fabrication and installation. More

advanced instruction includes manufacturers’ fabrication/installation requirements.

The benefits include:

finishing, basic repair, installation, support, overhangs and inlays.

The more advanced program runs three days and is 40 percent classroom learning and 60 percent

■■ Allowing staff to train in the actual environment

hands-on shop training. It covers all of the areas

■■ Instructor can assist with starting a new job.

complete a kitchen countertop project in teams.

where work will take place using their own tools.

the basic program does, plus students actually

■■ The trainees/students can remain in the shop

It may also include shop layout and efficiency

■■ Particularly for larger groups being trained, it

and more advanced installation training.

and not lose travel days.

can be more economical to pay trainer travel than staff’s travel expenses.

audits, on-site consultation, speciality production Requirements

■■ Trainer can assess additional on-site needs

There are some basic requirements that must be

The basic program is two days, of which 70

The company being trained must be a member of

is hands-on shop training. It includes product

to host the training must have:

and make recommendations for best practices.

met before on-site training can be scheduled.

percent is classroom learning and 30 percent

ISFA, or join prior to the training. Also, the facility

ISFA Board of Directors Ryan Miller President VT Stone Surfaces 1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 Phone: (712) 368-4381, ext. 236 RMiller@vtindustries.com www.vtstonesurfaces.com Adam Albee Immediate Past President Lincoln Laminating 5010 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 Phone: (402) 434-6009 adam@lincolnlaminating.com www.lincolnlaminating.com Kate Dillenburg Vice President Bisley Fabrication 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 Phone: (715) 787-4410 kbisley@bisfab.com www.bisfab.com Mike Langenderfer Treasurer The Countertop Shop 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 Phone: (419) 868-9101 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net

specialty tooling ( the trainer can provide a list).

■■ A solid surface or woodworking shop with a minimum of 800 sq. ft.

■■ An area for classroom type instruction.

The registration process requires that an initial

phone consultation be conducted, and at least

one month lead time must be incorporated into the schedule for course preparation.

Upon completion of the training, participants

will receive a certificate to recognize that they have completed a professional solid surface

fabrication training course. They will also receive window clings for work vehicles to identify

them as members of the International Surface Fabricators Association. Lastly, they will be

asked to complete a follow-up survey to provide feedback on the program.

Those interested in either on-site or TFT solid surface training can get more information by contacting Operations Manager Carol Wilhite at the main ISFA office by emailing carol@isfanow.org or calling (412) 487-3207.

ISFA Contacts

Kelley Montana Director Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-5918 kmontana@humtop.com www.humtop.com

Steve Stoddard Director Advanced Surfaces, Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 Phone: (814) 663-0369 sstoddard@advanced surfacespa.com www.advancedsurfacespa.com

Mike Woods Director Creative Countertop Solutions 919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 (615) 915-0718 mike@tnccs.com www.creativecounter solutions.com

Matt Kraft Director Custom Marble Inc. 850 S. Mulberry Millstadt, IL 62260 Phone: (618) 476-7501 matt.kraft@custommarble.net www.custommarble.net

Augie Chavez Director 4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 Phone: (210) 227-3100 augie@geckosss.com www.geckosss.com

John Hansen Associate Member Representative Kohler 3721 Armstrong Dr., Ste. 2B Bloomington, IL 61704 Phone: (920) 207-7701 John.Hansen@kohler.com www.kohler.com

Amy Miller Director L.E. Smith 1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 Phone: (419) 636-4555, ext. 3253 amiller@lesmith.com www.lesmith.com

Jessica McNaughton Associate Member Representative CaraGreen 109A Brewer Ln. Carrboro, NC 27607 Phone: (919) 929-3009 Jessica@caragreen.com www.caragreen.com

Main Office 2400 Wildwood Rd. Gibsonia, PA 15044 (412) 487-3207 Fax: (412) 487-3269 www.isfanow.org Executive Director Bryan Stannard (210) 389-2917 bryan@isfanow.org Communications Director Kevin Cole Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor (815) 721-1507 kevin@isfanow.org

Operations Manager Carol Wilhite (412) 487-3207 carol@isfanow.org Account Representative Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 wisnefski@sbcglobal.net Program Coordinator Amy Kyriazis (412) 487-3207 amy@isfanow.org Membership Coordinator Lynn West (412) 487-3207 lynn@isfanow.org

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 39

Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals.

For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html.

Fischer Tile & Marble Surface Crafters New Age Surfaces ALABAMA Cutstone Co.

117 Cloverdale Dr. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-624-3538 www.cutstoneco.com

Surface One

2421 Hwy. 11 Pelham, AL 35124 205-621-1125 www.surface1.com

ALASKA

AMW Construction PO Box 573 Bethel, AK 99559 907-545-3499

Cook Inlet Housing Authority 3510 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-793-3047 www.cookinlethousing.org

ARIZONA

Kitchen Bath & Beyond

Specializing In Solid Surface 1440 Corona Ft. Mojave, AZ 86426 928-788-1000

ARKANSAS Qualserv

7400 S. 28th St. Ft. Smith, AR 72908 479-459-5892 www.qualservsolutions.com

CALIFORNIA

AZ Countertops Inc.

1560 Harris Ct. 1445 S. Hudson Ave. Ontario, CA 91761 909-983-5386 www.azcountertopsinc.com

Black Rock Construction Services, Inc. 131 E. Berkshire Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93307 323-627-3891 www.blackrockcs.net

Design Fabrication Inc.

100 Bosstick Blvd.

San Marco, CA 92069 760-727-1800 www.designfabrication.com

Duracite

2100 Huntington Dr. Fairfield, CA 94533 707-402-1600 www.duracite.com

Duracite of Southern California 100 Bosstick Blvd.

San Marcos, CA 92069 760-727-1800 www.duracite.com

1800 23rd St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-452-1426 www.fischertile.com

Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-442-5918 www.humtop.com

Marble Expressions

1573 Seminole St. San Marcos, CA 92708 760-471-8737 www.marbleexpressions.com

The Countertop Factory

2470 East Coronado St. Anaheim, CA 92806 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net

COLORADO Best Tops

1250 N. 3rd St. Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-241-5187

DELAWARE

Troy Granite Inc.

405 6th St. Daytona Beach, FL 32117 386-253-0826 www.surface-crafters.com

GEORGIA

Atlanta Kitchen Inc.

196 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3220 www.atlanta-kitchen.com

Counter Fitters LLC

1026 Lynes Ave. Savannah, GA 31415 912-231-0103 www.counterfitterssav.com

Countersync

2014 Westside Ct. Augusta, GA 30907 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net

Craftmark Solid Surfaces Inc. 2772 Simpson Circle Norcross, GA 30071 770-242-8469 craftmarkcountertops.com

Stone Center

711 Interchange Blvd.

Newark, DE 19711 302-292-1750 www.troygranite.com

1325 Oakbrook Dr. Ste. C Norcross, GA 30093 770-446-5155 www.stonecenteratlanta.com

Beverin Solid Surface

830 Pickens Industrial Dr. Marietta, GA 30062 770-422-4009 www.topsouth.com

FLORIDA

1108 Palmetto Ave. Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 239-368-9444 www.beverin.com

The Decker Group 7008 Clark St. Hudson, FL 34667 727-868-0669

Delorie Countertops & Doors Inc.

2140 N.W. 18th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-970-7661 www.deloriectd.com

General Property Construction Co.

1550 N.W. 96th Ave. Doral, FL 33172 305-592-9570 www.gpconstructionco.com

NSM Enterprises

1050 Central Park Dr. Sanford, FL 32771 www.nsmotif.com

Sterling Mfg.

8293 Consumer Circle Sarasota, FL 34240 941-955-8787 www.sterlingmfg.com

40 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Top South

HAWAII

Cultured Marble

1726 Republican St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-832-2535

Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc. 1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775

Solid Surface Technologies 360 Mokauea St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-8677 www.ssthawaii.com

ILLINOIS

Custom Marble Inc.

PO Box 306 Millstadt, IL 62260 618-476-1345 www.custommarble.net

Maxwell Counters, Inc. PO Box 234 Farmer City, IL 61842 309-928-2848

1237 Naperville Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-226-0011

Pierce Laminated Products Inc. 2430 N. Court St. Rockford, IL 61103 815-968-9651 www.piercelaminated.com

Solid Surface Creations Inc. 403 S. Sycamore Villa Grove, IL 61956 217-832-8207 www.ssctops.com

Sprovieri’s Custom Cabinets 55 Laura Dr. Addison, IL 60101 630-917-4690 www.sprovieris.com

Stalwart Systems

7797 N. Caldwell Ave. Niles, IL 60714 847-972-1193 www.stalwartsystemsusa.com

Stevens Industries Inc. 704 W. Main St. Teutopolis, IL 62427 217-857-7100 www.stevensind.com

WILCOR Solid Surface 2371 United Ln. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 888-956-1001 www.wilcorusa.com

INDIANA

A. I. A. Countertops LLC 201 S Huntington St. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com

Bollock Enterprises LLC 900 Farabee Ct. Lafayette, IN 47905 765-448-6000 www.bollockstoptops.com

Hard Surface Fabrications Inc./Kormax 810 S Beiger St. Mishawaka, IN 46544 574-259-4843

Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.

711 E. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401 812-824-6299 www.rakesolutions.com

IOWA

Solid Fabrications Inc. 2515 Murray St. Sioux City, IA 51111 712-255-5319 www.solidfab.com

Surface Solutions Inc.

323 La Porte Rd. Waterloo, IA 50702 319-287-5056 www.surfacesolutionsia.com

VT Industries

Sterling Architectural Millwork 55 Avocado St. Springfield, MA 01104 413-732-2131 www.sterlingarc.com

1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 712-368-4381 www.vtindustries.com

Sterling Surfaces

Parman Brothers LTD

Sterling-Miller Designs Inc.

KANSAS

PO Box 7 Johnson, KS 67855 620-492-6882 www.parmanbrothersltd.com

Top Master Inc.

2844 Roe Ln. Kansas City, KS 66103 913-492-3030 www.top-master.com

76 Leominster Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-3321 www.sterlingsurfaces.com 1079 N. Montello St. Brockton, MA 02301 508-894-6999 www.sterlingmillerdesigns.com

TWD Surfaces

Innovative Surface Works

12855 Fairlane St. Livonia, MI 48150 734-261-3010 www.innovativesurfaceworks.com

Marbelite Corp.

Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc. 22500 Heslip Dr. 11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com

Novi, MI 48375 248-348-1900 www.marbelitecorp.com

Carefree Kitchens Inc.

PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 517-719-0146 www.paxtonsurfaces.com

MARYLAND

2910 Strickland St. Baltimore, MD 21223 410-233-4900 www.carefreeindustries.com

Creative Surface Interiors Inc. 8393 Ardwick Ardmore Rd. Landover, MD 20785 301-386-4654 www.creativesurfaceinteriors.net

SolidTops LLC

505 South St. Easton, MD 21601 410-819-0770 www.solidtops.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Jack’s Custom Woodworking/ JCW Countertops 3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 781-935-1907 www.jcwcountertops.com

PADCO Countertop Co. 5 Springdale Ave. Canton, MA 02021 781-828-1177 www.padcocountertop.com

32 Clipper Ln. Kimberling City, MO 65686 417-598-2390 www.surfacemend.com

MONTANA Jim Shreve

PO Box 721 Florence, MT 59833 406-880-3566

WoodCo LLC

7343 Buell Rd. Vassar, MI 48768 989-871-5000 www.blasiusinc.com

MAINE

Franken Construction Co.

Surface Menders

Blasius Inc.

1121 St. Louis Ave. Louisville, KY 40241 502-419-0713 1272 Hwy. 490 E. Bernstadt, KY 40729 606-843-6891 www.surfaces-unlimited.com

9 Industrial Dr. St. James, MO 65559 573-265-7070 www.cohenwoodworking.com

VanSetten Walker Construction Co.

MICHIGAN

Surfaces Unlimited Inc.

Creative Countertops & More

Cohen Architectural Woodworking

75 Hale St. Bridgewater, MA 02324 508-279-2650 www.twdsurfaces.com

KENTUCKY

Granite America

MISSOURI

Paxton Countertops & Showers

Solid Surfaces Unlimited Inc.

6689 Sterling Dr. S. Sterling Heights, MI 48312 586-274-9668 www.ssunlimited.net

MINNESOTA

Innovative Surfaces Inc. 515 Spiral Blvd.

Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1004

The Pinske Edge

119 Main St. Plato, MN 55370 320-238-2196 www.pinske-edge.com

MISSISSIPPI

Alexander Counterwrights

903 Ingalls Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39567 228-938-6484 www.alexandercounterwrights.com

7908 Ranchitos Loop N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-814-5354 www.creativecountertopsand more.com

1201 Tilden Ave. Las Vegas, NM 87701 www.frankenconstruction.com

Jaynes Structures

2906 Broadway N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-344-8589 www.jaynescorp.com

OGB Architectural Millwork 3711 Paseo del Norte Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-998-0000 www.ogb-am.com

821 1st Ave. N.W. Great Falls, MT 59404 406-570-5283

NEW YORK

Distinctive Granite

331 Dante Ct. Ste. C Holbrook, NY 11741 631-737-3337 www.distinctivegraniteny.com

PO Box 30254 Billings, MT 59107 406-259-5177 www.woodcollc.com

Evans & Paul LLC

NEBRASKA

Lincoln Laminating Inc. 5010 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-6009

Premier Countertops

8720 L St. Omaha, NE 68127 402-991-7258 www.premiercountertops.com

NEVADA

Carpenters Int’l.

Training Fund

140 DuPont St. Plainview, NY 11803 516-576-0800 www.evansandpaul.com

Marker Systems Inc.

940 River Rd. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1102

Modern Home Distributing PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523

Penn Fabricators Inc.

6801 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-938-1111

100 Bellport Ave. Yaphank, NY 11980 631-205-0282 www.penn4corian.com

NEW JERSEY Marvic Corp.

2450 Lorio St. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-4340 www.countertopsofnj.com

Solid Surface Designs Inc.

NORTH CAROLINA Carolina Counters

13570 Broadway Ave. Midland, NC 28107 704-888-4010 www.carolinacounters.com

Johnson Granite Inc. PO Box 511 589 Hiatt Rd. Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-719-2729

1651 Sherman Ave. Pennsauken, NJ 08110 856-910-7720 www.ssdtops.com

Spaulding Fabricators Inc.

Merge Design Co.

NEW MEXICO

OHIO

8013 Edith N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-897-3141

9355 Amsterdam Rd. Anna, OH 45302 937-538-7024

1136 Industrial Pkwy.

Brick, NJ 08724 732-840-4433 www.spauldingfabricators.com

American Countertops

3001-103 Spring Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27616 919-790-1749 www.mergedesignco.com

Bertke Countertops

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 1 • 41

Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals.

For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html.

Cutting Edge Countertops Inc. 1300 Flagship Dr. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-9500 www.cectops.com

Kitchens by Rutenschroer 950 Laidlaw Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45237 513-251-8333 www.kbrmfg.com

Korkan Granite

4561 Crystal Pkwy.

Kent, OH 44240 330-677-1883 www.korkangranite.com

L. E. Smith Co.

1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 888-537-6484 www.lesmith.com

Laminate Shop, Inc. PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536

Solid Surfaces Plus

4640 Manufacturing Rd. Cleveland, OH 44135 216-267-7040 www.solidsurfacesplus.com

The Countertop Shop LTD 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 419-868-9101 www.countertopshop.net

Top Advantage Surfaces Inc. 12989 Market Ave. N. Hartville, OH 44632 330-877-2138 www.topadvantage.com

Top Shelf Laminated Products 400 Dietz Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-393-1289

Tower Industries

Satis&fy

3550 N.W. 215th Ave. Hillsboro, OR 97124 971-570-9800 www.satis-fy.com

PENNSYLVANIA ASST

130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 814-663-0369

301 W. Olive Ave. Memphis TN 38106 901-602-7115 www.countertopsofmemphis.com

Advanced Surfaces Inc.

Countertops of Memphis

Armina Stone

Creative Countertop Solutions Inc.

870 Rte. 910 Unit 400 Cheswick, PA 150244 412-406-8442 www.arminastone.com

Harrisburg Troy Granite 3617 Simpson Ferry Rd. Camp Hill, PA 17011 717-918-3315 www.troygranite.com

John Kramer’s Fabrications Inc. PO Box 41 Bernville, PA 19506 610-488-6213 www.kramershowerbases.com

Kauffman Kitchens

270 Commerce Dr. New Holland, PA 17557 717-355-9906 www.kauffmankitchen.com

Pence Countertops Inc.

124 Ellis Woods Rd. Pottstown, PA 19465 610-326-6609 www.pencecountertops.com

Pittsburgh Troy Granite

Hoffman Fixtures Co.

Allied Floor Covering, Inc.

OKLAHOMA

RHODE ISLAND

6031 S. 129th St. Ste. B Tulsa, OK 74134 918-252-0451 www.hfccountertops.com

325 Main Rd. Tiverton, RI 02878 401-624-4477 www.alliedfloorcovveringinc.com

PO Box 258 Glide, OR 97443 541-496-0313 www.grifform.com

Precision Countertops Inc. PO Box 387 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503-692-6660 www.precisioncountertops.com

Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.

1446 S. Cooper St. Ste. 101 Memphis, TN 38114 901-278-9626 www.alexandermarbleandgranite.com

2101 Ninth St. S.W. Massillon, OH 44647 330-837-2216 www.towersurfaces.com

Grifform Innovations Inc.

TENNESSEE

350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 717-630-1251 www.asst.com

1060 484 Lowries Run Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-446-1060 www.troygranite.com

OREGON

Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com

SOUTH CAROLINA Solid Products

109 Lazenby Dr. Ft. Mill, SC 29715 704-236-9796 www.solidproducts.biz

SOUTH DAKOTA

DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. 45753 237th St.

42 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association

919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecountersolutions.com

Kitchen Tops

1300 Ault Rd. Knoxville, TN 37914 805-523-0967 www.kitchentops.net

TEXAS

VIRGINIA

Metro Stone Works LLC 9115 Digital Dr. Unit 12 Manassas Park, VA 20111 703-396-866 www.metrostoneworks.com

Mid-Atlantic Mfg. Inc.

10040 Whitesel Rd. Ashland, VA 23005 804-798-7462 http://midatlanticmfg.com

Surface Link Corp.

4200 Lafayette Center Dr. Ste. A Chantilly, VA 20151 301-482-1717 www.surfacelinkcorp.com

TRINDCO

1004 Obici Industrial Blvd.

Suffolk, VA 23434 757-539-0262 www.trindco.com

WASHINGTON

FloForm Countertops 22445 76th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 253-639-4567 www.floform.com

Advanced Fixtures Inc.

Hughes Home Concepts LLC

Ba Shi Ba Inc.

WISCONSIN

2655 E. Audie Murph Pkwy.

Farmersville, TX 75442 972-784-8800 www.advancedfixtures.com 38303 Green Willow Way Magnolia, TX 77355 281-881-2911

Classic Counter Tops 2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234

Counterscapes, Inc. PO Box 82087 Houston, TX 77282 903-581-5676

Countertop Solutions LLC 2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 713-204-0080

Gecko Solid Surface Solutions 4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 210-227-3100 www.geckosss.com

W.R. Watson Inc.

12902 Mula Ln. Stafford, TX 77477 281-495-3664 www.wrwatson.com

865 Carlsborg Rd. Ste. C-2 Sequim, WA 98382 360-683-2318 www.hugheshomeconcepts.com

Bisley Fabrication Inc. 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 715-787-4410 www.bisfab.com

McDermott Top Shop LLC 200 A Main St. Sullivan, WI 53178 262-593-2456

Spectrum Surfaces Inc. 812 Marquis Way Green Bay, WI 54304 920-337-6575

AUSTRALIA

Asian Solid Surface

40 Day Dr. Pasadena, South Australia 5042 Australia 040-571-3865

BARBADOS

In-Counter, Inc.

27 Lodge Terrace St. Michaels BB12001 Barbados 246-253-3440

UTAH

CANADA

2098 E. 2250 N. Layton, UT 84040 801-814-8847 www.utahkitchenandbath.com

609 Alpha St. Victoria, BC V8Z 1B2 Canada 250-383-1926 http://colonialcountertops.com

Utah Kitchen and Bath

Colonial Countertops Ltd.

Shape Industries

MEXICO

125 Hamelin St. Winnipeg, MB R3T 3Z1 Canada 204-474-2334 www.floform.com

Summum Granit Inc.

Boulevard de los Charros 1500 Col. Belenes Ind. Nte. Zapopan, Jalisco Mexico 45150 52-3310287863 www.indeko.com.mx

10-710 Cynthia St. Saskatoon, SK S7l 6A2 Canada 306-665-7733 www.floform.com

FRANCE

Coni-Marble Mfg. Inc. PO Box 40 99 Harrison St. Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0 Canada 519-461-0100

FloForm Countertops

FloForm Countertops

FloForm Countertops 7630 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB T5B 1G3 Canada 780-474-7999 www.floform.com

Granit Design

77 Industrielle Stanstead, QC J0B 3E0 Canada 819-564-7111 www.granitdesign.com

10 McPhillips St. Winnipeg, MB R3E2J7 Canada 204-947-0409 www.shapeinc.com 460 Principale St. Saint-Sebastien, QC G0Y 1M0 819-625-2333 Canada www.summumgranit.com

CREA Diffusion

ZA Le Cheval Blanc Solgne F-57420 France 38-764-6923 www.crea-diffusion.com

ITALY

Legnopan SPA (Starkryl Solid Surface)

Via Dell’Industria 13-15 Piovene Rocchette, VI, 36013 Italy 39-0445-551500 www.legnopan.com

DECORA PRO

INDEKO

Victor Coronado Services

Boulevard Hacienda Galindo 116 Villas del meson Juriquilla, 76230 Mexico 52-4422342743

RUSSIA

AKRILIKA HOLDING Svobody St., 29 Moscow Russia 125362 +7(495)782-84-75 http://akrilika.com/en

Lunacharskogo S.t 25, Apt. 95 St. Petersburg Russia 197227 +7 812-922-4070 www.decora.pro

SINGAPORE

Harvest Building Products PTE LTD

61 Woodlands Industrial Park, E9 Singapore 757047 +659-797-3011 www.hbp.com.sg

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Bond Interiors

PO Box 15758 Dubai U.A.E. 04 2711727, 06 5343222 www.bondinteriors.com

UNITED KINGDOM Interfab LTD

ARTCOR

Presnenskiy Val Str., 27, Bld. 18-19 Moscow Russia +7-485-657-8578 www.artcor.ru

Circle RS#13 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Unit 9 Willersey Business Park Willersey, Nr. Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7RR United Kingdom 441-386-858100 www.interfab.co.uk

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 43

Product News MS Regent Stone Carries International Releases New Rock Jockey Quartz Colors The Rock Jockey now in Regent Stone Product’s

The Q™ Premium

lineup was designed to

Natural Quartz

make moving slabs a

collection from

one-man operation while

M S International (MSI) now includes more

safely keeping personnel

than 60 color options with the recent addition

out of the slab’s shadow.

of eight new shades. The new colors are: Blanca Arabescato™ (as seen here), Blanca Statuarietto™, Calacatta Laza™, Carrara Caldia™, Carrara Marmi™, Midnight Majesty™, and two Concrete-Finish options – Babylon Gray Concrete-Finish™ and Midnight Majesty Concrete-Finish™. The new colors are offered in both 2cm and 3cm thicknesses and range from whispery to elongated veining and dramatic movement like marbles to industrial concrete finishes with high-gloss polishes.

Circle RS#35 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

PaperStone Expands Design Collection Azure, a light blue shade, is the newest Design

Using a standard Abaco or Ardwolf 50 or

Collection color offered by PaperStone®.

operator to remotely turn a slab 360 degrees,

other PaperStone colors, is known for its

triggering the red release mechanism. A built-

100 percent post-consumer recycled paper and

the slab in unwanted directions, allowing the

and stain-resistant. The strong material can be

industrial grade construction is weatherproof,

edge grain with alternating light and dark layers.

75 lifter, the Rock Jockey allows the forklift

Reminiscent of the sea, this color, like

as well as engage and release the slab by

environmental sustainability, as it is made from

in clutch prevents cross winds from turning

a petroleum-free resin that makes it nonporous

operator to maintain control at all times. Its

worked like hardwoods and has a distinctive

uses a high-capacity lithium ion military-grade

The surface is color stable melamine so is highly

rechargeable battery and is made in the USA.

resistant to the effects of light exposure or age.

Circle RS#36 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#37 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#14 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

44 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

colors: Brite White, which coordinates with Brite White from the company’s laminate collection; and Gray Galaxy, a balanced mix of black dustlike particles and medium-scale clear particulates in a milky-gray cloud background.

Circle RS#38 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

GranQuartz Offers Zoller Smile 3.0 Tool Presetter The newly designed Zoller Smile Pilot 3.0 tool presetter and measuring machine for CNC

profile tools is available from GranQuartz. The

Formica Corporation Introduces New Laminate and Solid Surface Options

machine is designed to save time on

your initial setup of

Formica Corporation has expanded its surfacing

new profile tooling

to the Formica® Specialty Collection of laminates

measurements within

all the way through: White Twill, a grass-cloth

Smile 3.0, each tooling position can be set

by getting precise

options in both laminate and solid surface. New

minutes. Using the

are two ColorCore®2 Patterns that have color

inspired visual, and White Ash, with a white wood look. The company also added new magnetic surfaces to its Specialty Markerboard line of

Karran Adds New Quartz Sinks Karran’s new quartz sinks are in stock and

writable laminate surfaces: Black Magnetic

ready to ship. The top-mount version comes

Chalkboard; Grid Points Magnetic Markerboard,

in five models (QT line) that are suitable for use

with a small gray dot grid pattern on a white

with any type of countertop. Its undermount

surface; and Projection Magnetic Markerboard, a nonreflective finish to reduce glare, making it

models (QU line) are suitable for installation into

the company launched Non-Décor Magnetic

The QX-680 entertainment sink can be installed

layers of kraft paper that magnetizes surfaces by

are available in six colors: Bisque, Concrete,

dry-erase markerboard or chalkboard sheet. New

or double-mount versions.

perfect for use as a projection screen. Similarly,

all solid surface, stone and quartz countertops.

Board, a thin magnetic foil, sandwiched between

as a top mount or an undermount. All models

adhering it to the back of any standard laminate,

White, Black, Grey and Brown, and in single-

to the Formica® Solid Surfacing Line are two new

Circle RS#39 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

within the recommended parameters, which

helps increase the life of tooling and decrease premature shape loss. The machine comes with a base table; high-precision spindle

with integrated calibration edge and spindle indexing Membrane keyboard for power-

operated tool clamping, spindle brake, and spindle indexing; image processing with

telecentric objective and CCD camera with

integrated incident light multiple LED lights; a Windows 7 64-bit Multilingual operating

system; a 24-in. anti-glare multitouch display

with a solid frameless glass surface; a 1,920-

by 1,080-pixel screen resolution; one 3.0 USB

and six 2.0 USB interfaces; two RJ45 network

Circle RS#15 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 45

Product News connections; 4GB of working memory; and storage for at least 15,000 adapters and tool steps. It also comes with two days of training and installation. A LASSO software package may also be added, which provides the capability of creating a tool overlay to show the wear pattern of the entire profile to identify when it is time to redress tooling or have it reshaped.

Circle RS#40 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

BLANCO Expands IKON Apron Front Single Bowl Line BLANCO added to its IKON® Apron Front Single Bowl line with the launch of a larger 33-in. bowl. The addition to this first-ever apron front SILGRANIT® sink was made to offer more convenience and versatility. It is available in four colors: Anthracite, Café Brown, White and Metallic Gray, with more color offerings to follow throughout the year. Accessories sold separately include a bottom grid, floating grid

and cutting board. It is made for undermount installation, has a rim thickness of 1 ½ in., a

bowl depth of 9 ¼ in. and an apron front depth of 10 in. It is also heat-resistant up to 534 F,

resistant to scratches, stains and all household acids and alkali solutions.

Circle RS#41 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Global Vacuum Presses Offers a Combo Vacuum Membrane Press and Preheating Oven Global Vacuum Presses North America

offers the Global Duo combination vacuum

Circle RS#16 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

46 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

membrane press and preheating oven for use

in thermoforming. The combination is designed to increase performance and work flow, and is

sutiable for small and large production because of its minimal use of floor space. The system is available in two models, and the company

now has a North American representative for knowledge, expertise and support.

Circle RS#42 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

PCruz USA Introduces Upgraded MILLENNIUMCNC PCruz introduced the upgraded

MILLENNIUMCNC five-axis monoblock bridge

Circle RS#17 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Caesarstone Launches New Classico Collection Colors

CoveringsETC Introduces New Color of Eco-Terr Terrazzo Material

Based on market feedback, Caesarstone has

released five new colors of its quartz surfacing: Montblanc, with a light gray base infused with saw. Originally released in Europe in 2000 as the MILLENNIUM, it has undergone 16 years of continuous development and improvement.

All motion systems of the machine are immersed in oil baths, and have full stainless

lines that vary in width; Moorland Fog, a creamy light-colored base tinted with a touch of taupe and embellished with light and dark veining;

Turbine Grey, with swirls of white and dark gray

veins atop a classic grey base; Georgian Bluffs, with soft gray tonalities

steel protection. Its absence of

and delicate veining; White

transmissions and monoblock

Attica (pictured here),

structure make the machine suitable

which is characterized

for high-production capacity and precision, as well as durability and company. Its power allows processing materials of a wide range of thickness and hardness with

Grey G. The new material is part of the company’s focus on creating styles of Eco-Terr with increasingly larger aggregates for unique looks.

The material contains 70 percent pre-

background and finished

marble, granite and stone, and recycled

with hints of gray. The slabs are nonporous, and

heat-, stain- and scratch-resistant. The company

high quality.

offers a lifetime warranty on all slabs.

Circle RS#43 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#44 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#18 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Eco-Terr product Venetian Terrazzo, Torcello

by deep black veins

juxtaposed to a vivid white

low maintenance, according to the

CoveringsETC launched its newest

consumer recycled materials derived from Portland cement. Eco-Terr tiles and slabs come in an array of colors and with aggregates that range from micro to large format.

Circle RS#45 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#19 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 47

Product News Stone Technologies Provides Sealers, Cleaners Stone Technologies, Corp. offers effective, economical sealers and cleaners for natural stone and concrete. Stone Sealer #1 is a solvent-based sealer used by stone fabricators to seal all types of natural stone surfaces, including marble, granite, onyx, travertine, slate and limestone. The reactive silicone polymer suspended in odorless mineral spirits impregnates the stone to form an invisible protective barrier. It produces a natural finish (no sheen) and does not alter the appearance of the stone surface, reports the company.

Domain Offers Specialty Sinks

Circle RS#47 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

The Santa Fe Ceramic Art Collection introduced

by Domain Industries features specialty sinks

that are handcrafted with unique textures and designs. The 11 round ceramic vessel sink

options in the collection are Honor, with gold and

mahogany tones; Arden, with a nature-inspired lily pad coloration; Pike, with a bumpy flora-shaped

surface; Allegheny, with a primitive patina woven

basket look; Lombard, with a two-tone pattern of

dark green and wheat; Skye, with arctic drizzle on a silver metallic finish; Scarlett, with rust-brown coloring and a reflective metallic hammered

shell; Helena, with a dramatic gold metallic swirl; Jasper, a tightly woven pattern with jade over

toasted bisque coloring; Maya, reddish-brown

Circle RS#46 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

and Boreal, with Zebrawood impersonation outside and polished black inside.

colors that mimic Arizona rock wave formations;

Vadara Quartz Introduces Milan Collection U.S. Surface Warehouse launched seven new Vadara Quartz colors in its Milan Collection. The new colors are: Athena, a gray-white marblesque color with darker veins; Petra Grigio, a darker gray with light veining (pictured here); and four gray to black particulated colors in Heather, Marengo, Oscuro and Nero Galassia.

Circle RS#48 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

ISFA Member since 1998 Circle RS#20 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

ISFA Member since 2013 48 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Circle RS#21 on Readers Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Free Product Information Form Or visit www.ISFANow.org/info to fill out our online form

Main: (412) 487-3207 • Fax: (412) 487-3269 • www.ISFANow.org • 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044

Volume 10 / Issue 2 Get Your Free Product Information Today: For more facts on products and services, please fill out all the information below and circle the product referral numbers that are found in the magazine. Product referral numbers can be found below each advertisement. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer. You can submit this form via mail, fax, email (editor@isfanow.org) or visit us online at www.ISFAnow.org/info.

Personal Information Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: y providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax.

B Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email.

About Your Business What category best describes your business classification?

What surfacing materials do you work with?

q Fabricator

q Manufacturer

____________________________________________________________

q Raw Materials Supplier

q Woodworker/Cabinetmaker

____________________________________________________________

q Builder/Remodeler

q Architect

____________________________________________________________

q Distributor/Manufacturer of Sheet/Slab q Other (please specify) ________________________

Which one category best describes your job title/function? q Owner/Partner/Corporate Management and Related Personnel q Production/Plant Management and Related Personnel q Design (includes staff designer/architect and related personnel)

____________________________________________________________ Free Product Information Please circle below all of the referral numbers found in the magazine, or the category numbers found on this page that you would like more information on. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer.

q Purchasing/Specifier and Related Personnel

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

q Marketing & Sales Management and Related Personnel

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

C14 Sinks

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

C16 Solid Surface

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

C18 Templating Equipment

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

C20 Training

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

C22 Other Materials

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

88

q Other (please specify)

Information By Category If you want more information from several advertisers in a category, circle the category number that matches up with the category below.

C01 Abrasives

C12 Sealers/Polishes

C02 Adhesives

C13 Seaming Equipment

C03 Air Quality Equipment C04 CNC Machinery C05 Concrete Materials & Supplies C06 Hand/Power Tools C07 Laminate C08 Material Handling Equipment C09 Prefabricated Accessories C10 Quartz Surfacing C11 Saws

C15 Software C17 Stone

C19 Tooling

C21 Waterjet Equipment

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • 49

Classifieds

Don’t Miss These Upcoming ISFA Events!

ISFA CEO Roundtable Hosted by JCW Countertops June 6 – 8 Woburn, Mass.

(412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org

SOLID SURFACE SHEET PRODUCTION FACILITY FOR SALE Admits 100% acrylic resins or 100% polyester resins.

For more information, please contact: irpol@irpol.es — IRPOL S.A. (SPAIN) — Mr. Xavier Pujolar

YOUR AD [could be here]

Fabricators!

ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment you would like to sell?

Looking to fill a key position? Why not submit a FREE classified ad?

That’s right, relevant classifieds in this publication are free to ISFA fabricator members! Just send us the text you’d like to run and we’ll do the rest.

Email us today at editor@isfanow.org.

For those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507 to get a quote.

50 • Vol. 10 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Sept. 19 – 22 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 Cancun, Mexico (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Dec. 5 – 8 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org

Pass it along!

Share this copy with a colleague or friend.

Better yet, have them subscribe at isfanow.org/magazine.

Ad Index Name

RS # Page #

BACA

3

5

Beckart

18

47

Betterley Industries, Inc.

13

43

Cosentino

22

51

CountertopResource.com 20

48

Glass Recycled Surfaces

4

7

GlueWarehouse.com

1

2

Integra Adhesives

23

52

Jerong

14

44

Karran

12

29

KRION

10

22

Laminam

15

45

Laser Products

11

23

Maqstone

8

16

MSI

2

3

Park industries

5

9

Performance Abrasives

21

48

The Pinske Edge

17

46

Regent Stone

6

11

RouterCAD

16

46

SATA

19

47

Water Treatment Solutions 9

31

Circle RS#22 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 1998

Circle RS#23 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

ISFA Member since 2003