ISFA Countertops & Architectural Surfaces, Vol. 5, Issue 2

Volume 5 • Issue 2 • Single Issue $14.95

Copper as a Countertop Material Page 19 Taking Green Up the Chain Page 20

Writing the Killer Sales Plan Page 22 Fabricator Profile: Countertop Shop Page 30

Think Zinc

Exotic Metals for Countertops Page 14

Circle RS#01 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

CREDITS Letters to the Editor

Photography

Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, 165 N 1330 W Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057 or fax to (801) 341-7361 attention: Editor.

Include a telephone number and address (preferable 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, 165 N 1330 W Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057 or fax to (801) 341-7361 attention: Editor.

Photography/graphics provided by: Mio Metals, Sterling Surfaces, The Countertop Shop, Abet Laminati, DuPont and Fred Hueston.

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor.

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

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

Magazine Credits

Publisher & Editor: Kevin Cole Proofreader: Nancy Mueller-Truax Design: Velasco & Associates

Contacting ISFA

ISFA Officers of the Board

About this Magazine

ISFA Directors

Phone: (801) 341-7360 Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 Fax: (801) 341-7361 editor@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org

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

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

Call for details. To subscribe, call (877) 464-7732. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2012. 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 Lehi, Utah, 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.

Russ Berry, President Mike Langenderfer, Vice President Joe Hoffman, Secretary Dave Paxton, Treasurer Hunter Adams, Immediate Past President

Mike Nolan, Director Martin Funck, Director Jon Blasius, Director Christina Humiston, Director Mark Anderson, Associate Member Rep. Michael Astill, Associate Member Rep.

ISFA Staff

Kevin Cole, Communications Director Mike Nolan, Director of Education Paul Wisnefski, Sales Associate Meg Pettingill, Administrative Assistant

Cover Photo

This zinc bar from the Red Lion Inn in Sacramento featuring a bull nose edge is part of a trend toward exotic metals in high-end applications.

Mio Metals of Sonoma, Calif., is one of a handful of companies on the edge of this trend. Read the full story on Page 14.

Postmaster: Send address change to Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 165 N. 1330 W., Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 3

CONTENTS

Features 14 Zinc Surfacing Plays Critical Role in Restaurant Design

Mio Metals expounds on the choice of zinc as a countertop material.

19 Copper Tops: Copper as a Countertop Material

What’s the story behind copper?

20 Taking Green up the Chain

14

DuPont achieves zero landfill status in Building Innovations business.

22 Writing the Killer Sales Plan

Sales planning could be your ticket to success.

30 Fabricator Profile

A look at The Countertop Shop in Holland, Ohio.

34 Compact Grade Panels

19

Could this be the next new thing in laminate?

Departments 6 From the Editor 7 Letter to the Editor 8 President’s Letter 9 Calendar of Events 10 Industry News

20

24 Shop Management Matters 26 Education Connection 36 ISFA News 40 ISFA Fabricator Directory 45 Product News 49 Reader Service Form 50 Classifieds/Ad Index

30 4 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

34

Circle RS#02 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

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

Play It Safe This Summer Summer is once again upon us, bringing

procedures at all times. However, not all shops

vacations. Many people take advantage of the

the forefront.

thoughts of cookouts, sunny days and summer warm weather and vacation days to renovate, which can translate into more business for

those working in the surfacing industry. But summertime also means more teens are

are. With statistics like these, safety comes to

And really, it isn’t just about teenagers or even new employees. Safety is about everyone.

There is no middle ground when it comes to

enrolling the workforce, taking on summer jobs.

safety; there is no “kind of safe” — either you’re

trades, as well as college students wanting to

savings, either time or money, that is worth the

inexperienced around potential shop hazards,

We all know how easy it is to cut corners and

New high school graduates are breaking into the

being safe or you aren’t. There is no amount of

earn some summer cash. They are likely to be

loss of life or limb.

which means more than ever it may be critical to consider safety.

how enticing it can be to work quickly instead of safely. When an employee in your shop

According to government statistics, more

sees others working around the material safety

during their high school years, and, of course,

and without the correct personal protective

than 70 percent of teenagers take on work

data sheets (MSDS) rather than with them,

employment peaks during the summer. Maybe

equipment (PPS), he or she has been started on

you have brought in some eager youth to assist around the shop? If so, keep in mind that for

most teens, a job isn’t a livelihood — yet — but perhaps a short-term source of income to fund

their out-of-school celebrations. Many of these

the path toward potential injury. Safety requires that we lead by example, even if it takes a little more time or effort.

I know how important your business is and hope

youths are short-term employees, or maybe

it is profitable and productive. I sincerely hope

long-term employees that don’t know it yet, but

you have an enjoyable summer full of great

one thing most of them are not is overly careful.

memories, but more than that, I hope you have a

The National Institute of Occupational Safety

or long-term.

workers under the age of 18 will be injured on

As always, I look forward to your feedback.

and Health (NIOSH) estimates around 250,000 the job this year; as many as 70 of them will die.

Did you know that two teen workers are injured

safe one for you and your employees, short-

Sincerely,

on the job every minute?

Like all good employers, I know your shop is big on safety. Everyone uses their safety glasses at all times, and everyone is consistently vigilant in avoiding jury and following proper safety

6 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher kevin@isfanow.org

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor: I must respectfully disagree with my friend Jon Olsen, author of “Considerations When Competing Against the Big Box Stores” (Vol. 5, Issue 1), when he said, “Box stores aren’t really getting stock for cheaper; they just push the deals the distributors make available.”

Put yourself in the buying position of the big box stores. If you knew you were going to be buying solid surface and quartz by the boxcar, wouldn’t you use that level of volume to leverage highly discounted prices directly from manufacturers? Of course you would. Any less would be bad business.

While I don’t know where Jon is getting his information, I’m getting mine from experience as a Certified DuPont Fabricator. Years ago, when bidding a top for a large restaurant chain, my distributor told me the chain had negotiated special pricing directly with DuPont. It was considerably lower than my normal sheet price. Years later, as an employee of a large fabricator with a contract with a national home builder, we tracked the sheet numbers, the quantities, the addresses and other information of the material used on the jobs of the home builder for submission to the distributor. This documentation kept us from using the heavily discounted material on our other jobs.

Jon also suggests to “…take advantage of leftover material. If you do, you won’t need to buy as much stock.” Unfortunately, if you are a fabricator of a certain major quartz product for a blue big box, you are required by the manufacturer to buy all the material required for each individual job. The leftover half sheet from the previous job may make a nice vanity for your retail customer, but you’ll not be using it on the next blue box job, even if the sheet sequence and particulate match are perfect. The manufacturer’s profit goes up and into their bank account, while yours leans in a rack.

Jon mentions the solid surface colors that are exclusive to the big box stores, and I can recall seamed undermount sink discounts offered by Home Depot that the distributor didn’t offer to other fabricators.

Exclusivity and special discounts are the result of volume clout at the negotiating table.

Jon also suggests lowering top removal prices to beat the big boxes. The big boxes have told the manufacturers they will not be beat on price, and the manufacturers have wisely acquiesced.

Fortunately, customers do not buy based strictly on price, at least not the customers you want. The customers you want buy based on value. It isn’t easy to sell value over price or everyone could do it.

However, it must be done. Determine your exclusive value proposition and sell it.

Sincerely, Joseph Corlett Dear Joseph: Thanks for your letter. You certainly make some good points. In response, we talked to Jon to get his take on your point of view. Below is what he had to say. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Sincerely, Kevin Cole, Editor While I certainly appreciate Joe’s thoughts, I’m not sure he’s comparing apples to apples. I believe the prices a fabricator receives for a large restaurant chain’s account or that of a national builder would not be the same as a fabricator working for a box store. Interestingly, I recently needed to purchase roofing materials. I received a price from a box store and a price from a local lumberyard. The box store price was $400.00 higher. Of course, roofing materials aren’t countertop materials either.

Also, as a box store fabricator we were never asked to buy a certain amount of material for any particular job. If we used leftover material to do a job, that was up to us. Of course, we worked with solid surface, so the particular quartz manufacturer may have such a policy. Generally, though, I see using outfall as a good way to keep costs down.

I will not argue that we shouldn’t sell on value and that it isn’t always about price, but I want to reiterate my point. By reviewing the article you will see that a fabricator has many more options in cutting costs than a box store fabricator does, and that it is not impossible to compete with the box stores if you need to. We just all need to think outside the box and take advantage of the opportunities that are available.

Jon Olson

Circle RS#03 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 7

From the President From the desk of Russ Berry, ISFA 2011-2012 President

Lessons from the Geese For all of you who are familiar with geese and

the business management lessons they teach,

I offer a reminder. And for those of you who are

unfamiliar with the “geese teachings,” I relish the opportunity to introduce them.

“Lessons from the Geese” was written in 1972

by Dr. Robert McNeish of Baltimore. Dr. McNeish

was a science teacher before he became involved in school administration in the Baltimore public

schools. Interestingly, he also taught in his local church as a lay minister. He was apparently

intrigued by a flyer he picked up near where

he went to observe the geese on the Eastern

Shore of Maryland. From his observations and using the facts contained in the flyer, he wrote

“Lessons from the Geese” for a lay sermon he

delivered in Northminster Presbyterian Church

in Reisterstown, Md., in 1972. In 1987, a nurse called him and got his permission to print

“Lessons” on small cards to hand out at the

National Nurses Convention. And in 1990, U.S. Representative Dutch Ruppersberg called Dr.

McNeish to obtain permission to read it at his

inauguration! Enough of the history … here are five great lessons: Unison Fact: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a

V-formation, the whole flock adds greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they

are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of others.

Return Fact: When a goose falls out of formation, it

suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose,

we stay in formation with those headed where we 8 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

want to go. We should be willing to accept their help and give out help to others.

Share Fact: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back

into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents and resources.

Encourage Fact: The geese flying in formation honk to

encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is

encouragement, the production is greater. The

power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Help Fact: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot

down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with

it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they

launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson: If we had as much sense as geese, we

will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

Every ISFA member needs to be in unison as a

fabricator, return to the group when we deviate,

share the common purpose we have, encourage

more to do. The website is constantly improving and the magazine still contains the best surface fabricator media in print. ISFA is gathering around the country giving fabricators a chance to draw together and network. Education is evolving to become a great resource for business leaders as well as fabrication. So truly we are ISFA NOW. I share with you a thought from the current corporate and cultural prophet of our day: “… you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. …” — Steve Jobs This year I have had many conversations with fabricators all over the world; from China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and of course the United States. I found myself looking back and have heard so many comments about the past that I am compelled to tell you all that business tomorrow could care less about where we were 10 years ago or even yesterday. The “good old days” don’t increase your revenue, or more importantly, your profit. Trust that you can be valuable in the marketplace and go talk to your customers. Find out what they value and be the provider of the services they desire!

My hope for every fabricator is that we can find a way to develop our industry so that the next generation has the opportunity to continue to furnish and install premium decorative surfaces.

Enjoy the content of the magazine, reach out to other fabricators and realize that every single one of us doing a little bit everyday to grow the industry means that we have thousands of people working together to generate interest in what we do. Together we have a global voice that can tell the world about the great services and products we provide.

each other when we can and help to the best of our ability.

We have successfully navigated another year

and worked to move the organization to financial stability and to be refocused on the needs

of the members. We have focused on three

tasks: to PROMOTE, CONNECT and CERTIFY

fabricators. The work has just begun and there is

Russ Berry, ISFA President RussBerry@asst.com

Calendar of Events CCI Advanced 3-D Molds, Water, Light & Fire

Buddy Rhodes GFRC Advanced Training

Buddy Rhodes Concrete Training

NeoCon East

ISFA/IWF Countertops Symposium

Natural Stone 2012

Aug. 1 – 3 Raleigh, N.C. (888) 386-7711

Aug. 15 – 16 Knoxville, Tenn.

(877) 493-0205

Aug. 21 Atlanta, Ga. (404) 693-8333 www.IWFatlanta.com

ISFA Regional Gathering Aug. 22 Atlanta, Ga. (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org

Int’l Woodworking Fair (IWF) Aug. 22 – 25 Atlanta, Ga. (404) 693-8333

Polishing Pro Systems Training Aug. 29 – 30 Knoxville, Tenn.

(877) 493-0205

ISFA Level I Solid Surface Training Sept. 10 – 13 Orem, Utah (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Level II Solid Surface Training Sept. 17 – 20 Orem, Utah (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org

Marmomacc 2012 Sept. 26 – 29 Verona, Italy (202) 783-7000

Xiamen Kitchen & Bathroom Fair Oct. 11 – 14 Xiamen, China +86 592-595-9333

CCI Precast & GFRC Countertop Training Oct. 15 – 19 Chicago, Ill. (888) 386-7711

Oct. 17 – 19 Knoxville, Tenn.

(800) 575-4401 Oct. 17 – 18 Baltimore, Md. (800) 677-6278

Oct. 18 – 21 Istanbul, Turkey +90 212-465-7474

Cheng Concrete Countertops Essentials Workshop Oct. 19 Berkeley, Calif.

(510) 849-3272

ISFA Level I Quartz/Stone Training Oct. 22 – 25 Las Vegas, Nev. (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org

ISFA Level II Quartz/Stone Repair Training Oct. 26 – 27 Las Vegas, Nev. (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org

Cheng Advanced Concrete Countertop Design Training Oct. 22 – 26 Berkeley, Calif.

(510) 849-3272

ISFA Level I Solid Surface Training Nov. 12 – 15 Orem, Utah (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org

Buddy Rhodes Concrete Training Nov. 14 – 15 Knoxville, Tenn.

(877) 493-0205

StonExpo/Marmomacc/Surfaces 2013 Jan. 29 – 31, 2013 Las Vegas, Nev. (800) 547-3477

CCI Precast & GFRC Countertop Training Feb. 25 – April 1, 2013 Sydney, Australia (888) 386-7711

Vitoria Stone Fair

Feb. 26 – March 1, 2013 Vitoria, Brazil +55 273-434-0600

Xiamen Stone Fair 2013 March 6 – 13 Xiamen, China +86 592-595-9616

KBIS 2013

April 19 – 22 New Orleans, La. (800) 933-8735

Coverings 2013

April 29 – May 2, 2013 Atlanta, Ga. (703) 683-8500

Stone + Tec 2013

May 29 – June 1 Nuremberg, Germany +499 118-606-8108

AIA 2012 National Convention June 20 – 22, 2013 Denver, Colo.

(202) 626-7300

AWFS

July 24 – 27 Las Vegas, Nev. Submit your event for consideration in our Calendar by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 9

In the Industry Woodworking Associations Reach Agreement to Own IWF

Hieb to Head MIA, Receives Award

The Woodworking Machinery Industry

Jim Hieb, vice president of the Marble Institute of America (MIA) will become the executive vice president of the MIA on February 1, 2013, according to an announcement on July 13 on the association’s Facebook page. Hieb began his work with the association in 2003 working on education and membership programs as special projects director. He was promoted to vice president in 2009. Additionally, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) will honor Hieb with the 38th Professional Performance Award. The award recognizes invaluable contributions made by association executives

Association (WMIA), the Wood Machinery

Manufacturers of America (WMMA) and the

American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA)

jointly entered into an agreement for the purchase of AHFA’s ownership interest in the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) by WMIA and WMMA. The transaction is expected to close late this

year following IWF 2012. In addition, WMIA and WMMA entered into a new partnership for the management and ownership of IWF.

Silestone Partners with Nationally Syndicated Cooking Show

who are at the top level within their organizations, but are not CEOs. Some of his many accomplishments and contributions to the association community include working with a volunteer committee to develop the industry’s first credentialing program, expanding safety resources and developing its continuing education program. for both the GĒOS distributor and now Cupron Enhanced ĒOS Solid Surface products.

Karran Sinks Earn Greenguard Certification

Gemstone Posts List of Recommended Bits Gemstone has posted a list of recommended

router bits on its website for use with Gemstone

All Karran sinks are now certified by the

sinks, at www.gemstoness.com. The list includes

indoor air quality. GEI’s mission is to certify

Recently, Velepec has added a 6-degree flush

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute for products and materials for low chemical Everyday millions of homes across the nation will

emissions and provide a resource for choosing

countertop from Silestone’s new Galactic Series.

environments.

bits from Velepec, Amana and Whiteside.

bit to its lineup that works well with Gemstone’s 1514-V bowl designed for healthcare and its

be treated to Mr. Food’s recipes prepared on a

healthier products and materials for indoor

For more than 30 years, Mr. Food has helped

Samsung Expands Distribution

Vetrazzo App Available

Samsung, provider of Staron solid surface

Vetrazzo, provider of cementitious slab products

viewers prepare everyday meals using foods that are convenient, healthy and delicious. The show is a trusted source for important nutrition and

health news, kitchen trends and gadgets, and

also features entertaining celebrity guests. It now also features Silestone by Cosentino.

ĒOS Expands Reach

and Radianz quartz surfacing, expanded its

market reach in the United States and Canada after teaming up with several new distributors

around North America. Now covering the greater Chicago area as well as Columbus, Ohio, is

Atlas Stone Distribution. Further expanding its

1812-VO universal design rectangle solid surface

bowl for those who are getting the flush cut spec.

with recycled glass content, has created a

downloadable app for those interested in the product. The app features full-color pictures of every mix, LEED information, a product

specification sheet with sharing features, and

commercial and residential projects portfolio. It is

ĒOS has added two GĒOS distributors and

reach in the Midwest is the addition of Mont

distributor. EleMar New England, a wholly owned

Quartz. The distribution area to be serviced by

ACS Expands Dealer Network

Sustainable Surfaces to its distribution line. Its

Ohio (excluding the Columbus metro area). In

Ind., a manufacturer of Division 12 plastic

Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and

the Radianz distributor network, and will cover

Stone Gallery (ISG) has territories that include

and Southwestern Connecticut. And in Canada,

and western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh). Lastly,

surfacing product in Quebec. With the new

Maryland, New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania

more than 34 states plus Canada.

available on iTunes for free.

its first Cupron Enhanced ĒOS Solid Surface

Granite as an authorized distributor of Radianz

subsidiary of EleMar USA, has added GĒOS

Mont Granite includes eastern Michigan and

Advanced Cabinet Systems (ACS) of Marion,

territories include Connecticut, Massachusetts,

the Northeast, HG Stones has been added to

laminate casework and retail store fixtures, has

Vermont. The new GĒOS distributor, Italian

the New York metropolitan area, Long Island

West Virginia, western Maryland (Baltimore)

Prestale Inc. will also be distributing the quartz

Fessenden Hall Inc. now covers Delaware,

partnerships, Radianz Quartz has distribution in

10 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

expanded its dealer network. Most recently, ACS has signed Glover Equipment of Cockeysville,

Md., to represent the states/regions of Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C. and northern

Virginia, as well as Innovative Cabinetry of

Naples to represent southern Florida. Presently Harry J. Kloeppel and Associates represents

Cardinal Concepts Installs First Textured Granite Countertops

the states of Indiana and Illinois. ACS is actively seeking out dealers in other regions as they continue to expand.

Innovative Surfaces Helps with PBS Hometime Remodel

MóZ Releases Catalog

Móz Designs released an Architectural Products catalog that spotlights the company’s “ETA/ Easy to Assemble” line of decorative metal

systems. Pre-engineered for fast specification and installation, the product series includes

standard column covers, wall surfaces/flat and

dimensional, room dividers and artwork. Rich with dramatic, on-site photography and showcasing recent installations, the new 36-page catalog

offers an easy step-by-step guide to specifying and ordering ETA surfaces and fixtures. The catalog also includes technical information Innovative Surfaces in Hastings, Minn.,

fabricated and installed the countertops for

episodes of Hometime, using Artisan Stone

Collection Granite in Crema Bordeaux. Artisan Group Executive Director Chad Seiders also

on each product line; sample configurations;

overviews of the company’s hand-etched surface patterns; and swatches of color treatments.

Klöpfer Surfaces Hosts Thermoforming Event

Cardinal Concepts, a division of Cardinal

Kitchens, performed its first installation of textured granite kitchen countertops in the Louisville area.

The job was designed by local interior designer Patsy Grudzielanek, owner of Patina Interiors.

According to Grudzielanek, textured granite fits

right in with today’s tactile design trend of textural home furnishings such as textured fabrics for

upholstery, pillows and drapes, to textured floor

made a guest appearance talking about Artisan

coverings found in area rugs, carpet and hard

Bordeaux granite can have some pretty

based polishing machine accommodates full

president and co-host, Hometime. “The folks

finish. Standard finishes offered are Honed,

out the pieces on the slabs so that the colors

Rockler Plants 20,000 Trees

Stone Collection granite offerings. “Crema

surfaces. Cardinal Kitchen’s high-tech, bridge-

bold movement in it,” said Dean Johnson,

slabs of granite to produce a uniform textured

at Innovative Surfaces did a great job laying

Brushed-Dry, Brushed-Wet and Riverwashed.

and patterns worked across the seams and

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware met its

at the joint between the countertops and

backsplashes. The stone countertops ended

up being the visual focal point of this project, uniting the color scheme of the cabinets, flooring and walls.”

Klöpfer Surfaces in collaboration with Global Vacuum Presses showed its customers and members of the Network NetzwerkHolz the

latest thermoforming possibilities of the LG HI-

All episodes featuring this project can be seen at

MACS solid surface at a thermoforming event in

VideoCollectorPage/1705.php.

information about practical applications in several

NKBA Names President’s Award Winner

at the premises of Klöpferholz in Berlin and at the

http://www.hometime.com/Hometime_4.0/video/

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has given the NKBA President’s Award to

Ferguson. The NKBA President’s Award was

created in 2009 to recognize companies that are committed to growing the industry and

supporting the association. This year’s winner, according to immediate past president David

Alderman, has shown an ongoing commitment

to kitchen and bath professionals on both local and national levels.

Berlin and Hamburg, Germany, They provided

exclusive day seminars. The training took place forum NetzwerkHolz in Hamburg. The program began with an overview of LG HI-MACS news,

Earth Day goal of raising enough money to plant 20,000 new hardwood trees. Rockler joined

efforts with the Hardwood Forestry Fund as part of an Earth Day celebration and reforestation

effort. Rockler pledged to donate the price of one

tree for every purchase made in April, up to a goal of 20,000 trees. Thanks to elevated customer

participation, the goal was reached earlier than

expected. The 2012 Earth Day event was twice as ambitious as last year’s, doubling the goal from 10,000 to 20,000 trees planted.

presented by Stephan Neubauer from Klöpfer

sia Abrasives Expands Staff

Vacuum Presses spoke about processing and

had expanded its sales and marketing force,

Surfaces. Afterward Anton Nabuurs from Global

Charlotte, N.C.-based sia Abrasives, Inc. USA

thermoforming technologies, followed by the

with several key appointments. Ellen Moser was

presentation of the showroom “Leonardo Cube”

by Bjorn Asmussen from the design office

3deluxe in Wiesbaden, Germany. Events also

focused on mould production, thermoforming and dye sublimation of solid surface.

named as the A-D Key Account Manager. Moser brings 19 years of relevant experience with sia Abrasives’ corporate headquarters office in

Frauenfeld, Switzerland. She is a Swiss citizen with extensive abrasive sales and customer

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 11

In the Industry service experience all over the world, and is fluent

Wintergreen, Coriander, Warm Taupe, Flax, Savory,

CAD designer, he’s overseeing this new product

Masters has been named marketing manager.

Green. Other colors introduced last year to be

training and product development. Also, Chris

in English, German, Spanish and French. Joseph Additionally, Tommy Scott, Walker Eastham and Joshua Harris will join the company as

territory sales managers. Masters is responsible for public relations, promotions, sales tools,

advertising and electronic media for this business segment. Additionally, he will coordinate all

market research. As the Southern territory sales

Licorice, Moroccan Morning, Nutmeg, and Mossy consolidated to “B” pricing are: Sage, Caraway, Poppy Seed, Chicory and Coarse Pepper.

Additionally, DuPont is now reportedly

manufacturing its Private Collection Corian

solid surface at the company’s Yerkes plant in Tonawanda, N.Y.

manager, Scott will manage sales in Alabama,

DuPont invested an estimated $6 million to make

sales efforts in the Northeast, including Maine,

state grant money totaling nearly $500,000 was

Mississippi and Tennessee. Eastham will focus New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts,

Connecticut and Rhode Island. And Harris will oversee sales for the Texas region.

Kirei Adds Distributor HJ Oldenkamp now covers Ohio and Michigan,

providing Kirei environmentally friendly surfacing materials. HJ Oldenkamp has provided premier building products since 1949.

Global Vacuum Presses Finishes New Workshop

m, Global has everything under one roof, from

offices to the production, stock and showroom, as well as training area.

DuPont Makes Zodiaq Pricing, Corian Manufacturing Changes DuPont announced that it has changed the

pricing groups for Zodiaq quartz surfacing sold

in the United States and Canada. The price of 15

Central sales manager in Memphis, Tenn. He has 20 years of experience selling routing/cutting equipment and software.

C.H. Briggs Announces Agreement with Kohler

Schools Certification for its Grenite Series of

C.H. Briggs Company, an independently owned

Air Quality and GREENGUARD Children &

engineered stone surfaces. In order to become GREENGUARD Certified, the entire Grenite

distributor of interior and specialty building

line met stringent certification requirements for

distribute enameled cast iron and stainless steel

(VOCs). With a high abrasion resistance, Grenite

products, signed an agreement with Kohler Co. to

low emissions of volatile organic compounds

kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks to its kitchen

is suitable for high-traffic horizontal and vertical

and bath dealers and countertop fabricators.

applications in the retail, hospitality, banking,

NueMedia Expands Staff

education, healthcare, entertainment and

NueMedia, LLC hired Maureen Alley for the newly

restaurant industries. Manufactured entirely in the

United States, Grenite is also flame-retardant, NSF

managing the social media accounts and online

workshop near Valencia. With an area of 4400 cu.

Lastly, Lance George was appointed South

Saint-Gobain achieved GREENGUARD Indoor

community editor for ForResidentialPros.com,

Spain. Global has officially moved to the new

and software background to his new position.

also used to aid the facility in the transition.

experience reporting on the housing industry as

Global Vacuum Presses Workshop in Moncada,

sales manager. He brings a strong machine

Grenite Achieves GREENGUARD Certification

company’s Wood Group. Alley has seven years’

difficulties, everything is complete at the New

Haltom joined the company as North American

the transition, according to reports. New York

created position of content manager for the

After a long time with a lot of effort and some little

line through sales and application support,

51 certified and non-porous. It features up to 85 percent post-consumer recycled content and is

eligible for LEED points through the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

editorial. Initially, Kim Kaiser, chief content officer, will oversee Alley as she acclimates herself.

Copperworks Expands with New Location

Simultaneously, Kaiser will assume her new role in

Copperworks struck a deal to move its operations

research and new site development.

to a new location in September. The new space

Cilio Technologies Wins Award

the custom manufacturer of range hoods and

Cilio Technologies, LLC, a specialist in automated order distribution and management of installed sales for the building materials industry, was

awarded the IQ (Innovation Quotient) Award by

BizTimes Milwaukee for its Cilio Partners Portal.

The awards celebrate innovations in business and recognize companies with “the most

at 975 Transport Way in Petaluma, Calif., provides countertops an additional 70 percent production

and showroom space. The new facility has more than 1,000 sq. ft. of office space. Leaving the

retail district means the company will discontinue its retail sales of items such as copper weather vanes, cookware and décor.

innovative, clever and unique products, services

CoveringsETC Launches Portuguese Language Website

for managing installed sales orders for retail home

CoveringsETC, makers of eco-friendly surfacing

or processes.” The portal is a Web-based platform improvement stores and manufacturers.

materials, such as Bio-Glass, launched a

A 13 percent reduction on almost one-third of the

MultiCam Makes Staff Appointments

contains many of the same features as its English

in its color group “D” surfaces that are being

manufacturer, appointed Derriest Alexander

selections in the line will reportedly be going down. product line is the result of the changes. Surfaces

MultiCam Inc., a CNC cutting system

consolidated into “C” pricing are: Calm Springs,

five-axis router product manager. An experienced

12 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Portuguese language website. The site, which and Spanish counterparts, was developed to serve the company’s growing domestic and international Brazilian customer base.

ISFA is once again teaming up with IWF for a full day symposium on countertops

Exploring Countertop Options: Turning Opportunities into Profit August 21, 2012 | 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Georgia World Congress Center | Atlanta, Georgia

Sponsored by:

Presented by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), this one-day program is designed to provide a wealth of information to both established countertop fabricators and cabinetmakers and casework providers who are exploring best practices for resourcing within the countertop market.

and

Put on by ISFA, the presenters include the owners of successful countertop and architectural millwork companies who are well versed in the technology, techniques and business requirements of countertop operations.

The session will cover residential and commercial operations, and encompasses information on a variety of countertop materials. It includes discussions on materials, machinery, outsourcing vs. in-house fabrication and countertop trends.

Speakers: • Russ Berry, President: A.S.S.T. & ISFA • Mike Nolan, Director of Education: ISFA • Dave Paxton, Vice President: Paxton Countertops • Kevin Cole, Communications Director: ISFA

For more information or to register call (866) 229-2386 or go to www.IWFatlanta.com and click on the “Education” tab.

ISFA Members: Use discount code ISFAC when registering Circle RS#04 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Zinc Surfacing

Plays Critical Role in Restaurant Design Mio Metals Expounds on the Choice of Zinc as a Countertop Material

This custom zinc island countertop features a radiant heating pad to keep the surface warm to the touch.

For many years stainless

One such metal is zinc, which played a critical

zinc countertops made by Mio Metals, Backen

steel has been a trend for

downtown St. Helena developed by world

metallic paint on the cabinet trim.

surfacing in kitchens, and particularly in commercial kitchens. However, other metals are now making waves and are turning up in high-end residential and food service settings.

role in a new upscale restaurant in Napa Valley’s renown architect Howard Backen. With a dining

room full of zinc surfaces, French Blue creates a

striking environment to go along with its inspired menu from food and wine guru Leslie Rudd.

The Project Backen, one of the principals at the prominent

architecture firm of Backen, Gillam and Kroeger, is known as the go-to architect for Napa Valley

estates and wineries, and he embraced the look of zinc for this restaurant project of which he is part owner along with Rudd.

Zinc is a reactive metal—similar to copper, but with a silver tone, and specialty fabricator Mio

Metals was personally selected by Backen for the critical fabrication role.

“Backen, Gillam and Kroeger were great to

work with, and we were able to come up with

some very unique edge details for this project,” explained Joe Cain, president of Mio Metals.

“Surprisingly, there are three different edge

details used throughout the restaurant (see Figure 2).

French Blue, which opened in June, features a

“We are really advancing the art of zinc

a two-piece curving main bar and a selection

continued. “We have a number of standard

main dining room lined with nine zinc counters, of zinc tables (see Figure 1). In addition to the

14 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

chose to continue the soft gray look of zinc with

countertops with every job we do,” Cain

edge details, but when we work closely with

Figure 1 — Creating a classic “country French” look, the main dining room of high-end Napa Valley restaurant French Blue is lined with nine zinc counters, a two-piece curving main bar and a selection of zinc tables. A functional water station features a stainless steel sink and a 12-ft. seamless countertop.

Figure 2 — Because of the custom nature of zinc countertops, a variety of unique edge options can be created, such as the three different ones featured in the French Blue restaurant project. A design technique from architect Howard Backen is blending different edge details on adjacent server stations.

a hospitality designer or business

profiles and other treatments. Our

features to set their project apart.”

was about four weeks.

Mio Metals first provided a quote for

“We completed the project on time,

contacted by the architect who had

pleased with the result,” he explained.

restaurants.

completed the job as estimated. This

“In my meetings with the architect,

do and a specific opening date, but

owner, we can come up with unique

actual production time for the tops

the project in August 2011, after being

on budget and Mr. Backen was very

seen the company’s work in other

“There were no real hurdles and we

it was clear he was well-versed in

zinc,” said Cain. “His treatment to the cabinetry was also zinc focused, but due to the detail of the moulding,

I recommended he move to a zinc-like paint instead of cladding in zinc sheet or foil. Our work wasn’t completed

until May of 2012, but much of that time was spent deciding on edge

can be a risk with so many pieces to the contractor was well organized.”

The Fabricator Behind the Project Mio Metals was formed in 2004

when Cain bought Copperworks in

Petaluma, Calif. Established in 1981, the craftsmen at Copperworks have

specialized in creating custom range

hoods, countertops and other unique International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 15

Substrate—Mio Metals uses FSC-certified wood as a substrate to help support sustainable forestry, and Cain touted, “If I could find an equivalent material with a lower impact on the environment, I would use it.”

products in copper, brass, stainless steel and zinc. “When I bought the business, it primarily focused on custom fabrication of range hoods, chimney caps and flashing for the region,” said Cain. “I created the Mio Metals name to allow us to better market the full range of metals in which we had expertise.”

At the time, the founder of the business, John Strong, was retiring and had really relied on just a couple of workers and the company’s reputation rather than strong marketing to bring in business.

Zinc countertop demand was very sporadic, and Cain saw it as an opportunity for more business.

So, he positioned himself as chief marketer, rather than a fabricator, and established standard designs. He took advantage of the Internet by offering e-commerce and nationwide shipping and pushed his message out through several websites that each focused on a different product line.

“In 2008, as the recession was hitting the home improvement market, our range hood business was slowing down, but our Web traffic on zinc countertops was taking off,” explained Cain.

“We began making more zinc countertops than ever, and they generated more revenue than our core business of range hoods. Our primary product line is now countertops with zinc being the dominant material. It’s still a niche product with a sticker price that competes with exotic stone, but we’re going through 600 to 1,000 lbs. of zinc per month.”

Today, the company’s staff of six is moving into a 70 percent larger building. Only a handful of other companies compete in the zinc countertop market as whole-heartedly as Mio Metals, but there are individuals and small sheet metal shops that attempt countertops or tabletops with the same exotic metals. Of course the number that fabricates stainless steel countertops is larger. However, that’s an area in which Cain doesn’t seek to compete.

“We do work with 24-gauge stainless steel in our range hood production, but our shop is geared toward softer nonferrous metals, so we don’t work with thicker stainless steel that is required for countertops,” he explained.

“Stainless countertops should be made from 18- or 16-gauge stainless that is dramatically harder than copper or zinc, and we just aren’t set up for it.”

Another thing the company isn’t set up for is installation of its countertops. Mio Metals currently only sells its tops directly through its product-specific website, ZincCountertops.net, although it is pursuing authorizing showrooms in select locations.

16 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Figure 3 — Zinc reacts with everything from water to fingerprints to lemon juice, creating a unique patina in every application that is generally part of the appeal. (This countertop is

in El Paseo, a restaurant bar in Mill Valley, Calif., part owned by Sammy Hagar.)

“We rely on professional installers across the country for measurements and installation,” said Cain. “We certify installers in metropolitan and luxury areas we think will be receptive to our product. Keep in mind we produce a high-end, rare product so it would be impossible to staff an in-house crew across the country.”

As such, the company has trained installers in locations around the country, including Chicago, Raleigh-Durham, N.C., Baltimore, and New York.

But while installation isn’t on the menu for the company, one thing at the forefront is a mind-set of environmental responsibility, and it makes its way into just about every aspect, from the materials to the methods.

Green Metal?

At its base, the metals industry is not a low-impact one. Between mining, refining and transport of raw materials, there’s a considerable amount of energy being consumed. But from the point the material reaches the shop, Mio Metals is very conscious of how it can lessen the impact of the final products.

“As a life-long environmentalist, my goal is to manage my part of the process as efficiently as possible and minimize our carbon footprint,” said Cain. “I buy from local suppliers. I recycle everything in our shop from wood and metal scrap to office paper. I work with freight transporters that use a mix of rail and truck.

And, I encourage all of my customers to recycle the metal once it has had a long and productive life.”

Energy consumption—energy usage is one area where Mio Metals makes large strides. “In our shop, we work with softer metals such as copper, brass and zinc on machines that are operated by arms and legs not large amounts of electricity,” explained Cain. “We use a stomp shear—named for the source of power—to cut our sheets and a hand brake to form the bends.

Our decorative edges are created with handoperated machinery and skill ,not some large press with large power consumption.”

To reduce energy consumption, the company also opts for soldering vs. welding, which is a high-heat, high-energy process. “Soldering is a low-heat, lower-energy method of joining metal,” explained Cain. “In fact, the melting point of the solder is only 400 F.” Even the soldering irons used by the company aren’t connected to the electrical grid, but rather heated by natural gas, and the company doesn’t use any lead-based solder.

It’s obvious that Cain takes the business of zinc very seriously, but that begs the question: Why zinc?

“Zinc as a countertop material is a design choice first and foremost,” Cain put forth. “It’s cool to the touch and produces a patina that is unique to the situation, which designers love. Through the oxidation process, zinc can change to black, white or charcoal and like most architectural metals, any area that is rubbed or touched on a regular basis, such as the edge of the countertop, will shine with reflectivity. Areas near sinks will show more even oxidation as water stands and evaporates, whereas the zinc adjacent to a cooktop or stove will feature spots from splatters and utensils. Each top is truly unique (see Figure 3).

“Another attraction to our countertops is the edge detail,” he continued. “We combine traditional sheet metal techniques with custom hand working to develop edge profiles that recall those found in many French cafes and restaurants. One of my favorite edge details was created for a French café in Florida called Paris in Town. The owner and I talked for a bit, and I offered to create a few designs just for him. He chose the first one I made, and that design was actually reworked for our recent project at French Blue.”

With the softness and the color patterns, zinc countertops can look like they’ve been around for decades after only a few weeks.”

Finishes—There are three main types of finishes offered by Mio Metals: polished, matte or patina. In each case, the initial appearance is different but the metal is still likely to react the same way regardless.

With a shiny polished finish the patina forms a little slower as the surface is smoothed down and less likely to react easily. Matte finish is the most common for countertops, and it helps the zinc react with everything from fingerprints to tap water. With patinaed zinc, an acid is used to create a reaction with the top surface. This is ideal for applications that need a specific look from inception.

Figure 4 — Like laminate or granite, there will likely be seams in zinc countertops and it can almost certainly be expected in countertops longer than 120 in. or those with intersecting shapes, as can be seen in this 6-in. edge profile in Paris in Town Cafe, in Florida.

Zinc as a Countertop Material Zinc is part of a design trend that includes the use of natural surface materials with rustic or unique looks. It is a mineral essential for human health, but like many things, ingesting too much is not good. As such, it is not used for cookware, but it is safe for everyday countertop use. With a natural silver color, zinc is a soft metal that will react to its environment. In a counter or tabletop situation, the reactions

Seams—there will likely be seams in zinc countertops ,and it can almost certainly be expected in countertops longer than 120 in.

Likewise, L-shaped countertops will have seams (see Figure 4). With Mio Metals, in some applications the countertop will ship in sections that will bolt together on location and the seam will just butt together. However, seams can be soldered and sanded down flush. If carefully planned for, long straight sections can be broken up evenly or seams can sometimes be hidden around cutouts.

will be more diverse and frequent than other applications, such as a range hood.

A full understanding of what it will be like to live with zinc countertops is key to customer satisfaction. “If you’re expecting an even color, always polished surface, please consider a different material,” said Cain. “Zinc reacts with everything from water to fingerprints to lemon juice, and hopefully this is part of the appeal.

It also may develop dents and scratches.

It’s more than just learning how to be more profitable, saving money on the bottom line and getting great referrals and discounts.

Call ISFA today and find out how to make your world a better place.

Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 www.ISFAnow.org Circle RS#05 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 17

Figure 6 — Because zinc is a relatively soft metal, through regular use dents and scratches will form in the surface and then wear back down over time, adding character to each installation.

Figure 7 — When end caps or other pieces need to be joined to the main top, Mio Metals uses a soldering method vs. welding to help limit the energy used in the fabrication process.

is used to create an even surface without any

For everyday cleaning, mild dish soap and a

oilcanning.

Figure 5 — Custom fabricated integral sinks are available with zinc countertops, but they can be a costly proposition because steel cradles also have to be built to encase them.

Mio Metals’ edge profiles can be anything from

Sink options—Zinc Countertops are suitable

custom edges can also be created.

for both drop-in and undermount sinks and Mio Metals offers stainless steel sinks that

work well in both situations. Additionally, the company fabricates integrated zinc sinks in

some applications, but they can be a costly proposition (see Figure 5). “The reason for

the additional cost is that zinc is very soft and

¾ to 10 in. A variety of profiles can be done,

from standard radius edges to square, rounded, indented or even raised profiles. Any number of Like laminate tops, sections are joined with bolts (dog bones) and wood biscuits. The

metal does not bend down into the seam area so butt joints are similar to those of granite or

laminate. Caulking that joint during installation is recommended to keep it watertight.

will lose its shape,” explained Cain. “So to

When end caps or other pieces need to be joined

encase them, which means we basically build

Then, once the zinc is properly adhered, it goes

prevent droopy sinks, we create steel cradles to two sinks: one in steel and one in zinc. From

a performance standpoint, stainless steel is a

much better alternative and is my preference.”

Other characteristics—Zinc is a good

conductor and will transfer heat quickly,

so there is no worry with setting hot pans on it. However, using a cutting board is

recommended because of the softness of

the material. Through regular use dents and

scratches will form in the surface and then wear back down over time, adding character (see Figure 6).

Zinc is also nonporous, so all of the spots that form on it are only on the top surface layer.

As such, they are usually able to be removed through polishing or buffing.

The Basic Process First the subtops are built out of ¾-in. plywood,

with edges and cutouts built up as necessary— very much like a laminate countertop. Zinc

sheet that is either 1 mm or 1.5 mm thick is

then adhered to the subtop with waterproof

construction adhesive. Then a vacuum press 18 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

to the main top, they are soldered (see Figure 7). on to the finishing process. From the time of final measurements, a typical countertop is produced in about a week. However, the typical schedule

requires about four weeks’ turnaround time from

start to finish. And, of course, more complex jobs require more time.

Pricing for Zinc Tops The price per square foot varies greatly. Primarily, it comes down to labor, shipping and how many details are spread across how many square feet of countertop. Therefore, it is difficult to give a standard price, but projects with standard

sponge or soft towel will clean the surface. Any cleaner that contains citric acid, ammonia or other harsh chemicals should be avoided to reduce any unwanted aging or spotting.

And while occasional use of the abrasive side of a sponge can be good to help remove any built-up oxidation that forms naturally on the

metal, Cain doesn’t recommend polishing on a

regular basis. “If the patina becomes unsightly in an area, it is possible to use a metal polish, such

as Brasso, to restore the color to the original gray, or another technique is to sand it with a scotch

pad to remove the top layer,” he explained. “Both of these options tend to require working on the entire surface to get an even appearance, and we do not encourage it because it is a lot of

work, and after you do all of the work, the metal will continue to react to its environment and the patina process begins again.”

There are a few situations, however, where it is recommended. “We did an exterior bar for the Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado and they will

only use it during the winter months,” said Cain.

“During the summer, the zinc will weather and patina based on whatever leaves or sticks or

water may fall on it. So, to get it ready for the start of the ski season, I recommend that they scour it to remove any oxidation that has formed.”

edges, finish and utilizing drop-in sinks might be

While even Cain admits zinc countertops are not

complex work easily going higher.

offer another unique option. In the right place,

in the $80- to $160-per-sq.-ft. range, with more Cleaning and Maintenance

The care and maintenance for a zinc countertop is pretty easy and just requires the right

expectations. If the end user understands that

the material reacts to its environment, creates a

patina that is ever-changing and will develop the occasional scratch or dent, then it is as easy to clean as any other surface.

for everyone or every situation, they certainly under the right circumstances and, perhaps

most importantly, with the right expectations,

they are an option that can really make a project one to be remembered.

For more information contact Joe Cain, president of Mio Metals, Inc., 400 Western Ave., Petaluma, CA 94952; phone (888) 530-7630; email sales@miometals. com; website www.zinccountertops.net or www.miometals.com.

Copper Tops:

Copper as a Countertop Material

This private residence island countertop features seams that fall in-line with the cooktop cutout and handmade corner caps with copper dome head rivets.

Mio Metals’ Copperworks division has been crafting copper countertops since 1981, creating custom countertops and bar tops for homes, bars, restaurants, cafes and even picnic tables for exquisite terraces. But what’s the story behind copper as a countertop material?

Copper countertops perform pretty much the same as zinc countertops when it comes to the finish and patina. The primary difference is that the copper is an orange-red base color that will turn to brown in an interior situation. Green oxidation commonly only happens in exterior applications and, unless you are on a coast, can take decades to really develop.

When it comes to copper, you can watch it evolve from the moment it is installed. Copper countertops take on a beauty that is truly unique to every installation. With the metal’s natural patina process, it will show character based on how it is used.

Also of interest is the fact that the EPA has certified copper as antimicrobial — the first surface material to be certified as such. And while it should be noted that Mio Metals is not certified by the EPA, designers and consumers may want to give some consideration to this positive aspect of copper as a countertop surface.

Texture and Dents Because copper is a relatively soft metal, it is subject to denting. However, in most everyday use, it will stand up to typical kitchen wear.

Over time, though, dents will form from various situations that arise.

One option to add character and combat denting is to have the surface textured with a hammering effect. Starting off with a light texture is a great option to differentiate a copper countertop and

hide any dents that may form over time.

Because texturing is noticeably bumpy, light or medium texture is recommended for countertops.

Pricing When it comes to the price of a copper top, prices vary greatly. Numerous factors affect the price, from the fabricator chosen to the edge detail to the overall complexity of the project. A general price range is somewhere between $80 to $200 per sq. ft.

This sushi restaurant chose a long copper bar with hand-wrapped rail to provide an ever-changing surface. Within a week, the patina made the copper look like it had been there for decades.

Care and Maintenance For those who want a shiny copper kitchen, be forewarned, a lot of work performing regular polishing with odorous polishes is in your future.

However, if you are content with the beauty of the aging process and watching the material react with its environment, caring for copper surfaces is not overly difficult.

Cleaning a copper countertop is simply done with mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge.

Mild abrasives can be used, but are not recommended. A mild abrasive pad, such as those found on the back of a sponge, can help remove dried-on substances, but too much pressure may leave marks. However, the shiny marks will soon darken, and any grooves put in the metal will eventually be rubbed down.

If something extreme happens — such as a wine spill goes unchecked for a long period of time — an unsightly blob may form in an area that gets a lot of visibility. In these cases, metal polish, such as Brasso, may be used on the affected area to return it to a bright, shiny copper.

However, Mio Metals warns that the challenge is determining when to stop polishing. “We still don’t recommend polishing the whole countertop

This wine tasting room features copper countertops all around, attracting guests to sit and sample the latest releases. because it is a smelly, time-consuming job,” states the company’s website. “Just create a polished area in place of the unsightly blob and let that area begin its aging process again.”

For more information, visit www.copperworks.com.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 19

Taking Green up the Chain DuPont Achieves Zero Landfill Status in Building Innovations Business Just about everyone in the surfacing industry has seen the numerous

environmentally friendly products to hit the marketplace, ranging from materials housing recycled particulate to those

utilizing sustainably harvested bio-based

components. However, there is a lot more that goes into manufacturing surfacing material

than the actual material itself. What about the scrap and the packaging and all that goes

into shipping and distribution of the products?

At least one major surfacing material supplier, DuPont, has carried the initiative right up the chain, and has achieved zero landfill

status in its Building Innovations business.

It did this by reducing, reusing and recycling manufacturing byproducts and waste at

manufacturing sites globally. After three years

of focused effort, DuPont Building Innovations has become completely landfill free, reducing its environmental footprint from 81 million

lbs. of landfill waste annually to zero. Now,

through the “Drive to Zero” landfill program,

none of the waste generated by the business from the manufacture of DuPont Corian solid surfaces, DuPont Zodiaq quartz surfaces, DuPont Tyvek weatherization systems

products and geosynthetic textiles is sent to landfills.

“The Drive to Zero landfill program is good

for our business, good for the environment and highly valued by our customers,” said Timothy P. McCann, president of DuPont

ways, too. Manufacturing byproducts, unusable raw materials, product scrap, construction

debris and even cafeteria waste were all within scope at the project’s 15 global manufacturing and partner sites.

Today, material that previously may have been

destined for a landfill is being reused or recycled, including:

Building Innovations. “Working with our

■■ Sanding waste from the manufacture

landfill goal was critical to the success of

replacement in concrete;

footprint. Collaborating with our business

recycled content in first grade products —

our ambitious project goal of zero landfill.”

Corian solid surfaces that contain up to 20

supply chain partners to tackle the zero

of Corian and Zodiaq is used as a filler

our business in reducing its environmental

■■ Ground-up scrap Corian sheet is used as

partners allowed us to succeed in reaching

such as the company’s Terra Collection of

DuPont’s Building Innovations division created mountains of scrap from the manufacture of Corian solid surface and Zodiaq quartz surfacing, along with other products and ancillary processes, amounting to 81 million tons of waste per year. This is equivalent to the weight of 16,200 average cars or 1,013 loaded tractor trailers. However, through its “Drive to Zero” program it eliminated and repurposed all landfill wastes from 15 separate locations over the course of three years.

■■ Carrier belt film is sold to a third party who melts it down to make industrial adhesives (see Figure 3), and ■■ Cafeteria waste is recycled into worm bedding or converted into energy.

percent recycled content (see Figure 1);

How does a company go about finding suitable

use waste reduction strategies, but also

■■ Crushed scrap Corian is sold for use as

uses for its refuse? It isn’t easy. “Our Drive to

to accomplish a feat of this enormity and

stone (see Figure 2);

to Zero project was comprehensive in other

ground into animal bedding;

DuPont Building Innovations had to not only recycle and repurpose waste to be able

road sub-base material and as landscape

completely eliminate landfill usage. The Drive

■■ Shipping pallets are repaired, reused or

20 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Zero team worked very hard to find the partners we could work with collaboratively to repurpose the waste generated by our manufacturing facilities,” said DuPont’s resident Six Sigma

Figure 1 – In addition to reducing waste, recycling was another tool for the program, which uses line scrap made in the creation of solid surface by grinding it for particulate in the Corian Terra Collection of solid surface.

Blackbelt Global Project Leader Dave Walter. “In truth, finding the companies and people who

could help us on this front was one of the most challenging things about the project, and we

devoted a lot of time to finding the right uses and application for our waste streams.”

DuPont Building Innovations, the leading supplier of solid surfacing material for McDonald’s restaurants, was the first

company ever awarded McDonald’s Supplier Sustainability Award.

The Six Sigma business management

“In keeping with McDonald’s priorities, we

years of the project, which was critical in

Award as a way to recognize suppliers that

involved. Using this approach allowed the team

products and services that contribute to the

were generated and how much waste was being

said Jim Carras, senior vice president of U.S.

methodology was used throughout the three

developed our new Supplier Sustainability

helping the team map out all the waste streams

demonstrate leadership and provide us with

to understand where and why waste streams

environmental sustainability of our restaurants,”

produced by each.

Restaurant Development for McDonald’s. “We

DuPont uses Six Sigma methodology across the

corporation as a disciplined, data-driven business management strategy to help eliminate defects

congratulate DuPont Building Innovations on

being the first company to be recognized with

this award for their environmental stewardship.”

and reduce waste, explained Walter. “We used a

In addition to the positive benefits associated

year life of the project and continue to use these

achievements were accomplished with no

our locations to ensure we stay at zero landfill.

financial benefit to the business.

number of Six Sigma tools throughout the three-

with corporate responsibility, the program

tools to help monitor our performance at each of

capital expenditures, and actually provided a

There was a tremendous amount of data here

While DuPont accomplished its zero landfill goal,

that needed to be looked at. Six Sigma essentially helped us make sense of it all.”

Figure 2 – Crushed Corian scrap is repurposed as road sub-base material and also turned into landscaping material.

the challenge for environmental responsibility

doesn’t necessarily end there. The company has

Figure 3 – Every stream of waste was taken into account, including carrier belt film being melted down for adhesive; sanding waste from Zodiaq and Corian being used as a filler in concrete; pallets being reused an repaired or turned into animal bedding; and even cafeteria waste being repurposed in worm bedding. this is all being sorted through, we recommend

The landfill project was particularly unique in that it

also given much thought to the waste generated

are often made for other companies. This meant

“We continue to look at the possibilities here

Humanity or a local trade school who may have

DuPont fabricators,” said Walter. “It is not

team members in our Wilmington, Del., office

this waste up and haul it back to DuPont’s

Ronald McDonald house by selling decorative

consumed in the process. We have instead been

Corian color samples. It really is amazing what

included third-party partner sites, where products

that the project team had to manage the challenge of eliminating all unrelated product manufacturing landfill waste. But, it did so, and some locations even beat the company’s three-year goal.

“The feedback from our customers has been tremendous,” said McCann. “In fact, DuPont

Building Innovations recently won McDonald’s Restaurant Division’s first-ever Sustainability

Award, which I think tells you just how much one

of our largest customers values what we’ve done

in reaching zero landfill. I’m proud of this initiative and what it says about our business at DuPont.”

by fabricators of Corian and/or Zodiaq.

that fabricators look at donation options like the Storehouse of World Vision, Habitat For

and would like to have an option to offer our

a usage for scrap material,” he added. “Some

environmentally friendly to have to pick all of

just donated several thousand dollars to the local

manufacturing sites for recycling due to the fuel

magnets that were created using discarded

looking at more regionalized options that could be utilized.”

“There are a number of regulatory approvals

that are needed to be able to use ground solid surface scrap as drainage rock or in road sub base, so it is going to take some time. While

people can do when they collaborate and think creatively to help solve a problem.”

For more information visit www2.dupont.com/ Building_and_Construction/en_US/sustainable_ building.html, call (800) 426-7426 or email patricia.r.seif@dupont.com.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 21

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Writing the Killer Sales Plan: Your Ticket to Sales Success

By Kirk Heiner

2) “It is established by understanding.”

Every 60 seconds a company goes out of

3) “It profits wonderfully by measuring or

business. More than 80 percent of businesses

keeping score.”

have no written plan to succeed in sales. Is it any wonder why more than 96 percent of businesses

The man who wrote those three principles

will survive. But who wants to just survive? Why

Solomon. Millions of people consider him to be

fail within the first 10 years? And only 4 percent

was the world’s only known trillionaire: King

not thrive?

the wisest man to have ever lived. Notice that

the secret to his success principles begins with

If you don’t have a good sales plan, plan on

a wise plan.

failing.

When the wisest and wealthiest man in history

Every business needs a Sales Success Plan.

says, “make wise plans,” do it.

We’re not talking about a business plan you

Why Businesses Fail to Plan

would use to go borrow money from a bank.

This is a living, breathing document designed

So why is it that so many businesses fail to

to steer your company’s sales success by well-

have any written plans for their sales success?

thought-through strategy and tactics.

Simple — it’s a lot of WORK! Napoleon Hill, one

of the greatest writers on the subject of success,

What It Is

A good sales plan is your road map to your sales

said that mental work is some of the hardest

goals. It gives you vision and helps give clarity

the best thing about it is that it’s simple. It’s not

work you’ll ever do. Creating good plans is

sales tactics. It helps assure that your actions

it may not guarantee success, it surely will

anyone in your company, can do.

to the destination. It provides structure to your

“easy,” but it is simple. And if you do it, while

have purpose and are part of an overall system

increase your odds.

for achievement, not just random acts.

What It’s Not!

Your sales plan is NOT a business plan. It’s not something you just use to shop for money. It’s also not just a marketing plan for how you will spend your advertising dollars.

I worked for Tony Robbins, a world-renowned

success coach and his business partner, Chet

Holmes, one of America’s greatest sales gurus, and they taught me that business must be

intentional. We would have sales meetings

three times a week, every week. They are dead

serious about success. They know what it takes to thrive, even in a lousy economy.

Strategy vs. Tactics

Holmes once said, “The strategist will slaughter the tactician every time, and 98 percent of all

CEOs are tacticians.” Tactics are just random acts in hopes of getting some sales, and in

recent years we’ve all learned that hope is not a strategy.

You’ve got to have plans and a winning strategy if you want to do well and prosper in this new

economy. This article will show you one of the best ways to create a winning sales plan, and

22 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

more important than just about anything you, or If you are trying to succeed at sales with a

Why Do I Need One?

million disjointed, random tactics, you will never

plan anyway? Why can’t I just do what I

approach. Your actions won’t work to build upon

Momentum! You can never get momentum

frustrated when one tactic or another doesn’t

You may be thinking, “Why do I need a sales

enjoy the result of a cohesive, planned sales

feel or think is right each day?” Here’s why:

each other and generate any steam. You’ll be

doing random actions that don’t work together

work. And believe me, you’ll remember the failed

as a whole.

ones more than the triumphs.

Another reason is that the process of thinking

A well-thought-through sales plan allows you

to think about issues you might miss. It helps

situation. Ask questions like: Who are we in the

It also provides a tracking system for you and

we best attract them? It’s a concerted effort

through the right strategy and actions forces you

to step back and take a 10,000-ft. view of your

you gain perspectives you might not have had.

marketplace; who are our clients; and how do

your staff to see how they’re doing, and to see

and has a harmony to it much like a symphony

whether or not you’re on track to get to your destination.

One last reason why having a sales success plan is crucial is because that is what has worked throughout history. The wisest and richest

man to have ever lived wrote down a code for success — just three simple steps. After 20

years of studying this man, I wrote a book on his success principles.

They are: 1) “Any enterprise is built by wise plans.”

playing together vs. each of the different

instruments playing a different song all at the same time. Youch!

Remember, 4 percent of businesses survive.

About 2 percent actually prosper. To be in that

2 percent requires commitment. It means doing the work others won’t do, like planning.

Another big advantage of creating a great plan

for your sales is that you’ll get to know your ideal customers better — what they think, what they

want and what they’re REALLY buying. And it’s not your just product or service that they are

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buying. They may be buying prestige, status or

■■ How is our pricing structure? Should we

key influencing factors that drive most of your

When a man buys a Ferrari, he’s buying more

■■ How will we attract, hire and retain strong

dialogue around those factors.

even peace of mind.

raise prices or lower them?

than just a car. He’s buying image and how

sales talent?

expects to be treated differently because

months, etc.

he feels about himself when he drives it. He

■■ What are our goals? 60 days, 90 days, six

he’s in it.

■■ What needs to be measured? How often?

Why Most Businesses Fail Businesses fail because of two key factors: 1) They fail to create a REAL and well-thoughtout written plan. You must create a wise and actionable plan that you and your team can follow to reach your goals.

2) They fail to measure results to see if those planned actions are working. Are we taking

action daily? What works? What doesn’t? The old adage says, “What gets measured, gets

results.” Measure the most important things.

Traditional business plans are only good for

going to the bank for a loan. I’m talking about a strategic battle plan designed to take your

sales to the next level. If you don’t have a wise

plan, you have no real strategy. And remember, strategy beats tactics every time.

What’s In a Sales Plan?

A winning sales plan will include answers to the following questions: ■■ Who are you?

■■ What do you sell?

■■ How are you different and better than the competition?

■■ Who is your ideal target client?

■■ What are your ideal clients’ shopping patterns?

■■ What are their greatest concerns,

frustrations and unmet needs with it comes to buying your products or services?

■■ Who is your competition?

■■ What are their strengths? Weaknesses?

■■ What are you clients REALLY buying?

■■ Where are the most profitable untapped niches in your market?

■■ Where are the greatest opportunities to take market share?

■■ What new products or services should we sell?

These are just some of the questions your sales plan should address.

A Few Extras Here are a few extras that should also go into the plan:

■■ How will your sales staff create rapport with potential clients?

■■ Where do most of them live?

■■ What’s the best way to reach them?

(Radio, T.V., Internet, mailers, etc.)

■■ What is the best message to engage prospects and make them want to do

target audience’s buying decisions? Develop a The third thing is excellence in delivering on

the promise of your product or service. Nothing can cripple a great sales plan faster than poor delivery or fulfillment. It will kill your referrals and worse, it deflates and discourages your

sales staff, even when that sales staff is you, the business owner.

Know thy Client When we launched our countertop sales

business, we went so far as to draw little

cartoons of the type of client we wanted to

serve. We created our plan and that business

went from a mere $60,000 its first year to being

in the top 5 percent of all businesses in America in five short years.

The better you know your clients, the more you

can communicate with them in ways that matter to them.

business with us?

Crafting the Perfect Sales Message

■■ Who can we ally with that also serves the

Here’s the final key to sales success. If you

same type client?

■■ What statements will clearly differentiate us in ways that our clients value?

The BIG 3 If you want to win in sales, you must become

expert in three things. If you develop excellence in these three areas, you’ll do well.

master this one, everything works. If not,

everything fails. You must be able to articulate a clear and compelling sales message — one

that rings true to the potential client. I’ve seen

companies miss this one that have had to close their doors after 30 years in business.

If you don’t take the time to develop a message that causes buyers to stop, step back and

The first is rapport. People buy from whom they

consider new information, then to lean toward

immediate rapport.

sales. The process of crafting your winning sales

Most people are not good at this naturally. Build

success and failure. These are the things most

like, trust and respect. Learn how to develop

this into your sales plan. I know it’s an invisible

element, but it matters. It probably matters more

than your product or service. Write down exactly

buying from you, you will struggle to make

message can mean the difference between businesses fail to do. And as a result, most businesses fail.

how you will get better at creating rapport, being

Choose to be in the top tier of businesses that

this all happens in a matter of seconds, it’s a

In doing this, you will all but guarantee your

likable, trustable and deserving of respect. While

do the right things, not just the easy things.

bigger task than you may think.

success in sales.

Second, differentiate wildly in ways that matter

About the Author

to the customer, not to you. Your plan should

clearly outline the key reasons you are a better choice than your competition, and it needs to

ring your clients’ bell. Know the biggest, most compelling reasons they buy. What are the

Kirk Heiner is an author, speaker, and sales and communication coach that helps companies create their Perfect Sales Message. He’s the founder of KBExpo.com and has worked in the countertop industry for more than 20 years. He can be contacted at kheiner007@gmail.com.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 23

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Shop Management Matters From the desk of Jon Olson

Solid Surface and Millwork When most

people think of

Solid Surface Doors

requirement is acceptable. Remember, though,

first thought that

that different manufacturers may have different

comes to mind is

weight to their sheets, depending on the make-

countertops. Recently, though, many designers

up. It never hurts to double check.

have begun to see the value of solid surface as a millwork item. The same tools that are used

With some large doors that fit on tall cabinets

to make cabinets are also used to work with

you could face a warping issue. One solution is

solid surface. In fact, any door you see made

to run cross supports in the back of the door. I

out of wood can be made out of solid surface.

have also seen metal imbedded into the solid

Additionally, because of the ability to thermoform using wood can in some cases become quite easy using solid surface.

However, using solid surfaces on doors is just

the beginning. Some of the other areas that solid

surface can be utilized on are: fronts of reception desk, soffits, chair rails, light valances, interiors of cabinets — the list is really endless. There

are even whole buildings, right now, that have already been clad with solid surface material.

So with solid surface making its way into more

and more applications, it brings up the question, “Why is this trend taking place?” In my opinion,

long-term value is the main reason. Solid surface is renewable and repairable. It doesn’t fade or

solid surface. Knowing this, you can calculate the weight of each door to see if the hinge

solid surface, the

solid surface, designs that are difficult to build

a weight of 4.5 lbs. per sq. ft. for its ½-in.-thick

surface and then solid surface is applied back Doors can be fabricated out of all of the three

common thicknesses of solid surface available:

1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 inch.

over the metal. An extra step for sure, but certainly one with long lasting benefits!

Solid Surface Drawer Boxes

If there is any area that needs more attention, it needs to be given to millwork shops as to how to incorporate solid surface into their millwork plans.

Using 1/4-in. thicknesses: The most common way to handle this thickness is to build up all

four edges and set the build up back enough to

Drawers and drawer fronts are being

is 1/2 inch. This depth does not allow for hinge

is the same as making wood boxes. Drawer

accept hinges. The thickness you end up with

fabricated out of solid surface. The concept

boring but you can drill for inserts.

slides can be attached the same as wood

companies already established (because all of

Using 1/2-in. thicknesses: You can build up

installed by screwing them directly into the

product) is in the solid surface world. Building

depth allows for hinge boring the same as you

stain over time; it looks great years and years later. When you think of it, the only building material with a nationwide team of repair

the major solid surface companies warranty their

all four edges to achieve a 1-in. thickness. This

and maintenance managers love this about solid

would use for wood construction.

surface.

If there is any area that needs more attention, it needs to be given to millwork shops as to how to incorporate solid surface into their millwork plans. The reason is that many solid surface

opportunities that come in the door are changed because millwork shops don’t know if using solid surface for a given application is even

possible. And rather than face the indecision,

they work to change specs to another product.

With that in mind, let’s review some of the areas solid surface can be used in a millwork setting.

24 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

construction. The drawer fronts can be

solid surface as you would with a wood

drawer front and box. Then you add inserts

into the back of the solid surface drawer front

Using 3/4-in. thicknesses: This is the same

and attach it from there. Note: Some have

there is a lot of room for hinges.

fronts using silicone. This is definitely not

With regard to solid surface doors, one question

fastener for this application for longevity and

basic process as most wooden doors; so again,

that comes up is “Do they need more hinges?”

The answer to that question depends on the

weight of the door. The best way to determine

this is to keep in mind the weight restrictions of the hinges. (Your hinge supplier should be able

to help you with this). Also, you obviously need to know the weight of the solid surface. For

example, one common sheet manufacturer has

asked if you can simply attach the drawer

recommended. You really need a mechanical integrity of the construction.

Solid Surface Cabinet Frames Another option when using solid surface

in millwork applications is to blend wood

construction with solid surface. This can allow you to take advantage of the best properties of both materials.

FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR •

One of the best ways to do this is to make cabinet carcasses out of wood and apply solid surface frames and styles. This is really very easy to apply. All that is needed is a good bead of silicone and proper set-up time while clamping.

Side Points One thing to keep in mind while boring or drilling into solid surface is to make sure your tooling is carbide-tipped. Most tools are, but it’s worth mentioning here just to be on the safe side.

Also, an outstanding mechanical application for solid surface is the “squirrel fixing system” made by a fantastic company in England called Cutting Edge. This little device allows you to bolt directly to solid surface. You can find out more about it at www.squirrels-uk.com/index.htm. We have used this device many times while building solid surface cabinets, and it can be really useful.

These are just some reasons and ways to use solid surface in millwork. Hospitals already understand the value of it and the movement is on. Now, with newer additives in different brands of solid surface that fight germs, I believe the demand will be even greater. I think that as we become more green aware, residential designers will start looking at alternatives to wood, and one of the different varieties of recycled solid surface might fill a need. It is worth your effort to take the time to learn all you can about this new emerging opportunity!

About the Author Jon Olson is the online marketing and sales, social media, market development and communications manager at Sterling Surfaces/ Kitchen Associates, in Sterling, Mass. A solid surface fabricator since 1982, he has gained experience in all phases of fabrication, specializing in 3-D solid surface thermoforming.

Jon is a past recipient of the ISFA Fabricator of the Year award and the ISFA Innovator of the Year. He can be reached at jon@ sterlingsurfaces.com.

Circle RS#06 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 25

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Education Connection Multiple Chances for Learning and Networking in One Place ISFA Is Geared Up to Take International Woodworking Fair by Storm

information on solid surface, quartz surfacing,

The International Woodworking Fair (IWF) is

countertop trends and more.

quickly approaching and for the countertop

fabricator it brings with it a lot of opportunities.

This year IWF is hosting a full-day Countertops

Symposium put on by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), which promises

to be a great learning opportunity. ISFA will have a significant presence at the show not only in

providing the curriculum for the symposium, but

also with a booth, Annual Members Meeting and a Networking Event.

A big focus of ISFA has always been to provide

educational opportunities for the industry. In some cases this has been hands-on fabrication training,

stone, laminate and a variety of other countertop options. It includes discussions on materials,

machinery, outsourcing vs. in-house fabrication, Speakers include Russ Berry, President of A.S.S.T and ISFA, Mike Nolan, owner of

countertop company Windbound Co. and ISFA Director of Education, David Paxton,

owner of Paxton Countertops, and Kevin Cole,

Communications Director for ISFA. Those wishing to attend can sign up on the IWF website (www.

IWFatlanta.com), call (404) 693-8333 or even register on-site the day of the event.

The event is sponsored by Laser Products Industries, a supplier of digital templating

equipment, Specialtytools.com, a provider of

IWF Networking Event Immediately following the ISFA Annual Meeting, will be an IWF Networking Event. This is a great opportunity to spend time with your peers,

make new connections, meet the ISFA Board of

Directors and staff, reconnect with old friends, find out what ISFA has been up to and pick up some useful information. The event, scheduled from

4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., is in the same room as the

ISFA Annual Meeting that precedes it (the Thomas Murphy Ballroom, Building B, Upper Level). Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.

The ISFA-IWF Networking Event is sponsored

by Eurosoft, makers of software for design, estimating, quoting and manufacturing countertops.

tools and supplies to the countertop industry

Please RSVP to Meg@isfanow.org or call the

surface sheet goods.

spot is reserved.

and SolidSurface.com, an online source for solid

ISFA office at (877) 464-7732 to make sure your

such, ISFA’s participation in IWF in Atlanta again

this year is just such an effort. The show runs from

ISFA Annual Member Meeting

Taking advantage of the information out there

August 21 to 25, and includes full-day symposiums,

In addition to a booth at the show, join your fellow

educational sessions and exhibit hall. ISFA will be

ISFA members on the opening day of IWF for its

important part of growth and success. Don’t miss

at Booth #4423, so make it a point to stop by and

Annual Member Meeting where business will be

find out what’s going on with your association (and

conducted, this year’s winners of the coveted ISFA

pick up a ticket for the Networking Event).

Awards will be announced, the Board of Director

Countertop Symposium

election results will be revealed, and you can meet

and in others it has been connecting people and letting them share their real life experiences. As

Kicking off the show, ISFA is once again

putting on a full-day symposium in Atlanta.

The seminar, “Examining Countertop Options:

Turning Opportunities into Profit,” is designed to provide a wealth of information to established

the ISFA directors, staff and fellow members.

It’s a great opportunity to get involved and find out what ISFA has planned for the future.

All current active ISFA members are invited to the meeting.

countertop fabricators, as well as cabinetmakers

The meeting will be immediately followed by

practices for resourcing within the countertop

served along with this great opportunity to share

intelligence on the countertop market and

Date: August 22, 2012

and casework providers who are exploring best

a networking event. Snacks and drinks will be

market. Don’t miss this opportunity to gather

with and learn from your industry peers.

get access to some of the best minds in the countertop industry today!

The presenters include the owners of successful

countertop and architectural millwork companies

who are well versed in the technology, techniques

Location: IWF, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

Room: Section 4 of the Thomas Murphy Ballroom (Building B, Upper Level)

and business requirements of countertop

Time: 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

and commercial operations, and encompasses

the annual meeting from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

operations. The session covers both residential 26 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

A networking event is to follow immediately after

and making connections with others can be an the opportunities.

For more information on any of these events,

contact ISFA at (877) 464-7732 or email Meg Pettingill at Meg@isfanow.org.

Special thanks to these sponsors, whose assistance is making the Countertops Symposium and the ISFA Networking Event possible.

Subscribe Today!

Your subscription automatically starts the next time an issue is mailed out.

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 Order online at www.ISFANow.org

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

q Stone/Granite

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q Quartz/E-Stone

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q Recycled

q Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________

or fax this form back to ISFA at (801) 341-7361 or by mail: 165 N 1330 W #A3Orem, UT 84057

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 27

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Tightening the Belt in Tight Times Taking Advantage of Digital Templating

By Dan Louis If you listen to the national news, you know that businesses are just not hiring. Most

per ft.) Most fabricators, who aren’t

If you financed a templating

go from 8 to 10 percent screw-ups to

the math says that the

too proud to admit it, say they can less than 1 percent.

system for one year,

10-kitchen-per-week

fabricator would stand to see

manufacturing and service organizations are

6. What if you have a CNC but are digitizing

downturn in business that we have experienced.

templates? First, you’re making a second

more efficient is the simple answer, but you may

hour to do it with yet another person. Remember

Maybe not. I’d like to propose a handful of “what

around the room and didn’t make any sense

Oh, by the way, you can write off ALL of these

labor, time and money.

them. If you don’t like paying taxes (like me), and

If you do a little simple math on items 1 through 6

somewhere around $5,000 in taxes and own

becoming more “lean” to make up for the

templates in the shop from sticks and glue

So what are they doing to become lean? Being

attempt at interrupting the top and another half

think “we’re already as efficient as we can be.”

the game of Post Office when a phrase went

ifs” for you to consider.

when it reached the final person? Again, that’s

1. What if you used no paper to sell, template and make a job in the shop? Surveys show

that a 10-kitchen-per-week fabricator stands to save about $11,000 annually on paper,

toner, envelopes, stamps and labor. That’s 40

cents per ft. at 10 kitchens per week. Plus the elimination of “I can’t read Bob’s writing” or

“I lost the worksheet” type issues. And you’re making your operation more “green.”

2. What if you didn’t buy any Coroplast, lauan,

hot melt glue, etc. at all anymore? Look at that annual bill once! (Besides we should cut down

above, you should get about a $5 per ft. or more decrease in cost per job. That’s $250 per job on an average 50-ft. project. I’d say that’s lean and green, too!

If that sounds good, you should take a look at

too! (Usually green costs more; here it costs less.)

4. What if instead of two or three installers

whittling away for one to two hours at the tops

at the job to make it fit, the tops fit right and only

quick things like cooktop cutouts or faucet holes

and seams would need any attention? That’s two to six man hours or around $40 to $120 for each job. It could mean $1 to $2 per ft. less cost and fewer broken or lost tools too!

want to take the granite plunge in-house.

capital equipment costs the year that you buy

you have around $13,000 in profit, you will pay NO equipment in the process. So, look at your

profit picture as the year comes close to the third quarter, and you may decide to own a money-

making piece of equipment instead of giving the

government your money. Heck, you worked for it!

the other guy. When you make a kitchen for 20

shouldn’t be spending.

to invest $500,000 in equipment to do it. If you

using a car instead of a truck would use less gas

a waterjet-saw and stone CNC router, if you really

easy.” But it’s time, and time is money that you

3. What if you could cut down on trucks and gas

from the job. You would save plenty of gas and

which equals about what it would cost to finance

It’s all about being the low-cost producer in

route an edge at the job on solid surface; that’s

If you aren’t working with granite, you may start

the templates to the shop? Just email them back

per month. That’s more than $100,000 per year,

digital templating. You might say, “Heck, I can

trees to build things, not throw them away.)

for them? What if you don’t even have to bring

a bump in cash flow of about $9,000 to $11,000

to see more opportunities there but don’t want

your market and doing more right things than percent less than your competitor, you have

two choices. One, sell for the same price you

normally do and make 20 percent more, or two, reduce the price to crush the competition.

sub out a job to a granite fabricator, you should

There’s a commercial that ran recently with a

because they can’t fix a profile on a granite job

like a phone booth, Atari, eight-track tape

templated jobs to fit right the first time.

back by what seemed like a big magnet.

Some digital templating systems will do some of

caption read, “If you’re not moving forward,

pay $2 to $3 less if you supply a digital file

new car amongst a bunch of obsolete things,

at the jobsite — and most all count on digitally

player, etc., and everything was being pulled

the things above and some will do all of them.

The cost will be somewhere between, $13,000

and $23,000. They all carry the same accuracy (about 1mm or 1/32 in.), but you don’t always

get what you pay for, so research which system works best for your needs. What features you’ll

Suddenly the driver sped forward and the you’re going backwards.” It rang true.

For all of you who think you’re fine with the way you’ve been doing it for years, imagine having

surgery done by a doctor who hasn’t kept up on any new technology. Get the point!

need and your budget usually dictate where you’ll

About the Author

from six kitchens per 100 down to one? If you

of jobs you handle per month, you may be able to

you just saved $72 per kitchen (another $1.50

that’s a very fast return on your investment.

Dan Louis is CEO of Laser Products Industries, a supplier of digital templating equipment. For more information contact him at (630) 679-1300 or by email at dlouis@ laserproductsus.com.

5. What if your rework/scrap costs were reduced

end up. Do the math. Depending on the number

use only $1,200 to rework or remake a top, then

pay for a system in just one to three months, and

28 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Concrete Manufacturers...

Learn Something New. Stone Fabricators...

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Woodworkers...

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Circle RS#07 on page 49 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 Fabricator ABRICATOR • FORProfile: THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR

The Countertop Shop

Photo by Sarah Sobel-Poage

Michael Langenderfer, owner of The Countertop Shop, and daughter Melissa Langenderfer, operations manager, in the showroom. residential market,” explained Mike. “The new equipment we invested in also allowed us to

offer several additional products which boosted our sales.”

So along with granite, the company also began Photo by Rick Volkman

The Countertop Shop, in Holland, Ohio, is a

year and then brought on a partner. However,

can make a real difference when it comes to

Langenderfers had an opportunity to purchase

prime example of how research and planning building a successful fabrication business. The moves are calculated; involvement is key; the changes are well reasoned; and investment

in both employees and technology is not an

afterthought. And these key elements have led to a growing business and a good example for others.

In the Beginning The principal owners of The Countertop Shop are Mike and Karen Langenderfer, who 24

years ago decided to get into business for

themselves. Their business venture wasn’t

without growing pains, but it eventually led them down their current path which has served them well.

“After 32 years of marriage, three children, three

after the second year in the sign business, the

a commercial cabinet company, and so decided to sell their stake in the sign venture.

They operated the business together for the first 30 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Investing in Technology There is no doubt that when it comes to

technology, the Langenderfers see it as an

However, by 2001, they were looking for a way

served their company well.

on. And making such investments carefully has

to expand and diversify the business. That is

After looking at several brands and talking to

where countertops came into the picture, and took over.

“We purchased a small residential countertop shop in June of 2001,” explained Mike.

“By 2003 the countertop business was

outperforming the cabinet business, so we

decided to close the cabinet company and focus on our biggest area of revenue by

devoting ourselves to expanding the countertop business.”

well. However, in the early 2000s, granite prices

Signs Plus.”

would best serve the shop.

it propelled them through the next 13 years.

researching numerous businesses that were from scratch. It was a sign company called

research before deciding on what equipment

investment — one that they expect a return

Originally offering laminate and solid surface

for sale, in 1988 we decided to start a business

take the investment lightly and did plenty of

In 1990 they took over a cabinet business and

grandchildren, and three business ventures, we

are still together,” said Mike Langenderfer. “After

offering quartz surfacing products, but it didn’t

countertops only, The Countertop Shop did very dropped and demand increased, prompting

Langenderfer to expand into the hard and shiny.

“In 2003 we decided to add stone fabrication equipment and broaden our offerings to the

others in the business, the first piece of stone

equipment purchased by The Countertop Shop was a Park Industries Yukon Bridge Saw. Then in 2007 the company added a Park Destiny CNC stone center, and in September 2011

replaced the bridgesaw with a Park Fusion saw/waterjet combination machine. “Each

upgrade increased our capacity and allowed

us to increase sales,” explained Langenderfer.

“The saw/waterjet machine alone has increased our production by more than 30 percent.”

But the company’s stone equipment isn’t the only area they have taken advantage of the available technology advancements. “Over

the years we have made many changes in our procedures and the equipment we use,” said Mike. “A very helpful tool is our scheduling

software: the Moraware Job Tracker System. It

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

Photo by Sarah Sobel-Poage

Kris Garber operates the Park Fusion combination waterjet/saw that The Countertop Shop upgraded to in 2011. The investment increased production capability by more than 30 percent.

Photo by Sarah Sobel-Poage

In 2003 the company broadened into stone fabrication, allowing it to offer several additional products that boosted sales. Today granite and quartz fabrication account for about 80 percent of its business.

allows everyone in the office to have real-time

the jobsite so the customer can see what

name to the date the job was completed and

Products LT‐55 system is accurate, and it’s

information on everything from the customer’s everything in between. It even allows us to log onto jobs from the field to check information

or make changes. Plus we can give customers password-protected access to the system so

they can check the status of their orders or look up past orders.”

Another area that has had a large effect on operations is with templating. Like most

fabricators, The Countertop Shop started out using wood strips and hot-melt glue guns to make stick templates. However, when

their countertop will look like. “The Laser

always helpful to be able to show the customer what an overhang or corner will look like,” commented Mike.

The Langenderfers give a lot of credit to the

equipment and software they have made use of as their business advanced, but they also give credit to their employees, who are also highly valued and dependable.

Employees as Investments “The most important resources that we have

outside sales, and Melissa runs the operations of the company.”

Along with the family ties that make for an

environment where trust is long-developed, The Countertop Shop is very careful about who it brings into its operation. “All of our employees have had background checks

and drug testing so our customers can feel

confident knowing that we only use skilled and qualified personnel,” explained Langenderfer.

“They all wear company uniforms and are

required to maintain good personal hygiene and appearance.”

invested in over the years are our employees,”

Another thing that unites the company’s staff

extremely dedicated employees and a very

under a common goal. “Our mission statement

template system where with the aid of

making suggestions about where we can save

Mike. “The purpose of The Countertop Shop is

photographs of the jobsite and downloaded

suggestions allow us to produce top-quality

and on time with no excuses. [Our goal is] to

computer then processed the photos into a

The company currently employs seven

the company purchased CNC equipment, it

said Langendefer unequivocally. “We have

is the focus that is placed on uniting the group

“We went from stick templates to a photo

small percentage of turnover. They are always

is something we keep in mind every day,” said

special targets, tape and a camera we took

money or do a procedure more efficiently. Their

to provide all orders, to all customers, complete

them to a computer,” said Langenderfer. “The

products and help to secure their future.”

do everything above average from the quality of

became apparent that its templating process was out-of-date.

format that the CNC could understand to cut the material to the template produced by the

production workers, four installers and eight

our finished products to the effort we put forth to meet the customer’ expectations.”

office staff, including programmers, salespeople

As such, real emphasis is placed on the sales

And in 2010, the company once again

family members, who are fundamental elements

team. It is this development of partnership

over to a laser-based templating system that

and Nick, are integral parts of the business,”

and helps to set the proper expectations. And

templator to produce an actual drawing at

our other salesperson, handle inside and

Langenderfers’ community.

photo system.”

and a templator. Among the staff are also two

staff making the customer feel a part of the

revamped its templating process by switching

of the operation. “Two of our children, Melissa

and connection that engages the customers

is not only fast and accurate, but allows the

explained Mike. “Nick, along with Jim Schuster,

this feeling of partnership also extends to the

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 31

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 (continued from page 31) FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE

The Countertop Shop

Connections Count An important part of the philosophy behind The Countertop Shop is making connections with peers, whether they are local, such as the Toledo Home Builders Association, Remodelers Association and the Regional Chamber of Commerce; or a larger national or even international peer group.

“Because of our connections to area organizations, we feel confident we have a good idea about the local market,” said Langenderfer. “And as a board member of the Small Business Development Center at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and the vice president and president‐ elect of the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), I am in touch on a regular basis with other fabricators and businesspeople from all around the country and even Europe.”

Photos by Rick Volkman

He notes that these connections allow the Langenderfers to help others in similar situations, but that the knowledge they bring are invaluable to his business.

“By being members of those associations and organizations, we are able to give back to the community and the industry,” said Langenderfer. “But the biggest benefit of giving back is what we gain in return. Those groups hold us up and reinforce us. They often boost our morale. By hearing what is going on in the area and discussing the industry with our peers, we are encouraged that we are on the right track. By being able to share our experiences, opinions, advice and suggestions, we are able to make intelligent decisions and can try to avoid the problems and pitfalls that others have already experienced.

“When you give your time and talent, you get it back in many ways,” he expounded. “I have never attended an ISFA event that I did not come home from with an idea that would make us money and/or a better company. I swear that my success today has a lot to do with what I’ve heard or learned at ISFA functions. The Million Dollar Mentor Program literally turned my business around. You truly get back more than you give, but you have to give to get a return. By giving my time as an ISFA board member, attending ISFA events and industry trade shows, I have been blessed with many friends in the industry and around the world. It’s our industry and we really need to be involved. If you want to be successful and grow your business, you need to surround yourself with successful people and ISFA is the place to do that.”

The Business Today Today the company fabricates and installs everything from laminate to granite, including solid surface, quartz surfacing, recycled products, wood and even concrete countertops. The brands run the full gamut, including Cambria, DuPont Corian and Zodiaq, Silestone, LG HI-MACS and Viatera, Caesarstone, Hanstone, Formica, Gibraltar, Staron and Livingstone.

It operates out of a 10,000-sq.-ft. building with about 2,000 sq. ft. used for office and showroom space, and is looking at the options to buy or build a larger facility.

The Countertop Shop is currently producing about 60,000 sq. ft. of

32 • Vol. 5 / 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 product per year from a single production shift, with most of the work being wholesale to kitchen and bath dealers, builders, remodelers and box stores. The company also handles a few light commercial jobs and a small amount of walk-in retail business. About 80 percent is done in stone or quartz, 15 percent in solid surfaces and 5 percent in laminate, with half from remodeling, 30 percent from light commercial and 20 percent from new construction.

“By discussing the industry with our peers and sharing our experiences, opinions, advice and suggestions we are able to make intelligent

decisions and can try to avoid the problems and pitfalls others have already experienced.”

Recent projects have included Daughter’s House (Bowling Green, Ohio), Davis Street Building (Findlay, Ohio), Lima Memorial Hospital (Lima, Ohio), St. Rita’s Medical Center (Lima, Ohio), Habitat For Humanity (four Northwest Ohio locations), McDonald’s Restaurants (more than 20 Northwest Ohio locations), Norwalk Fischer Titus Center (Norwalk, Ohio), Olander Park (Sylvania, Ohio), Scott High School (Toledo, Ohio), Toledo Hospital (Toledo, Ohio), Browning Masonic (Waterville, Ohio), and some remote Disneyland projects.

“Our equipment, software and personnel allow us to service a large market area,” commented Langenderfer. “We try to stay within a market area that allows our installers to travel and install in a single day, but our days sometimes get pretty long.”

The Countertop Shop primarily services northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, but on occasion ventures into Cleveland and Cincinnati. It also takes on special projects for current customers that also have projects in the local area, and have shipped as far as California and even traveled to Philadelphia for a large retirement project.

But perhaps a better way to define a business is not where it has been, but where it is going, and Mike and Karen Langenderfer have plenty of goals for the company.

Photos by Rick Volkman

Looking Ahead The main goal continues to be living by the company’s mission statement of meeting all customers’ expectations. And with the growth the business has experienced, it is a safe bet those goals are being attended to. “By educating customers and helping them with all the decisions that have to be made when ordering a countertop, we try to make them feel as good about their purchase as we can,” said Mike, outlining his customer philosophy. “We try to set all appointments for templating and installation around the customer’s schedule to make their countertop purchase as stress-free as possible.”

However, when asked about the future of the company, Langenderfer’s answer is introspective with hints of both solid planning and malleability.

“I think I am a pretty good listener and I only say that because that’s where we are headed,” he put forth. “I try to listen to what the customers, my peers and the market are saying. Then we try to stay on the crest of the wave. Our long‐term goal is to continue to be a vital part of the local business community by modestly growing the business and offering leading-edge products and services to our customers.”

And that seems to be a good reflection of the past, present and probable future of The Countertop Shop.

For more information, contact The Countertop Shop at 10406 Geiser Road, Holland, Ohio 43528; phone (419) 868-9101; website www.thecountertopshop. net; email mike@countertopshop.net.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 1 • 33

Compact Grade Panels — The Next New Thing?

By Russ Lee Imagine a super-thick laminate that requires no substrate, uses no contact adhesives, can be joined and machined using standard woodworking tools, is available in hundreds of colors and patterns (plus custom patterns), is suitable for wet environments, is not harmful to the environment and offers stain and chemical resistance.

While you are imagining, why not conjure up a material that is structurally self-supporting, will accept screws and fasteners, and comes in a variety of textural finishes?

Welcome to the world of Compact Grade Panels.

Compact Grade Panels are perfectly suited as a surfacing material in Euro-style kitchens that feature sleek, simple lines.

For most of us the term “Compact Grade Panel” means next to nothing. To ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) it means, “selfsupporting, double-faced (laminate), usually thicker than 5 mm, the thickness of which will be selected according to application and panel dimensions.” In plain English that means a solid core panel comprised of many layers of phenolic-saturated kraft paper sandwiched between top and bottom layers of decorative paper, all protected with a melamine coating.

“Compact Grade Panels are about great design, color and performance,” said Tony Damiano, president of ABET, Inc., the American arm of ABET Laminati, which produces Stratificato Print HPL compact grade panels. “To be more specific, it is about great European design.”

The range of color options with Compact Grade Panels makes them attractive, durable and easy to maintain.

34 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Produced in Bra, Italy, Stratificato is one of a handful of compact grade panel brands available in the United States and Europe. Other brands include Trespa, Formica, Polyrey, Resopal, Arpa

Although Compact Grade Panels are made with a thermoset resin, which makes them difficult to thermoform, ABET has developed a process for creating shapes with Stratificato. and Fundermax. Compact grade panels are typically used in furniture, residential/commercial tables, vanities, locker rooms, commercial work surfaces, column wraps, wall cladding, medical, school and laboratory applications. They are also great for kitchen countertops.

“But not the typical American-style countertop,” explained Damiano. “The 1 1/2-in. drop edge so common in the United States doesn’t lend itself well to the Stratificato concept. Our material is more for high-end kitchens featuring simple, sleek design with European cabinetry. The reality is that even though you can seam Stratificato with good results, drop edges are probably not the best application.”

ABET, Inc. and ISFA According to Damiano, where Compact Grade

rlay

Ove

ayer ive L orat per Dec t Pa f a c Kr noli e h P ayer ive L

orat Dec lay r Ove

Because they are self-supporting, accept screws and hardware and are non-porous, Compact Grade Panels are ideal for locker rooms, restroom cubicles, etc.

Compact Grade Panels are comprised of many layers of phenolic saturated kraft paper sandwiched between decorative layers and a melamine coating.

Applying a finish to the solid phenolic core is accomplished with typical sanding abrasives.

The recommended final finish is sanding with a 30-micron disc. The face of the panel requires no sanding.

Panels really shine are in the commercial arena.

Are There Drawbacks?

resistant to chemicals, nonporous, high wear

though the material is suited for use in damp or

“The physical properties of the product — highly

The irony of Compact Grade Panels is that even

characteristics — make it suitable for operating

even extremely wet conditions, it is susceptible

rooms and clean rooms,” he explained.

to warping if the humidity is not equalized on

“Because it is self-supporting, accepts screws

both sides of the panel. The trick is to engineer

and fasteners and doesn’t support bacteria, it is

popular for use as lockers and benches in locker

the installation so that air movement is created on both the front and the back sides of the

in commercial environments. There are many

ABET has developed a process for seaming solid surface undermount bowls into Stratificato panels.

just now learning about.”

What About the Environment?

“We have invested considerable resources into

According to Damiano, that is the main reason

Damiano. “It is comprised of 70 percent

install Stratificato to completely avoid problems

rooms, or as cabinet carcasses and door fronts

potential applications for the product that we are

why ABET, Inc. joined ISFA. “ISFA members have the knowledge and experience we

need. While we possess a certain degree of

technical expertise gained mostly from decades of experience in Europe, we recognize that the American market is a different animal,”

he explained. “We deal with architects and

designers on a regular basis; we know their

world and what makes them tick. In fact, we

do more than 300 presentations a year to these folks and we can drive specifications. Yet,

when it comes to actually producing the job

and getting it installed, we gladly defer to the

experts. And we find those experts within the ISFA organization.”

Creating those relationships with fabricators

gives ABET, Inc. the confidence to encourage architects and designers to reach for the

moon when it comes to design. Not only are

Compact Grade Panels available in hundreds of colors and a range of textural finishes; custom

“Stratificato is quite Earth-friendly,” said cellulose, the bulk of which is obtained from scrap pulp, where available. There is some

phenolic resin and some resin (melamine) that is

a derivative of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, both of which are readily available. In other words, it’s mostly made from the same material as paper shopping bags. Compact Grade Panels have a high calorific value, which means they are

well-suited for recovery in waste-to-recovery

plants. Life Cycle studies show that Compact

Grade Panels outlast the time it takes to grow or produce the pulp from which it is mostly made.”

He pointed out that because no substrate is required with these panels, environmentally unfriendly chemicals that may be present

in contact adhesives or in the formulation of particleboard are completely avoided.

Additionally, neither asbestos nor heavy metals

are used during the production cycle, and there

is no off-gassing of the product after installation.

images, such as logos or photography, can be

“This is one of those materials that can be used

very low minimum quantities. In Stratifico,

in performance and without danger to the

cream or white, or can even be produced in

course, Stratificato can be reclaimed in a waste

permanently embedded into the panels with

as eye candy for decades with no reduction

the phenolic core is available in black, gray,

environment,” he said. “Then, when it has run its

multicolored layers.

recovery plant. That’s sustainability.”

panel. If that is done correctly, it doesn’t matter how wet the environment.

determining the best way to handle, store and with warping,” explained Damiano. “We have

decades of research and experience in Europe to fall back on. Sometimes we find fabricators who don’t want to follow procedures which

seem foreign to them. That’s when they can get into trouble.”

Damiano indicates that the ideal Compact

Grade Panel fabricator has experience in the

commercial arena, has an automated shop, is

open to following specific fabrication guidelines and has an interest in interacting directly with specifiers when they have questions.

“It’s a design-driven product with a lot of potential,” he said. “When we bring out the Stratificato

sample box during an architect’s presentation, the atmosphere of expectation in the room is suddenly ratcheted up a notch. It’s electric.”

About the Author Russ Lee, president of sitesNsolutions.com, is a consultant to the countertop industry with more than 30 years’ experience as a fabricator, manufacturer and marketing professional. He also worked as editor of Solid Surface magazine and as executive director of ISFA. More information is available by contacting ABET, Inc. at (201) 541-0700 or on the Web at www.abetllaminati. com/products-page/laminate/Specialty_Laminates1/.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 35

Here.Now.News.

ISFA at IWF ISFA will be participating at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta again

this year. The show runs from August 21

to 25, and includes full-day symposiums,

educational sessions and a packed exhibit

ISFA Annual Member Meeting It’s not too late to join your fellow ISFA

members at IWF for the Annual Member Meeting on August 22. Business will be

conducted and this year’s winners of the

coveted ISFA Awards will be announced.

hall. ISFA will be at Booth #4423, and will

Additionally, the Board of Director election

program, holding its annual member meeting,

the ISFA Board, staff and fellow members.

also be working within the IWF education

results will be revealed and you can meet

as well as hosting a networking event.

It’s a great opportunity to get involved, voice

At the request of IWF organizers, on August

up to and what is planned for the future.

21 ISFA is once again putting on a full-day

your opinions, find out what ISFA has been

Upcoming ISFA Training & Events For more information or to sign up to attend any of these events, visit www.ISFAnow.com or contact Meg Pettingill at (877) 464-7732 or Meg@isfanow.org.

ISFA/IWF Countertops Symposium Aug. 21 • Atlanta, Ga.

symposium in conjunction with the show.

All current active ISFA members are invited

ISFA Annual Member Meeting Aug. 22 • Atlanta, Ga.

Options: Turning Opportunities into Profit”

ISFA will be hosting a networking event

following the member meeting. Snacks and

ISFA IWF Networking Event Aug. 22 • Atlanta, Ga.

Date: August 22, 2012

ISFA Level I Solid Surface Training Sept. 10 – 13 • Orem, Utah

The seminar, “Examining Countertop

is designed to provide a wealth of information to established countertop fabricators,

as well as cabinetmakers and casework

providers who are exploring best practices for resourcing within the countertop market.

The presenters include the owners of

successful countertop and architectural

millwork companies who are well versed in the technology, techniques and

to the meeting.

drinks will be served .

Location: IWF, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

Room: Section 4 of the Thomas Murphy Ballroom (Building B, Upper Level)

business requirements of countertop

Time: 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

residential and commercial operations,

Please RSVP to Meg@isfanow.org or call the ISFA office at (877) 464-7732.

surface, quartz surfacing, stone, laminate

IWF Networking Event

operations. The session covers both

and encompasses information on solid

and a variety of other countertop options.

It includes discussions on materials, machinery, outsourcing vs. in-house

fabrication, countertop trends and more.

Speakers include Russ Berry, president of ISFA and Allegheny Solid Surface

Technologies (ASST); Mike Nolan, owner

Immediately following the ISFA Annual

This is a great opportunity to spend time with your peers, make new connections,

meet the ISFA Board of Directors and staff, reconnect with old friends, find out what ISFA has been up to and pick up some

owner of Paxton Countertops; and Kevin

from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. is in the same room

Director of Education; David Paxton,

useful information. The event, scheduled

Cole, ISFA Communications Director.

as the ISFA Annual Meeting that precedes it

The event is sponsored by Laser

Upper Level). Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will

templating equipment; Specialtytools.

ISFA Level I Quartz/Stone Training Oct. 22 – 25 • Las Vegas, Nev. ISFA Level II Quartz/Stone Repair Training Oct. 26 – 27 • Las Vegas, Nev. ISFA Level I Solid Surface Training Nov. 12 – 15 • Orem, Utah

Meeting will be an IWF Networking Event.

of Windbound Countertop Co. and ISFA

Products Industries, a supplier of digital

ISFA Level II Solid Surface Training Sept. 17 – 20 • Orem, Utah

(the Thomas Murphy Ballroom, Building B, be served.

com, a provider of tools and supplies to

The ISFA-IWF Networking Event is

com, an online source for solid surface

for design, estimating, quoting and

the countertop industry; and SolidSurface.

sponsored by Eurosoft, makers of software

sheet goods.

manufacturing countertops.

Those wishing to attend can sign up on the IWF website (www.IWFatlanta.com), call (404) 6938333 or even register on-site the day of the event.

Please RSVP to Meg@isfanow.org or call the ISFA office at (877) 464-7732 to make sure your spot is reserved.

36 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

ISFA Annual Award Nominees Announced

ISFA Award Winners to be Named at Annual Meeting in August The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) announced the nominees for its annual awards. The ISFA awards are chosen by association members, and given to those in the industry who have distinguished themselves through creativity, innovative contributions to the industry, public service or other noteworthy activities. The winners will be announced at ISFA’s Annual Member Meeting to be held on August 22, 2012, in Atlanta in conjunction with the International Woodworking Fair (IWF).

Continued on page 37

ISFANews (Continued from page 36) Nominated for top honors, the Hall of

Fame Award, were industry veterans Jack Hussey, of Jack’s Custom Woodworking

in Woburn, Mass., and Chuck Sawyer, an industry consultant who has worked with

such companies as Formica, Fountainhead and, most recently, Basix, to name a few.

The Hall of Fame award is given to the

individual who has in the course of his/her career, made significant contributions to

the decorative surfacing industry, and has

demonstrated leadership and commitment to the ideals of ISFA.

Hussey was an early adapter to solid

surface, now having run his business for

more than 40 years, and has been a member of ISFA since the beginning. He is a strong advocate for the association and leads by

example. Hussey has served as a past state coordinator for ISFA, has always been an

innovator in the surfacing industry, and was

UPS WorldShip® Makes Shipping Easy for ISFA Members While ISFA members take advantage of discounts on UPS shipping services, you can also manage all of your shipments from your desktop with one click. UPS’ fullfeatured, global shipping software supports your high-volume shipping needs, allowing you to create UPS package and LTL freight shipments using a single application.

With UPS WorldShip you can: ■■ Process and track all of your ground freight and small package shipments from one system ■■ Save time by automating shipment processing to view rates, schedule pickups, and set up customer profiles online ■■ Easily export UPS shipment data into your existing billing, warehouse and order management systems

■■ Capture all client billing information, making accounting much more efficient

Getting Started It’s easy to start saving through the ISFA/ UPS Savings Program and shipping with UPS WorldShip. In fact, you can download UPS WorldShip directly to your computer and start shipping in a matter of minutes if you have a UPS pickup account number. > Visit savewithups.com/isfa to enroll > Visit ups.com/worldship to learn more about UPS WorldShip Phone: (866) 443.9303, ext. 4080 Email: Associations@upsfreight.com

the 2001 winner of the ISFA Fabricator of

the Year Award. Sawyer has worked in the industry for many years, pioneering work in fabrication, warranty and training. He

has held many roles at ISFA throughout the years and has been a leader to many. He

repeatedly volunteers his time and effort in the service of ISFA and the industry as a whole.

Nominated for the ISFA Fabricator of the Year are Ted Sherrit, of Floform in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada; Steve

Stoddard, of Advanced Surfaces in Corry, Pa.; Ray St. Gelais, of TWD Surfaces in

Bridgewater, Mass.; and Jack Hussey, once again of Jack’s Custom Woodworking in

Woburn, Mass. The Fabricator of the Year

award is given to an individual of a fabricator member company that in the past year has best exemplified the ISFA ideals of quality,

innovation, character and exemplary service to ISFA and/or the decorative surfacing industry, with overall excellence.

Nominated for the ISFA Associate of the

fabricator member companies, and who has best supported ISFA in all activities.

Nominated for the ISFA Innovator Award are Karran, in Vincennes, Ind.; EOS

Surfaces, in Portsmouth, Va.; and InPro Corporation, in Muskego, Wis. The Innovator Award is for the member firm or individual who goes outside the box to create a product or system that enhances the life or elevates the role of the surface fabricator.

Nominated for the ISFA Envision Award

are Rick Wing, of R.D. Wing Enterprises in Kirkland, Wash., and Harry Hollander, of Moraware in Reno, Nev. The Envision Award is given to the member firm or individual that excels in creating something imaginative and special for the surfacing industry.

ISFA’s Annual Member Meeting, where the award winners will be announced, is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. August 22, at

Year Award are Cosentino, of Stafford,

the World Congress Center in Atlanta,

Austin, Texas. The Associate of the Year

industry personnel and will be followed

company that in the past year has best

isfanow.org or by phone at (877) 464-7732 is

Texas, and U.S. Surface Warehouse, of

in conjunction with IWF. It is open to all

Award is given to an associate member

by a networking event. RSVP to meg@

exemplified the role of servicing the needs of

requested.

ISFA Regional Meeting in Works for Canada ISFA has already held two regional meetings in 2012, with its Annual Member Meeting planned in August at IWF (August 22 at 2:30 p.m., Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, in the Thomas Murphy Ballroom, Building B, Upper Level) and now a Canadian meeting is in the works. These regional meetings, meant to be grass-roots efforts to bring together fabricators that are located regionally, are day-long events that feature opportunities for networking, as well as demonstrations, key-note speakers, vendor presentations and facility tours, plus lunch and door prizes.

The first event was held in February at the International Logistics & Stone Distribution (ILSD) facility in Canton, Mich. The second meeting was in March at the Cosentino Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Both were well attended, bringing in many regional fabricators and were great learning and networking opportunities.

After the Annual Member Meeting at IWF, the next regional event is being planned for Canada in September or October in Montreal, and is being hosted by Cosentino. More details on this event will be released as they become available.

Continued on page 38 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 37

ISFANews ISFA Staff

(Continued from page 37) Those wanting to receive emails

regarding ISFA events and promotions, asking to be added to the ISFA email list.

For more information on upcoming ISFA regional events, contact ISFA Education Director Mike Nolan at mike@isfanow.org, or by phone at (828) 403-7386, or contact ISFA Vice President Mike Langenderfer at mike@ countertopshop.net.

The Level I Granite/Quartz Total

Fabrication Training class, followed by the Level II Granite/Quartz Advanced Repair class, is back on the road in

October, and will be held at the Alpha Professional Tools training center in

Las Vegas. The course was also held

in June in New Jersey and is regularly hosted in Orem, Utah, at Bedrock

Quartz near the ISFA Total Fabrication Training Center.

The classes represent an opportunity

for fabricators to send new employees to be trained or to pick up an entirely new skill set for the business.

Level I Granite/Quartz Fabrication Training Location:

Alpha Professional Tools, Las Vegas Date: Oct. 22 - 25, 2012

Teaching the four-day class is

Fred Hueston, well-known stone

industry educator. He has trained thousands of stone craftsmen on

fabrication, installation, inspections and restoration of stone and quartz surfacing products.

The course takes students through

and shop throughput. The training

offers knowledge through theory and

Mike Nolan

Main Office

Director of Eduction Email: mike@isfanow.org Direct: (828) 403-7386

Paul Wisnefski ■■ Safety

■■ Product knowledge

■■ Productivity concepts ■■ Templating ■■ Seaming ■■ Cutouts

■■ Bowl-mounting processes ■■ Basic repairs ■■ Finishing

■■ Installation

■■ Support systems

And, for those already skilled in stone

fabrication or wanting to get involved in repairing granite and quartz, consider

the two-day Level II Advanced Granite/ Quartz Repair Training class that

immediately follows the Level I Course.

Level II Advanced Granite/ Quartz Repair Training Location:

Alpha Professional Tools, Las Vegas Date: Oct. 26 - 27, 2012

The two-day course, also taught by Hueston, includes some classroom instruction, but mostly focuses on

hands-on learning. Attendees learn how to repair and polish granite and quartz

surfaces. Students will be given several damaged pieces of stone and will

actually repair them. Attendees will learn: ■■ To repair chips, holes, etc.

■■ Scratch removal without refinishing ■■ Scratch removal with refinishing ■■ Quick tips and tricks for hiding scratches

the essentials of stone fabrication and ■■ About abrasives, tools and installation, material handling, safety

Meg Pettingill

Communications Director Email: kevin@isfanow.org Direct: (815) 721-1507

send a request to meg@isfanow.org

ISFA Quartz/ Granite Class Heads to Las Vegas in October

Kevin Cole

chemicals

■■ Stain removal For more information or to register for any of

hands-on fabrication. Elements of the these sessions, contact meg@isfanow.org or call (801) 341-7360. course include: 38 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Sales Associate Email: wisnefski@sbcglobal.net Direct: (262) 498-4184

Administrative Assistant & Registrar Email: meg@isfanow.org Office: (877) 464-7732 Ext. 10 Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 Direct: (801) 341-7360 Fax: (801) 341-7361 Email: info@isfanow.org Web: www.ISFAnow.org 165 N. 1330 W. #A3 Orem, UT 84057

Board of Directors Russ Berry

President A.S.S.T. 350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 Phone: (717) 630-1251 Fax: (717) 630-1271 Email: russberry@asst.com www.asst.com Hunter Adams

Immediate Past President TRINDCO 1004 Obici Industrial Blvd.

Suffolk, VA 23434 Phone: (757) 539-0262 Fax: (757) 539-8921 Email: hunteradams@trindco.com www.trindco.com Christina Humiston

Director Block Tops, Inc. 1560 Harris Ct. Anaheim, CA 92806 Phone: (714) 978-5080 Fax: (714) 712-4000 Email:christina@blocktops.com Mike Langenderfer

Vice President The Countertop Shop Ltd. 10406 Geiser Rd. Holland, OH 43528 Phone: (419) 868-9101 Fax: (419) 868-9104 Email: mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net Mike Nolan

Director Windbound Co. PO Box 817 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 Phone: (828) 438-0892 Fax: (828) 438-0893 Email: mike@windbound surfaces.com www.windboundhomes.com Jon Blasius

Director Blasius, Inc. 7343 Buell Rd. Vassar, MI 48768 Phone: (989) 871-5000 Fax: (989) 871-9070 Email: jblasius@blasiusinc.com

Joe Hoffman

Secretary Hoffman Fixtures Co. 9421 E. 54th St. Tulsa, OK 74145 Phone: (918) 627-3055 Fax: (918) 627-3560 Email: joehoffman@hfc countertops.com www.hfccountertops.com Mark Anderson

Director, Associate Member Representative Cosentino USA 13124 Trinity Dr. Stafford, TX 77477 Phone: (866) 268-6837 Fax: (281) 494-7299 Email: marka@cosentinousa.com Dave Paxton

Treasurer Paxton Countertops PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 Phone: (517) 719-0146 Email: paxtoncountertops @yahoo.com Martin Funck

Director Rosskopf & Partner AG Bahnhofstrabe 16 D 09573 Augustusburg Hennersdorf Germany Phone: (493) 729-12524 Email: martin.funck@ rosskopf-partner.com www.rosskopf-partner.com Michael Astill

Director, Associate Member Representative R. S. Hughes 3455 W. 1820 S. #1 Salt Lake City, UT 84104-4906 Phone: (801) 973-4211 Email: mastill@rshughes.com

Specialty Surfaces Fabricators, Manufacturers and Experts

Membership Application Main: (877) 464-7732 • Fax: (801) 341-7361 • www.ISFANow.org

Renewal Instructions: To renew your membership with ISFA, simply fill out the Personal Information section, and Payment Method and that’s it! Fax it back to (801) 341-7361 and we’ll do the rest. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your membership renewal packet to be delivered.

New Member Instructions: For Surfacing Experts wanting to become a new member, please fill out the entire form. Membership in ISFA is the industry endorsement of high quality.

This endorsement cannot be purchased for the price of membership, but must be established by the company and upheld by each member of the organization.

Fax this form back to (801) 341-7361 and we’ll do the rest.Your new membership packet will be in the mail shortly. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

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

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

I Am: q Renewing My ISFA Membership

q Applying to Become a New Member

Method of Payment q I am faxing a copy of the check along with this form. (required if paying by check) Card Type:

q Visa

q Mastercard

q American Express

q Discover

Card Number: Print Name on Card: Expiration Date: Official Signature:

If paying by check, fax copy along with this order form. You can also mail this form to: ISFA, 165 N 1330 W #A3, Orem, UT 84057

New Member Information Type of Membership: (please select one) q ISFA Membership: $400 — Any Specialty Surfaces

company that has been in business at least two years and carries appropriate liability insurance.

q Subscriber Membership: $400 — Applicant companies which meet all other qualifications, but have been in business for less than two years shall be eligible for Subscriber Membership in the Association.

q Branch Membership: $200 — Branch Membership is

available to companies having more than one location.

Each location must fill out seperate membership applications. Branch Membership annual dues are one-half that of the headquarters location. Each location wlll be treated as a separate member in all respects, except only headquarter locations may vote in general elections.

Sponsorship Information: In order to become a member of ISFA, you need to provide information regarding an ISFA member or company willing to sponsor you. If you do not know what to put in this section, just leave it blank. We will help you with this.

Sponsor Company: Contact Person: Telephone: Trade Reference: (Please provide a trade reference, generally your distributor of solid surface.)

Trade Reference: Contact Person: Telephone: Proof of Insurance: A copy of your certificate of liability insurance must be attached to or faxed with this form to process this application.

q Monthly Membership: $35/Monthly Code of Ethics

(please sign below)

Each member of the International Surface Fabricators Association agrees to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of their business.

By adhering strictly to the highest quality standards of fabrication, manufacturing and installation. By promoting only those products and services that are proven quality and value. By writing contracts and warranties that are clear, honest and fair to all parties involved. By honoring all contractual obligations in a reasonably prompt manner. By quickly acting on and attempting to resolve all customer complaints, and in situations where complaints appear unreasonable and persistent, by encouraging the customer to initiate and approach third-party dispute settlement mechanisms. By being fiscally responsible and honoring all legitimate financial obligations, By maintaining all required licenses and insurances.

I,_______________________________, do hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and do agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the International Surface Fabricators Association for as long as I hold an active membership therein.

Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals alabama

Carroll’s Contemporary Designs Inc. 23585 County Rd. 41 Addison, AL 35540 256-462-3540

Oldcastle Surfaces Inc.

112 David Green Rd. Birmingham, AL 35244-1648 205-988-3246 www.oldcastlesurfaces.com

Surface One

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

Alaska

Alaskan Counter Fitters 607 Old Steese Hwy., Ste. B PMB 354 Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-455-0247

Bicknell Inc.

PO Box 33517 Juneau, AK 99801 907-789-5727 www.bicknellinc.com

Cook Inlet Housing Authority

3510 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-793-3047 www.cookinlethousing.org

John Bania

P.O. Box 541 Wrangell, AK 99929

Mountain Tops LTD

6605 Arctic Spur Rd. Anchorage, AK 99518 907-272-8107 www.mountaintops.net

Panco Inc.

PO Box 210 Talkeetna, AK 99676 907-733-6600

Arizona

Classy Kitchen and Bath

4320 W. Chandler Blvd. Ste. 7 Chandler, AZ 85226 480-731-1236 www.classykitchenandbath.com

Kirk’s Cabinets & Countertops (Kirk Construction)

4807 Hwy. 95 Parker, AZ 85344 928-667-7306 www.kirk-construction.com

Kitchen Bath & Beyond

Mio Metals

Carbide Industries

California

Pacific Architectural Millwork

Distinctive Surfaces of Florida Inc.

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

Block Tops Inc.

1560 Harris Ct. Anaheim, CA 92806 714-978-5080 www.blocktops.com

Buck, Jason (Superior Surface) 3609 Crow Ct. Antelope, CA 95843 916-344-3022

Duracite

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

European Artstone Inc.

7316 Bellaire Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91605 818-255-5585 www.europeanartstone.com

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

Handyman Connection

1740 W. Katella Ave. Orange, CA 92867 714-288-0077 www.handymanconnection.com

Humboldt Countertops

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

Integra Cabinets & Millwork

249 W. Baywood #B Orange, CA 92865 714-283-2890 www.integracmw.com

J R Stephens Co. 5208 Boyd Rd. Arcata, CA 95521 707-825-0100

Lytle Construction Inc.

145 Otto Circle Sacramento, CA 95822 916-422-6639 www.lytleconstruction.com

40 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

400 Western Ave. Petaluma, CA 94952 888-530-7630 www.miometals.com

1031 Leslie St. LaHabra, CA 90631 www.pacmillwork.com 562-905-3200

RR Laminates

1403 Nichols Dr. Rocklin, CA 95765 805-582-7497

Scantibodies

9336 Abraham Wy. Santee, CA 92071 619-258-9300 www.scantibodies.com

Southwest Carpenters Training Fund 533 S. Fremont Ave. #401 Los Angeles, CA 90071 213-739-9335

The Countertop Factory

12349 Telegraph Rd. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net

West Coast Countertops

43085 Business Park Dr. B Temecula, CA 92590 800-734-8799

Colorado Arlun Inc.

6250 Corporate Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719-599-4175

Paragon Granite & Marble 14136 Valley Dr. Longmont, CO 80504 970-535-0473

CoNNECTICUT

Distinctive Countertops LLC 6 Tosun Rd. Wolcott, CT 06716 203-879-2835

314 Crittenden St. Groveland, FL 34736 352-429-8840 www.carbideindustries.net

8272 Vico Ct. Sarasota, FL 34240 941-377-7747 www.distinctivesurfaces offlorida.com

Natural Stone Motif Inc.

870 Sunshine Ln. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 407-774-0676 www.naturalstonemotif.com

Reall Cabinetry

1985 Cattlemen Rd., Unit D Sarasota, FL 34232 941-377-2837

Refresh Interiors Inc. 4641 Lown St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33714 727-527-0206

Surface Crafters

711 Commercial Dr. Holly Hill, 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

Countersync

1296 Jones St. Augusta, GA 30901 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net

Lovell Construction, Inc. 21880 Bradbury Rd. Grantville, GA 30220 770-253-0383

Oldcastle Surfaces Inc.

Florida

1400 W. Marietta St. Atlanta, GA 30318 404-355-3108 www.oldcastlesurfaces.com

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

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

Beverin Solid Surface

Top South

Hawaii

Illinois

PO Box 1542 Aiea, HI 96701 808-652-0609

PO Box 314 Marengo, IL 60152 815-568-1073 www.countercreations.net

AMR llc

BKA Builders Inc. dba Paradise Hawaii Countertops PO Box 241019 Honolulu, HI 96824 808-848-2600 www.bkabuilders.com

Gary’s Woodworking 60 Kaunaloa St. Hilo, HI 96720 808-936-4259

Handy Man Services PO Box 89404 Honolulu, HI 96830 808-741-2349

Hawaii Kitchen & Bath Inc.

PO Box 1857 Kailua, HI 96734 808-261-0357 www.hawaiikitchenandbath.com

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

Jaco Builders Inc. 99-129B Waiua Wy. Aiea, HI 96701 808-486-6008

Pohaku Fabrication 1757 Haleukana St. Lihue, HI 96766 808-246-9480

Solid Surface Technologies

360 Mokauea St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-8677 www.ssthawaii.net

Superior Solid Surface

Counter Creations LLC

Custom Marble Inc.

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

Dirk Foster

802 S. 26th St. Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 206-898-8163

F-W-S Solid Surface Specialist Inc. 610 N. Illinois Ave. Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-2326 www.f-w-s.net

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

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

Pierce Laminated Products Inc.

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

Precision Stone Design

981 Lunt Ave. Schaumburg, IL 60193 www.precisionstonedesigns.com 847-301-7171

Solid Surface Creations Inc.

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

1620 Hau St. Honolulu, HI 96817 808-842-5556 www.hidanoconstruction.com

Stevens Industries Inc.

Idaho

The Cabinet Shoppe

Bledsoe Cabinets

2990 Wise Wy. Boise, ID 83716 208-433-0033 www.thebledsoegroup.net

Candela Construction 4126 Couples Dr. Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83815 208-661-1398

704 W. Main St. Teutopolis, IL 62427 217-540-3100 www.stevensinc.com 19420 Frank Ct. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-482-0160

Indiana

A. I. A. Countertops LLC 501 W. Railroad Ave. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com

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

Hard Surface Fabrications, Inc. / Kormax

Mid-America Kitchens & Baths

1105 N. Industrial Marion, KS 66861 www.midamericamarble products.com/ 620-382-3390

Parman Brothers LTD

810 S. Beiger St. Mishawaka, IN 46544 574-259-4843

www.hardsurfacekormax.com

Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.

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

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

Top Master Inc.

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

Kentucky

M & W Countertops Inc.

Cardinal Kitchens Inc.

Michiana Laminated Products Inc.

Surfaces Unlimited Inc.

11934 Witmer Rd. Grabill, IN 46741 260-627-3636 www.mwcountertops.com

7130 N. 050 E. Howe, IN 46746 260-562-2871 www.michianalaminated.com

Stone Tops

230 Hiawatha Ave. Louisville, KY 40209 502-363-3871 www.cardkitchen.com

1272 Hwy. 490 East Bernstadt, KY 40729 606-843-6891 www.surfaces-unlimited.com

Louisiana

Dan Solid Surfaces

2020 Dallas Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-216-3900 www.dansolidsurface.com

2772 Simpson Circle 426 Forestwood Dr. Valparaiso, IN 46385 219-669-7037

Top Distributors LLC

Iowa

Custom Countertops & More

412 Post Oak Rd. Sulphur, LA 70663 337-625-5751

1801 E. Oak St. Algona, IA 50511 515-295-4835

Maine

Solid Fabrications Inc.

11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com

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

Maryland

Kansas

SolidTops LLC

Countertop Shoppe

5855 S.W. 21st St. Topeka, KS 66604 785-271-8675 www.mycountertopshoppe.com

Fisher Lumber Co., Inc. P.O. Box 355 Garden Plain, KS 67050 316-531-2295

Kitchens Inc.

2301 W. Frontview Dodge City, KS 67801 620-225-0208

Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc.

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

Massachusetts

Black Beauty Granite & Marble Inc. 74 Devon Rd. Norwood, MA 02062 781-762-5885

Gulfstream Aerospace Services Corp.

33 Elise St. Westfield, MA 01085

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 41

Fabricator Directory (continued) Companies in blue are Certified ISFA Professionals Jack’s CustomWoodworking/ JCW Countertop 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

Sterling Surfaces

76 Leominster Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-3321 www.sterlingsurfaces.com

Sterling-Miller Designs Inc. 1079 N. Montello St. Brockton, MA 02301 508-894-6999 www.sterlingmillerdesigns.com

TWD Surfaces

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

Michigan Blasius Inc.

The Top Shop of Rochester Inc.

235 Woodlake Dr. S.E. Rochester, MN 55904 507-282-9129 www.topshoprochester.com

MissISSIPPI

Countertop Creations of the Gulf Coast 1302 Live Oak Pascagoula, MS 39567 228-938-6484

Missouri Genistone

137 E. State Hwy. CC Nixa, MO 65714 417-725-0909 www.genistone.com

Montana Bevco

1627 Dickie Rd. Billings, MT 59101 406-248-2670

BMC

3200 Hwy. 12 E. P.O. Box 5780 Helena, MT 59404 www.buildwithbmc.com

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

Jim Shreve

JC Tops Inc.

The Flooring Place

3156 Parker Dr. Royal Oak, MI 48073 248-733-8677 www.jctopsinc.com

Marbelite Corp.

22500 Heslip Dr. Novi, MI 48375 248-348-1900 www.marbelitecorp.com

Paxton Countertops PO Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 517-719-0146

Solid Surfaces Unlimited Inc.

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

Minnesota

Innovative Surfaces Inc. 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

P.O. Box 721 Florence, MT 59833 406-880-3566 1891 Boothill Ct. Bozeman, MT 59715 406-587-2320

Pyramid Cabinet Shop 1201 Fourth Ave. N. Billings, MT 59101 406-671-8329 www,pyramid-cabinet.com

VanSetten Walker Construction Co.

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

WoodCo LLC

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

Nebraska

Best Quality Countertops

4340 S. 90th St. Omaha, NE 68127 402-670-6338 www.bestqualitycountertops.com

Builders Warehouse 4600 N. Second Ave. Kearney, NE 68845 308-627-6702

42 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Lincoln Laminating Inc.

Elvis Custom Building

Martin’s Counter Tops Inc.

OGB Architectural Millwork

Nevada

Rojo Enterprises LLC

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

9101 Military Rd. Omaha, NE 68134 402-572-4044 www.martinscountertops.com

B&H Interiors

4385 Wagon Trail Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-400-6547

Carpenters Int’l Training Fund 6801 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-938-1111

Creative Surface Solutions 2855 Coleman St. N. Las Vegas, NV 89032 702-365-6444 www.creativesurface.com

K-C Maintenance

4710 W. Post Rd. #145 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-228-5552

New Hampshire Maui Solid Surface 182 E. Dunstable Rd. Nashua, NH 03062 603-718-0014

New Jersey

Innovative Concrete Solutions 28 Olympia Ln. Sicklerville, NJ 08081 215-983-9792

J. Dougherty & Son/ JDS Supply 337 N. Main St. Glassboro, NJ 08028 856-881-5444 www.JDSsupply.com

J&M Lifestyles

215 Rte. 10 Building 3 Randolph, NJ 07869 973-668-5057 www.jmlifestyles.com

Marvic Corp.

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

Spaulding Fabricators Inc. 1136 Industrial Pkwy.

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

New Mexico

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

812 S. 4th Artesia, NM 88210 575-308-7850

3711 Paseo del Norte Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-998-0000 www.ogb-am.com PO Box 429 Roswell, NM 88202 505-626-3553

New York

Cabinet & Countertop Designs 188-10 McLaughlin Ave. Hollis, NY 11423 718-217-4292 www.corianworld.com

Dimensional Stone & Tile Designs, Inc

146 E. Third St. Mount Vernon, NY 10550 www.dimensionalstone.net 914-664-1200

Evans & Paul LLC

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

Marker Systems Inc.

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

Modern Home Distributing

PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523

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

Unico Special Products Inc. 25 Renwick St. Newburgh, NY 12550 845-562-9255 www.unicospecialproducts.com

Wilbedone Inc.

1133 NYS Rte. 222 Cortland, NY 13045 800-734-8813 www.wilbedone.com

North Carolina

Carolina Custom Surfaces

100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC 27409 336-299-3030 www.carolinacustomsurfaces.com

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

Marble Unlimited & Cabinets Inc. 2210 E. Pettigrew St. Durham, NC 27519 919-596-2325

Meld USA Inc.

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

Oldcastle Surfaces Inc.

2080 E. Fifth St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-773-0714 www.oldcastlesurfaces.com

L. E. Smith Co.

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

Laminate Shop, Inc.

904 Freeport Rd. Freeport, PA 16229 724-294-3190 www.blumes.net

Mark Dietz

4802 Au Sable Dr. Gibsonia, PA 15044 412-213-0370

PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536

7513 Bartholomew Dr. Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 440-476-9905

Solid Surfaces Plus

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

Top Shelf Laminated Products

Windbound Co.

400 Dietz Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-393-1289

Ohio

PO Box 647 Massillon, OH 44648 330-837-2216 www.towersurfaces.com

PO Box 817 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 828-438-0892 www.windboundsurfaces.com

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

Cabinets 2 Countertops

7142 Frank Ave. N.W. N. Canton, OH 44720 330-244-0221 www.cabinets2countertops.com

Countertop Shop LTD 10406 Geiser Rd. Holland, OH 43528 419-868-9101 www.countertopshop.net

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

Helmart Co., Inc.

4960 Hillside Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45233 www.helmart.net 513-941-3095

Heritage Marble Inc. 7086 Huntley Rd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-436-7465

Innovative Builders

6909 Engle Rd. Ste. 19 Middleburg Hts., OH 44130 800-936-4799

Korkan Granite

4561 Crystal Pwy. Kent, OH 44240 330-677-1883 www.korkangranite.com

Blume’s Solid Surface Products

Tower Industries

Oklahoma

Hoffman Fixtures Co.

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

Oregon

Chuck Sawyer

Creative Countertop Solutions Inc.

J.A. Kohlhepp Sons Inc. PO Box 423 640 DuBois St. Dubois, PA 15801 814-371-5060

Classic Counter Tops

Jon Hirt

258 Nichols St. Leesport, PA 19533 484-794-8263

John Kramer’s Fabrications Inc.

Counterscapes, Inc.

Pence Countertops Inc.

Countertop Solutions LLC

Rhode Island

R.L. Stephens Inc.

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

New England Counter Top PO Box F Pawtucket, RI 2861 508-761-7588

Douglas High School

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

Creative Counter Tops

Oldcastle Surfaces Inc.

1900 Suber Mill Rd. Greer, SC 29650 864-879-9378 www.oldcastlesurfaces.com

South Dakota

South Umpqa School District

Dakotaland Woodwork & Cabinets LLC

Pennsylvania

DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co.

501 N.W. Chadwick Ln. Myrtle Creek, OR 97457 541-580-3750

A.S.S.T.

805 West Elm Ave. Hanover, PA 17331 717-630-1251 www.asst.com

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

2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234 www.classiccountertopsinc.com

PO Box 41 Bernville, PA 19506 610-488-6213 www.kramershowerbases.com

1056 Hunley Sullivan Rd. Awendaw, SC 29429 843-881-8315

Grifform Innovations Inc.

300 Peabody St. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecountersolutions.com

Texas

South Carolina

1381 Douglas Blvd.

Winston, OR 97496 541-643-9344

Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.

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

Countertops by Topsecret 6076 Washburn Wy. Klamath Falls, OR 97603 541-850-8677

Tennessee

41181 179th St. Raymond, SD 57258 605-532-4150

PO Box 820847 Houston, TX 77077 713-204-0080 www.ineedcountertops.com 8916 Pepper Rock Dr. Austin, TX 78717 512-801-7105

Southwestern Counter Tops & Millwork 4100 Frankfort Ave. El Paso, TX 79903 915-562-1116 www.swcelpaso@elp.rr.co

University of North Texas 1155 Union Circle Denton, TX 76203 940-891-6853

Walter Crum Construction PO Box 12359 Lubbock, TX 79452 806-748-1899

W R Watson Inc. 12902 Mula Ln. Stafford, TX 77477 281-495-2800

Utah

Bedrock Quartz

45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com

5996 Dannon Way West Jordan, UT 84081 801-282-3322 www.bedrockquartz.com

Formatop Co.

101 S. Franklin Sioux Falls, SD 57103 605-332-3151

2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 903-581-5676

Eldon Greenhalgh

www.formatopcompany.com

424 N. 600 E. Lindon, UT 84042 801-785-9217

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 43

Fabricator Directory (continued) Companies in blue are Certified ISFA Professionals Quality Craft Wood Works HC 60 Box 703 Rocky Ridge, UT 84645 435-623-1707

SLC Corp

248 E. 600 S. Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Tuscan Stoneworx (Envision Concrete Countertops)

165 N. 1330 W., Ste. C-4 Orem, UT 84057 801-734-6904 www.envisionconcrete countertops.com

Ty’s Cabinets

PO Box 295 Cleveland, UT 84518 435-749-2467

Virginia

Boeing Service Co. 14675 Lee Rd. Chantilly, VA 20151 703-808-2717

Five Star Fab & Fixture PO Box 1726 Salem, VA 24153 540-444-0456 www.fivestarfab.com

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

Surface Link Corp.

RD Wing

11809 N.E. 116th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 425-821-7222 www.blimages.com

Sheridan Woodworking LLC 2175 Frog Hollow Rd. Walla Walla, WA 99362 509-540-7799

Synsor Corp.

1920 Merrill Creek Pkwy.

Everett, WA 98203 425-322-9604

Tommy T Cook

8202 St. Hwy. 104, Ste. 102 PMB 135 Kingston, WA 98346 206-349-6403 www.tommytcook.com

West Virginia

Alternative Building Concepts, Inc.

4341 Rt. 60 E., Ste. 187 Huntington, WV 25705 304-736-0494

Morris Craft LLC

2700 Smith Rd. Charleston, WV 25314 303-346-4116

Wisconsin

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

McDermott Top Shop LLC

Canada

Abet Laminati

50 Paxman Rd., Unit 10-11 Toronto, ON M9C 1B7 Canada 416-620-6556

Bluemar Marble & Granite 8201 Jane St., Unit 2 Concord, ON L4K 5P2 Canada 905-761-7666

Colonial Countertops Ltd.

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

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

Executive Millwork #5 1212 38 Ave N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 6N2 Canada 403-291-0400

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

KTC Construction

200 A Main St. Sullivan, WI 53178 262-593-2456

101-3905 Quadra St. Victoria, BC V8X 1J1 Canada 250-885-1524

The Wood Palace

Spectrum Surfaces Inc.

Paragon Surfacing Ltd.

TRINDCO

Wyoming

4200 Lafayette Center Dr., Ste. A Chantilly, VA 20151 301-482-1717 www.surfacelinkcorp.com 4825 W. Norfolk Rd. Portsmouth, VA 23703 757-647-8130 1004 Obici Industrial Blvd.

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

Washington

Absolute ConcreteWorks 5795 N.E. Minder Rd. Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-297-5055

Borey & Sons Construction Inc.

812 Marquis Way Green Bay, WI 54304 920-337-6575

Heritage Woods Inc.

1806 Pacific Ave., Ste. 4 Cheyenne, WY 82007 307-640-2445

J Booth Specialties PO Box 1152 Casper, WY 82602 307-258-2992

Bermuda

Fabrications

445 Hanson Loop Burbank, WA 99323 509-430-0634

10 Rosshire Ord Rd. Warwick, WK08 Bermuda 441-332-0042

Fine Line Pacific Inc.

Kitchen Installations Ltd.

22445 76th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 425-251-6177 www.finelinepacific.com

PO Box HM1876 Hamilton, HMHX Bermuda 441-292-1556

44 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

6720 Graybar Rd., Unit 110 Richmond, BC V6W 1J1 Canada 604-278-2225 www.paragonsurfacing.com

SSC Countertops Ltd. 1253 W. 76 Ave. Vancouver, BC V6P 6M3 Canada 604-294-4071 www.ssccountertops.com

France

CREA Diffusion

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

Germany

Rosskopf & Partner AG Bahnhofstrasse 16 D 09573 Augustusburg – Hennersdorf

Germany www.rosskopf-partner.com 493-729-12524

Lebanon

Respond S.A.L.

1st Floor Missirian Bldg.

Beirut, Lebanon 90076 961-150-1414

Mexico

Victor Coronado Services

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

Nigeria

Trioteknix LimitedMember NITP

19 Sule Abuka Crescent off Opebi Rd. Ikeja, Lagos 10011 Nigeria 234-7039707383

Saint MaRTIN

Venio Woodwork N.V Guana Bay Rd., #1 Philipsburg Saint Martin 599-580-6348

SINGAPORE

Global-Allied Pte Ltd.

No. 18C Kranji Loop Singapore 739554 Singapore 65-63658781 www.global-group.com.sg

SOUTH AFRICA Techno Surfaces

Unit 2, 18 Losack Ave. Epping 2 Cape Town, Western Province 7806 South Africa 27-215340154 www.technosurfaces.co.za

Thailand

Tiffany Decor Co., Ltd.

6/2 m. 8 Klonghartawanook 29 Rd. Klonghar, Klongruang Patumtanee 12120 Thailand 66298-6446

United Kiingdom Interfab LTD

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

Product News Caesarstone USA Launches New Line

same production processes, but are made in

(high volume low pressure) and optimized RP

comes in three models: a split-bowl top-mount

reduced atomization pressure) which combines

a different manufacturing facility. The Q2 line model; a split-bowl undermount model; and a single-bowl undermount model. They are currently available in black or brown.

Circle RS#16 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

SATA Introduces Lightweight Pressure-fed Gun

high pressure technology (Reduced Pressure =

fast application speed with high transfer rates. It

is also offered in an RPS suction cup version “H” with 1.4 nozzle size for smaller surfaces.

Circle RS#17 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Wilsonart Launches New Laminate Collection

Caesarstone USA Inc. launched a new line of surfaces called Supremo. Mirroring nature’s diversity, each of the Supremo premium

surfaces has its own spectacular flow of color and pattern. This patented new technology is

unique only to Caesarstone. With its natural look and feel, no two Supremo surfaces are alike. It

Wilsonart International launched urban-inspired

is available in eight colors with names inspired

patterns, including abstracts, solids, wood

by aristocracy and fantasy worlds, from Swan

grains, stones and new pure metals as part of

Lake, a shimmering cream pattern, to Queen

its 2012 Contract Collection of laminates. The

of Sheba, a black surface with rich texture and

collection also includes a new “Soft Grain” finish

subtle veining. Translucent Supremo surfaces

that provides an abstracted matte wood tick to

can also be backlit creating a soft luxurious

ambiance. Like all Caesarstone products, it is

nonporous, stain-, scratch-, and heat-resistant and GREENGUARD certified.

Circle RS#15 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Karran Offers New Quartz Sink Line Karran now offers the new Q2 line of quartz

sinks. Designed to be tough, they are available in a wide array of colors. The new line, which

will complement the company’s original line of Q1 quartz sinks, are

made from the same materials using the

SATA introduced the SATAminijet 1000 K, a new, particularly lightweight pressure-fed gun

designed for the coating of small and complex parts. The gun can be connected via double diaphragm pumps, pressure pots or plural component supply systems for greatest versatility. Because of its compact and

ergonomic design and its low weight, the 1000 K reduces technician fatigue, even when being used on a long-term basis in industrial

applications. This ergonomic design is suitable for the woodworking industry as it

allows the operator to use the spray gun inside cabinets and other

hard-to-reach areas, small and large.

Available in the nozzle sizes 0.3, 0.5,

0.8, 1.0 and 1.2., it is also suitable for decorative and design applications that require precise detail of the

coated part. Another area of use can

be found in the plastic and metal

working industry where release agents and lubricants need to be applied on die-casting or forging moulds. The

SATAminijet 1000 K is available in HVLP

a variety of existing and new designs. The new

collection includes nine colors in the Woodgrains Series available in the new Soft Grain, Linearity and Textured Gloss finishes: Cafelle, Skyline Walnut, Walnut Heights, 5th Ave. Elm, Park

Elm, Loft Oak, Warehouse Oak, High Line and

Uptown Walnut. It also includes 17 colors in the Abstracts and Solid Colors Series available in

the new Glaze, Matte, Fine Velvet and Linearity

finishes: Coffee Bean, Salentina Argento, Cream Fizz, Aqua Fizz, Berry Fizz, Midway, Pinball,

Arcade, Vapor Strandz, Astro Strandz, Cosmic Strandz, Crisp Linen, Classic Linen, Casual

Linen, Organic Cotton, Natural Cotton and Raw Cotton. Additionally, it includes 19 colors in

the Stones Series available in the new Glaze

textured finish: Carrara Santorini, African Slate,

Bengal Slate, Silver Travertine, Golden Travertine, Roman Limestone, Tuscan Limestone, Corinthian Limestone, Bainbrook Grey, Salentina Nero,

Salentina Grigio, Salentina Rosso, Perla Piazza, Aged Piazza, White Carrara, Calcutta Marble,

Black Alicante, Venetian Ivory and Venetian Ale. There are also 16 designs available by special

order with a two-week lead time: Regimental Red, Persian Blue, North Sea, Slate Grey, Designer

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 45

Product News White, Fashion Grey, White Sand, Coffee Bean, Black (Linearity), Black (High Gloss), Amber Cherry, River Cherry, Colombian Walnut, Brazilwood, Zanzibar and Hampton Walnut. Lastly are three anodized aluminum additions in the Metro Collection Metals Series: Matte Pewter, Matte Grey Bronze and Matte Gunmetal Grey.

Circle RS#18 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Cilio Technologies Launches New Mobile Features

Cilio Technologies, LLC, a specialist in automated order distribution and management of installed sales for the building materials industry, has launched new and sophisticated mobile features for the Cilio Partners Portal, a Web-based platform for retail home improvement stores and manufacturers. The portal is an SaaS (software as a service) offering for home and building materials manufacturers and retailers that allows them to distribute and manage their orders for installed sales products (such as countertops, cabinets, windows, doors and flooring) across complex vendor networks.

The new features for the Cilio Partners Portal allow viewing and searching projects and orders, adding field notes, approving project line items and releasing orders for payment — all from a mobile device. One big benefit is the capacity for manufacturers, installers, fabricators and retail partners to better communicate throughout the installed sales process leading to faster and smoother project completion and improved margins on product sales and installation.

For example, an installer can now template, schedule and monitor installations and product deliveries while at the jobsite from a mobile device. Improved mobile features for the Cilio Partners Portal include: viewing orders and projects; searching orders and projects; viewing and adding order notes; releasing orders for payment; customizing the login page; and approving and denying project line items.

Circle RS#19 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Polishing Pro Systems Offers New Backer Pad Polishing Pro Systems, LLC now offers the new patent-pending Zero° Burn Backer Pad for polishing natural stone and engineered 46 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

stone. The new pad is designed to save time and money, but even more importantly, it is designed to make it virtually impossible to burn the surface—or even the edges of quartz surfacing. This backer pad turns an ordinary grinder or polisher into a multidirectional polisher. It eliminates the need for resin pads that are intended to

reduce heat during the polishing process.

The multidirectional action of this backer means that the harder you push, the tighter the elliptical passes become. The tighter the elliptical passes become, the more that heat is dissipated out of the backer, not the stone. It is this reverse heat transference that makes burning virtually impossible. The pad saves time because the multidirectional action crosscuts the stone with each revolution of the machine, which speeds up the polishing process. It also results in a tighter polishing pattern, which results in a higher sheen. It is available in both rigid for surface and bullnose polishing, and flexible for ogee or other edge polishing.

Braxton-Bragg Offers New Seaming Tools

Braxton-Bragg is now offering the Seam Phantom, a tool designed to help fabricators create nearly invisible seams on countertops and other projects. Designed to fit onto angle grinder/polishers, Seam Phantom holds the polishing wheel at a precise angle. When used with the supplied guide rail, the in-and-out adjustment allows for precisely dressed edges that can result in a nearly invisible seam. It can also be used to correct out-of-square or rough saw cuts.

Circle RS#22 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Cambria Releases Two New Designs

International Woodworking Fair Offers New Attendee Discounts

Cambria unveiled its next two designs, Bradshaw and Hollinsbrook. These designs join last month’s releases of Armitage and Laneshaw, expanding the Waterstone Collection to a total of 15 designs and making Cambria’s offering more than 100 designs.

The Waterstone Collection is inspired by water’s natural movement over stone and captures the natural veining and beauty of marble and granite while offering the attributes of quartz surfacing. Hollinsbrook embodies a powerful union of black, chestnut, gray and white. Bradshaw’s whirling fusion of taupe, tan, black and shimmering copper elevates this captivating neutral to standout status. Cambria will continue to develop and announce at least four more designs throughout the year, two at a time.

The International Woodworking Fair (IWF) announced several discount programs for the 2012 show. The fair features five symposiums on August 21 and an expanded educational session program which begins August 22. The Cabinetmakers Association will also be offering certification sessions for the first time at IWF. Among these conference savings, attendees can buy one symposium registration and receive one free regular education session.

Also available is to buy one educational session with the second one discounted 50 percent per individual registration. Nearly 800 exhibitors have contracted for exhibit space occupying 365,000 net sq. ft. The fair will take place August 22 to 25, 2012, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. To register visit www. iwfatlanta.com.

Circle RS#20 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#21 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#23 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Product News SureCrete Design Offers 10 Terrazzo Concrete Designs

utilizing the reduction method, designed to

Pump (G2). The pump will be released to a

Circle RS#24 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

rate, and company president, Tommy Cook,

reduce raw material costs by 20 to 25 percent.

select test market at a significantly discounted will work directly with the first five companies

NU World Provides LED Light Panels

that purchase it. The first five units will be

sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and

The Nu World LED Light Panel is a thin planar

will be shipped within six to eight weeks. The

in spaces that are too small to accommodate

manufacturer’s defects. It allows the user to

supplies an easy-to-install plug and play system

similar mix designs, onto vertical surfaces and

Virtually any shape or size up to 72 by 120 in.

application. It is designed to save time and

light source that allows for the placement of light

G2 will include a one-year warranty against

traditional lighting products. The company

spray up to 5 gal. of ¾-in. GFRC premix, or

that does not require any electrical hookups.

onto 3-D forms for higher strengths and faster

can be achieved, and voids for sinks and faucets

reduce labor costs, as well as allow the casting

can be cut in the field or supplied ready cut.

of vertical and 3-D objects.

Circle RS#25 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#26 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

and post-industrial materials, delivering multiple

Gnomeadic Arts Releases GFRC Pump to Test Market

CoveringsETC Adds New Colors

LEED points. The company also trains

Gnomeadic Arts Inc. has announced the limited

CoveringsETC has added three new colors to

SureCrete Design, a specialty concrete manufacturer, now offers a full line of 10 terrazzo concrete designs, utilizing the Xtreme Series Terrazzo Mix. This high early-strength cementitious casting product allows for a 150 percent load of recycled aggregates. Each terrazzo color design uses both post-consumer

fabricators to cast cement-based terrazzo

edition release of the Gnomeinator GFRC 2000

Circle RS#08 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

its Eco-Cem collection. These new hues, Derby

Circle RS#09 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • 47

Product News Grey, Bexhill Beige and Devon Red, round out a total of 11 colors in the collection. Eco-Cem is

a fiber cement product made from a proprietary mix of concrete with pre-consumer recycled fly

ash and post-consumer recycled cellulose fiber; it is suitable for walls, flooring and countertops.

Available in large format tiles and sheets, it offers minimalistic design and is lightweight, which

radial arm saws and chop/miter saws. The blades are available in a variety of specifications, from 7 1/4- to 14-in. diameters for numerous applications ranging from rip and crosscutting, and include blades designed for plywood,

relevant to the Canadian market. It references

the Canadian TTMAC manuals, specifications

and industry standards, as well as relevant U.S. industry standards. The primary measuring units are metric, but it also includes U.S.

laminate, solid surface and steel.

Circle RS#28 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

University of Ceramic Tile Circle RS#27 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info. and Stone Releases Guhdo Introduces Saw Blades New Online Stone Training Course

measuring units. The course offers an up-

to-date comprehensive look at the Canadian

stone industry and includes industry standards

allows for easy installation.

Gmaxx, Guhdo’s new line of saw blades,

Stone course into a version that would be

and sales techniques. It is designed to give salespeople the tools they need in order

to increase sales and stone installers and

fabricators details about industry standards

incorporates an electrostatically-applied coating,

The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone

the body of the blade. Blades are manufactured

Canadian version of its popular online course,

precision-balanced blade bodies. The unique

now available through Terrazzo, Tile and Marble

to provide longer blade life and superior blade

and information on how to assist clients with

which is thinner, stronger and more uniform over

(UofCTS) announces it has developed a

using a proprietary grinding process for

Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone,

and specify natural stone. The course has been

coating and grinding processes are designed

Association of Canada (TTMAC). TTMAC

three major Canadian architectural and interior

collaborated with the UofCTS to convert the

design organizations.

performance and are for use on table saws,

original Understanding the Basics of Natural

Circle RS#28 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#10 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

48 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

selecting natural stone. It also offers design

professionals the knowledge of how to select

accredited for Continued Education Credits by

Circle RS#11 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Free Product Information Form Or visit www.ISFANow.org/info to fill out our online form

Main: (877) 464-7732 • Fax: (801) 341-7361 • www.ISFANow.org • 165 N. 1330 W. Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057

Volume 5 / 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: By providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax.

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

About Your Business What category best describes your business classification? q Fabricator

q Manufacturer

q Raw Materials Supplier

q Woodworker/Cabinetmaker

q Builder/Remodeler

q Architect

q Distributor/Manufacturer of Sheet Goods 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)

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C20 Training

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C22 Other Materials

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C12 Sealers/Polishes C13 Seaming Equipment

C03 Air Quality Equipment

C14 Sinks

C08 Material Handling Equipment C09 Prefabricated Accessories C10 Quartz Surfacing C11 Saws

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.

05

C02 Adhesives

C07 Laminate

____________________________________________________________

04

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.

C06 Hand/Power Tools

____________________________________________________________

03

q Other (please specify)

C05 Concrete Materials & Supplies

____________________________________________________________

02

q Marketing & Sales Management and Related Personnel

C04 CNC Machinery

____________________________________________________________

01

q Purchasing/Specifier and Related Personnel

C01 Abrasives

What surfacing materials do you work with?

C15 Software

C16 Solid Surface C17 Stone

C18 Templating Equipment C19 Tooling

C21 Waterjet Equipment

Classifieds Attention Fabricators

ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment taking up space in your shop that you would like to sell?

Are you looking to fill a key position in your operations?

Our readers might be interested. Why not submit a FREE classified ad?

That’s right, relevant classifieds in this publication are free to ISFA fabricator members!

Just send us the text you’d like to run and we’ll do the rest.

Email us today at editor@ isfanow.org.

Circle RS#12 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

To place a paid classified ad, for those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507.

Ad Index Referral Page Number Number

10 08 03 06 02 04 05 07 14 13

01 12 11 09

Axiom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Beckart Environmental, Inc.. . . . . 47 Chemcore Industries, Inc.. . . . . . . 7 Eurosoft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Groves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 ISFA Symposium. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ISFA Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ISFA Fabrication Training. . . . . . . 29 Integra Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 International Woodworking Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Laser Products Industries. . . . . . . 2 Made of Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Performance Abrasives. . . . . . . . 48 Sata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

50 • Vol. 5 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Pass it along!

Share this copy with a colleague or friend.

Better yet, have them subscribe at isfanow.org/magazine.

Circle RS#13 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.

Circle RS#14 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.