ISFA's Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Vol. 11, Issue 2 - Q2 2018

VOLUME 11 / ISSUE 2 • QUARTER 2, 2018 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95

Fabricator Profile: Plastic Specialties

Page 24

Adjusting to Labor Shortages Page 28 Marketing Leverage: The Synthesizing of Portfolio Assets Page 30

TOOLING & BLADES SPOTLIGHT

The latest and greatest the industry has to offer Page 18

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CREDITS Letters to the Editor

Photography

Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor.

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

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

Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, PO Box 627, Ingomar, PA 15127, attention: Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferably an email address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow.org or mail to ISFA, PO Box 627, Ingomar, PA 15127, attention: Editor.

Photography/graphics provided by: Braxton-Bragg, Diamut, Plastic Specialties, Oakland Construction, Park Industries, P. Max Le Pera and Bill Barton.

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

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

Call for details. To subscribe, call (412) 487-3207. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the 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 Ingomar, Pa., post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers.

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

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

ISFA Officers of the Board Kate Dillenburg, President Adam Albee, Immediate Past President Augie Chavez, Vice President Mike Langenderfer, Treasurer Matt Kraft, Secretary

ISFA Directors Kelly Montana, Director Steve Stoddard, Director Adam Albee, Director Jessica McNaughton, Associate Member Representative Paul Max Le Pera, Associate Member Representative Jim Callaghan, Associate Member Representative

ISFA Staff Amy Miller, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Communications Director and Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Carol Wilhite, Operations Manager Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative Amy Kyriazis, Program Manager Chris Pappenfort, Trainer Fred Hueston, Trainer

Cover Photo This Diamut CNC Tooling offered by Braxton-Bragg are among the many items featured in the Tooling and Blades Spotlight.

Read more on Page 18.

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CONTENTS Features 18 Tooling and Blades Spotlight A review of the latest and greatest tools for surfacing 24 Fabricator Profile: Plastic Specialties This fabricator is a major player in the $125 million renovation

18

24

to basketball home of the Utah Jazz

28 Adjusting to Labor Shortages Park Industries HR expert shares insight into dealing with increasing labor needs 30 Marketing Leverage: The Synthesizing of Portfolio Assets A look at creating marketing synergies to improve business successes 34 Guest Commentary: On the History of ISFA ISFA’s former counsel Bill Barton shares his recollections on the birth and growth of the association

Departments

8 From the Editor 10 Calendar of Events 12 Education Connection 14 Industry News 38 From the Executive Director

28

30

39 ISFA News 42 ISFA Fabricator Directory 46 Product News 49 Classifieds/Ad Index

32

50 From the President

34

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

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

Live and Learn With the snow finally gone, I recently took a trip

to allow networking to get less personal and

up. I haven’t lived there in about a quarter of a

lesser worth.

back to the small city in Illinois where I grew

century, and as I get older, I tend to return less

and less, although I still have some family in the

area. However, I think I’ve been pretty good about staying in touch with my family and the friends I grew up with through text, emails, phone calls, social media, etc. But, whenever I return, I’m

always amazed at who I run into that I haven’t

seen face-to-face in years, and I always feel like

I’ve renewed an old connection that I didn’t even

realize had been fading. I also find myself meeting new people that I make a connection with just

through proximity and the commonality that we both lived in the same place.

Of course, technological advancements in

communication methods can give us easier

access to others at the touch of a button, and I make many new connections and contacts

through the social media, emails, phone calls, etc. But, these people are more generally acquaintances than friends, although not

always. Getting to know someone in person seems far more meaningful and I always

believe I have a much better feel for who they really are, beyond a photo, some words on

a digital page or a voice on the other end of

a phone. Personal interaction helps develop

subsequently the connections may have a

time, I have attended more conferences, expos,

trends, potential problems, new equipment,

than I can name. However, not one of them

all valid reasons to take part in local, regional,

for more than 20 years now, and during this

everyone in between. Great information on

seminars, symposiums, training events, etc.

services or processes, or just inspiration are

do I really regret attending. Some of the most

national and even international events. We have

insightful events I attended having no real

expectations. And others, that might have been a bit beyond my knowledge range at the time,

to look outside of our own personal bubble if we want to stay ahead of the curve.

opened up access to experts and new ideas

Ultimately, you really have nothing to lose by

and industry. At others, I have made useful

gain. If you go to a conference, networking

altered and advanced the course of my career.

If you don’t, it is because you didn’t want to

and broadened my understanding of business

attending industry events and everything to

connections and life-long friends that have

event, symposium or expo, you will benefit.

It’s easy to say, “I have too much to do” or “I

put in the effort. That said, if you’re running a

can just look it up on the internet,” but in truth,

business, then chances are you know the value

face learning opportunities out there, then you

part of the job.

if you aren’t taking advantage of the face-toare essentially holding your business back.

You may be making a profit and have plenty of business, but you can always make a higher profit margin or have better business. And if

you can’t attend these events, find someone

in your organization that can so you don’t miss out on the opportunities.

their face, read their body language and hear

best in the industry. The reason someone gets

better gauge what they are saying.

information that can make positive impact on your business, from attendees to vendors and

By attending a trade show, conference or other

the passion (or lack of it) in their voice, you can

at these events are potential sources of

I’ve been working in the manufacturing industry

transparency and trust. When you look

someone in the eye, see the expressions on

And it’s not just presenters, but everyone

learning event, you have access to some of the asked to speak at a conference, for example,

is because of their expertise, and by attending,

of hard work and these events are an important Lastly, an often overlooked and undervalued benefit of industry conferences and the like are the social aspects. Going to some exotic locale (or just a different place) and interacting with your peers — people who do the same or similar things as you on a daily basis — can be fun and personally rewarding. And we all need a morale boost sometimes. Why not mingle a little pleasure in with your business so that you not only reinvigorate your business, but also motivate and reward yourself?

you get direct, personal access.

As always, I look forward to your feedback.

valuable. When people meet in person,

Everyone makes mistakes — that’s just part

Sincerely,

and some information that a person may not

costly. Certainly others have already made just

Real, personal connections can be highly discussions can be much more informal,

share publically, they will share one-on-one,

making you privy to valuable information you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. As we

move deeper into the digital age, it is easier 8 • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

of business — but some mistakes can be very

about every decision that you will face and they too have made mistakes. Why not learn from

their mistakes or hear directly from them how they avoided those problems?

Kevin Cole, Publisher & Editor kevin@isfanow.org

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Special Section

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NTCA Regional Training Program May 15 Atlanta, Ga. (906) 361-8821 ISFA Industry Roundtable Sponsored by KOHLER and Meganite May 15 – 17 Kohler, Wis. (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org Natural Stone Institute Summit May 24 Charleston, S.C. (440) 250-9222 CCI Ultimate Concrete Countertop Training May 28 – June 1 London, Ontario Canada (919) 275-2121 Sustainable Brands Conference June 4 – 7 Vancouver, British Columbia Canada (415) 626-2212 Natural Stone Institute Summit June 7 Oak Creek, Wis. (440) 250-9222 Vitoria Stone Fair June 5 – 8 Serra, Espirito Santo Brazil +55 27 3337-6855 Regent Stone Quartz/Granite Countertop Fabrication Course Sponsored by ISFA June 5 – 6 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 Regent Stone Quartz/Granite Repair Course Sponsored by ISFA June 7 – 8 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 Concrete Countertop Class Hosted By Concrete Poetry June 9 – 10 Braintree, Mass.

(781) 519-9118

Stone + tec June 13 – 16 Nuremburg, Germany +49 9 11 86 06-49 96

NTCA Regional Training Program Aug. 21 Deerfield Beach, Fla. (906) 361-8821

East Coast Builders Conference June 14 – 15 Nashville, Tenn.

(727) 480-3785

CMA Shop Tours Aug. 21 Atlanta, Ga. (866) 562-2512

AIA National Convention and Design Expo June 21 – 23 New York, N.Y. (800) 343 4146

International Woodworking Fair (IWF) Aug 22-25 Atlanta, Ga. (404) 693-8333 www.iwfatlanta.com

CMA Regional Event June 22 Springfield, Mo. (866) 562-2512

NTCA Regional Training Program Sept. 11 Cleburne, Texas (906) 361-8821

NTCA Regional Training Program June 27 Wauwatosa, Wis. (906) 361-8821 Natural Stone Institute Summit June 28 Brentwood, N.Y. (440) 250-9222 NTCA Regional Training Program July 13 Elk Grove, Ill. (906) 361-8821 NTCA Regional Training Program July 26 Anaheim, Calif.

(906) 361-8821 NTCA Regional Training Program Aug. 17 Louisville, Ky. (906) 361-8821 ISFA Countertops & Architectural Symposium at IWF Sponsored by Durasein and GranQuartz Aug. 21, 2018 Atlanta, Ga. (404) 693-8333 www.iwfatlanta.com/ Educationdefault/ ISFA Pre-IWF Networking Event Sponsored by Cosentino Aug. 21 at 5pm (followinng IWF Countertops Symposium) Atlanta, Ga. (402) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org info@isfanow.org

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

ISFA Solid Surface Training Hosted by GECKO SSS Sept. 11 - 13 San Antonio, Texas (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org Regent Stone Quartz/Granite Countertop Fabrication Course Sponsored by ISFA Sept. 18 – 19 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 ISFA Industry Roundtable Sponsored by OHARCO Sept. 18 – 20 Omaha/Lincoln, Neb. (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org Natural Stone Institute Summit Sept. 20 Indianapolis, Ind. (440) 250-9222 Regent Stone Quartz/Granite Repair Course Sponsored by ISFA Sept. 20 -21 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877

Natural Stone Institute Summit Oct. 11 Seacaucus, N.J. (440) 250-9222 ISFA 2018 Annual Conference Sponsored by GranQuartz, Cosentino, Integra Adhesives and Laser Products Oct. 23 – 26 Cancun, Mexico (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org Natural Stone Institute Summit Nov. 1 Tucson, Ariz.

(440) 250-9222 Regent Stone Quartz/Granite Countertop Fabrication Course Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 4 – 5 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 ISFA Industry Roundtable Sponsored by Cosentino and GranQuartz Dec. 4 – 6 Austin, Texas (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org Regent Stone Quartz/Granite Repair Course Sponsored by ISFA Dec. 6 – 7 Virginia Beach, Va. (866) 233-4877 NAHB International Builder Show (IBS 2019) Feb. 19 – 21, 2019 Las Vegas, Nev. (202) 266-8109 KBIS 2019 Feb. 19 – 21, 2019 Las Vegas, Nev. (877) 267-4662

Marmomacc Sept. 27 – 30 Verona, Italy +045 829 8111 2018 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo Oct. 8 – 9 Austin, Texas (603) 471-0877

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

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

Education Connection How to Get Your Customer Evangelists to Sell for You

Team Up for Fusion Marketing

By Ted Janusz Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay

treating them so royally?) Best of all, they likely

was one of the key factors to her success.

others about how you make them feel special.

Cosmetics, said making people feel important

will be unable to contain their enthusiasm around

If you think about it, her entire business model

After their quarterly meeting with you, if they

Her best salespeople drove around in pink

services that you offer, they are likely to chime in

was based on making other people feel important.

Cadillacs. And by the way, it wasn’t just a limited number of her top salespeople who drove those

Cadillacs. If you achieved a certain goal, anybody on the team could get one. And how did a

salesperson achieve that goal? By making their customers feel more attractive and important!

Wouldn’t it be great if you could get your

customers to sell for you? Well, you can … simply by making them feel important.

Form an Advisory Council One idea is for business owners/operators to form an advisory council. Once a quarter, take your best customers, if they are local, out to dinner

to a fancy restaurant or country club. If they are professional customers in differing locales, you

can do the same whenever you regularly see them at trade shows, conventions or conferences. It

especially helps if these customers are what bestselling author Seth Godin calls “sneezers,” people who are most influential in your community.

overhear someone shopping for products or

to the conversation, saying things like, “You know, if that’s what you’re considering, you really need

to see my friends. They’ll take really good care of you!”

The power of personal recommendation and word-of-mouth are the most influential and

effective forms of marketing you can get. And you

trust or buy from people whom we perceive are

unlike us. There are plenty of customers out there who are just like you! How do you know? They

share the same interests you do, which is a great

starting point for building a business relationship.

So, to what groups do you belong?

thinking about rolling out. What do you think?” or

■■ Fitness centers ■■ Toastmasters ■■ Church groups ■■ Softball teams ■■ Kids’ baseball, basketball or soccer leagues One person told me that every partner in their firm

was required to join one of these affinity groups of

Not only will they be happy to meet other like-

their choice. Once they got to know the members

quarterly meeting, trade show, convention or

market. And, of course, once you satisfy a few

minded, influential community members at the

of the group, it was an easy and effective way to

conference, your advisory council members are

members of the group, the word will be spread by

likely to become lifetime customers themselves.

(After all, who among your competitors are

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

■■ A sports bar proprietor and a sporting goods owner

For the last example, the hair salon had a display for the clothing boutique; the clothing boutique had a display for the hair salon. The only real cost was the time it took for the two owners to get together to devise the displays!

are like us in one way or another; we tend to not

■■ Alumni associations and PTAs

community, feel important.

■■ A veterinarian and a pet store owner

We tend to like, trust and buy from people who

■■ Other business and civic groups

these people, who seem to know everybody in the

■■ An auto dealer and a car wash owner

■■ A hair salon and a clothing boutique

peek at some new products and services we are

matter even if you don’t, as long as you make

Examples have included:

Farm a Fraternity

important.

questions, like, “I’d like to give you a sneak

While you could gain valuable insight, it doesn’t

Another business may not want to give up or sell you a list of their valued customers, but you don’t need to buy their list. You can simply team up with a noncompeting but complementary business to promote your products and services to those customers and share the marketing expenses.

drinks, simply by making your best customers feel

■■ Chamber of Commerce

advice would you give us?”

A customer database is oftentimes the most valuable asset any small business possesses.

■■ A restaurant owner and the community theater (One of the best places for the restaurant to advertise or offer a coupon was in the program for the theater.)

too can get it for the price of dinner and some

After dinner, ask your advisory council some

“This is our new business plan for next year. What

enjoyable for the participants because they choose which group to join based on their own interests and likes.

these evangelists throughout the rest of the group like a wild fire. And, these groups are generally

Figure out what businesses complement your own but do not compete and approach them about it. Further, the other business person can become an evangelist for your business, and you can do the same for them.

In fact, Jim Kelly, the former CEO of UPS said, “The old adage ‘If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’ is being replaced with ‘Join ‘em and you can’t be beat.’”

About the Author Ted Janusz, MBA, facilitates workshops, and has presented more than 4,500 hours on relevant business-related topics internationally. Janusz can be reached at ted@ januspresentations.com He will be among the speakers at ISFA’s Annual Meeting & Conference this year to be held Oct. 23-26 in Cancun, Mexico. You can find out more and register for the event by visiting www.ISFAnow.org or emailing info@isfanow.org.

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In the Industry Cambria Files Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Petitions on Chinese Quartz Surfacing Products A 3,526-page petition from Minnesota-based

quartz surfacing producer Cambria filed with the

federal government on April 17 alleges that quartz surface products from China are being sold at

less than fair value in the U.S. market. It claims

that Cambria has suffered losses and the Chinese quartz industry is being unfairly subsidized by

the Chinese government through more than 20 programs.

The alleged average dumping margin is 455.65

percent. According to the petition this figure was calculated using pricing information from three

Chinese companies: Maoshuang Stone Industry

Co. Ltd., Xiamen King-Stones Industry Co. Ltd. and Xiamen MRD Stone Co. Ltd. Cambria claims that

in less than a decade, the value of Chinese imports of quartz products surged from $6 million a year in

OHARCO Celebrates 120 Years of Building Solutions OHARCO, the region’s oldest privately owned interior building products distributor, is celebrating a milestone in 2018 — 120 years of service.

The company has a yearlong series of events planned to mark the occasion and thank customers and employees. One such event was a free two-day sanding seminar covering both the basics and advanced sanding techniques. OHARCO started as Omaha Hardwood Lumber Co. in 1898, as a distributor of lumber, flooring and wooden wagon tongues. Today the company distributes cabinet and countertop components. Additionally, the company supports the architectural and design community as they specify cabinet and countertop products for local, regional and national projects. “As we mark this major milestone, we thank the customers and employees — our friends and family — who have made this legacy possible,” said Bill Sauter, President of OHARCO. “We not only honor the accomplishments of the past but affirm our focus on the future.” Additional details are available on the company’s website at www.oharco.com.

2010 to nearly $460 million a year in 2017.

Cambria filed the petition using federal guidelines that allow companies producing a certain

percentage of a product to request action on the

same products made elsewhere that are dumped in the U.S. market. “Cambria is taking this action to ensure the long-term best interests of our

industry, American manufacturing, American

workers and American business,” said Cambria

President and CEO Marty Davis, who also made a sworn statement that Cambria accounts for more than 50 percent of the quartz surfacing produced in the United States. “Unfair trade practices have gone on for far too long. We believe strongly in free trade – to protect it, we must demand fair

trade. This is not an effort in protectionism, quite the opposite. Our efforts are to allow for open

markets with free and open trade, based squarely on a market economy.”

The petition covers quartz surfacing products

of all sizes, thicknesses, and shapes, including

both prefabricated and slab or sheet goods, and even goods imported already attached to or in conjunction with cabinets, furniture, sinks and vanities. The petition identifies more than 300

Chinese manufacturers of quartz surfacing and

more than 500 U.S. importers of their products.

If the federal government finds in favor of

Cambria’s petition, temporary duties could be

imposed as early as September, with final levels set in June 2019. Affected parties are urged to

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

offer input prior to the statutory deadlines and

the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S.

International Trade Commission (USITC) making a determination whether to launch AD/CV duty and injury investigations on the product. The

USITC requires a preliminary determination on

investigations and possibly assessing additional

Cosentino Recognized for Its Innovative Health & Safety Policy Cosentino Group was a winner of the Mutua

Universal Innovation and Health Awards. The insurance company, partner of the Spanish

Social Security system, organizes these awards

duties be completed by June 1. If both federal

to recognize companies that demonstrate a

be put in place by September of 2018 with final

and promotion of safe, healthy workplaces.

organizations agree, preliminary duties could

high level of commitment to the development

duties set by June of 2019.

Cosentino was awarded for its leadership

If high tariffs are imposed on Chinese quartz, the

Example,” which seeks to integrate health and

cost of quartz could drastically rise and/or profit margins could slim for U.S. businesses that rely on Chinese quartz slabs, which include both

suppliers and fabricators. Quartz surface imports are currently duty-free for virtually every country in the world.

On May 1, MS International (MSI) filed an

program “Safety by Routines, Leading by

safety through a series of routines reported

through an app (Gensuite) that allows activities to be scheduled, reported and monitored.

The company is also offering wide-ranging

informational and continuous training programs for customers, suppliers and partners.

objection to the Cambria petition with the U.S.

Laser Products Forms New Templating Company

petition should be denied on two grounds. First,

Laser Products Industries (LPI) has finalized

that it meets the threshold required to file the

Colorado and has formed a new separate

quartz. Additionally, MSI’s rebuttal claims that

(PMT), headquartered in Denver, Colo. PMT will

quartz products that the burden to meet the

digital laser templating, CAD work, training and

fabricators of quartz surfacing, and fails to do so.

stone, millwork and glass industries. PMT will

Secretary of Commerce arguing that Cambria

MSI claims Cambria did not adequately prove

the acquisition of Precision Templates of

petition regarding the manufacture of domestic

company, Precision Measuring and Training

because the petition includes prefabricated

initially serve the Denver market and will offer

percentage requirement must also include

tool measuring to fabricators primarily in the

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In the Industry be expanding to other cities this year, with a plan to aggressively grow to national status within a few years. The new company offered positions to all former Precision Templates of Colorado employees to take advantage of their 60 years of combined templating experience. “PMT was formed to provide a unique set of services for the issues that today’s fabricators are facing,” said Rich Katzmann, president, Laser Products.

“We measure, do layouts, translate files to CAD drawings, schedule jobs and handle customer paperwork. We only hire highly skilled professionals and put them through rigorous certification.”

of several materials companies determined to “create better.” Based in Italy, Lapitec’s products do not contain any resins and are created under high heat, similar to the metamorphic rock formation. The surface holds up to heat, cold, scratching, staining and etching, while being antimicrobial and hydrophilic. It also has the ability to clean the air as it breaks down pollution by using its innovative Bio-Care technology. Lapitec reacts with UV light to reduce harmful pollutants in the air and can be used for interior and exterior countertops, flooring and wall cladding.

Interfab Celebrates 30 Years in the Industry Little Caesars Arena and MSU’s 1855 Place Feature Countertops by Paxton Countertops

Paxton Countertops in Grand Ledge, Mich., fabricated the countertop surfaces for both Little Caesars Arena and MSU’s 1855 Place.

Solid surface work at Little Caesars Arena was highlighted by Corian Antarctica as well as LG Hausys Portland and Andromeda. Laminate work featured Formica, Nevamar and Treefrog brands.

The special housing office and retail building now known as 1855 Place at MSU showcases Silestone quartz in five different colors: Cemento, Green Fun, Stellar Snow, Merope and Blanco Zeus Extreme. Corian Quartz (formally known as Zodiaq) Coarse Carrara was also used in addition to granite, featuring Medianoche granite in two variations: Honed and Diamond 100 finish.

Arborite, Octolam and Wilsonart brands were used in the laminate work.

Lapitec Joins Modern Surfaces Movement

With the emerging sintered stone trend in surfacing, Modern Surfaces announced that Lapitec, a provider of sintered surfaces, has joined its partnership to bring together aesthetic and sustainable materials from various manufacturers and suppliers. Modern Surfaces is comprised

After 30 years as one of the UK’s leading experts in the fabrication of Corian and other acrylic materials, Interfab will begin transitioning to new leadership within the company. Jack Barker has been hired as sales director. “Christine and I would like to start taking a back seat so I have brought Jack in to take over the reins and eventually the company,” said co-owner David Cranke. “Jack is experienced in technical sales with a keen eye on customer services.”

Neolith Expands Global Production

Neolith, manufactured by TheSize, is launching several global expansion initiatives, including an added production line, showroom openings and a new logistic warehouse. At its headquarters and manufacturing factory in Castellón, Spain, the company started operating a fourth production line, which manufactures 3mm and 6mm slabs.

With strategic distribution locations in more than 80 countries and hundreds of major metro showroom sites, the brand will open additional showrooms in key cities around the world, including: Madrid; Tokyo; and Ramallah, Palestine; with even more locations planned throughout Europe, Latin American and Asia. The company’s new logistics warehouse in London will improve product accessibility and shipping lead times for European markets. In 2017, Neolith also opened a warehouse in Norfolk, Va., to provide the same logistics benefits to the U.S. market.

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

Park Industries’ Joan Schatz Receives STEP Award

Co-President of Park Industries Joan Schatz won the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award, which honors women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers. Since its inception, STEP Ahead Award winners have impacted more than 300,000 individuals, from peers in the industry to school-age children.

“Companies across the U.S. agree there is a talent shortage in manufacturing. Through the STEP Ahead Awards, we hope to take another step toward closing this gap by highlighting the stories of successful women in manufacturing and giving them a platform to encourage other women to join the industry and be role models for the next generation,” said Carolyn Lee, executive director of The Manufacturing Institute. “The women being honored demonstrate what modern manufacturing careers are all about: making an impact in their communities with meaningful careers that offer significant opportunities for growth.”

USGBC Introduces LEED v4.1

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced LEED v4.1 for existing buildings and spaces. According to USGBC, the rating system is simplified. The scorecard and requirements have been streamlined, and new methodologies for tracking and rating performance are integrated directly into the rating system. This provides a clear framework for achieving LEED certification, not just for entire buildings, but for spaces within buildings as well. LEED v4.1 is not a full version change, but rather an incremental update to the LEED rating systems. More information on it is available on the USGBC website at www. usgbc.org.

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Tooling & Blades Spotlight Alpha Offers Silencer III Bridge Saw Blade

brand blades, CNC tooling, and resin- and metal-bonded diamond tooling that have been in production for more than 24 years. “We are reconnecting with Terminator and partnering with Diamut to fill some holes we had in our offering, and we will continue to build our offering, based on our customer needs,” said CEO Rick Stimac.

This high-quality blade

for bridge or table saws is

designed for use on Dekton. It provides fast,

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chip-free cutting, cost-performance and reduced

See our ad on Page 21

noise levels. It can also be used on crystallized

glass and other vitreous materials. The uniquely designed core is made of two hardened steel sheets with a thin copper sheet laminated

between them. The blade has a 10mm segment height, is equipped with a 60mm arbor and

comes with a 50mm adapter, and is available in 10-, 12-, 14-, 16- and 18- in. diameters. Alpha offers free re-tipping service for the life of the blade.

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Sink cutouts can be automatically lowered protecting equipment, saving time and simplifying workflow. They allow for cut, profile and polish cutouts in a single production run without starting and stopping the fabrication machine.

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Amana Tool Provides Electro-Blu™ Carbide Tipped Solid Surface Blade

BVC Group Has Vacuum Cups for Stone BVC Group, Inc. has several options of vacuum cups/pods for stone and glass CNC machines.

The company is currently working on new molding for the machines with cup heights of 200mm and 150mm, as well as adding manifolds to the product line.

This10-in. blade is

designed for cutting plastic laminate,

Plexiglas® and solid surface materials.

The triple chip grind

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is specially configured

to leave a swirl-free cut in

solid surface materials. Thick,

stable plates reduce vibration that degrades the cut and shortens tool life. The blade is suitable

for a variety of saw configurations. The 0-degree hook angle virtually eliminates self-feeding

when used with a radial arm saw. The non-stick Electro-Blu coating reduces resin accumulation and heat buildup.

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Blick Offers Retractable Suction Cups Blick’s Retractable Suction Cups add further automation to stone fabrication processes.

Braxton-Bragg Brings on Diamut and Terminator Tooling/Blades Braxton-Bragg has partnered with Diamut and reconnected its partnership with Terminator to provide customers another choice of premium products for stone fabrication, and cover the CNC market. Braxton-Bragg now offers the full line of Diamut CNC tooling, including blades, core bits and other diamond abrasives. Diamut tooling works on the majority of the machines on the market today. Also, the company will once again partner with Terminator, offering the complete line of high-quality Terminator

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

See our ad on Page 47

Domain Industries Distributes Various Solid Surface Tooling

Domain Industries carries numerous bits for working with solid surface. The company largely provides bits from Velepec, Amana and Whiteside. Among them are high

quality bits that can be used for a variety of purposes including, decorative edge bits, plunge cutting bits, rounding over bits, rounding under bits and trim bits.

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #50

See our ad on Page 31

GHUDO Offers PCD Router Bits GUHDO introduced a new generation PCD Router Bit with excellent tool life and finish on a wide range of materials from Phenolic, solid surface, Melamine, particleboard, MDF and other composite panels. This two-flute opposite shear design on a solid carbide tool body runs quietly and provides quality finish for both top and bottom on double-sided panels. Suitable for nesting operation and feed speeds +/- 500 IPM, the solid tip design ensures a consistent smooth edge. To maximize tool life, ordering this tool on an HSK Heat Shrink Tool Holder can increase life up to 30 percent. Sizes are available from 8mm to ½ in.

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GMR Quality Stone Products Introduces Rapid Z-Cut Wheel

diameter and seven segments designed to cut fast. The bottom segment enables drilling into a hard surface slab like a core bit. The bit offers feed rates from 10 to 20 IPM at 4,500 to 6,000 rpm.

Rapid Z-Cut 3-in. wheel was introduced by GMR Quality Stone Products and features a stainless steel arbor with center water feed combined with stacked 3 in. diamond blades.

This configuration results in fast material removal. Available with a top bearing template follower, the outer bearing ring can be removed after the blades wear halfway down. This helps minimize the amount of material left to remove in the following step. It is also available without a top bearing. The wheel has corrosionresistant hardware, an easily replaceable bearing and blades that can be rearranged to correct “apple coring.”

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GranQuartz Distributes ADI 120 Series Wheels

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Granite Tools Adds Cyclone High-Speed Seven Finger Bit

GranQuartz includes in its line of stoneworking tooling the ADI 120 Series Profile Wheels, Magic Polishing Wheels and Express Wheels. All of the wheels are suitable for granite and engineered

The New Super Cyclone Seven Segment Finger Bit available from Granite Tools has a smaller

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #10 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 19

stone between 2cm and 4cm, 2,500 to 5,000 rpm ranges and feed rates from 39 to 157 in.

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Karran Carries Router Bits for Edge and Quartz Sinks Karran provides a selection of router bits to make installations simple and quick.

For laminate Karran recommends the 10-degree bevel bit with oversized nylon bearing. For solid surface Karran recommends the 24-degree and 45-degree bevel bits. The bits provide an attractive profile yet assist in reducing sanding and finishing time because of the greater angle variation between bowl wall and beveled profile.

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #54

See our ad on Page 17

Lackmond Stone Offers Zenesis Black 3 Blades ZENESIS™ patterned diamond technology blades offered by Lackmond distribute the diamond grit into patterned columns, focusing the highest concentration at the leading edge of each segment. The blades are designed to cut granite, engineered stone and other natural stone with an all new design to reduce chipping and provide quiet operation. They are available in 12- to 20-in. diameters.

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #55

Regent Stone Offerings Include Pulsar Plus Diamond Blades The Pulsar Plus Diamond Blades that are among Regent Stone’s offerings are made with new sandwich segments to allow for fast, chip-free cutting. The 25mm segment offers

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exceptional speed and longevity without the drag of taller blade segments. The blades come in sizes 12-, 14-, 16-, 18- and 20-in., with 50/60 arbor sizes.

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #56

See our ad on Page 51

Rockler Offers Freud® LU95R Industrial Solid Surface Saw Blades Rocker’s Freud LU95R solid surface saw blade features teeth with a specially designed triple chip grind for leaving swirl-free cuts in solid surface materials. The laser-cut anti-vibration slots reduce the sideways movement of the cutting edge against the solid surface material,

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #12

extending cutting life. There is no need for stabilizers with this blade. Features of the blade include: The Perma-SHIELD® coating that covers the blade plate and cutting edge in a protective layer, reducing heat build-up.

Perma-SHIELD blades also resist binding in large volume cutting, reducing subsequent blade warp. The coating lubricates the blade, allowing it to spin freely, and eliminates pitch and debris buildup. A special side-grind tooth design enables the blade to remain cool while cutting, which eliminates melting.

the latest looks for sink profiles. All of the sink roundover bits are designed with Delrin bearings in alignment with the cutter for optimum performance, minimized sanding and time savings.

Reduced diameter replacement bearings are also available to keep tooling performing well after sharpening.

surface. The DSZ1L (Super Z) is made to provide maximum removal of excess material left from the bridge saw, is used to scribe wall curvatures, and has larger, reinforced segments. The DSZ2L and DSZ3L seaming wheels (Super Z) offer seaming with precision, providing crisp, sharp edges with long tool life.

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #59

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See our ad on Page 49

Bits Designed by and for Solid Surface Fabricators at RouterBitsNow.com

Specialtytools.com Carries Velepec Solid Surface Bits

RouterBitsNow.com was created by a solid surface fabricator to create bits for fabricators.

The website has the latest solid surface sink router bit recommendations, sink manufacturer easy website access and dxf files. The company offers unique bits, like the RBN-831-1150 single flute overhang bit that safely speeds up production, or the ⅛-in. radius sink roundover bits — RBN-82610125 (10-degree), RBN-826-15125 (15-degree) and RBN-826-20125 (20-degree) — that provide

SALEM Stone Provides BDT CNC Tooling SALEM Stone BDT tooling offerings help unlock the potential of CNC workcenters. The STWL is a calibration wheel possessing a “W” pattern with two times the diamond cutting

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A wide variety of solid surface router bits is available from Specialtytools.com, including numerous bits produced by Fred M. Velepec Co. Inc. The offering includes hundreds of highquality pieces of tooling, including bevel bits, beading bits, bevel trim bits, bevel trim cutters, bull nose bits, carbide tipped bits for laminates,

champher bits, core box bits, cove bits, dado cleanout bits, double Roman ogee bits, dovetail bits, down shear template bits, drainboard bits, flush trim bits, glue well bevel trim bits, mortising bits, no drip bits, ogee bits, overhang trim bits, and many more.

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Terminator Introduces Nanocut DK3 Bridge Saw Blade Terminator introduced the Nanocut DK3 Bridge Saw Blade, featuring newly developed segment technology that provides fast and free cutting. The 13mm segment height provides longevity and the reinforced core provides stability. Blades are available in 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-in. diameters.

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Vortex Tool Company Inc. Supplies Three Flute Low Helix Upcut Finishers The combination of the low helix angle and flute geometry make Vortex Tool Companies Three Flute Low Helix Upcut Finishing tools very sharp. They are recommended for acrylic, phenolics, UHMW, solid surface and dense hardwoods as a solid finishing tool. Three flute geometry provides faster feed rate capability, while producing very smooth finishes.

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WEHA Provides PUMA Radial Arm Finger Bit Tips WEHA Radial Arm Finger Bit Tips are highperforming diamond tips for cutting out granite sinks, marble vanity bowls, quartz bowls, and other granite and stone hole applications with radial arm machines. With fast cutting speeds, they will cut up to 20 bowls while leaving the bowl ready for polishing pad use and are made for all radial arm machines such as Thibault, Wizard, Fabking, Scorpion and others. The incremental cutting finger bits are designed

to follow the sink or vanity bowl template and work around the template to grind down the granite sink or vanity bowl, leaving them straight and ready for profiling and polishing.

The bits come with a 12mm thread that can fit all radial arm finger bit 1/2 gas adapters that are 12mm female thread.

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Whiteside Offers Solid Surface Router Bits Whiteside Machine Company produces numerous router bits designed for fabricating solid surface at its manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Among the wide selection are three face inlay bits, seven solid surface bowl and sink bits, three solid surface round over bits and three solid surface round under bits. Whiteside sells through a nationwide distributor network.

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ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE: Plastic

Specialties

Plastic Specialties, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been serving the countertop industries for 50 years this year, and can trace its history back even farther.

As the first company in the state to work with Corian Solid Surface, it has gone through a lot of changes over the years and developed an amazing skill set that has earned it plenty of high-profile work. This has led to a diverse client base and a sterling reputation.

One of its more recent high-profile projects was taking part in the recent renovation of the Vivint Center, the home to NBA’s Utah Jazz basketball team.

However, before getting into the details of that significant and challenging project, to get a real feel for the company, one must understand its roots.

History That part of the story begins in 1968 when the original founder, Albert Cecil Pehrson Jr., was

Plastic Specialties has been in business for five decades and as such has provided fabrication work for many prominent locales, most recently Vivint Smart Home Arena, the home to the NBA’s Utah Jazz.

working for his father. The company’s name

at that point was Cove Tops and had a home in downtown Salt Lake City. The focus of the

original company was countertops for modular/ mobile homes.

After a stint in the army, Albert returned to run

the day-to-day operations of the business with a friend, and the two eventually took over the company and changed the name to Plastic

Specialties. Growth, followed by a change of

“Kelly Pehrson Passey, who now owns the business, was only 13 at the time, and remembers vividly taking the bus with her sister to sweep floors and help where needed.”

address, was on the menu in the late ’70s, where the business relocated to a larger

facility in Murray, Utah, and then later to its

current and much larger location in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Kelly Pehrson Passey, who now owns the business, was only 13 at the time, and

remembers vividly taking the bus with her sister (three transfers to get to her dad’s

location) to sweep floors and help where needed. At the end of very long days,

Albert would load up the two girls and take them home.

But the business grew on Kelly. She began

working full-time for her dad at age 18,

assisting with office-type duties, and when another female employee left, Kelly took

over operations in the office. She really fell in love with all aspects of the business, so

Owner Kelly Pehrson Passey (right) is the third generation in her family to own the business, buying the business from her father Albert Cecil Pehrson Jr. (left) and his partner, who took over the business from Pehrson’s father, then called Cove Tops in the ’60s.

when Albert decided to retire in 2000, it was a natural move for him to offer to sell the

company to his partner and Kelly. She was all in.

2018, she will have not only paid off her initial obligation, but will have successfully bought out her original partner. Plastic Specialties

A bit nervous to take over the company and

gained a sole owner in Kelly Passey, who was

pay it off, she persisted and by the end of

there as an owner.

associated financial obligations required to

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

now the third generation of her family to work

Plastic Specialties

The company was the first to work with solid surface in the state of Utah and continues to fabricate it along with laminate. It is now making a deeper foray into quartz and natural stone, and has a hand in a variety of markets, such as residential, commercial and box store business.

Moving Forward Plastic Specialties has always been a solid surface fabrication company, and as the

first in the state to offer Corian, it remains

a mainstay for it today. The company also

does a lot of business with both Formica and Wilsonart laminate. Quartz and granite have also become mainstays in offerings both

on the commercial and residential sides of

The company also has expert skill on hand in cabinetry, so works as a sort of one-stop shop for its customers.

Plastic Specialties is more than accustomed to performing at high levels and completing impeccable quality jobs. The company has NEVER turned down a job because they couldn’t provide the anticipated finished product.

the business. The future promises to bring

The company is also an expert in cabinetry.

through new homes, remodels, box stores,

Passey has grown the company to 28 full-time

designers and architects. Consistently working

is growing.” She is absolutely committed to

has the people, technology and equipment to

treats them just like she does each client! Her

over and over again now into the company’s

and simply put, to “build and maintain

Plastic Specialties is more than accustomed

employees, and to her that means “my family

in all surrounding states, Plastic Specialties

the well-being of every single employee and

complete any job, and they have proven that

long-standing philosophy is straightforward

fifth decade of doing business in Utah.

to really get to know each client and their

wants and needs, and then through followup, creates a very comfortable long-term relationship with each.

Nevada, and Passey said, “We are willing

and able to take on any job at any time in

any location. This is our passion and we will

always stand behind our initial bids, promises,

quality and overall commitment to our clients.”

All That Jazz So, with the responsibility that the company

has tackled and the success and dedication

it has had, it’s easy to understand how Plastic

additional focus to both quartz and granite.

relationships.” Kelly challenges her employees

Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, South Dakota and

to performing at high levels and completing

Specialties became a major player in the $125

million renovation to Vivint Smart Home Arena, the basketball home of the Utah Jazz located in downtown Salt Lake City.

“We had done work on the prior arena, The

Delta Center,” said Passey, “and we knew the

high expectations of the Miller family, the team

owners, and our mind-set was simply, whatever they need in the time frame they need it, we’ll

get it done.” And Plastic Specialties delivered

impeccable quality jobs. The company has

— again.

NEVER turned down a job because they

Plastic Specialties was contacted for immediate

couldn’t provide the anticipated finished product. And the jobs list is an impressive one:

The market for Plastic Specialties is diverse

Goldman Sachs, Nike, Hill Air Force Base, the

with general contractors and millworkers

McKay Dee Hospital, Boeing, Adobe, Swire

relationships since the mid ’70s) and also

The company has completed jobs throughout

and expansive. On the commercial side

Huntsman Cancer Hospital, I H C Hospital,

(many of with which Passey has maintained

Coca Cola and 200 public and private schools.

help on the arena by contractor Boswell

Wasatch. They reached out as deadlines loomed Sept. 5, 2017, with the “finish”

completion timeline strict and looming. The

entire renovation project had to be completed

by Sept. 27! This major, multipart project

had been dropped in Passey’s lap with only International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 25

Plastic Specialties

Under an extremely tight deadline Plastic Specialties put in Corian and Formica solid surface countertops in the media areas, coaches’ locker room, private restrooms, light training area with medical facilities, and the family waiting and relaxation area of the arena.

“We did not bring in any additional employees,” said Passey.

“We just worked overtime — a lot of overtime, and everyone on the team pulled together.”

The surface products of choice for this

particular job: Corian and Formica. “Those were the specs for the arena,” said Robinson. “We

understand the quality of both products and

we’ve worked with both for decades now, so three weeks to complete some of the most important areas inside of the arena. While not optimal, the company accepted the challenge.

Plastic Specialties had worked on the previous team home, The Delta Center. It was the largest project the company had tackled to that point and included all of the countertops

meeting their specifications was absolutely no problem at all. The products look great and

perform exactly how we would expect. It is an easy thing to have confidence in each project when you have superior products with which to work.”

Robinson said with this, just like so many

in every concession area of the building.

other projects, it is an “I want it tomorrow

Passey leaned on longtime General Manager

especially true with the deadlines associated

Ben Robinson to get the project done.

Robinson has been with the company since 1989 and has overseen dozens of large projects. “By the time the cabinets went in, we had approximately two weeks to put all the solid surface countertops in,” he said. “We worked in the media area, the coaches’ locker room and meeting area, private restrooms, what would be called a light training area with medical facilities, and the family waiting and relaxation area.”

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

but need it today”-type world, and that was with the Vivint Smart Home Arena project.

And the work of Plastic Specialties was a

and it provides a sense of pride and ownership to all of Plastic Specialties employees when they realize the large role we played in this

important downtown Salt Lake City project.”

Work on the Vivint Smart Home Arena is

simply a recent accomplishment for Plastic Specialties. However, the industry and

regional business community certainly have taken notice of the company and Passey’s

role there. With the success of the company and commitment to it, it is perhaps easy to understand why in March 2018, she was

named one of “30 Women to Watch” by Utah Business Magazine, the state’s foremost business publication.

slam dunk! “We did not bring in any additional

There’s little doubt with the history, dedication,

overtime — a lot of overtime, and everyone on

along with a focus to please the client, even

single job given to us in a professional manner,

will continue to thrive for years, perhaps even

employees,” said Passey. “We just worked

skills and knowledge accumulated there,

the team pulled together. We completed every

in the trickiest of situations, that the business

with high quality, both on time and on budget.

generations, to come.

We are absolutely proud in every aspect of the work we provided on the remodeled arena,

For more information visit www.rockinteriors.com or call (919) 577-0207.

ADVERTORIAL

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 27 For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #15

Adjusting to Labor Shortages

By Kelly Hansen Co-authored by Rachel Scheck The lack of workers is a reality we are all

facing, regardless of industry and position. As a manufacturer, we continuously hear from

fabrication shops of the trouble they are having

finding reliable, trainable workers. And it comes with no surprise as there is an increasing

Park Industries opens its doors to student tour groups as part of its talent acquisition strategy focused on building the pipeline of future employees.

number of workers retiring, significantly low

number of workers entering the manufacturing

field and expected growth in the manufacturing industry. We are expecting about 2 million

manufacturing jobs to go unfilled by 2020 as

“We expect about 2 million

know that retention rate for referred employees

Manufacturing Institute.

manufacturing jobs to go

referred?

indicated by the research of Deloitte and the With such a staggeringly high number of

positions that will not be filled, plans need

to be made to either recruit and retain highly trainable employees or utilize technology to increase efficiency in the workplace. There are several steps involved in the journey

of recruiting and retaining high-performing employees.

Recruiting and Retaining Manufacturing and fabrication jobs of today are much more attractive than the working

conditions of the past. The common public is

still under the perception of what the conditions have been in the past, and most are not familiar with the advancements in the stone fabrication industry and the improvements that have been made to the work environment. In order to find talented, hard-working employees, you must

focus time on branding your company along with your workplace.

Your first step is to assess your culture. Ask

yourself why your employees want to continue to work for you. What makes your shop better than other places of employment in the area? When

you determine these answers, share them within your advertisements and, in particular, through

social media. The employees of this generation 28 • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

is significantly higher than those that weren’t

unfilled by 2020 …”

Form career paths for your employees. The

respond well and connect with company brands

workforce are hungry and eager to learn

talent, help potential candidates see and feel

programs based on their skills, such as

new generation of workers entering the

via social media. When you are sourcing for new

and grow their skills. Offer different training

what it is like to work at your company.

apprenticeships, internships, part-time, full-

Once you develop your employment brand,

you have to commit to living and promoting

your brand in all your interactions with current employees, the community and with your potential candidates. Attract candidates

through highlighting your culture, advancement opportunities and training. For example, Park

Industries® uses the slogan “Leading is in Our

time and others that fit within your company.

Take advantage of federal and statewide programs for training grants to help subsidize the costs of training new, unskilled workers.

Utilize the resources of your community to assist in promoting open positions, as well as the online sources that are readily available.

Advertising for new employees can be done

DNA” to encompass all the offerings that a

through schools, at the local VA, on social

across all platforms of recruitment including

All of these can be effective for finding

career with Park entails. This branding is used print, digital and physical booth space.

media and on your website. qualified workers and are less costly than

When recruiting new employees, appeal

the traditional methods. Park Industries has

opportunity to develop into more advanced

of the facility. This is a great way to display

and supported by the engagement, but

in manufacturing and fabrication facilities.

your company tenfold. Encourage your current

will result in questions about the career

at your company. Many companies will offer a

impressions may lead to job inquiries and

to candidates that are interested in the

partnered with local schools to provide tours

positions. Not only will employees feel valued

the advancements that have been made

developing your own talent pool will repay

Opening the doors to intrigued students

workforce to refer people they know to work

opportunities. Perhaps more tours and good

small referral bonus to their employees. Do you

future career opportunities.

Digital Solutions While some fabricators work to find reliable workers, hiring new employees may not be a feasible option for all. In some markets, it is very difficult to

find talented people to add to your team. If hiring new employees is not an

option for your shop, another solution is to start looking at automating your shop processes. The automation of stoneworking equipment has a strong

effect on fabricators’ production, and a machine operator/programmer is a more attractive position to the new generation searching for jobs.

Benefits of automation: ■■ Upcoming generations are technology-savvy and will gravitate toward jobs that offer a chance to operate digital equipment.

■■ It provides consistency from project to project, day to day.

■■ Automation and defined processes will lead to higher productivity in your shop.

■■ There is substantial value of working on other things while your machine is in operation.

The younger generation that is entering the workforce is more interested in jobs that are working with technology, as they have been brought up in the digital age. It may be easier to find employees for positions that involve working with CNC machinery versus performing manual labor.

When advertising a job opening, you can highlight the technology that they will have at their fingertips and candidates will find the position

more appealing. Use videos of your machinery in action to draw in the candidates.

When fabrication shops utilize equipment as labor, they can hit go, walk away and get more done. Stoneworking equipment is typically reliable,

consistent and produces high quality. Roger Atherton, owner of Counter

Effects, shared his experience, “Our profitability has greatly increased and

our labor costs have decreased 39 percent in one year with the addition of our CNC SawJet. With machinery, we have no sick days. It is working 24 hours a day.”

There are strategies to combat the labor pool shrinking. If you are feeling the pinch of the small labor pool, evaluate your options. Whether your shop is looking to hire manual labor or add additional machinery, it is

crucial to develop a brand for your business to fill positions. Thoroughly

advertise and promote open positions via social media, your website and other online sources.

As the labor pool decreases, take action. What steps can you take within your shop? The time to start planning is now. With a forecast of only 1.4

million workers filling the 3.4 million open positions in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade, the labor force is on the forefront of many minds in the stone fabrication industry.

About the Author Kelly Hansen has worked in Human Resources for 18 years and is the Vice President of Human Resources for Park Industries. She has a passion for business, leader and people development and uses it to help identify goals and create pathways to success. More information about Park Industries is available on its website at www. parkindustries.com.

Co-Author Rachel Scheck is the Communications Specialist for Park Industries.

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #16 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 29

Marketing Leverage:

The Synthesizing of Portfolio Assets

By Paul M. Le Pera Adaptation is the key to growth, success

materials industry has experienced at least three

economic perspective, the lack of substantial

of adaption as a response to significant

past 30 years, with the last one (2008) being the

yields declining average profit margins.

and ultimately, survival. We tend to think

change; however, sometimes the best forms of adaptation incite change. In this post

“great recession” recovery, it is necessary for

companies to create sufficient change in their marketing and go-to strategies to realize a

sustainably profitable existence. As the saying goes and holds true now more than ever for

manufacturers, distributors and fabricators: “If

we always do what we always did, we’ll always

distinct periods of purging, or recessions, in the most intensive.

Using the same old strategies can produce

level, or even declining, returns and yet, they

are omnipresent and pervade. It may not be that the strategy itself is “bad” or wrong, but more

likely that it has become ineffective over time.

I have coined the phrase, “law of diminishing

marginal stimulus” to describe the experiential

product or technological innovation, generally Synergy From my perspective, entrepreneurial thinking technological innovation and new sustainable product categories are needed to shift the

profit curve upward. Additionally, synergistic

alliances (SA) are what I would consider the least expensive, yet highest potential ROI strategy. SA could be inter-company cooperatives, but don’t

get what we always got.”

component behind this phenomenon.

This mindset to what I call “pro-

When strategies no longer work well, new ones

follows the model that says, “Separately,

fatalistic. However, there comes a theoretical

identify holes in the marketplace are required

more successful than simply you plus me.”

where the law of diminishing returns becomes

new solutions are what I call your driver. Your

locomotive that requires a constant shoveling

all, but it must be the one that generates the

does industry require a constant infusion of

from which tangent strategies can then spawn.

necessarily have to be. Anything synergistic

momentumism” is certainly not always

requiring ingenuity, creativity and foresight to

you and I will win, but together we will be

point in most industry maturation curves

to come up with alternatives that work. These

Mathematically expressed it would be: 1 + 1 >2.

the predominant dynamic. Much like an old

driving strategy may not be the only or end

of coal to keep the engine burning, so too

largest degree of change and new momentum,

innovation and thought leadership to keep it

I have written previously on how the power of synergy can often produce exponential

returns greater than a “divide and conquer” type strategy. A poignant example of this

dynamic can be seen in the power and energy

Historically, typical strategies have included

released in a hydrogen bomb vs. an atomic

We also understand how deadly the words, “this

promotions or spiffs, such as small product

from the “dividing and conquering” or splitting

economy cycles from growth to recession, back

yet from the 35,000-foot view, it appears that

At the instance the particles are split, a small

becomes increasingly toxic with every cycle. We

growth is waning. The surfacing industry has

quite powerful and in the aggregate and it can

optimized for long-term growth.

new colors, new finishes, new literature,

bomb. An atomic bomb’s energy is derived

is the way we’ve always done it” can be. As the

enhancements, new slogans or affiliations, and

of atomic particles, a process known as fission.

to growth and so on, this attitude in business

their collective ability to significantly drive real

amount of energy is released. This energy is

can see this dynamic play out as the building

had decades to mature, and from a macro-

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

produce devastation as we saw in World War II.

revolution. For the record, I feel it is a matter of

That said, there is an alternative nuclear

“when” not “if.”

process called fusion that creates energy

several orders of magnitude greater. In fact, we

Integration

are living and breathing today because at our sun’s core, the thermonuclear fusion process

So here we are in 2018 with a decent and

thermonuclear fusion, atoms collide and fuse.

and new construction business, and while there

and in the process a small amount of energy

seems to me that our industry is ripe for some

much more powerful than the energy released

I see plenty of horizontal strategies employed,

in the detonation of a hydrogen bomb, which is

positive vertical integration initiatives. Such a

occurs billions of times every second. In

growing economy and a plethora of commercial

When they fuse they become a new element,

are some new products (mostly new brands), it

is released. This residual energy is relatively

substantial changes. When it comes to growth,

in the fission process and this process is used

and that alone could open the door for some

why it will create significantly more energy than an atomic bomb, scientifically demonstrating the power of synthesizing energies (synergy).

perpendicular shift in strategy qualifies as a

Figure 1 - Vertical integration can be backward or forward in nature with respect to strategic realignment.

substantial change. While change for the sake of change is not advisable, there is an extra degree of freedom gained from changing a

I have been an integral part (witness and practitioner) of the premium decorative

surfacing shift from evolution to REVolution since the early 1990s. The meteoric rise

of solid surface and quartz surfacing has

facilitated billions of dollars in sales as these

products still embody today’s most sustainable value propositions.

Sintered surfaces may lead the next charge in

the surfacing revolution but, in my opinion, this

significant dynamic (horizontal to vertical), and

naturally, the degree to which it is planned and

category is still growing into its paws. As I see it, at its core, the aesthetic and performance

executed will affect the ROI.

properties of this category are substantial and

This extra degree of freedom reveals itself as

definitely fill holes in the surfacing marketplace,

synergy. This allows for such things as acquiring

and yet what remains to be actualized is some

new routes to market, co-branding initiatives that

balance amongst its value proposition, average

yield free-demand creation, leveraging different

market price and demand creation initiatives.

industries and more control over the entire

Once these are more harmonized, the sintered

process. These highly sought after synergies are

surfaces category will join the mainstream

the vehicle to drive sales, growth and, ultimately,

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be extremely valuable, and as such worthy of a significant investment.

profits. Vertical integration can be backward

or forward in nature with respect to strategic

realignment, so careful analysis is required to best position the change (see Figure 1).

Note however that vertical integration strategies can invoke issues with core competencies,

cash flow, real estate and labor acquisition, and

there are hosts of other considerations that may require extensive planning. Major components of your decision will include: availability of

integral assets, financial resource availability, relative strategic positioning, geography and forecasted synergistic leverage.

Synergy is the end game. The co-branding,

Solutions sell more than products, and ultimately you create trust, loyalty and even a dependency on you when solving a customer’s problems.

marketing, merchandising and designing of a

core value. Why not show a radius reception

most readily available, under utilized assets.

perhaps backlit for some dramatic effect with a

company’s own products may be the industry’s Having a background in accounting and

finance, I understand companies want to

promote their most profitable assets one way and relatively less profitable assets another way, etc. These products may have vastly

different manufacturing costs, raw material

acquisition chains and positions in product life

cycles. These dynamics are what tend to force manufacturers, distributors and fabricators to

keep somewhat firmer lines of distinction in how they market and merchandise their portfolio of products.

Leverage

desk cladded with thermoformed solid surface, sculpted quartz countertop? The two materials are in respective settings that accentuate their core values.

Going a step forward might be intentionally

creating colors and aesthetics with the same

or similar pigments or complementing patterns that are made to be used in conjunction with

one another. This color complementary strategy

provides such a high level of design synergy that it is basically an engineered exit barrier.

A giant leap forward would be finding creative

and tangential ways to incorporate more of your

asset portfolio. For example, if you also produce

Using a more synergistic approach allows the

a high-pressure laminate, architectural glass

other so the value of their offering transcends

marketing literature that shows all the assets in

solution. Solutions sell more than products, and

performance and aesthetics to fit the space used.

dependency on you when solving a customer’s

your products, but also a forum of synergy

assets of each product to complement each

tile or even a sintered surface, you could create

a great product offering and into a great design

one coordinated design space that optimizes the

ultimately you create trust, loyalty and even a

This will provide not only a forum to display

problems.

and power showing you command the space

For example, a manufacturer of both solid surface

and offer a design solution.

and quartz would benefit from a design brochure

A similar strategy could be used at a distributor or

different spaces that highlight each asset’s

and the ROI on such a branding strategy could

showing installs in myriad uses and in as many

fabricator level based on the products they offer,

By cross-designing and cross-marketing one’s portfolio of products, a company creates brand equity. You show novelty, leadership and offer design solutions, not merely products. Add to this anything proprietary about your products, such as performance, thermoforming capability, aesthetic exclusivity, some creative distribution strategy and so on, and now you have created a formidable story and value proposition. Leveraging ALL of your assets together effectively creates one giant asset.

Markets are smart and efficient, and products will tend to settle into uses that best match their functionality. However, when products are at, nearing or past maturity, the level of return from historic ways of marketing declines. And short of pulling back on marketing to save money and increase margin, why not change the approach and use free energy as yielded by synergizing your portfolio of assets. Different times call for different measures.

Synergy, Adaptation, Integration and Leverage, or S.A.I.L., are four points to champion. Leadership must always have an eye on what’s next and how to combat the numbness of historical marketing activities. It may be time for a change in what you do as much as how you do it.

Remember that synergy is what fuels our sun and is the fundamental process by which all life is sustained. Therefore, if you desire greener pastures, you must S.A.I.L. into the sunset of change by riding the crest of the synergy wave!

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

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.

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

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on the history of ISFA Guest Commentary

By Bill Barton Congratulations to the women of ISFA, the

an annual meeting with awards. Las Vegas was

and formed a core group to explore forming a

a woman President and Executive Director as well

and all the necessary support services. It was

U.S. association. These discussions ultimately

association has come a long way. It’s nice to see as two other women on the Board of Directors.

This caused me to think about the ISFA early days and how the organization has changed. I am the

attorney who was “present at the creation,” when

the logical place to do this with its many venues also a cheaper place to obtain office space and

staff and was a popular location for associations so the ISFA office was opened in Henderson, Nev., (just outside of Las Vegas). This was

ISFA (then called ISSFA) was first formed in a hotel

really the Wild West for ISFA as Mike and other

with the association as its general counsel for

for guarantees to cover convention space and

course the show.

show was held at Circus Circus, a rather low-

There were laudable goals in the start up documents, and the idea was to have an organization representing the interests of the fabricators.

somehow it came off and raised considerable

conference room at Dulles Airport, and I continued

founders launched the first show putting charges

15 years attending most board meetings, and of

services on their personal credit cards. The first

It was an exciting time to be part of this endeavor.

I was the business attorney for Mike Duggan, the founding member, and he told me of his plan to start an association for fabricators and needed an attorney to start up the organization. I met

Mike and the original founding board members

in 1997 and formed the organization as a Virginia

nonstock corporation because Mike, as president and founder, was operating a fabrication shop in Virginia. There were laudable goals in the

start up documents, and the idea was to have

an organization representing the interests of the fabricators. There was enthusiasm but it was

challenging because there was no staff, marketing,

budget, history or income. We established member dues, but they would not carry the load and as a

new organization, members were not that plentiful.

end casino hotel, and in spite of the unknown, association revenue. The founders, who were all

successful fabricators, had a vision, took chances, pulled it off and word spread.

The now annual show grew in size, scope and attendance as more exhibitors and sponsors

wanted to be part of it. The programs became

more varied with many workshops over three or

in Berlin. ISFA licensed the use of its name and

limited rights in intellectual property and property, and importantly, membership in the “European

Affiliate” gave them membership in the U.S. arm in exchange for a percentage of dues revenue.

ISFA also hired a European member as a sort of limited executive director to help organize,

schedule meetings and market. While the concept was good, the impact was less so, and it was

taking much longer for ISFA Europe to become

self-sustaining than expected. Memberships were slow to materialize and after a while the affiliate

was unable to continue as a viable separate entity, although many of the European members did

continue their membership in the U.S.-based ISFA.

association would be better served to sell the

massive undertaking and ISFA became dependent on the show for revenue. While there were

regional meetings during the year and some training classes, Vegas was a big draw for

fabricators and everyone came to the show with

their significant others and select shop staff. The

association became a voice for fabricators talking with suppliers like Dupont, Avonite and Wilsonart.

Membership grew to include not only nearly a

thousand members in the United States, but also 28 foreign countries.

successful fabricators from Europe and a few

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

France and Spain. In 2002, terms were finalized

and bigger convention centers. It became a

association full time. He had the idea of putting

sponsors, exhibitors, programs, workshops and

agreement with a core group from Germany,

After five years of putting on the show and

Exhibitors from all parts of industry filled bigger

ISFA’s ambitions continued and the board

on a trade show to raise revenue, complete with

lead to a sort of hybrid affiliation/licensing

four days and visits to local fabrication shops.

Perhaps a year or so after the founding, Mike sold his fabrication business and took on the

European ISFA affiliate under the umbrella of the

embarked on more international expansion. Some from Asia had been coming to the show, and

we reached out to them, especially in Germany,

expo, there was debate about whether the

show and concentrate its efforts more directly on the members. Much of the association’s

efforts were going toward the show, and there were large financial risks associated with it

because guarantees had to be paid — meaning sufficient sponsors and exhibitors were critical.

The board also knew if it abandoned the show, one of their main sources of revenue would go

with it (assuming sponsors and exhibitors were sufficiently in place).

In 2003 the board decided it was time to get out of the business of producing the expo/show but look for ways to retain an interest. Cygnus Business Media had expressed strong interest in buying

the show and had other compatible investments with a proven track record so an agreement was

reached that included a significant cash payment

and royalties based on net trade show revenue.

This provided ISFA with a substantial infusion of cash to carry the association while it refocused some of its efforts. ISFA was still committed to sponsor the show and assist in obtaining

attendees and participate with the planning, but was relieved of the financial guarantees

and administrative work. It was also required

search committee decided to recruit an industry

event. An Expo Board with representatives of

that the association would concentrate more

to have its annual meeting coincide with the

ISFA and Cygnus was created to coordinate

planning. The association was still incentivized to make it a success to maximize their royalty fee and was required to support the show in

advertising, helping with sponsors and providing membership lists. Exceptions to the

non-compete were carved out to allow ISFA to

put on regional shows that were not competing

in size or at the same time as the national show.

In 2005 Cygnus changed the name of the show

to the “Surface Fabrication and Design Expo” to be more inclusive of stone and other products.

The show continued to be held and the changes

were mostly behind the scenes, but ISFA was off the hook financially for the liabilities. The show went on, but with different ownership.

The original founder and executive director,

Mike Duggan, left around this time and a board

ISFA took the lead in developing industry

The idea was that the association would concentrate more on delivering firstclass training, conduct more workshops and get closer to the members through more regional meetings.

standards for solid surface. Researching and developing industry standards is one of the fundamental tasks that associations have

historically performed, but there are fixed rules for this and it has to be an open, transparent process. There has to be significant industry

participation, a chance for everyone to voice opinion, open public discussions, drafts

expert in the field of training. The idea was

circulated and so forth. The process cannot

be seen as a way to favor certain parties and

on delivering first-class training, conduct more

exclude others. A task force was created and

workshops and get closer to the members

worked intently for many months with fabricators

through more regional meetings. The new

and suppliers to develop the standards.

executive director brought many ideas including

Ultimately the efforts were rewarded and

proprietary training methods, software to help

standards were accepted and approved.

find business opportunities and other services.

A parallel effort in branding ISFA was also

The transition from the old model concentrating

underway. The branding message was that

so much effort on the show to the new model

fabricators who were members of ISFA were

was difficult. The board struggled with defining

more highly trained, skilled and competent than

and delivering the “value add” for members.

others. In advertising, publicity and business

The association conducted training classes and

cards customers were encouraged to use

regional meetings for fabricators to meet and

ISFA “certified” or “trained” fabricators. The

greet and visit local fabricating shops. Early

association set itself up as the discriminator in

on, attendance at regional meetings varied and

highly skilled workers and fabricators. Kitchen

there were not as many fabricators at workshops

designers were encouraged to specify solid

and training as hoped for, although that was

surface in their specs along with ISFA-trained

beginning to pick up. No one knew how long or

fabricators. This was also an incentive for

how difficult this transition would be.

fabricators to take advantage of ISFA training

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In 2005, ISFA sponsored six successful regional events and more than 1,000 fabricators and their shop employees attended a combination of online and in-person training classes.

The ship was turning.

was right before the 2008 financial meltdown, which affected everyone in the construction

industry as housing starts tanked. The board

also formed a committee to study whether to

relocate the headquarters from Las Vegas and/ or whether to buy or lease a new property. The lease was coming up for renewal, and the time

for notice not to renew set some hard deadlines.

classes and workshops. It’s hard to measure

ISFA was now 10 years old and was no longer

campaign, but it provided a way for fabricator

early days when ISFA had little competition, now

pack and this was important.

with. Many of the original founders had rotated

Emphasis was put on reigniting growth of

coming in to manage an established business in

the success of an advertising and branding

the brash start up it had been in 1997. Unlike the

members to distinguish themselves from the

there were many competing surfaces to contend

membership and activities. The focus was on

creating gathering places where fabricators and those who support them could come together

to learn, fellowship and develop personally and professionally. In 2005, ISFA sponsored six

off the board and a new set of directors was

a very different business environment that was

more competitive and was being hammered by

the faltering economy. Sponsors and exhibitors were much tighter with their money.

successful regional events and more than 1,000

As ISFA continued to mature, it experienced the

a combination of online and in-person training

organizations experience, such as maintaining

fabricators and their shop employees attended

same robust discussions that all membership

classes. The ship was turning.

and growing membership, program priorities,

As with any industry, new products and technology change the landscape. The

association was started to represent solid surface fabricators, but natural stone,

engineered stone and other products were

becoming very popular countertop surfaces.

The suppliers and fabricators of these products

staffing, budgets and responding to competition.

Although Cygnus and ISFA were committed

by contract to the show through 2009 (unless

sooner terminated), attendance and sponsorship reflected the general economy. The show

remained the one time a year when everyone got

together to celebrate and share with the industry.

wanted to become members, but there was

As a replacement, regional meetings and

their interests would be diluted. It required a

national get-together, and this is where ISFA

equipment, space, cranes and cutting tools for

to face, heard their concerns and planned

Despite some initial resistance, the association

important component of the association’s value.

and consequently changed the name of

board members or fabricators running their own

Surface Fabricators Association (ISSFA) to the

schedule some of the board and membership

(ISFA) and admitted stone fabricators and

Bath show that many of their customers and

resistance by the solid surface fabricators that

exhibits were planned to take the place of the

significant financial commitment in the way of

demonstrated its value and met members face

fabricators to take on hard surfacing products.

accordingly. Training and workshops were an

decided they could not ignore market trends

However, it was not always easy to get busy

the association from the International Solid

businesses to attend. Another strategy was to

International Surface Fabricators Association

meetings to coincide with the Kitchen &

suppliers. This also added memberships which

designers attended.

were needed.

Ultimately, in late 2008, the executive director

The board and the membership continued to

moved on, and the board hired a longtime

a vision for ISFA’s future. ISFA had always run

the inner workings and players of the industry

expressed a desire to add resources and laid

president. He resided in Utah, so in 2009 the

to offer more services, grow membership,

ISFA office officially moved to Utah. A few key

wrestle with growing competition and fine-tuning

ISFA staff contributor and someone who knew

fairly lean and mean, but the executive director

to become its executive director and vice

this out in his 2006 long-range plan intended

board terminated the Henderson lease and the

address the competing surfaces, establish

and/or preserve helpful industry relationships

and execute market awareness and consumer education initiatives. The timing for all of this

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

staff continued to work remotely to maintain

continuity, especially for membership records.

This was a challenging time for the association,

moving to a new location, securing new training

Being a fabricator is one of the ways a small businessman can become an entrepreneur and own his (or her) own business. They can take ownership of their business and destiny and provide jobs for their families and communities. space, wrapping up old contracts and providing the services expected by the members. Board members stayed in close contact.

Around this time my involvement became minimal as the association did not need an attorney at board meetings, and they were not entering into big contracts with show exhibitors.

Systems and policies were in place, and my

constant nagging about antitrust laws applying to associations was no longer necessary and had been thoroughly documented in my presentations to the boards. Late 2012 was my last involvement and it was after this time that the headquarters was ultimately moved to Pennsylvania because of convenience and proximity to another director. I have only had a few conversations with the new team to discuss events or legal documents from the past.

I am delighted that ISFA is still a forceful voice for the fabricators and that it has continued to change with the times and move forward.

Obviously transitioning to a different model has worked. Being a fabricator is one of the ways a small businessman can become an entrepreneur and own his (or her) own business. They can take ownership of their business and destiny and provide jobs for their families and communities. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with ISFA, its boards and members, and wish everyone well.

I have tried to give a brief summary from the 30,000-foot level as I remember it, and others may have different recollections. I have not named names except for Mike Duggan, the original founder, as the purpose is not to assign heroics or identify individuals at the exclusion of others. I have probably left out some parts of history, but I will leave it to others to fill in as necessary from their own recollections. And of course, there is plenty more history to be written.

Best to everyone, William (Bill) Barton, past ISFA counsel Wbbarton2@gmail.com bbarton@bbttlaw.com Cell: (703) 624-1191

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Here.Now.News.

From the Desk of Amy Miller, Executive Director

What We’re Up to NOW Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now.

– Denis Waitley One of the most fun and rewarding parts of my

role as the ISFA Executive Director is connecting with others in the industry. It’s a pleasure and a gift to interact with the variety of surfacing

businesses and organizations. I am continually

amazed at the vast amount of talent, effort and intellect driving our industry today. There’s no

shortage of new ideas, motivation or innovation.

Additionally, no lack of variety exists in the ways that these individuals define success and go to

We’re continuing to engage suppliers and manufacturers to bring you the latest products and services available, and we will continue to feature fabricators who share best practices and profitable strategies.

■■ Conversation after conversation elevated a need to continue to be THE source for fabrication training of solid surface and quartz products. In response to this, ISFA has broadened

market, and therein lies the challenge.

its fabrication training to add Quartz On-Site

“How do we, ISFA, a more than 20-year-

putting on a solid surface fabrication training class

old trade association remain relevant and

deliver value to our broad and ever-changing industry?”

When I accepted this role just five short months ago, THIS was the question I set out to answer.

I began by surveying our members. From there I

connected with previous ISFA Board Presidents, Executive Directors and a host of others with a history, a connection and a desire to reshape

ISFA. The results left me with several answers and initiatives. Here are a few key findings and ways we’re working to deliver this value in 2018.

■■ Of our ISFA member survey participants, 84 percent said the No. 1 way they prefer to connect with others in the industry is through in-person networking events. In response to this, we’ve broadened our ISFA calendar this year.

We’re hosting four Industry Roundtable Events around the United States, we’ve reintroduced

the Gen 2 group, we are hosting the Countertops Symposium at IWF, and having our popular

fabrication training, and this September we are in San Antonio, Texas. This class is also open to non-fabricator members who want to just observe to learn more about solid surface fabrication.

■■ Survey responses and conversation elevated the need for ISFA to take an active role in helping to solve today’s labor crisis. In response to this, ISFA has revamped its Mike Nolan Scholarship program and including the topic in every Roundtable Event.

■■ Survey responses and conversation both indicated that members are interested in exclusive member discounts and programs. In

response to this, a new ISFA Member Advantage

Program is in development to offer discounts and deals to members and will be available in the next couple of months.

I hope the ISFA initiatives for 2018 are in line with your perspective and needs, but if they are not, or if you have insight into how we can serve you better, I welcome your feedback and insight.

Annual Conference in Cancun.

■■ Respondents to the tune of 95 percent said they read Countertops & Architectural

Surfaces magazine and ISFA’s Surfacing News

e-newsletter, and they largely like to read about new products, machinery and tooling.

Amy Miller ISFA Executive Director AmyM@isfanow.org

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

ISFA Events & Training

For additional information and registration options, please visit www. isfanow.org, or email amym@isfanow. org. Personalized training options are also available. Email carol@isfanow.org for more information.

ISFA Industry Roundtable Sponsored

by KOHLER and Meganite May 15 – 17 Kohler, Wis. ISFA Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Symposium at IWF Sponsored by Durasein, Cosentino and GranQuartz Aug. 21 Atlanta, Ga. ISFA Solid Surface Fabrication Training Class: Fabricator & observer options available Sept. 11 – 13 Austin, Texas ISFA Industry Roundtable Sponsored by OHARCO Sept. 18 – 20 Omaha/Lincoln, Neb. ISFA Annual Conference Sponsored

by GranQuartz, Cosentino, Integra Adhesives and Laser Products Oct. 23 – 26 Cancun, Mexico ISFA Industry Roundtable Sponsored

by Cosentino and GranQuartz Dec. 4 - 6 Austin, Texas

ISFANews ISFA Mike Nolan Scholarship Program Revamped: ISFA Now Accepting Applications Mike Nolan was an industry icon, working at various

to be used for education and/or training. Examples

the ISFA Board. He revamped ISFA’s solid surface

schools; apprenticeship programs; or fabricator/

solid surface companies and serving six years on

training programs and served as the ISFA Director of

of eligible education/training include: technical

installer training programs (ISFA training or Education. He passed in 2014, remembered by all for comparable). sharing freely of his time and knowledge.

Recipients must:

In his honor, his wife Terry Kromke-Nolan established ■■ Submit completed application by June 8, 2018, the Mike Nolan Scholarship Fund “in the spirit of the verifying legitimacy. It must be accompanied by an

Mike Nolan, left, training solid surface students at the former ISFA in-house training center in Utah.

believed in so much.” Numerous ISFA members

why they should be chosen, as well as evidence

Application materials will be reviewed and scored

■■ Use the funds for the trade education and/or

notified on Aug. 3. Additionally, ISFA is sponsoring

awarding an annual $1,200 scholarship to a person

■■ Be willing to be featured in Countertops and

surface training class in San Antonio, Texas, on

can be of any background as long as they have a

receiving the scholarship and submit photos and

ISFA Mission Statement and the hands-on that Mike have added to it in Mike’s honor. ISFA now has a

new, revamped Mike Nolan Scholarship Program.

essay outlining how the funds would be used and they are willing to work hard and persevere.

by the ISFA Board. The 2018 recipient will be

two vocational school students to attend its solid

Its goal is to elevate the surfacing industry by

training as outlined in their essay.

wanting a career in the industry. Eligible applicants

Architectural Surfaces magazine within a year of

Sept. 11 to 13.

desire to pursue a career in the trades. The award is

written accounts of how funds are used.

For more information, visit www.isfanow.org or email info@countertopresource.com.

ISFA Once Again Teams Up with IWF to Put on Full-day Countertops Symposium The Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Symposium, presented by ISFA is a full-day educational event focused on countertop and surfacing needs of the woodworking industry.

Speakers will present on topics ranging from project estimating and bidding to new materials and fabrication tooling, logistics and labor resourcing. Speakers will provide interactive content, takeaway resources and a Q&A session.

The symposium is geared toward business owners and key management.

Each speaker/topic will address a strategy for bottom line improvement.

It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 21, the day prior to the opening of the IWF Show floor, and the cost includes coffee and pastries as well as lunch.

Registration for the symposium also includes a full pass to IWF exhibit hall for the show.

assessment tool that assists across the hire-to-retire life cycle with scientifically validated assessments to aid in hiring and retaining a productive workforce.

Jessica McNaughton, of Caragreen, will present “Innovative & Sustainable Surfaces: What You Need to Know.”

More innovative and sustainable surfaces are entering the market.

Specification of these products are also growing. Attendees will learn about these products, how they are specified and what certifications/regulations are required for commercial applications.

Mari Ivan and Brian Smith, of L.E. Smith, will present “Outsourcing Countertop Fabrication: When to Keep It in House and When to Call an Expert.”

Architects and designers are adding more to Divisions 6 and 12. Those bidding on casework packages are also likely bidding on countertops, sills, walls and toilet partitions. Attendees Speakers include: will receive data points for determining John Broer, of In2Great, is presenting when to complete these components “Using the Predictive Index to Manage in-house, and when to call on a Labor Issues.” The Predictive Index is an specialized fabricator.

Chris Pappenfort, of Surface Menders, will talk about “Commercial Solid Surface Fabrication: Challenges & Solutions.”

This will include trends, fabrication, installation and repair techniques, tips of the trade and major mistakes.

Piergiorgio Mazzetta, of Laminam, will cover “Surfaces Translated.” More surface options are available than ever, and continue to emerge. An overview of surface types will be presented, along with their properties, pros and cons, and the expertise/machinery required to fabricate them. Surfaces covered include laminate, granite, quartz, porcelain and sintered stone.

Sponsors will also give short presentations offering insight into trends, products and technology.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.iwfatlanta.com/Education/CTP.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Pre-IWF ISFA Networking Event Hosted by Cosentino All attendees of the ISFA Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Symposium as well as any interested surfacing fabricators are invited to attend ISFA’s Pre-IWF Networking Event. Interested parties will gather outside of the Atlanta Congress Center at approximately 5 p.m. and Cosentino will provide transportation to and from the Atlanta Congress Center to its Atlanta Cosentino Center.

Cocktails and appetizers will be served, and a tour of the facility will be provided. There is no cost to attend.

To sign up or for more information email info@isfanow.org.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 39

ISFANews Find Great Educational Opportunities at the

2018 ISFA

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

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SPONSORS

Educational Presenters Aaron Crowley Aaron Crowley owns one of the highest rated stone fabrication companies in the country.

Crowley’s Granite Concepts has earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award for the past 11 years by using the management technique Aaron developed and described in his book Less Chaos More Cash. His book shares the simple three-step process for effectively documenting and delegating critical work within a business so that the company can profitably keep its promises to the customer. He will be presenting “The MAP to Full Potential” and “Order Through PROcess.”

Ted Janusz As a well-known presenter on business topics, Ted Janusz provides an interactive experience. He has also written for numerous well-known business publications. He has delighted audiences all over the country, helping attendees improve their businesses and develop key contacts.

He will be presenting “Creating Strategic Relationships: Here and Now!”

ISFA recognizes that in the world we live in today, you can access education in the form of videos, webinars, online coursework from the convenience of your computer, tablet or even your phone. What you can’t readily access from your device is the education and knowledge when truly connecting via face-to-face discussions with a group of your peers. Join us in beautiful Cancun, Mexico, at the ISFA Annual Conference to network, participate in forwardthinking learning opportunities, and celebrate the growth and success of the surfacing industry. We assure you that we’ll allow you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the resort as well. Come celebrate with us this October!

YOUR CONFERENCE TICKET INCLUDES:

Three nights all-inclusive accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, the welcome reception, educational sessions, the ISFA Annual Meeting, the ISFA Awards Dinner, and airport transfers to and from the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. You may register online for the event at www.isfanow.org or contact the ISFA office at (412) 487-3207 or email info@isfanow.org.

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

ISFANews ISFA On Site Program Takes Training to Hawaii

ISFA Board of Directors

Montage Décor Expands Services to Include Solid Surface Fabrication

Kate Dillenburg President Bisley Fabrication 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 (715) 787-4410 kdillenburg@bisfab.com www.bisfab.com

ISFA continues to see high levels of demand

for its ISFA On-Site Training program in which

an ISFA-certified trainer travels to the trainee’s location to train a group of employees in best-

practice fabrication techniques. The most recent

Ryan Miller Immediate Past President VT Industries 1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 (712) 368-4381, Ext. 236 RMiller@vtindustries.com www.vtindustries.com

participation was Montage Décor in Waipahu,

Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. While this was solid surface training, the ISFA On Site program also

includes a quartz and stone fabrication version.

ISFA Trainer Chris Pappenfort traveled to Montage

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

Décor for a five-day training program in which

23 employees of the company, including Owner Gavin Ishikawa, participated. The training was

years, we were spending about 8 percent of our

seminar for 12 of the employees and a two-day

installation of our projects. Because we have a

split up into a three-day hands-on training

seminar that was more classroom time and demonstrations for 11 others.

gross revenues for materials, fabrication and skilled team of carpenters, we feel that selling LG HI-MACS and paying our guys to fabricate

Montage Décor is a general contracting company

and install it, we’ll be putting about 5 percent of

and eight office staff, including its lead designer

us another avenue in case customers are only

that has 26 employees (18 carpenters/masons

revenue back into Montage. And, it also gives

who has a doctorate’s degree in architecture and

looking to redo their countertops or shower walls.”

a draftsman with a master’s degree in mechanical

engineering. The company works on projects from large to small, taking its customers from design all the way through construction completion.

As a growing construction company, the

management felt it made a lot of sense to

progress into not only better understanding solid surface products, but also be able to work with the material.

Project Manager Kris Kawamoto, who was among those trained, said, “Over the past couple of

In response to the training program, Kawamoto said, “We were very happy with Chris. The training program that he put the team through was very thorough and gave us a great understanding of the best practices for fabricating and installing solid surface. We are now working on projects, starting small and seeing how our guys handle themselves. So far they are doing great.”

Those interested in ISFA On-Site training can get more information by contacting Operations Manager Carol Wilhite at (412) 487-3207 or carol@isfanow.org.

Quote Countertops Now Offers Discounts to ISFA Members Quote Countertops, a company that provides quoting software that offers customers the ability to create an accurate instant quote via any internet device, is now offering discounts to ISFA members. The program, which can be incorporated into a company’s website, in-home or in-store presentations, is available to ISFA members with a 20 percent discount on annual subscriptions or a 10 percent discount on monthly subscriptions. More information is available at the company’s website at www.quotecountertops.com.

This is just the first of many discounts that will be available to members with the upcoming launch of the ISFA Member Advantage Program.

Matt Kraft Secretary Custom Marble Inc. 850 S. Mulberry Millstadt, IL 62260 (618) 476-7501 matt.kraft@custom marble.net www.custommarble.net Mike Langenderfer Treasurer The Countertop Shop 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 (419) 868-9101 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net Adam Albee Director Counter Culture 5012 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 (500) 531-5078 adam@thetopculture.com www.thetopculture.com

Kelley Montana Director Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-5918 kmontana@humtop.com www.humtop.com Steve Stoddard Director Advanced Surfaces, Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 (814) 663-0369 sstoddard@advanced surfacespa.com www.advanced surfacespa.com Jessica McNaughton Associate Member Representative CaraGreen 109A Brewer Ln. Carrboro, NC 27607 (919) 929-3009 Jessica@caragreen.com www.caragreen.com Paul Max Le Pera Associate Member Representative Hirsch Glass Corp./ Spectrum Quartz 106 Melrich Rd. Cranbury, NJ 08512 (908) 358-5252 max@hirschglasscorp.com www.spectrumquartz.com Jim Callaghan Associate Member Representative Gran Quartz 3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd.

Norcross, GA 30093 (248) 660-391 callaghan@granquartz.com www.granquartz.com

ISFA Contacts ISFA PO Box 627 Ingomar, PA 15127 (412) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org Executive Director Amy Miller (567) 239-2102 amym@isfanow.org Communications Director Kevin Cole Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor (815) 721-1507 kevin@isfanow.org Operations Manager Carol Wilhite (412) 487-3207 carol@isfanow.org

Account Representative Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 wisnefski@sbcglobal.net Program Coordinator Amy Kyriazis (412) 487-3207 amy@isfanow.org Solid Surface Fabrication Trainer Chris Pappenfort (417) 598-2390 chris@isfanow.org Quartz/Stone Fabrication Trainer Fred Hueston (321) 514-6845 fred@isfanow.org

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 41

Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals.

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

ALABAMA

Cutstone Co.

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

ALASKA

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

ARIZONA

Housewright Construction P.O. Box 1541 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-539-2444

La Casa Bella Builders 401 N. Broad St. Globe, AZ 85501 928-425-2450 LCBbuilders.com

ARKANSAS Qualserv

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

CALIFORNIA

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

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

The Countertop Factory

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

Delorie Countertops & Doors Inc.

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

NSM Florida Enterprises, LLC

1050 Central Park Dr. Sanford, FL 32771 407-774-0676 www.nsmotif.com

Sterling Mfg.

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

Countersync

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

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

Premier Surfaces

845 McFarland Pkwy.

Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-614-7111 www.premiersurfaces.com

Stone Center

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

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

Marble Works

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

1601 N. LA Fox South Elgin, IL 60177 874-742-9222 www.marble-works.com

New Age Surfaces

Pierce Laminated Products Inc.

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

Stalwart Systems

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

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

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

INDIANA

A. I. A. Countertops LLC

Top South

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

HAWAII

900 Farabee Ct. Lafayette, IN 47905 765-448-6000 www.bollocktops.com

1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775

810 S. Beiger St. Mishawaka, IN 46544 574-259-4843

Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc.

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

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

IOWA

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

Counter Fitters LLC

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

Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.

Custom Marble Inc.

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

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

711 Interchange Blvd.

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

Beverin Solid Surface

ILLINOIS

Atlanta Kitchen Inc.

DELAWARE

FLORIDA

94-117 Malakeke Place, Unit #102 Waipahu, HI 96797 808-200-7868 www.montage-decor.com

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

GEORGIA

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

Troy Granite Inc.

Montage Decor LLC

Bollock Enterprises LLC

Hard Surface Fabrications Inc./Kormax

Solid Fabrications Inc.

Top Crafters

811 Iowa Ave. Marshalltown, IA 50158 641-752-2465

VT Industries

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

KANSAS

Parman Brothers LTD

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

Top Master Inc.

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

KENTUCKY

Granite America

1121 St. Louis Ave. Louisville, KY 40241 502-419-0713

Surfaces Unlimited Inc.

1272 Hwy. 490 E. Bernstadt, KY 40729 606-843-6891 www.surfaces-unlimited.com

MAINE

Bangor Wholesale Laminates

355 Target Industrial Circle Bangor, ME 04401 207-945-5928

Shad’s Custom Countertops Inc.

11 Collins Pond Rd. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-3445 www.getshad.com

MARYLAND

Carefree Kitchens Inc.

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

Fabricator Directory Creative Surface Interiors Inc.

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

SolidTops LLC

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

MASSACHUSETTS

MISSISSIPPI

NEW YORK

OHIO

3803 Old Mobile Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39581 228-938-6484 www.alexandercounter wrights.com

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

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

Alexander Counterwrights

MISSOURI

Surface Menders

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

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

Sterling Surfaces

76 Leominster Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-3321 www.sterlingsurfaces.com

Sterling-Miller Designs Inc.

1079 N. Montello St. Brockton, MA 02301 508-894-6999 www.sterlingmillerdesigns.com

TWD Surfaces

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

MICHIGAN Blasius Inc.

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

Innovative Surface Works

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

Paxton Countertops & Showers

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

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

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

WoodCo LLC

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

NEBRASKA

Counter Culture

5012 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 500-531-5078 www.thetopculture.com

NEVADA

Carpenters Int’l.

Training Fund

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

NEW JERSEY 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

Creative Countertops & More

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

Jaynes Structures

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

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

Marker Systems Inc.

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

Penn Fabricators Inc. Northeast Quartz Inc.

Bertke Countertops

Cutting Edge Countertops Inc.

1300 Flagship Dr. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-9500 www.cectops.com

30 Platinum Ct. Medford, NY 11763 631-205-0282 www.pennforcorian.com

L. E. Smith Co.

Atlantic Countertops

Laminate Shop, Inc.

NORTH CAROLINA 4250 Old Wake Forrest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27613 919-981-0163 www.atlanticcountertops.com

BloomDay Granite & Marble

3810 Indiana Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 336-414-0842 www.bloomdaygranite.com

Carolina Custom Surfaces 100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC 27409 336-215-5518 www.carolinacustom surfaces.com

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

PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536

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

Top Advantage Surfaces Inc.

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

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

Majestic Kitchen & Bath

104 Jeffrey Way Youngsville, NC 27596 919-376-5941 www.gomajestic.com

Tower Industries

Metro Woodcrafters of NC, Inc.

PO Box 669488 Charlotte, NC 282-9488 704-394-9622 www.metrowoodcrafter.com

Onslow Stoneworks

1661 Hwy. 58 PO Box 1239 Swansboro, NC 28584 252-393-2457 www.onslowstoneworks.com

ROCKin’teriors

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

OREGON

Crowley’s Granite & Quartz 10100 S.W. Herman Rd. Tualatin, OR 97062 503-850-2496

Duda Consulting

3601 Southwest River Pkwy.

Unit #2102 Portland, OR 97239 503-949-7738 www.dudaconsulting.com

230 Hampton Woods Ln. Ste. 100 Raleigh, NC 27607 919-577-0207 www.rockinteriors.com

Precision Countertops Inc.

Stoneworks

Satis&fy

18623 Northline Dr. Cornelius, NC 28031 704-936-8340 www.stoneworksltd.com

PO Box 387 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503-692-6660 www.precisioncountertops.com 3550 N.W. 215th Ave. Hillsboro, OR 97124 971-570-9800 www.satis-fy.com

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 43

Companies in blue are Certified Professionals.

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

PENNSYLVANIA A.S.S.T.

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

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

Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories

2425 New Holland Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-656-2300

Harrisburg Troy Granite

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

Indoor City Granite and marble 1284 Loop Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 717-368-5604 www.indoorcity.com

Kauffman Kitchens

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

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

Pence Countertops Inc.

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

Pittsburgh Troy Granite

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

RHODE ISLAND

Allied Floor Covering, Inc. 325 Main Rd. Tiverton, RI 02878 401-624-4477 www.alliedfloorcovver inginc.com

SOUTH DAKOTA

DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. 45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com

TENNESSEE

Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.

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

Countertops of Memphis

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

Creative Countertop Solutions Inc.

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

TEXAS

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

Counterscapes, Inc.

2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 903-581-5676 www.counterscapes.com

Countertop Solutions LLC PO Box 82087 Houston, TX 77282 713-204-0080

Finishes Etc.

19530 FM 362 Waller, TX 77484 936-372-1670 www.finishesetc.net

Dirk Foster

921 Morton St Mineral Wells, TX 76067 206-898-8163

Gecko Solid Surface Solutions

SOUTH CAROLINA

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

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

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

Solid Products

W.R. Watson Inc.

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

UTAH

Plastic Specialties Inc. 1640 S. Redwood Rd. Salt Lake City, UT 84104 801-746-1212 www.psitops.com

Utah Kitchen and Bath

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

VERMONT

Vermont Solid Surface

PO Box 602 852 Portland St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-535-4986 www.vermontsolidsurface.com

VIRGINIA

Ellis Page Company, LLC 10481 Colonel Ct. Manassas, Va 20110 703-346-9404 www.ellispageco.com

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

Mid Atlantic Surfaces

2559 Turkey Creek Rd. Oilville, VA 23129 804-798-7462 www.midatlanticsurfaces.com

Surface Link Corp.

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

TRINDCO

1004 Obici Industrial Blvd.

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

WASHINGTON

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

King County Library System 960 Newport Way N.W. Issaqua, WA 98027 425-369-3300 www.kcls.org

WISCONSIN ACS INT’L.

1478 Turnberry Circle Oconomowoc, WI 53066 520-395-7534 www.acstone.com

Bisley Fabrication Inc.

700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 00-424-7539 www.bisleyfabrication.com

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

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

ARUBA

Office Systems Aruba

Frankrijkstraat 10 Oranjestad Aruba 011-297-583-8373 www.officesystemsaruba.com

AUSTRALIA

Asian Solid Surface

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

BARBADOS

In-Counter, Inc.

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

CANADA

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

Elite Food Equipment 4 Fielding Ct. Ajax, ON L14W5 Canada

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

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

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

Granit Design

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

PF Custom Countertops Ltd.

14017 174 St. N.W. Edmonton, AB T5S 1H1 Canada 780-484-0831 www.pfcustom countertops.com

Shape Industries

10 McPhillips St. Winnipeg, MB R3E2J7 Canada 204-947-0409 www.shapeinc.com

Summum Granit Inc.

460 Principale St. Saint-Sebastien, QC G0Y 1M0 Canada 819-625-2333 www.summumgranit.com

FRANCE

MEXICO

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

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

CREA Diffusion

INDIA

Infini Hybrid Pvt Ltd

904, Bwing, Kanakia Western Edge II, Western Highway Borivali East Mumbia 400066 Maharashtra India +91-966-464-1442 www.infinihybrid.com

ITALY

Legnopan SPA (Starkryl Solid Surface)

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

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #20

INDEKO

RUSSIA

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

ARTCOR

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

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Bond Interiors

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

UNITED KINGDOM Interfab LTD

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

Sheridan Fabrications Limited

New Sheridan House, Don Pedro Ave. Normanton, West Yorkshire WF6 1TD United Kingdom 448-456-182800 www.sheridan-uk.com

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #21 ISFA Member since 2013 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 45

Product News Antolini Adds to Exclusive Collection Antolini introduced three designs to its Exclusive Collection. These three new warm and serene accented stones present a refined and stunning atmosphere suitable for fine interior environments. Oyster White, Dover White and Oyster Quartz are designed to draw the viewer into the color contrasts of their solid backgrounds, from which the array of colors within them flourishes. Each stone has a delicate yet alluringly polished look.

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BLANCO Expands Fireclay Sink Collection BLANCO introduced the CERANA® II Fireclay Apron Front Sink that is designed for durability and versatility using artisan hand-finishing techniques and high-firing temperatures.

The CERANA II’s reversible design features two different corner styles allowing for a choice of contemporary or traditional décor applications. The sink has an ultra-durable gloss surface and includes a stainless steel bottom sink grid. The new sink is available in both 30- and 33-in. single bowls with White and Biscuit color options. It has a center drain location and a limited lifetime warranty.

Additional accessories including a 3-in-1 Basket Strainer are sold separately.

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HanStone Introduces Boutique Collection Hanwha Surfaces, the American subsidiary of the international conglomerate Hanwha L&C, released five new colors of HanStone Quartz as part of its Boutique Collection. Inspired 46 • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association

profile supports offered by the company can be used for overhangs, wall hung counters or

shelving, remaining decorative while staying out of the way of knees and bar stools. This makes them suitable for breakfast areas, bars or any entertainment area. Generally having a ¼-in.

thickness, these gusseted braces can hold up to 500 lbs. per brace. The hidden supports,

such as the Liberty, are used on countertop by the world of fashion and luxurious North America’s locales, the new collection ranges from soft whites to subtle gray tones with long wispy veins and movement. It consists of five

fresh colors: Chantilly, which is lace-like with feathery charcoal veins set against a crisp white background; Montauk, which has a soft pearl undertone elevated with sandy dappling and an ivory pattern; Monterey, which takes inspiration from California’s central coast, and has a soft gray base anchored by darker gray veining and contrasting white wispy marbling; Soho, which is inspired by one of lower Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods and its fashion and features a smoky white base with pewter and brown veining; and Yorkville, which is inspired by the fashionable Toronto neighborhood of the same name and has subtle gray movement and a soft cream base.

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applications and drilled into the cabinetry

substrate to remain completely hidden in spite of supporting up to 375 lbs. per brace. Having more finish offerings will not only increase the

options available to customers, but also allow for greater variety of interior styling for designers.

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Wilsonart Launches New Quartz, Solid Surface and Laminate Designs Wilsonart introduced new laminate, quartz and solid surface designs. The company launched Blurred Lines, a new laminate collection that

not only blurs the lines between warm and cool color tones, but also utilizes the company’s

exclusive Soft Silk finish. Additionally, it now offers 12 new laminate designs that feature depth and realism with looks ranging from wood-like laminates to abstract painterly

Federal Brace Offers New Countertop Support Finishes To meet increased demand for variety, Federal Brace put out new finishes for several of its products. The Arrowwood and Brunswick LowProfile Countertop Supports were both released in a matte black powder coat. Additionally, the Liberty Hidden Countertop Brace, previously available only in raw steel, is now being offered in a matte white powder coat. All three designs come in a variety of sizes, from 8 in. up to 24 in., in order to support countertop overhangs and shelves of various lengths. These low-

patterns. Each design is crafted to encourage

sensory interaction within the space where the surfaces reside.

Also introduced were 10 new quartz and

seven new solid surface designs that mimic

nature’s beauty and are suitable in both home and commercial settings. The new surface

designs tap into the color trends of warm and cool whites, grays and neutrals, but also take advantage of the resurgence of classic black

stone. Several of the new quartz “inspired-bynature” veining patterns were created through robotic technology.

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Just 2 in. of separation is required between SNAP Panels and backlit surfaces. Plastic clips and screws are included with each panel for mounting purposes. Panel squares are tileable using the company’s simple connectors that require no soldering.

its 20mm (¾-in.) range of premium sintered

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worktops, bathroom counters and flooring,

stone surfacing products with new formats and finishes to open design possibilities for high-

end commercial and residential applications.

Inspired by a growing demand among

designers and specifiers for thicker kitchen Neolith added 13 popular patterns to its 20mm catalogue, including: Iron Grey, Iron Moss,

Cement, Barro, Pulpis, Aspen Grey and Arctic

Tresco Lighting Introduces SNAP Tile LED Panels Customized lighting solutions are just a snap away with the Tresco Lighting’s new SNAP Panels that are suitable for backlighting translucent versions of solid surface and quartz as well as onyx and other natural stones. Sold in 12- by 12-in. squares, the razor-thin panels can be snapped down to 3- by 3-in. squares and connected back into any configuration, creating custom sizes with complete light uniformity.

White NanoTech. With these new introductions, the Neolith 20mm range is now available on

18 different models, offering a greater degree of creative possibilities within kitchen and

bathroom environments. All of Neolith’s colors, finishes and sizes are hygienic, impervious to

chemicals and resistant to staining, scratching,

Neolith Presents New Formats and Finishes in 20mm Thicknesses

direct heat, UV-ray fading and general wear,

reports the company. The all-natural material is also said to be lightweight and easy to

Neolith, manufactured by TheSize, expanded

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install, making it what the company refers to

as a sustainable solution suitable for virtually

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #23 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 2 • 47

Product News every indoor and outdoor surface. Neolith now offers more than 56 different designs across its seven collections—in multiple finishes and thicknesses—providing specifiers with a broader range of design possibilities.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #36

well as the new

Surfaces LLC. The launch consists

which can be

is part of the new Whimsy Design

smooth hoses,

used with almost the entire CT

product line. The smooth suction

hose and optimized SYS-Dock with

cord holder and

T-LOC function work for

conveniently connecting SYSTAINERs to the

mobile dust extractors. The new suction hose is better for sliding over edges, improved handling and a longer service life. New

Caesarstone Unveils Three New Quartz Colors Caesarstone unveiled a trio of white quartz surface colors that are now part of the product’s lineup. The varying white tones include tactile finishes and aim to add depth to surfaces. Providing durability, these new colors are suitable for both residential and commercial designs. The new colors include: Cloudburst Concrete, which delivers a tactile effect of a concrete-like feel, has a white-on-white tonal cloud-like patina with a low-reflective surface; Frozen Terra, which has a classic, neutral-colored white base that is embellished by glimmers of black basalt and translucent gray quartz and fuses the playfulness of terrazzo with the robustness of concrete; and Intense White, a petite design that is inspired by and features a bright white base and a lightly textured concrete finish that adds depth and interest. Caesarstone surfaces are nonporous, durable, mold- and mildew-resistant, and scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant.

CLEANTEC extraction sleeves help to ensure secure fits on the tool. The CT 26, CT 36, CT

36 AC and CT 48 can be individually retrofitted with a Bluetooth module for operation via

Chromatix™ program. The two colors join more than 40 standard colors, patterns and designs offered by the Studio Collection. While the Studio Collection is primarily used in architectural and design applications within hospitality, retail, education, healthcare and commercial industries, it is suitable for residential applications as well. The benefits include translucent capabilities, inconspicuous seams, no porosity, readily repairability and thermoformability for curved and custom applications.

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Bluetooth battery pack when working with

Festool cordless tools. The optional Bluetooth modules and remote controllers now enable fabricators to benefit from the company’s

virtually dust-free system when working with its cordless products, as well. It is suitable for occasional cleaning tasks without

having to change the CT Dust Extractor

from AUTO to MANUAL mode. The CT

Dust Extractors can be started with the

WEHA Offers Carbon Fiber Rodding Bars

remote control directly on the suction

Carbon Fiber Rodding Bars are WEHA’s latest

with Festool Bluetooth battery packs. The CT

and other natural stones, as well as quartz and

hoses. The Bluetooth modules communicate

technology in fiberglass rodding for granite

Dust Extractors are started automatically when

engineered stones for countertop applications.

the cordless tools are switched on.

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The rodding bars are available pre-cut in 4-ft.-long bundles of 100. The 48-in. length of the bars allows them to extend past any sink.

They can be cut with a grinder or bolt cutters to the length needed and glued in place.

The bars are made with a high concentration of fiberglass strands throughout the entire profile, increasing the strength of the rods.

Additionally, the company added a top and

Festool Updates CT Dust Extractor Line

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

Series from Studio Collection’s

a remote control on the suction hose or a

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Festool introduced several newly updated models of its CT Dust Extractor product line, which feature smooth suction hoses, optimized SYS-Docks with cord holders, T-LOC function and optional Bluetooth connectivity with remote controls. Many of the company’s existing CT models can also be retrofitted with the Bluetooth modules and remote starters as

of Honey Onyx and Whimsy. Whimsy

bottom layer of high-tensile strength carbon to further increase durability.

For more info, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #40

Aristech Surfaces Releases New Studio Collection Colors Two new colors of Studio Collection Design Resin surfacing were released by Aristech

Ad Index

Classifieds

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Regent Stone

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Water Treatment Solutions 11

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For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #24

Fabricators!

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Looking to fill a key position? Why not submit a FREE classified ad?

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Start Planning NOW to Attend These Upcoming Events ISFA Countertops

Symposium at IWF Aug. 21, 2018 Atlanta, Ga.

(404) 693-8333

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Omaha, Neb.

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

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International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 11 / Issue 1 • 49

From the President From the Desk of Kate Dillenburg, ISFA President

Embracing Change As winter changes to spring I am reminded

improvement as soon as we interview

every day. As business owners we are faced

that we are serious about change and we try

of the how much change occurs around us

with change daily. It seems that as soon as I

think I have something figured out something else changes. It is like a never-ending game

of whack-a-mole. The constant changes used to drive me nuts and keep me up at night,

someone. We let potential employees know new things.

Hiring new talent can be a struggle, but with our acceptance of change, we have also

worked at changing our approach to how we

until I decided to embrace change. I now

attract and retain employees. There are a lot

changes and it has made an entire world of

business that have served us pretty well.

find challenge and fun in the chaos of daily

of non-traditional things that are done at our

difference.

For instance, we have moved to a four-day

I found when we created a culture of change

work week for installers and fabricators. We

successful, less stressed and more excited

several holiday weekends turn into four-day

working it into the culture of our fabrication

new employees and seasoned professionals

and other times they don’t. We don’t stress

large employers pass over, such as young

learning experiences and just move ahead.

Embracing a younger, less-experienced

in our company that we became more

market that we have three-day weekends, and

to take on the next challenge. We have been

weekends. This can be very attractive to both

business. Sometimes the things we try work

alike. We also focus on demographics that

about it anymore. We chalk our failures up to

people with no construction experience.

I now look forward to the projects that are

different. I get excited about when a customer calls and wants to know if we can make a

custom bowl or asks if we can use a product in a new way. In the past we simply made

countertops. Countertops worked and making

them paid the bills, but it didn’t get me excited to come to work every day.

workforce as our future has increased our

chances at filling positions, but we have also

made changes so that it does not damage our reputation or lose us money.

We have worked on our fabrication processes to make them as simple as possible, which allows us to make new less experienced people productive and profitable very

As we learned to embrace the unknown and

quickly. We are continuously looking for

to get excited about what we were creating

more efficient. Making these changes can

young talent to our business because we were

consequences can be unknown, but overall,

employees started to refer their friends and

changes helps us to stay competitive in our

company. As such, we have worked it into our

aren’t going to get ahead anyway, so it makes

a point to talk about change and continuous

calculated plunge.

take on the different projects, we all started

new approaches to fabrication to make us

for customers. We also started to attract new,

be scary and when you are facing them, the

doing something different and exciting. My

we have found that embracing these types of

acquaintances to apply for positions within our

market. Without a large enough workforce, we

program from the very beginning. We make it

sense to look at the alternatives and take a

50 • Vol. 11 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association

In the end, jumping off the cliff and changing our company culture from a stagnate organization to an ever-changing and evolving business has made our company not only more successful, but also more profitable. It was and still can be scary on occasion. Telling a customer that we can do something that we haven’t ever done before can be daunting at times, but it can also be a lot of fun and mentally satisfying, while also being monetarily gratifying. The sense of accomplishment that comes when you finally figure out how to create something is a very rewarding thing.

Plus, we have a whole network of fabricators to rely on in the form of other ISFA members who can offer suggestions to help us make positive moves. Some of them may have already figured out how to do something that we have never tried before and they are willing to assist and offer advice and insight, when called upon. Of course, that makes it a little easier to embrace this kind of change. And, as I wrote about in my last editorial, you can get involved just as our company did and benefit from that same network of expertise.

Change is how the world operates. Just look around you. There’s no denying it, and the pace of change is getting faster. Things will change, whether you want them to or not.

The question is will you be left behind, or will you embrace the change and use it to your advantage?

See you soon,

Kate Dillenburg, ISFA President kdillenburg@bisfab.com

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #25

For more information, go to isfanow.org/info and list RS #26

ISFA Member since 2003