ISFA News

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ISFA Wraps Up Year with Successful Virtual Annual Conference

ISFA held its 2020 Annual Conference Nov. 4 and 5 online this year in a virtual format because of safety concerns regarding travel. Although this was the first time ISFA had put on an online conference, feedback from the nearly100 registered participants was resoundingly positive.

The full two-day event included numerous educational sessions and networking events, along with video sessions showcasing new products, its annual member meeting and award presentations, and much more.

Designed with both interactive portions as well as prerecorded information, the unique format allowed industry professionals to talk, share ideas, participate in presentations, ask questions of presenters, and have both formal and informal discussions. The results from the 2020 ISFA Board of Directors Election were announced at the event. Participants also received interactivity boxes in advance of the event that contained various items that helped to further the connection between participants.

“This was an opportunity for businesspeople and professionals in all areas of the surfacing industry to learn and share ideas as well as best practices,” said ISFA Executive Director Nancy Busch. “Some of the best and brightest people in the industry came together in this new virtual world that we are all growing accustom to, and were able to spend some productive time together learning and networking.”

With the huge changes we have had to face in 2020, the theme of the conference was “Reimagining,” which was represented not just in the new online format, but in the presentations and educational sessions. Speakers and presenters included a variety of individuals all focused on reimagine-centric ideas. Laura Juarez, countertop industry veteran and founder of Pure Potential, spoke on “Reimagining Strategy” in the face of the current and changing times and how to improve the strategic planning process. Stephen Alberts, of HeyRemodelers, spoke in two sessions on “Reimagining Online Marketing” and “Reimagining Lead Generation,” covering SEO, online ads and reviews, website optimization and using Google to your advantage. Mark Dancer, author of the book Innovate To Dominate, which reframes the term “innovation” and provides research into what leading companies are doing to develop businesses for the long term, spoke on “Reimagining Innovation.” His presentation focused on the changing world in which virtual marketplaces are altering the way that business is conducted, and he offered ideas on how realworld businesses could reimagine their purpose around today’s business values and social trends, and innovate for competitive market advantage.

ISFA Annual Award Winners Announced

At the Annual Conference, ISFA announced the 2020 ISFA Awards winners. The ISFA awards are chosen by association members, and given to those in the industry that stand out as the very best.

Past ISFA President Russ Berry, of ASST in McSherrytown, Pa., was inducted into the ISFA Hall of Fame, joining a long list of esteemed industry professionals. The Hall of Fame Award is given to the individual who has, in the course of his/her career, made significant contributions to the decorative surfacing industry, and has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the ideals of ISFA. Having won several past ISFA Awards, Russ Berry is truly an inspiration to all fabricators. He has repeatedly given Russ Berry, of ASST of his time and in McSherrytown, Pa., expertise to ISFA was inducted into the and its members, ISFA Hall of Fame. and his approach to business, along with his innovative creativity, sets him apart from all others. Russ’s work at ASST has elevated the fabrication community through showcasing solid surface design capability in complex high-end and highly visible projects. Berry has served as a past ISFA President, has hosted ISFA events, and he serves as a fine example to the entire industry.

The other honored winners are:

The Fabricator of the Year Award was given to world-class fabricator The Countertop Factory Midwest in Chicago. The Fabricator of the Year is awarded to a fabricator member company that in the past year has best exemplified the ISFA ideals of quality, innovation, character and exemplary service to ISFA and/or the decorative surfacing industry, with overall excellence. The Countertop Factory Midwest is a company that is known for its generous support and mentorship of other fabricators in the industry. Owners Geoffrey Gran and Bill Heuer are always willing to share their knowledge and expertise around sales, fabrication and general business. They are

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consistently helping the industry grow and improve, and their business is a true example of fabricators helping fabricators, which is the cornerstone of ISFA.

The Associate of the Year Award is given to an associate member company that in the past year has best exemplified the role of servicing the needs of fabricator member companies, and that has best supported ISFA in all activities. The 2020 winner is Moraware, a maker of software specifically designed for countertop fabricators. The company is not only a supportive partner of ISFA’s efforts to educate the industry, but also through other outlets in the surfacing/countertop realm as well as its own independent programs. In addition to offering highly regarded products, it also provides industry information in numerous areas, such as marketing, networking, technology integration and various others to serve fabricators well beyond just its product offerings. And, it has done so for many years.

The Innovator Award is for the member firm or individual who goes outside the box to create a product or system that enhances the life or elevates the role of the surface fabricator. The 2020 Winner is SPEEDlabel®. This small invention designed for countertop fabricators, by fabricators, has had a significant impact on the countertop industry. SPEEDlabel is a custom labeling solution allowing fabricators to track countertops through production. It also helps with quality control by preventing mistakes, helping both large and small shops to be more efficient and profitable. The labels have made it easier for fabricators of all surfaces to reduce chaos and improve shop organization.

The Envision Award is given to the manufacturer member that excels in creating something imaginative and special for the surfacing industry. INEOS is the 2020 winner. The company’s composites continue to drive innovation in the resin space. It has created bio-based resins that allow quartz companies to mitigate petroleum use and create more sustainable products. In addition to creating a more sustainable product, the resins also allow for flat, strong and consistent slabs.

ISFA Board of Directors Election Results Announced

The Annual Conference also included the announcement of the results of its election for the association’s new board of directors. Fabricator Member Directors are chosen by association members for a term of three years, with the option to renew for a second consecutive three-year term. Associate Member Directors are elected by association members for a term of two years, with the option to renew for a second consecutive two-year term.

Board officers are elected by members of the full board of directors.

Steve Mast of Precision Countertops in Wilsonville, Ore., was elected by the full board to serve as ISFA President. The position of Immediate Past President will remain open for 2021, with Augie Chavez of GECKO Solid Surface Solutions in San Antonio, Texas, having served two consecutive terms as president before fulfilling his service on the board and stepping down.

Joe Duszka, of Carolina Custom Surfaces in Greensboro, N.C., will serve as Vice President; Mike Langenderfer, of The Countertop Shop in Monclova, Ohio, will serve as Treasurer; and, rounding out the Executive Committee, Austin Maxwell, of Maxwell Countertops in Farmer City, Ill., will continue to hold the position of Secretary.

In addition to Augie Chavez, leaving the board having fulfilled her service is Kelley Montana, of Humbolt Countertops in Eureka, Calif. She served six years, including most recently as Secretary.

Returning to the board after having served multiple terms in the past, is Ted Sherritt of FLOFORM, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. New to the board is Kimberley Homs, of Great In Counters in Providence, R.I. Both of them will serve as Directors moving forward into 2021.

“We are so thankful for the great work Augie and Kelley put in on the board,” said ISFA President Steve Mast. “They have left behind great legacies and we will miss them and their insight. However, we are confident that the new board members also bring great perspectives, knowledge and enthusiasm to the association.” Retaining their positions as Directors are Paul “Max” Le Pera, of Global Surfacing Alliance in Cranbury, N.J.; Eric Tryon, founding member of Rockheads Group of Alpharetta, Ga.; Laura Grandlienard, of ROCKin’teriors in Raleigh, N.C.; and Rodrigo Valezquez, of INDEKO in Zapopan, Mexico. Also continuing their positions as Associate Member Representatives on the board are Jim Callaghan, of GranQuartz in Norcross, Ga., and Joe Connolly of SASSO USA in Palatine, Ill.

Innovative Product Showcase

As with previous years, the conference also included a Product Showcase highlighting some of the latest and most innovative products now available on the market. However, rather than in years past where companies presented their products or processes in person, the participants this year each created videos that highlighted their offerings.

During a session, the video provided by each company was then played for the online audience, and a question and answer period was allotted at the end for participants to find out more about specific aspects of each offering. After all of the videos were shared and questions answered, the viewers were then asked to vote on the most innovative product and the best presentation.

The companies participating in the event included: ■ Quote Countertops - Quote Kitchen & Bath Visualization and Quoting Software (Best New Product Award winner) ■ Federal Brace, Countertop Support Brackets (Best Presentation Award winner) ■

BB Industries, Shop Analysis Program ■ Chemical Concepts, CounterBalance Float Frame Brackets ■ Colonial Saw, V-Grooving and Coving with STRIEBIG Vertical Panel Saws ■ Corian, Solid Surface in Widesheet Dimensions

Granite Gold, In Home Services ■ GranQuartz, Pearl Hand Grinder and Pro Series Core Bits ■ Park Industries, SABERjet XP 2 Table CNC SawJet ■ Stone Services Group, Commercial Template & Install Services

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The Pinske Edge, The Pinske Edge Coving System

Thanks to all of those companies who participated, and congratulations to the award winners!

2020 and Beyond

Also at the annual meeting, Executive Director Nancy Busch reviewed the year in ISFA, including putting on a successful regional Industry Roundtable Event prior to the hit of the pandemic; presenting a dozen virtual shop tours from around the country via Zoom conferencing; put on a two-day virtual Compact/ Porcelain/Sintered Surfaces training program with training information and product presentations from more than half a dozen material and equipment suppliers; held a 2nd Generation Leadership Event for next-generation shop owners/managers; putting out this quarterly publication, Countertops & Architectural Surfaces, plus our annual Buyers’ Guide and five issues of our Surfacing News email newsletters; and added 75 new members. She also reiterated the continued work with the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) and American National Standards Institute to put together universal solid surface fabrication standards. Board members Paul “Max” Le Pera and Kimberly Homs will head up these initiatives going forward.

And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the gracious help of our sponsors.

Presenting Sponsor

Other Sponsors

ISFA Still Accepting Applications for Mike Nolan Scholarship

Because of the surge in COVID-19 cases and the difficulties with college and vocational school schedules, ISFA has yet to award the 2020 Mike Nolan Scholarship. Each year, ISFA awards the scholarship to an individual seeking education for a career in the skilled trades dealing with the decorative surfacing industry, cabinetry or carpentry. The scholarship is awarded in honor of Mike Nolan, one of ISFA’s dear friends, a multi-term board member and former fabrication trainer and ISFA Education Director.

The deadline for applications has been extended again because of the continued uncertainty in school schedules caused by the pandemic. The winner of the $1,200 scholarship and free one-year membership in ISFA can use the funds to help pay for any expenses involved with the cost of education related to the skilled trades.

ISFA Institutes New Associate Member Sponsorship Program

Beginning in 2021, ISFA has put forth a more streamlined sponsorship program for Associate Members wishing to play a larger role in the success of the organization. While associate members wishing to sponsor singular events or programs will still be something that is offered, the new four-tier sponsorship program allows for broader reach at set levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. The top two levels are limited to four and eight sponsors offered on a first-come, first-served basis, respectively, while the Silver and Bronze sponsor packages are available to any ISFA Associate Member interested. The sponsorship packages will be offered through January 15, and are a great way to show your support for and be associated with the variety of educational programs put forth by the association.

Thanks to the 2021 sponsors who have signed up so far:

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

ISFA Associate Members interested in participating in the new sponsorship program can contact Executive Director Nancy Bush at nancy@isfanow.org or (253) 691-0169 or Account Representative Paul Wisnefski at wisnefski@sbcglobal.net or (262) 498-4184 by the January 15 deadline.

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ISFA Board of Directors

Steve Mast

President Precision Countertops 26200 S.W. 95th Ave. Ste. 303 Wilsonville, OR 97070 (503) 660-3023 Steve.m@precision countertops.com www.precisioncountertops.com

Joe Duszka

Vice President Carolina Custom Surfaces 100 Landmark Dr. Greensboro, NC. 27409 (336) 215-5518 Joe@carolinacustom surfaces.com www.carolinacustom surfaces.com

Mike Langenderfer

Treasurer The Countertop Shop 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 (419) 868-9101 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net

Austin Maxwell

Secretary Maxwell Countertops 324 S. Plum St. Farmer City, IL 61842 (309) 928-2848 austin@maxwellcounters. com www.maxwellcounters.com

Paul “Max” Le Pera

Director Global Surfacing Alliance 106 Melrich Rd. Cranbury, NJ 08512 (908) 358-5252 pmlp33@gmail.com

Ted Sherritt

Director FLOFORM Countertops 125 Hamelin St. Winnipeg, MB R3T 3Z1 Canada (204) 474-2334 tsherritt@floform.com

www.floform.com

ISFA Contacts

ISFA

PO Box 627 Ingomar, PA 15127 (888) 599-ISFA www.isfanow.org

Executive Director Nancy Busch

(253) 691-0169 nancy@isfanow.org

Director of Communications 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

Laura Grandlienard

Director ROCKin’teriors 230 Hampton Woods Ln. Ste. 100 Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 577-0207 laura@rockinteriors.com

Kimberly Homs

Director Great In Counters 100 Whipple St. Providence, RI 02908 (508) 353-35-83 kimberly@greatincounters.com www.greatincounters.com

Rodrigo Velazquez

Director INDEKO Blvd los charros 1500 Col. Belenes Industrial Nte Zapopan 45150 Mexico 52 331-028-7863 rodrigo@weareindeko.com

Director Founding Member of Rockheads Group 845 McFarland Pkwy. Alpharetta, GA 30004 (678) 614-7111 tryonea@gmail.com www.rockheadsusa.com

Jim Callaghan

Associate Member Representative and Executive Committee Member GranQuartz 3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093 (248) 660-3291 jcallaghan@granquartz.com www.granquartz.com

Eric Tryon

Joe Connolly

Associate Member Representative SASSO 220 N. Smith St. Ste. 414 Palatine, IL 60067 (224) 200-8004 jconnollysassousa@ gmail.com www.sassousa.com

ISFA Booster Club

The ISFA Booster Club is a program comprised of ISFA members committed to growing ISFA membership, benefits and programs. Each club member makes a financial contribution and participates in a quarterly conference call led by Executive Director Nancy Busch and Vice President Steve Mast. During the calls new ideas for projects and programs to benefit ISFA members and the industry are discussed, as well as timelines for implementation. Those interested in joining can contact nancy@ isfanow.org for more information.

JOINING WILL CROSS THE OTHER ITEMS OFF YOUR LIST.

ACCESS COVID-19 RESOURCES ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.ISFANOW.ORG/COVID-19

FOUNDED BY FABRICATORS FOR FABRICATORS To JOIN ISFA and find out more, go to www.isfanow.org International Surface Fabricators Association SERVING OUR MEMBERSHIP SINCE 1997