VOLUME 10 / ISSUE 3 • QUARTER 3, 2017 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95
Bringing the surfacing industry together Saw Spotlight
Page 24
Sales Management Success Factors Page 28 Fabricator Profile: WILCOR Solid Surface Page 36
Circle RS#01 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 2010
Circle RS#02 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
CREDITS Letters to the Editor
Photography
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor. If you have questions about the magazine, or would like to make a comment, or voice an opinion about the magazine, ISFA, or the industry in general, please feel free to write to us.
Photos in this publication may not depict proper safety procedures for creative purposes. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces support the use of proper safety procedures in all cases and urge readers to take steps to institute such procedures.
Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or fax to (412) 487-3269 attention: Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferably an email address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow. org or mail to ISFA, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or fax to (412) 487-3269 attention: Editor.
Photography/graphics provided by: Wilcor Solid Surface, Inc.
Contacting ISFA
Ryan Miller, President Adam Albee, Immediate Past President Kate Dillenburg, Vice President Mike Langenderfer, Treasurer Kelley Montana, Secretary
Phone: (412) 487-3207 Fax: (412) 487-3269 editor@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org
About This Magazine Countertops & Architectural Surfaces (2372-983X) is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth “Buyers Guide” issue publishing in September. Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces are available at the nonmember “newsstand” price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is also available by individual subscription at the following rates: ISFA nonmembers, one year (five issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year free with every membership renewal. Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States. Call for details. To subscribe, call (412) 487-3207. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without publisher’s written permission. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. For change of address, please include old label with new information, including both old and new zip codes. Allow 3-6 weeks for address change to take effect. Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Gibsonia, Pa., post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers. Postmaster: Send address change to Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044.
4 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Magazine Credits Publisher & Editor: Kevin Cole Proofreader: Nancy Mueller-Truax Design: V2 Marketing Communications
ISFA Officers of the Board
ISFA Directors Mike Woods, Director Augie Chavez, Director Amy Miller, Director Matt Kraft, Director John Hansen, Associate Member Representative Jessica McNaughton, Associate Member Representative
ISFA Staff Bryan Stannard, Executive Director Kevin Cole, Communications Director and Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor Carol Wilhite, Operations Manager Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative Chad Thomas, Account Representative Amy Kyriazis, Program Manager Chris Pappenfort, Trainer
Cover Photo ISFA is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year of bringing countertop/ surfacing fabricators together for the betterment of the industry. You can read more about ISFA’s history, accomplishments and goals on Page 30.
Circle RS#03 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
CONTENTS
Features
PHOTO FROM FUJIAN WANLONG DIAMOND TOOL CO., LTD.
24 Saw Highlight A look at the latest and greatest saws
for surface fabrication
28 Eight Top Sales Management Success Factors Get the sales results you want
24
30 In the Beginning: The Early History of ISFA Reflections on the association’s 20th anniversary 33 From ISSFA to ISFA How the association expanded its
horizons and what lies ahead
36 Fabricator Profile: Wilcor Solid Surface An inside look at a well-known solid surface
fabricator and founder of ISFA
Departments
28
8 From the Editor 10 From the President 12 From the Executive Director 14 Calendar of Events 18 Education Connection 20 Industry News 39 ISFA Fabricator Directory 43 ISFA News
30 33
49 Reader Service Form 50 Classifieds/Ad Index
36 6 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
46 Product News
Check us out on social media for more regular information: Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CASMagazine/. Follow us on Twitter as @ISFA.
Circle RS#04 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
From the Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director
Reading This May Just Change Your Life If your business runs like a well-oiled machine and you never face any problems that you have trouble solving, then you probably don’t need to read this editorial. If you have unlimited resources and are an expert in every field germane to your business, then by all means what I say here isn’t going to help you. If your operations have no room for improvement, you make more money than you need and you don’t want to see your business grow, then don’t waste your time reading any further. HOWEVER, if these statements don’t describe your business, then I want to suggest a way to deal with any or all of those things you haven’t yet mastered.
Together this group created standards for both
increase the profitability of its members, which
training programs to teach best practices for
amazing things that came along with it was lifelong
solid surface and quartz surfacing, developed
solid surface and quartz fabrication and created business, sales and management training
programs geared specifically for fabricators. This not-for-profit trade organization developed a
trade show that was fashioned around fabricators with the goal of connecting them and providing what they needed, rather than to make piles of
money for some corporation. The association also successfully sought to bring together material and
ancillary product manufacturers and suppliers with
fabricators in a mutually beneficial way that allowed
it has a proven record of doing, one of the most friendships that go well beyond business.
Having entered the countertop industry in the early 2000s myself as a trade magazine editor, I have had the pleasure of getting to know personally
nearly all of the major players in the industry over the years far beyond those listed above. I have
made uncountable friends and learned more than I could ever share in an editorial such as this,
and this organization certainly laid an amazing foundation for me.
them to work together to improve the industry.
And now, on the 20th anniversary of ISFA, we live
process development, discussion, problem-
within the industry can often be undervalued. It’s
consulting firm that specializes in overseeing
partnering can be attributed to the association.
or even specific fabrication techniques, but even
fabrication businesses? No, this solution has
Some of the largest, most well-known, successful
their pocket and we are more likely to interact via
So, what is this cure-all for any problems that may be ailing your business? Some recently developed expert software package? A new
been around 20 years and has proven itself as a method for improving a surfacing business. The solution is simply just people. And more specifically, it’s people that are doing the same thing you are doing, dealing with the same problems and issues your business is facing and overcoming the same obstacles that block your path to increase profits and improved growth. Namely I’m talking about ISFA. Twenty years ago a group of fabricators came together to share information about their countertop operations. It wasn’t a group founded by manufacturers or suppliers to further their interests or products, but rather craftsmen
Countless hours of hands-on training, mentoring,
in a different world, where the human connection
solving, sharing, learning, networking and even
easy to go online and read about business theory
and innovative fabricators have benefited from participation in ISFA. The list of past board
members alone reads like a who’s who of the
countertop industry: Jon Lancto, Brad Reamer,
John Forst, Gus Blume, Martin Funck, Ed Wright, Paul Temple, Don Hinckley, Billy Shaw, Michael
Wilson South, Hilary Converse, Tim Hovey, Bobby Hewitt, Richard Christ, Phil DeCaro, Mark Sawyer, Sid MacKay, Vanessa Bates, Keith Layton, Ted Sherrit, Lynda Fisher, Thomas Beames, Todd
Werstler, Evan Kruger, Michael Job, Kurt Bonk,
Luke Moore, Joe Hoffman, Hunter Adams, Mike Nolan, Dave Paxton, Mike Langenderfer, Jon
Blasius, Russ Berry, Mell Hill, Erica Hussey and
the list goes on and on to the include the current
that wanted to share unbiased information
ISFA Board of Directors.
regarding the problems they faced and solutions
Over the years, nearly every major manufacturer
they’d come up with. They wanted someone they knew personally that they could call or sit down with over dinner or a drink and discuss the ins and outs of their businesses. This group became ISFA and together the whole was certainly greater than the sum of its parts. 8 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
and supplier of solid surface, quartz, laminate and stone materials, tools, supplies and consumables have also been associate members that
contributed to ISFA’s ongoing mission to educate and improve the countertop/surfacing industry. And while it is a trade organization designed to
in this day where everyone carries a computer in
social media or email than through a conversation
and a handshake, there is real relevance to actually knowing our peers. Very few people, and none that I can name, ever learned to cove a solid surface
backsplash, polish the edge of a quartz countertop or rod a granite sink cut-out by reading about it on the internet. Certainly there is a place for books, magazines, videos and online resources, all of
which ISFA has played a role in developing, but
face-to-face interaction with someone you know and trust can never be replaced.
So, if you have a problem and are looking for
resources that really understand the challenges
your business faces, or are looking for new ways
to improve or grow your business, consider getting involved in ISFA. It could just change your life. As always, I look forward to your feedback. Sincerely,
Kevin Cole, Publisher & Editor kevin@isfanow.org
Circle RS#05 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
From the President From the Desk of Ryan Miller, 2017 ISFA President
We Must Continually Improve! “‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ is the slogan of the complacent, the arrogant or the scared. It’s an excuse for inaction, a call to non-arms. It’s a mind-set that assumes (or hopes) that today’s realities will continue tomorrow in a tidy, linear and predictable fashion. Pure fantasy. In this sort of culture, you won’t find people who pro-actively take steps to solve problems as they emerge. Here’s a little tip: don’t invest in these companies.” — Colin Powell Standard Work
Kaizen Events From my perspective one of the most powerful
World Class Time Allocation
Standard work is a basic written description of the safest, highest quality and most efficient way currently known to perform a specific job or task. Standard work is the foundation to continuous improvement, yet it is one tool that most businesses fail to implement. When standard work is implemented effectively, it will not only sustain improvements, but also aid in identifying waste in your processes. Is your business being run by “tribal knowledge?” Does your business significantly suffer in performance when key “tribal knowledge” team members are out sick or on vacation? Standard work is the tool to help you and your teams with this dilemma. Standard work also sets in place the wedge for sustaining your continuous improvement activities and successes. Before you engage in your next improvement task, I encourage you to implement standard work to set your baseline and sustainment wedge for your business.
Do you and your teams devote energy to
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Each quarter I try to travel to each of our VT manufacturing facilities at least once.
It’s always great to see each of these teams and review in person the successes they’ve achieved. I also want to understand what
current and/or new improvement projects
each of the teams is driving. I believe whole-
heartedly that if we’re not continually growing
and improving, then we’re dying as a business. Someone will pass us by. Are you driving
a continuous improvement culture in your
organization to improve safety, quality, delivery and cost (SQDC)? Just as importantly, are you
and your teams working on the “correct” items to improve?
Continuous improvement must be a core component of our business strategies. I
will review at a high level some of the key
components that I would encourage each of
you to utilize to aid in setting the baseline for your continuous improvement journey.
improving your business, or do you find that most if not all your energy is spent toward
“fire-fighting” or just getting through the normal daily grind? I encourage everyone to drive
toward world-class time allocation, which in
essence details the recommended allocation of time toward business improvement vs. running the business at each level of the organization.
For owners/CEOs, 100 percent of time should be allocated toward improving the business; for vice presidents/high-level managers, 75 percent of time should be allocated toward improving the business and 25 percent
toward running the business; for mid-level
managers, 50/50; for supervisors, 25/75; and
for production and fabrication team members, 10/90.
KPIs help in providing details as to how we’re performing. It’s important that you and your teams develop at least one KPI under each of the SQDC pillars. These measurements should always be centered around keeping team members safe; improving quality; delivering to customers on time; and reducing waste and/ or costs. You need to select measurements that are understood by members of your team that will be using them. Performance targets should be developed and set that are both attainable, yet also aggressive enough to improve your business from good to great. Ultimately, effective KPIs will provide you and your teams the direction to focus your improvement activities. What gets measured gets improved!
10 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
tools in our continuous improvement backpack is Kaizen events. The definition of Kaizen is, “rapid change for the good!” (Kai = rapid/Zen = change for the good). Kaizen events are focused on improving a specific area or item of a business. They are typically week-long events and involve a selected team that is focused on clear objectives and deliverables. Effective Kaizen events typically lead to improvement in productivity, reduction of inventory, reduction of floor space and 50 percent improvement in quality. The above items are just a few of the core improvement items that I encourage each of you to utilize if you are not currently doing so. These items have improved our businesses dramatically and will continue to do so every day forward. As a last note, be sure to register for the upcoming ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference. It’s a great opportunity to network, see old friends and industry peers and learn from each other. At events like this, you can find out how others have made improvements and take that information back to your own business. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time, as I am always happy to discuss any of the above or other items in more detail that can aid in improving your business. Again, if we’re not improving we’re dying. Best of luck on your improvement journey!
Ryan Miller 2017 ISFA President VP Operations – VT Industries, Inc. Email: rmiller@vtindustries.com Cell: (706) 331-3837
Circle RS#06 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 2015
From the Executive Director From the Desk of Bryan Stannard, Executive Director
Thoughts on Motivation Numerous studies conducted over the years (ranging from reports put out by leading psychologists to studies conducted by employee motivation firms) show there is a lot of power in nonmonetary motivation. In most cases, these reports show that motivating employees is more about making them feel good than it is paying them exorbitant salaries. Of course that isn’t to say fair pay doesn’t make a big difference, just that there is a lot of importance placed on nontangible factors by workers. Many of these reports indicate that good
inspirational quotes or sayings can be effective to
management is among the most important factors improve the motivation of staff and employees, as in motivating staff and that a giant piece of this well as help in establishing organizational values. is just simple acknowledgement. People want to feel that their contributions are noticed and
appreciated. In nearly every study available, most
When using quotes for motivations it’s important to choose material that’s relevant and
“The most important thing in life is not to capitalize on your successes — any fool can do that. The really important thing is to profit from your mistakes.” (William Bolitho, South African journalist and writer)
appropriate. I have found a few motivational
“Management
happiness in their role.
quotes, relating to different situations and roles,
to get the best out of themselves, not
Saying thanks and giving praise are the most
and overcoming failures, for example, that will
employees rank this among the top factors to
commonly overlooked and underestimated ways of motivating people. That seems very strange
in light of the fact that it is so easy to do. Giving
such as achievement, management, leadership hopefully inspire and motivate you or that you can share with others to that effect.
praise just for the sake of it, though, may not be
“We cannot solve our problems with the
should take into account that you actually
(Albert Einstein)
the best route. Praise and acknowledgement
same level of thinking that created them.”
recognize what contribution(s) have been made.
“In the midst of winter, I finally learned
Saying thanks is best said naturally and from the
that within me there lay an invincible
go far wrong. When you look someone in the eye
philosopher)
heart. So if your intentions are right, you will not
and thank them sincerely, it means a lot. If you do so in front of their peers or other people, it means even more. The key words of praise are the ones that say thanks and well done for doing a great
job, but especially recognize each person’s own special ability, quality, contribution, effort, etc.
People truly appreciate sincere thanks, and they appreciate being valued as an individual even
more. When you next have the chance to thank your employees or an individual team-member,
take the time to notice an accomplishment that
summer.” (Albert Camus, French author and “A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline.” (Harvey Mackay, businessman and author — thanks Brad Hanson) “I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that
African-American activist)
praise tends to carry even greater meaning and
Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll
motivational effect.
be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.” (William James, American philosopher)
praise is another big motivator, so while you are
“Whatever you can do — or dream you can,
workers, you should also urge them to praise their
magic in it.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe,
motivational posters to your facility that depict
12 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
management specialist and organizational theorist) “It’s not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred with the sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who … at best knows the triumph of high achievement and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” (Theodore Roosevelt) “A life spent in making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” (George Bernard “I praise loudly. I blame softly.” (Catherine
T. Washington, American educator and
first wind to find out they’ve got a second.
Although to a lesser degree, even the addition of
organizing things.” (Lauren Appley, American
overcome while trying to succeed.” (Booker
of mentioning these things. By doing this, the
peers and co-workers.
people
Shaw, Irish author)
“Most people never run far enough on their
acknowledging your staff, managers and co-
helping
one has reached in life as by the obstacles
each person has made, and then make a point
Also, studies have shown that peer-to-peer
means
begin it. Boldness has genius, power and
the Great) So, in closing, let me offer my deep and profound thanks to all of you who help the industry via your contributions to ISFA. We all sincerely appreciate the accomplishments you have helped us to make. Truly the whole — when it comes to an association such as ours that is based on all the betterment of all participants — is greater than the sum of the parts.
German writer) “If I have seen further it is by standing on the
Bryan Stannard, ISFA Executive Director
shoulders of giants.” (Sir Isaac Newton)
bryan@isfanow.org
Circle RS#07 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Special Section
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Park Industries Digital Stoneworking Expo Aug. 3 Bozeman, Mont. (800) 328-2309 Stone Fabricator’s Alliance Workshop Aug. 10 – 11 Jefferson City, Mo. (573) 395-4070 Decorative Concrete Fair Aug. 17 – 19 Springfield, Ill. (800) 624-0261 Cachoeiro Stone Fair Aug. 22 – 25 Cachoeiro De Itapemirim Espirito Santo, Brazil +55 273-434-0616 MIA+BSI Industry Education Series Hosted by MSI Sept.14 Aurora, Colo. (440) 250-9222 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo Sept. 18 – 20 Austin, Texas (203) 371-6322 ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Sept. 19 – 22 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org The BOLD Summit Sept. 25 – 27 Chicago, Ill. (609) 490-0999 Marmomacc 2017 Sept. 27 – 30 Verona, Italy 045 829 8111 Canada Woodworking West Oct. 4 – 5 Abbotsford, British Colombia Canada (604) 850-1533 MIA+BSI Industry Education Series Oct. 5 Tulsa, Okla. (440) 250-9222
CMA Regional Meeting Oct.18 Lancaster, Pa. (866) 562- 2512 MIA+BSI Industry Education Series Hosted by MSI Nov. 2 Austell, Ga. (440) 250-9222 Concrete Décor Show Nov. 6 – 10 Palm Harbor, Fla. (877) 935-8906 Greenbuild Nov. 8 – 10 Boston, Mass. (972) 536-6363 ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 Cancun, Mexico (412) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Dec. 5 – 8 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 www.isfanow.org KBIS 2018 Jan. 9 – 11, 2018 Orlando, Fla. (877) 267-4662 NAHB IBS 2018 Jan. 9 – 11, 2018 Orlando, Fla. (800) 368-5242 ext. 8184 StonExpo/TISE 2018 Jan. 29 – Feb. 1, 2018 Las Vegas, Nev. (800) 547-3477 Coverings 2018 May 8 – 11, 2018 Atlanta, Ga. (571) 313-5801
Submit your event for consideration in Calendar of Events by emailing Editor Kevin Cole at kevin@isfanow.org.
14 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Circle RS#08 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#09 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
OR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE ABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
Education Connection Find Great Educational Opportunities
Annual Member Meeting & Conference at the 2017
The 2017 ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference will once again be held in Cancun, Mexico. Running from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, this destination-themed event is being held at the Hard Rock Hotel
Cancun, an all-inclusive resort on the beautiful strip of Punta Cancun, where you can build
your network, reconnect with industry friends
and associates, and learn new ways to improve
your business, all while experiencing a stunning beachfront setting.
This year’s agenda is designed to provide
you with a perfect balance of educational and
networking opportunities, as well as ample time to relax and enjoy yourself. ISFA has also made
it easy for you to live it up longer at the resort by adding nights to your stay after the event.
vision and execution directly impact the success of any endeavor.
He started his own business in 2003 to make a
difference in the lives of clients from a variety of industries. Over the last 13 years, his company
has specialized in developing emerging leaders and helping companies grow through strategic
planning. Sedor has helped thousands of leaders and hundreds of organizations achieve their next
level of success. He assists with strategic planning, from start-ups to large corporations. As a natural
observer of human behavior, driven to understand what makes people tick and how their habits
determine their path toward success, he’s served as a leadership development facilitator, executive
coach, curriculum designer and process consultant.
Your conference ticket includes three nights’
Kim Lewis
Rock Hotel Cancun, such as dining at on-site
Kim Lewis, a designer, speaker
entertainment; unlimited cocktails, spirits, beer,
lady with big ideas!” She is
bars; helpful staff to enhance your experience at
the lead designer behind
all-inclusive accommodations at the Hard
restaurants or 24-hour in-suite dining; live
and philanthropist, is a “Little
wine and soft drinks at numerous lounges and
best known for her work as
the pool and beach; spectacular pools, activities for adults and/or families; wi-fi internet access and all resort taxes, tips and gratuities.
ISFA is also bringing in two well-known
educational speakers to discuss improving your business operations and design trends:
Dan Sedor
Tuesday, November 28 Arrivals Networking Welcome Reception Wednesday, November 29 Presentation: Kim Lewis Breakout Sessions Group Lunch & Networking Thursday, November 30 Presentation: Dan Sedor Breakout Sessions Group Lunch & Networking Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner Friday, December 1 Departures
YOUR CONFERENCE TICKET INCLUDES:
in Austin, Texas. In six years with the television
Three night’s 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.
states. Her work has been featured on television
Extra nights can be easily added to your stay!
ABC’s “Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition” and founder of Kim Lewis Designs show, Kim designed more than 120 homes in 43 networks ABC, HGTV, TLC, National Geographic, Spike TV and FYI’s “Tiny House Nation.”
She has been involved with various print and
As a Certified Entrepreneurial
online publications including People, InStyle,
Implementer and partner at
TyPennington.com, BScene Magazine, Forbes.
Sedor helps entrepreneurial
celebrities Jewel and Tiffani Amber Thiessen. She
Operating System (EOS®)
House Beautiful, Washington Post, Austin Woman,
Leadership Resources, Dan
com, and The Design Network. Her clients include
leaders get more of what they
is a motivational public speaker, and has worked
want out of business and life. Sedor spent the
in Ghana, Cambodia and Honduras to build
corporate America, solving problems, building
to empower through creativity has led her to
There, he observed firsthand how leadership,
with at risk individuals around the world.
first half of his career working as an engineer in
therapeutic art centers for children. Her passion
systems and achieving goals as part of a team.
producing a leather and home decor product line
18 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Schedule of Events
You may get more information or register online for the event at www.isfanow.org, or contact the ISFA office at 412-487-3207, or email info@isfanow.org.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSOR
Circle RS#07 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 19
In the Industry Hamat Group Acquires Houzer
Houzer, Inc., a manufacturer of sinks based in
Hamilton, N.J., was recently acquired by Hamat Group, a publicly traded Israeli manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom faucets, fireclay sinks, luxury showers, shower stalls and ceramic
sanitary products. “It has been our desire to bring our wide array of high quality kitchen and bath
products to the U.S. market,” said Hamat Group
CEO Roy Regerman. “We saw Houzer’s status as a respected brand with a solid infrastructure and established customer base as the best way to market and deliver to the U.S. market.”
Architectural Surfaces Group Established as New Parent Company The newly formed Architectural Surfaces
Group (ASG) was created as a consolidated
interior surfaces distribution entity comprising
Architectural Granite & Marble (AG&M), Pental Surfaces (Pental), and Modul Marble (Modul). The new parent company is designed to
strengthen the organization via operational
Artisan Group Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Industry Showcase The Artisan Group celebrated its 10-year anniversary with the largest turnout of members and exhibitors for its fifth Annual Artisan Group Meeting & Industry showcase in Austin, Texas. The showcase included 27 countertop-related exhibitors and 34 Artisan Group member companies. The show featured exhibits from numerous companies, including: Braxton-Bragg, Comandulli, WEHA, Marmo Meccanica, Intermac, SASSO, Regent Stone, Granquartz and many others. “This year we doubled the number of exhibitors, met with some prospective members, solidified plans for the remainder of this year and 2018, and had a great best practices meeting with Jon Lancto, MIA president and artisan best practices facilitator,” said Chad Seiders, Artisan Group executive director.
Circle RS#10 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 2013 20 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
States. Pearl Abrasive is a developer and
provider of quality abrasives and cutting tools to more than 5,000 distributor customers
in construction and industrial end markets.
The company’s products include proprietary,
exclusive and national branded products with
improvements, allowing the brands to focus
more than 18,000 SKUs across multiple price
on delivering a high level of service to their customers. Each business will continue to operate under its respective brands. The new company name, ASG, encompasses all offerings and products from the brands it represents and now includes a total of 13 distribution locations across the United States. Pental Surfaces distributes natural stone, engineered stone and atile from five locations in the Western United States. AG&M imports and distributes natural stone, engineered stone and related products in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and North Carolina. Modul Marble imports and supplies natural stone, marble and quartz slabs with locations in California and North Carolina.
points and applications.
The Stephens Group Acquires GranQuartz
The Stephens Group, LLC finalized its acquisition of Pearlman Enterprises, Inc., the parent company of GranQuartz and Pearl Abrasive. Pearlman, headquartered in Norcross, Ga., is a multi-channel developer and distributor of supplies, tools and equipment used in the fabrication and maintenance of hard surfaces for residential, commercial and industrial markets. Pearlman’s GranQuartz division is a distributor serving more than 8,000 stone fabricators, tile installers, and concrete and monument professionals across the United
BLANCO Launches Design Contest German manufacturer of sinks and faucets
BLANCO is hosting its first-ever design contest.
To enter, participants must submit three photos of a kitchen design featuring at least one BLANCO sink and faucet. The project must have been
completed in 2016-2017. Entries will be accepted through November 30. The grand prize for the
contest is $5,000. First place prizes are $1,000
each for notable kitchen and laundry/mudrooms, and an honorable mention with a prize of $500 will be awarded. Winners will be selected by a
jury of design professionals. More information is available on the company’s website.
Circle RS#11 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 2013 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 21
In the Industry Innovative Surfaces Assists with Homeward Bound Project
such modifications to their homes,” said Kellie
considerable energy savings, according to the
Akins, co-owner of Innovative Surfaces. “The
company. This allows industry professionals to
For its seventh year, Innovative Surfaces in
project provides us a platform to work along with,
provide aesthetics and more environmentally
Hastings/Minneapolis, Minn., donated the
and gain exposure to, students working to receive
conscious options.
granite countertop fabrication and installation
certification in the kitchen and bath industry.”
for the Homeward Bound project, in conjunction with Century College kitchen and bath design
NEOLITH Chosen as “Sustainable Product” for Workshop
CMA Elects Board Members and Officers
organization that houses severely disabled
For its quality, excellence and environmental
announced the results of its 2017-2018 board of
individuals, with around-the-clock caregivers.
sensitivity, NEOLITH® has been chosen as a
directors election. Leland Thomasset of Taghkanic
Century College students design the spaces,
“Sustainable Product” in “Building the Future”
Woodworking (Pawling, N.Y.) was re-elected to
and then the students at St. Paul College do
workshop organized by Infoprogetto in Bolzano,
serve another three-year term. Matt Wehner of
the carpentry work, build cabinets and install.
Italy. The sintered stone is a 100 percent natural
Cabinet Concepts by Design (Springfield, Mo.)
Century College is a community college with
and recyclable product, combining the quality
was elected to serve on the board for three
a highly regarded Kitchen and Bath Design
raw materials with the advanced manufacturing
years. In addition, Monika Soos of Sofo Kitchens
Program, accredited by the National Kitchen &
technology in respect to the environment, reports
(Maple Ridge, British Columbia) was voted in
Bath Association (NKBA). This year Innovative
the company. NEOLITH offers large formats
by the board to serve for one year — the term
Surfaces installed an 81-sq.-ft. Artisan Stone
designed to enable high yields and reduce
balance of exiting board member Scott Comstock
Collection granite kitchen in Golden Sparkle.
completion times. Its resistance to extremely
of Woodperfect Custom Cabinetry (Forney,
“We feel strongly about the goodwill of this
high and low temperatures makes it suitable
Texas). The board appointed 2017-2018 officers
organization and the impact it has on the lives of
for ventilated façades, providing continuous
as follows: Matt Krig of Northland Woodworks
those who otherwise may not be able to afford
insulation and blocking direct solar radiation for
(Blaine, Minn.) was re-elected as president for
students. Homeward Bound is a nonprofit
The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA)
Circle RS#12 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Members since 2004 22 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
his fourth term in this role. Leland Thomasset
for LEED-contributing surfaces and coverings to
was re-elected to serve another term as vice
use in food related establishments,” said Merge
(Phoenixville, Pa.) will serve as treasurer. Monika
our extremeconcrete materials are certified NSF/
join Keith Smith of Keith Smith Custom Builders
virtually unlimited amount of options.”
Woodworks (Atlanta, Ga.) as members-at-large.
Rockheads Group Meets in Oregon for Benchmark Review
president. James Fox of Fox Woodworking
Soos will serve as secretary. Matt Wehner will (Greer, S.C.) and Chris Dehmer of Dark Horse
Exiting the board are Mike Mitchell of Burger Boat (Manitowoc, Wis.) and Scott Comstock.
Merge Design’s extremeconcrete Receives NSF Certification
NSF International, an independent certification organization, certified that extremeconcrete™ materials from Merge Design comply with NSF/ ANSI 51 making them suitable for use in food related areas. The NSF certification ensures all extremeconcrete materials are suitable for use in industrial kitchens, restaurants, grocery stores and any other commercial food related establishments as a solid surface material for splash zone. “Our customers have been asking
Design’s President Peter Bustin, “and now that
ANSI 51 compliant, we are able to offer clients a
The Rockheads Group (RHG), a private group
of stone fabrication businesses, held its annual
sales per year; more than 3,400 employees; more than 1 million sq. ft. of manufacturing facilities; more than 8 million sq. ft. of stone fabricated and installed; 2,714 average jobs sold; and more than $200,000 in installations per year. RHG member Precision Countertops opened the doors of its Wilsonville location to the group, offering tours of its 70,000-sq.-ft. fabrication shop. During the visit members took note of Precision Countertops’
benchmarking meeting where more than 60
methods in fabrication, operations and
companies gathered in Portland, Ore., to review
facilities meeting sponsors Granite Gold, Daltile,
confidentially submitted their company financials
Products took part in roundtable discussions.
the purpose of learning from one another, sharing
marketing support for surfacing industry
their market influence within the two-day event.
branding for the Rockheads Group. The launch
represents the following within the stone
will now host quarterly meetings, the next of
individual members who represent more than 30
administrative processes. After touring the vast
and compare their financial statements. Members
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Imagilux and Laser
to be utilized for benchmarking discussions with
Marqet Group, an agency focused on providing
best practice standards and understanding
fabricators and manufacturers, unveiled new
The data collected revealed RHG’s network
helped set the direction of the organization which
fabrication industry: more than $600 million in
which being held in St. Louis in the fall.
Circle RS#13 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#14 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 23
Highlighting Saws BACA Systems’ Robo SawJet BACA Systems is focused on developing innovative fabrication solutions for the countertop industry in the form of robotic sawjet technology. The company’s team of dedicated professionals are experts in robotic automation, system integration, waterjet technology and countertop fabrication. BACA systems offers the Robo SawJet, a highproduction dual-table sawjet that integrates both a high-pressure abrasive waterjet and 20-hp direct-drive saw. Powered by KUKA robot, the system is waterproof and dustproof, keeping debris from getting into the gears or motors and limiting maintenance required in harsh stone manufacturing environments. By placing the robot between the two tables, the footprint of the system is limited for a busy granite fabrication production floor. It allows a granite fabricator to produce a fully cut slab on one table while the other table is being unloaded and reloaded. The system produces a slab every 20 minutes. The direct-drive saw cuts all of the straight lines on a slab, while the highpressure abrasive waterjet cuts all of the curves. It allows fabricators to nest geometrical pieces close together, saving material costs. The fully pressurized foundry-grade robot means maintenance is limited to a simple oil change every 20,000 hours of use. The system includes VeinMatch and VIM software, both icon-based. VeinMatch allows users to match veins from different parts of the same slab without utilizing a second slab. It aligns two pieces that come together to form the best seams. VIM, Virtual 24 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Inventory Management, shows customers a high-resolution photo of their exact slab for their project. The online photographic database allows searches by color, name or size. The bar coding system makes it easy to manage a company’s inventory.
See our ad on Page 5
Circle RS#30 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Colonial Saw’s STRIEBIG Vertical Panel Saws Distributed solely by Colonial Saw Company in North America, with five models of Swissmade STRIEBIG vertical panel saws, there is a version suitable for every size solid surface and laminate fabricationshop. The saws are known for their efficiency, seam-ready cut quality and durability in the countertop fabrication industry, and standard models can even v-groove in both directions (X and Y axes) and cove cut backsplashes. They require very little floor space and nearly everyone in the shop can use it to make straight, seamable cuts on solid surface with high precision and ease. The SRIEBIG Panel Saw makes a great complement to CNC machines to perform cuts on long, straight pieces, leaving the CNC machine available for parts that need additional machining. Colonial Saw also offers a Certified Pre-owned STRIEBIG Program, in which the saws undergo extensive, multipoint inspections and testing processes by the company’s highly experienced factory-trained technicians.
See our ad on Page 26
Circle RS#31 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Eagle Rock Products’ Flight2 Bridge Saws Eagle Rock’s Flight2 “Wide Body” Bridge Saws are suitable for larger slabs that are great for big kitchens but difficult for standard-sized bridge saws because they are extending beyond the reach of the blade travel. This saw has the same reliable structure and features as the Flight1 but includes an extra 10 in. of table width and 10 in. of cutting capability to a full 137 in. The Flight2 has a 20-hp motor, one-touch mitering capability and a rotating head for both X and Y axis cutting (no table rotation needed). It comes with a fully rotating table with hydraulic lift and Siemens PLC intuitive controller and wireless remote. Circle RS#32 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Global Equipment Group’s Denver Skema Hi Tech CNC Bridge Saw Global Equipment Group offers the Denver Skema Hi-Tech CNC bridge saw. Made in Italy, the saw has five fully interpolated axes,
allowing for complex cutting, 3-D processing, milling, writing, hollowing, pocketing and polishing. Its ISO-40 center-cooled spindle allows for a wide variety of tools while in the 90-degree position. It uses Taglio CAD/CAM software for slab optimization, vein matching, nesting and 3-D rendering of slabs. It has an extended Y-axis on a monobloc frame, allowing travel up to 104 in. It also has a 22.5-hp direct drive motor; miter tilt to 90 degrees; and optional in-feed and out-feed tables with tilt.
to protect from slurry, debris, rust and corrosion. The MBS/IG TS has a manual head tilt from 90 to 45 degrees, and is equipped with a laser alignment device mounted on the cutting head. Circle RS#35 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#33 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Matrix Machine Triton II Bridge Saw
INTERMAC Master Saw 625 Doubletable INTERMAC’s Master Saw 625 Doubletable transforms slabs of marble, granite and composite materials into the finished product without requiring operator supervision. The cutting and product finishing processes are combined into a single system. It performs all the functions of a bridge saw in addition to the functions of a CNC workplace. The saw’s touchscreen interface is designed to make it intuitive, user-friendly and simple. Circle RS#34 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Lackmond Stone’s Achilli MBS/IG TS Bridge Saw The Achilli MBS/IG TS Bridge Saw, exclusively offered by Lackmond Stone, is designed with a touch screen and mobile bridge. It can fit blades from 14 to 20 in., and is equipped with a 3-Phase, 15-hp motor. The MBS IG is engineered with a motorized head with variable speeds on three travel axes: X, Y and Z. It has a tilting and rotating work table that features a hydraulic tilt of the table, up to 85 degrees. The bridge saw is equipped with a touch-screen control panel, and is manufactured with a compact sturdy steel frame with ceramic coating
Matrix Machine now sells directly the Triton II Autocut Bridge Saw. Its features include a 10-in. touch-screen display, a green line laser, English and Spanish language options, automatic water and laser on/off, a 10-in. by 6-in. ground bridge and a 20-hp sawing motor.
Circle RS#36 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Northwood SJ270 SawJET Northwood’s SJ270 SawJET allows fabricators to cut out the undermount and the faucet holes on a saw, operating 100 percent digitally from start to finish. Very tight nesting on the saw can increase slab yield dramatically. The 20-hp direct drive Seccardo saw motor allows for accurate mitering. In addition to a fully mitering head, it features remote machine control diagnostics; Stone Vision fabrication software and AlphaCam; Stone Fabricator Interface (SFI); an option to cut underwater; corrosion-resistant paint, hardware and rails; lifetime phone support and personnel training; and a low tank design with 270-degree access. The SJ-270 is a supersized model with twin tanks and twin tables that allow for safe unloading of one bed while the other is cutting to maximize productivity. Circle RS#37 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Park Industries FUSION CNC Saw/Waterjet System The FUSION® CNC Saw/Waterjet S Series available from Park Industries is designed to alleviate the struggle of material handling. The tilt table option reduces material handling constraints, decreases slab breakage and makes the tank much easier to clean. Blending
the saw and waterjet systems into the FUSION CNC is designed to result in faster cuts, lower production and labor costs, and greater uptime. One sawing head does double duty. The saw makes fast, straight cuts, and the waterjet cuts complex curves with precision. Park’s iTECH interface technology simplifies operations, eliminating the need to remember codes for programming. A slab can be processed in just 20 minutes. The automatic 0- to 47-degree mitering capabilities allows for the production of mitered apron edges in a matter of minutes. The saw has CNC servo mitering capabilities. Park Industries OPS Productivity reporting allows real-time production monitoring on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The KerfPath™ Cutting Cycle blends the cuts between the saw and waterjet for significant labor savings and higher efficiency.
See our ad on Page 9
Circle RS#38 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Regent Stone Products’ Rye Corp. Prism Miter Saw Regent Stone now offers the Prism Miter Saw from Rye Corp. The Prism was recently added to its lineup of durable and dependable machines for the stone industry. Made in America, the Prism is designed to make 45-degree miter cuts for granite, marble, engineered stone, quartz and quartzite stone countertops up to 4cm thick with head adjustment from 42 to 48 degrees. The saw features: a workable cutting length of 12 ft. (3,658 mm) using a linear recirculating ball bearing; variable-speed drive and 10-hp saw motor with amp gauge; 11 adjustable pneumatic hold-down cylinders to secure workpieces during cutting; an innovative International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 25
“Air Float” system that floats the workpiece during positioning; automatic water on/off when the saw motor runs; a table made from ¼-in.-thick steel plate with sides broke for insured uniformed straight surface; and an optional variable-speed blade.
router bit or core drill, and a manual quick release for easy tool changes, this machine excels in a variety of applications including multidirectional cuts, mitering, sink cutouts, engraving, texturing, leathering and more. Circle RS#40 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
See our ad on Page 11
Willy Industries WS-8625 Bridge Saw CNC
Circle RS#39 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
SASSO Extrema Bridge Saw
SALEM Stone’s DENVER TECNIKA CNC Bridge Saw
SASSO’s Extrema Bridge Saw is a semiautomatic, programmable saw with a variety of quality features to get the job done. The saw has both manual and semiautomatic operation. It is also capable of cutting miters, made of corrosion-resistant galvanized steel, has a fully articulated cutting head, and has an industrial rotating, hydraulic tilt table. Steel support legs and a twin-table setup are options.
SALEM Stone, partnering with DENVER, delivers an advanced multifunctional 5-axis CNC bridge saw – the TECNIKA. This machine is a modern monobloc bridge saw with rotating and tilting head and hot zinccoated frame for long-lasting sturdiness and anti-corrosion. Equipped with an ISO-40 spindle, that can hold both the blade and
The WS-8625 5-axis Bridge Saw offered by Willy Industries is a CNC controlled machine with five interpolated axles (X, Y, Z, C, A) for the processing of marble, granite or other natural and engineered stones. It is supplied with a touch screen for easy and intuitive use of CNC software (CAD/CAM) for cuts and movement. It allows for linear shaping, 0- to 360-degree head rotation, 0- to 90-degree head tilting and 0- to 85-degree table tilting. It has a mono frame structure and can be loaded inside a 20GP container for easy installation. Made in Italy, it has mono-axial positioning for bridge transaction with a servo motor. The machine also has wi-fi capabilities that allow for fast remote technical support. Circle RS#42 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#41 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Circle RS#15 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 26 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
If you are not a member of ISFA, this could the last issue of this magazine you receive! Join ISFA or make sure to renew at www.isfanow.org/magazine-subscription before it's too late...
Renew Your Subscription Today!
PERSONAL INFORMATION Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: By providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax. Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email. ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS Subscribe at www.isfanow.org/magazine-
What type of material(s) do you work with? q Solid Surface
q Stone/Granite
q Tile
subscription or fax the bottom of this
q Quartz/E-Stone
q Laminate
q Wood
q Concrete
q Recycled
form to ISFA at (412) 487-3269, or by mail:
q Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________
2400 Wildwood Dr. Gibsonia, PA 15044 International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 27
Eight Top Sales Management Success Factors Get the sales results you want Many sales managers struggle to get the sales results they want. Are you one of them?
If you are tasked with the responsibility of
making sales happen and are looking for the industry’s best practices, read on.
I was recently engaged by one of the world’s
leading kitchen and bath products companies to perform sales training. One of my targeted
deliverables was to help showroom owners hire correctly and manage their sales teams. Part of my journey was to uncover the keys to hiring,
motivating and retaining the best sales/design talent. Here’s what I discovered.
There are eight key factors of sales
management that directly influence a sales manager’s success. These simple keys are
proven to deliver great sales results. If you get
these right, then your results are a given. If you get them wrong, you’ll suffer.
No. 1 – Hire Right You must have good people and guide them
of them! You need a team of winners if you want
No. 3 – Let Bad Apples Go
winning teams.
Letting go of the losers is also important. Those
Trying to increase sales with a team of so-so
to become a winner need to go. We’ve all
the kind of sales volumes that are reserved for
salespeople leads to stress, frustration and
unmet sales goals. So, following the first rule of hiring the right people can make all the difference.
No. 2 – Give Them Oxygen
you to create solid sales results. The first step is to know each team member’s ability. Get to know the sales potential of your team.
I’ve met many struggling sales managers who don’t know their sales team’s true potential.
There are three types of players: winners, losers and potential winners. Knowing winners from
losers is the key. Potential winners need to be developed by intentional effort.
Winners are obvious. They make tons of sales. They may be easy to manage, or challenging,
but the bottom line is, they deliver results. A lot 28 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
winning sales team.
You’re creating an all-star team. Supporting the strong and developing the potential in
management. He said, “Find the people with
everything and everyone for their results is
necessary for them to burn white-hot!” Wow,
Sometimes you have to cast overboard the
Ending the time wasted with those who blame
the right kindling; then provide whatever is
also key.
that’s brilliant!
weight that holds you back. Some people are
Once you have the right people — winners and
better off working for your competition, or in
the necessary oxygen and fuel for them to burn
No. 4 – Measure What Matters
with sales managers who actually quench the
There are generally a handful of key metrics
potential winners — you must provide them with hot and stay on fire for you. I’ve been involved fires of sales.
leaving one alone to do what they know to do
Having the correct players makes it easier for
the bunch, and that holds true with creating a
those who want to win is part of the equation.
Starting with the wrong staff makes your work
winning team.
heard that rotten apples can spoil the rest of
and sales manager his best tip for sales
You have to provide the necessary ingredients
lack-luster players cannot be developed into a
who are not interested in doing what it takes
I once asked a wildly successful salesperson
toward greatness.
difficult and creates an uphill battle. A team of
By Kirk Heiner
for each individual to soar. That may mean
well, while providing extra support to the ones who want to win, but need a little help and guidance.
Team development matters. You need to invest in your team. Holding regular meetings that inspire, guide and equip them is important. People hate meeting for meeting’s sake,
another line of work.
to pay attention to in sales. You must regularly measure those key performance indicators
(KPI). They can include: the number of new
leads, the number of meetings with prospects, closing rates of each team member, average
sale (for each person) and total sales volume, just to name a few.
You want to regularly gather data on the
key numbers and tweek accordingly. More
than data, you need to measure your team’s
strengths and their ability to get the job done.
but crave time spent that equates to skills
If you want to increase sales, you must consider
and inspiring and encouraging them to win.
each team member. Where are they strong, and
development, equipping with sales knowledge, Good sales management requires providing
taking the time to measure the potential of where do they need to improve?
them with skills training, sales tips or even
An old proverb states, “Be careful to know the
regular meetings that motivate and equip them.
the potential of your sales team members.
helping them plan their success. It also involves
condition of your flock.” You too need to know
The bottom line is to do what is necessary for
Imagine trying to compete in a major league
each team member.
sport with a sports team full of all stars versus
a team of mediocre players. It may be hard to do, but letting some staff go to be replaced by better players can be the best thing for everyone involved.
No. 5 – Attitude, Ability, Actions Attitude, ability and actions are the three things to watch. Where are they mentally? Where are their skill sets? And what are they doing? Your sales team’s attitude affects their
performance. You must create an atmosphere that keeps right-minded people in a mind set
to optimize sales. The wrong people can’t help themselves and will often drift into a negative mentality. However, even the best can be
tainted with an environment that allows for too
Tips for Attracting & Hiring Top Sales Talent The first key to hiring right is to attract top
■■ A great working environment.
salespeople.
I’ve seen ads for salespeople that talk
great results from a poorly crafted ad for Your ad must attract the best — and
pleasantly repel the rest. It must scare off time wasters who know deep down they
can’t cut it and don’t really want to soar —
those who will never make the commitment to be the best.
much negative talk.
It must attract the top talent and make them
Remember, you have a powerful ability to shape
important sales job — selling them on joining
the attitude of your sales team. Encouragement
and a sense of appreciation are the key. Sales is
want to join you. This is perhaps your most your team. Make the ad compelling!
a tough business, and it’s easy for salespeople
That includes offering a compensation plan
them are constantly focusing on the negative.
Top sales people want three things:
to feel discouraged, especially if those around You are in charge of their performance. Their
performance will be driven by their ability. With a winning mind set, sound skills and proper actions, it’s nearly impossible to fail.
No. 6 – Watch Them in Action You need to know your team’s key strengths and weaknesses. Failing to help your team
overcome its weaknesses, those big areas that hold team members back and cause them to struggle, is not an option.
You must spend time with them while they meet with prospects to see how they’re doing. Watch
reactions of the prospects to your salespeople’s conversations. Note the questions they ask.
More importantly, note the questions they fail to ask.
Many sales managers fall into the trap of simply
measuring numbers from their desks. It’s critical that you spend time watching and coaching
salespeople’s performance and gently guide
them into great performance. You can’t do that from your office.
No. 7 – Systems, Systems, Systems I am currently working with a company to dial
in their selling systems. Systems are the key to
sales management. You must have a systematic way of selling and positioning your company against the competition. You never want to
■■ To work with a great company.
talent. It’s striking how many people expect
that rewards their individual performance.
■■ High compensation.
(How do you rate in the marketplace?
Do you pay the most?)
leave it up to each team member to make it up as they go.
There is a best way to speak about your
company and its offering. This needs to be
taught to each team member. Everyone must know the most important things to mention to create buyer confidence, build value, differentiate and close the sale.
I watch companies closing 60 to 70 percent of their prospects. That should be your goal, too. Business Guru Michael Gerber of the E-Myth
book and business training series says, “Your job is to develop the perfect system of doing what you do.” You’ll never be done. There’s always room for improvement.
Continuously work on your sales systems.
No. 8 – Written Wise Plans Nothing beats a well-executed, well-thought-out plan. Most managers have no written, realistic action plan to reach their goals. It is critical to
invest the time to write out your plans to hit your sales targets. It must include achievable goals, as well as time frames.
Your plan must also include specific methods
ONLY about what the company wants, and absolutely nothing about what the
salesperson will get. How does your ad
reflect those three key areas that would attract winners?
Many sales managers struggle to find and hire the right people because they fall into the trap of listening to the interviewee’s views on sales. That’s a big mistake! You are searching for behaviors not viewpoints.
You need to ask questions that uncover their behavior in a sales situation. Ask about past performance in an actual sales scenario. For a free list we developed of the top
questions to ask when hiring sales reps, email info@KBShowroomSales.com.
for team development and a plan for hiring, on-boarding, developing and retaining the best sales staff. Sales expert Chet Holmes used to say, “Ninety-eight percent of CEOs are tacticians not strategists.” The strategist will slaughter the tactician every time. If you want to understand what this means in day to day practical solutions, email me — info@KBShowroomSales.com.
About the Author Kirk Heiner has more than 30 years’ experience in the kitchen & bath industry. He helps showroom owners and managers increase market share by becoming radically customer driven. He’s conducted training events and seminars for corporations like Lowe’s, DuPont, Danze, Stock Building Supply, KBIS, the National Kitchen & Bath Association and many more. Heiner can be contacted at info@KBShowroomSales.com and more information can be found at KBShowroomSales.com. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 29
in the beginning
THE EARLY HISTORY OF ISFA Reflections on the association’s 20th anniversary By Joanna Duggan
In 1997, the International Surface
Fabricators Association (ISFA) became a legal entity. It was originally called the International Solid Surface Fabricators Association (ISSFA), expanding in the late 2000s to include fabricators of all materials.
Editor’s Note: In honor of 20 years of ISFA bringing together the industry, we wanted to share some of its history and how and why the association came together. We are fortunate enough to have one of its founders, Joanna Duggan, who has been a near life-long champion of the organization, to share its roots with all of us. We hope this will help to remind (and re-inspire) us all as to how working together can make real, positive change.
How it all began and what happened during that first year is a great story that only a few people know. I was there, and these are some of my recollections. My husband Mike Duggan and I sold our solid surface shop in 1995 to start SOLIDSURFACE Magazine (SSM), with the target audience being solid surface shop owners and industry professionals. It was clear early on that there was nothing much in print for our job category,
By the following summer, it was clear that
we needed some outside help with ideas for the magazine, and developed the idea of an
advisory board. Five fabricators from around the country and even from Europe (Jon
Lancto from North Carolina, Gus Blume from
Pennsylvania, John Forst from California, Paul Temple from New Jersey and Martin Funck
from Germany) were chosen from all of those who had called in with great ideas, many of
which were included in articles. The plan was to bring them together to share ideas. They
agreed to pay for a flight and room, and we
would take care of the rest. They all said “Yes!” On September 6, 1996, we met our guests
and we wanted to change that.
at the Dulles Marriott lobby, and boarded a
The first issue of SSM was launched in August
the D.C. area at the time, ASSI and STC. Having
1995. We were fortunate to find a wonderful graphic design house, Watermark Design, in Alexandria, Va., and the first issue looked beautiful. Also, Steve McCracken of DuPont Corian finally agreed to an interview about the An oldie from the archives – the earliest known photo from an ISFA gathering, circa. 1998.
Taking It to the Next Level
business of solid surface manufacturing, and it was brilliant. McCracken ordered 400 copies of that issue and mailed them to his reps around the world. Within a few weeks SSM had subscribers in 50 states and 16 countries. Within eight years, the number rose
transport bus to visit the two largest shops in
a shop open its doors and allow in others in the industry was unheard of back then.
What happened on the bus that day was
truly memorable. We all felt an immediate
connection. Great conversation about business, family and various situations, ensued, all loaded with humor and insight. Questions were raised and answered. This was something wonderful and new, and it was great!
While there were many questions asked that
to 56 countries.
morning, two come to mind that show the
Shop owners began calling, saying they loved
my guys to do a cleaner silicone joint at the
the magazine, and asking who we were. They understood the magazine was for them and about them, and they loved it! We were so proud! What could be better than people calling to say they love what you do. It’s definitely a rarity. 30 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
scope of the discussion: 1) How can I get
backsplash? and 2) What to do when someone has a design and wants to pay below the cost of fabrication? The answers were to 1) get a
laminate sample chip, cut a roundover, and have installers run it along the joint and 2) (which was answered by Funck of the renown Rosskopf &
STC. They were gracious hosts, open and
Partner) was to come up with two estimates —
generous with their responses. For most of
the first for the price of the designed piece and
us, being inside the kind of large successful
the second for what they could actually get for
shops that they ran was a real eye-opener. All
the price they wanted to pay. “You can discuss it from that point,” said Funck. That was perfect!
of the fabricators did the same basic things, but
We quickly learned that this group of intelligent,
and sometimes very differently. There was so
forward-thinking and successful business
much to learn.
people were pushing the envelope, had great ideas which they acted upon, were just generally good people, were nice as could be and humble, too. Spending that bus ride with them was awesome and I remember it fondly to this day. The bus took us to visit Bob Hazlett, of ASSI, and Howard Burger and Jack McCarthy, of
everyone tweaked each process a bit differently,
The next day was spent in a conference room, and a few industry people were invited to join us. Dr. Don Slocum, the inventor of DuPont Corian, was among the group and he discussed his views for the future of the industry. Jeff Sager from Kormax, a manufacturer and supplier of custom shower pans, talked about the huge market for using solid surface in bathroom
On our way back to the hotel, we discussed
applications. And this was just a sample of the
bit and met later for dinner. What a great day it
more than I can share here or even remember!
highlights of the day and then we all rested a
had been to see these people coming together to the benefit of all, sharing information and beginning a process that would ultimately benefit the entire industry.
knowledge that was in the room. There were An Idea Emerges About an hour before the first of the fabricators left to catch a plane home, someone mentioned
Circle RS#12 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 31
how great if might be if a fabricator association
this could be a driving factor in making the
together and have the same fantastic experiences
be a lot of work and cost money. As a testament
was formed, where fabricators could come
we just had. The idea was intriguing and very well received by the group after the amazing things
we had all learned, and so we decided to meet again in November.
Then they were gone. This hadn’t been the plan, but it was a great plan, that was a bit scary but also very exciting.
November arrived quickly. Numerous
communications had transpired between the original meeting and the upcoming one, and
everyone spent a lot of time discussing ideas.
Brad Reamer from Chicago (see a profile of his
business Wilcor Solid Surface on Page 36) and
organization a success, but we also knew it would to the kind of people that were the foundation
of this organization, everyone wrote a check in
whatever amount they chose. Some checks were much larger than others, and not one person
wanted to be paid back. The money was used for printing, mailing and making phone calls.
We worked hard every day and took on this daunting task, making decisions as best
we could. We immediately set to work on a
membership drive and trade show. With Mike
Duggan serving as executive director, I became president and publisher of SOLIDSURFACE
Magazine, which was a labor of love for me!
Don Hinckley from Vermont were invited to join
Mike sent each board member a list of about 100
room, making plans for the solid surface
call and convince them to join this association
today’s ISFA.
it was me from the magazine, and were willing
us. The next two days were spent in a conference
SSM subscribers, and we all worked together to
association that would eventually develop into
that had their best interests at heart. People knew
Ideas were discussed and voted on, and
decisions made — when, where and how to
achieve goals, dues, manufacturer and supplier participation, how best to respond to fabricator needs. It all boiled down to what could we do for fabricators. There were pages of things
to accomplish, and among them a stand-out
was developing a manufacturing standard for solid surface (which was accomplished and
after revisions over the years still stands as the standard to this day). We set another meeting for the following year, 1997, and set about
putting together what we needed to make the association a reality.
The Association Is Born When we got together in 1997, we had our
lawyer present, and we signed the papers to
officially make ISSFA a legal entity. Jon Lancto
was voted president. He was clear-thinking and
to listen and chat. But long distance calling was very costly back then, and I needed to find a
way to call, get them to join, and hang up, all
in five minutes. The plan I developed became
the root of what the association was all about. I
called, said we were starting a trade association, and wanted them to join. They hesitated and
most of them said no. So I said that I wanted
to ask just one question, and I wouldn’t bother them again if they still weren’t interested. They
agreed to listen. “When you’re alone in your shop at night, struggling with a problem you can’t
seem to solve, who exactly do you have to call?
(pause, dead silence) Certainly not your mother!” Everyone giggled, said no, that was the last
person they would call, and agreed to sign up. My success rate was about 85 percent.
Members immediately started calling in, to chat
or looking for help. One fabricator had deliveries
cut off by his distributor. Mike had a direct line to
500-bedroom block we needed to fill in order to get the exhibit hall free of charge, instead of paying $30,000. January was coming up fast. I was in a severe panic. Mike had been calling subscribers all over the world inviting them to join us. There was much enthusiasm, but paperwork wasn’t coming in. Then, Monday after Thanksgiving, responses came pouring in. By Christmas Eve, over 900 people had registered for membership, the show, conferences and events. Responses continued until the show began. There was so much to do we even recruited our daughter Catherine to help enter it all into a computer. (Thank you Catherine for all your hard work.) We ordered more food for the reception and banquet, larger conference rooms at other hotels with buses to and fro, more hotel rooms, etc. Then the day finally arrived. The Welcome Reception was truly unbelievable. It was much better than what transpired on that bus. This was much bigger than all of us. As I looked over the crowd, the term sardines came to mind. More than a thousand people were packed tightly into that large space. There was laughter, good cheer and so much excitement. It was very loud, and truly fantastic! The Exhibit Hall was filled with suppliers from all product categories, with terrific exhibits that pushed the fabrication envelope. The conferences contained good industry and business information, and were well received. The final dinner was packed with 500 people — more people than room. When all was said and done, almost 1,700 people came to the show — industry professionals and people from related fields. Although it was overwhelming, as people were leaving, we heard the same sentence repeatedly: “We came not knowing what to expect, and this exceeded any expectations we had.”
exciting times for us.
New friendships were formed, business connections made and partnerships developed, across the country and the world. Fabricators were now connected, and the possibilities were endless. No longer would anyone need to be alone in the shop with no one to call.
a good one. Gus Blume with his wife Dottie took on
For the trade show, Mike’s idea was to have it
About the Author
standard. And, of course, a membership drive
were reasonable. Circus Circus had a new
decisive, belonged to other trade associations
and understood better than most what they were all about. Mike Duggan would be the executive director, whose job it was to accomplish the
goals. All of us would be ISSFA board members. ISSFA needed a logo, and Brad Reamer designed the daunting task of developing a manufacturing
was a must. How much to charge? What were we offering? It all had to be developed, planned out, discussed and decided upon.
Another decision we made was to have the
first-ever solid surface trade show, to be held the following year in January of 1998. We felt
32 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Steve McCracken — crisis averted. Others had different issues, and if we couldn’t help them, we sent them to someone who could. They
appreciated that we were there for them, and
we were happy to help in any way. Those were
in Las Vegas where travel was easy and costs exhibit hall perfect for about 500 people, which was how many we hoped might attend. Plus,
there was plenty of space for conferences and social events.
By November, we still had fewer than 300 members, not nearly enough to fill the
Joanna Duggan is a founder of ISFA, former publisher of SOLIDSURFACE and Surface Fabrication magazines and a member of the ISFA Hall of Fame. Her contributions to the surfacing industry are beyond calculation. She can be reached at joanna.duggan25@ gmail.com.
from
time, traditional stone fabricators took note of the
profitability and growing popularity of this product they had formerly seen as competition, and so they too began to handle it.
As such, the gap between solid surface
fabricators and stone fabricators began to
close rapidly from both directions. And even
to
those solid surface shops that were not buying into stoneworking equipment were developing relationships with stone shops so that they
could sell, template and install the material. A
new age of cooperation and materials crossover had begun in the countertop/surfacing industry, and businesses could hardly keep up with the demand because of a housing boom.
However, while there were various organizations for individual materials, such as stone, tile,
cultured marble and solid surface, there was no association that was embracing this growing
product category. This also made apparent the lack of resources available to those wishing to fabricate quartz, which had different tooling
How the association expanded its horizons and what lies ahead By Kevin Cole, ISFA Communications Director Although it was originally founded by solid
booming and fabricators were operating at levels
share ideas and information to advance their
with Cygnus Business Media, a magazine and
surface fabricators wanting to connect and
businesses and the industry (read the article
immediately preceding this one to find out more),
it was the advent of quartz surfacing that became the driving factor to take ISFA to the next level. When modern quartz surfacing, or engineered
stone, came on the scene in the late ’80s, it was
never before seen. The association teamed up trade show company, so the show could be
managed by professionals who had the ability and the background to further develop it and keep up with its pace. About that same time,
SOLIDSURFACE Magazine, which was owned
and managed by Joanna and Mike Duggan (who
slow to be adopted by what was then a more
were also the founding force behind ISFA), was
stone fabricators preferred to work with natural
educational partnership was formed. The deal
and equipment to work with quartz, and solid
to Cygnus, with a contractual relationship that
to fabricate the product, which required diamond
plan, populate and promote it. Joanna Duggan,
used for stone. That disconnect may have
of the magazine.
fragmented countertop industry. Traditional
also purchased by Cygnus and a formidable
granite even though they had the machinery
would slowly move ownership of the trade show
surface fabricators did not have the equipment
would have the two organizations working to
tooling, wet cutting and specialized equipment
by then an industry icon, would remain publisher
slowed the entry of engineered stone into
the market, but by the year 2000, the unique properties of quartz surfacing had made it a product that couldn’t be ignored.
With the increasing sales and profitability of
quartz surfacing, many solid surface fabricators, which were the membership base of then ISSFA (the International Solid Surface Fabricators
Just around that same time, in the early 2000s,
Association), began to embrace the engineered
operation was growing immensely, and managing
fabricate it. And because they were tooling up
the grassroots organization. The economy was
the equipment to work with granite. At the same
the trade show created by ISFA in its first year of
stone and expand their shops to allow them to
it was quickly moving beyond the capability of
to handle quartz surfacing, by default they had
requirements and fabrication methodologies.
ISFA’s partner, Cygnus, saw the opportunity and in 2006 expanded both the magazine, renamed to Surface Fabrication, and the trade show,
rebranded as the Surface Fabrication & Design Expo to include quartz and other emerging
materials. For the first time, ISFA began working hand-in-hand with the suppliers of engineered
stone and the tools and equipment to fabricate it. An Age of Development It was during this period that the Million Dollar Mentor program was developed, in which up-
and-coming fabricators would be paired up with
more experienced and highly successful business owners so they could share information directly on best practices through several seminars, personal visits to each other’s businesses,
regularly scheduled conference calls and set
assignments that required certain tasks to be
performed and discussed. Many top fabricators
today graduated from the program and still credit a lot of their success to their participation.
At this time, half of the members of ISSFA were
working with the “hard and shiny” materials and were calling out for assistance. So, in 2008, just as the great recession was hitting hard, ISSFA
made a decision to join its partner and embrace engineered stone and all of the other premium surfacing that was in the market, and became ISFA (the International Surface Fabricators Association) that allowed any fabricator of
countertop/surfacing materials, regardless of what materials they worked with, to join the organization.
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 33
The change was made official, but in 2009, the
board of directors, where they would serve in
in full swing, and everyone was suffering under
for developing closer relationships between
worst economic downturn seen in decades was its weight. Fabricators were laying off employees, consolidating and closing their doors. With trade show attendance and magazine advertising two
of the first expenditures to be cut from budgets, Cygnus, which specialized in those two areas,
purely advisory roles. This opened the door manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and fabricators in furtherment of educational opportunities and process refinement.
In 2010, Countertops & Architectural Surfaces
magazine further expanded offering its first-ever
was unable to hold up. Within a year, Cygnus
cancelled both the trade show and the magazine,
Buyers’ Guide issue, in an effort to provide an
forcing ISFA to make some tough choices. In
annual reference guide for the industry, with
before you, Countertops & Architectural Surfaces,
any of a variety of surfacing materials, tools,
member newsletter. The following year, the
same year, ISFA put on its first Countertop
Where the magazine was successful, trade
at the biannual International Woodworking Fair
the industry couldn’t justify in the wake of their
and expanded in 2012 with the creation of a
the formula of smaller regional events and
continued through the present day.
2009 the association created this publication
listings of every manufacturer that supplies
by expanding and reformatting its quarterly
equipment and machinery to the industry. That
association attempted to revive the trade show.
Symposium, a full day of education sessions,
show attendance was an expenditure most in
(IWF). That cooperative agreement was continued
hard hit businesses, and ISFA instead embraced
“Countertops Pavilion” at the trade show that has
programming, teaming up with other expositions where possible.
Over the next few years, three popular programs were developed to assist members in various
It was also around this time that ISFA voted to
aspects of their businesses. Among them were
take shorter-length seats on the association’s
second-generation fabrication business owners
allow two associate member representatives to
the Gen2 Gatherings, that brought together
to meet and discuss the process of business succession and provided expert guidance.
Another popular program that is still being
used by many members is the ISFA Continuing Education Program, in which members could work with each other to develop continuing education units (CEUs) for architects. Once
these presentations were created, ISFA staff would work to get them certified by the
American Institute of Architects (AIA) and
then they could be presented by any member participating in the program. This allowed
fabricators, distributors or even manufacturers to bring in groups of architects and educate them
on numerous aspects of the surfacing industry. Architects would get educational credits
they needed to maintain their licensing, and
presenters would have an opportunity to interact with these architects.
A third program that came about in this time
frame was CEO/Upper Management Gatherings. These regional meetings would bring together small to medium groups of top management
from fabrication firms to a central location where they would spend two to three days networking
Circle RS#17 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 34 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
and learning from each other. The program includes guided forums, open discussion,
annual meeting and conference in Cancun.
ISFA Executive Directors
shop tours and expert presentations. These
Mike Duggan
1997-2003
several being held each year.
Robert Oxley
2004-2008
Chuck Sawyer
2012-2014
Keith Haight
2014-2015
Mike Langenderfer
2016 (interim)
Bryan Stannard
2016-Present
gatherings remain popular to this day, with Lastly, the ISFA On-Site Training Program was developed. This training is unlike the
association’s other courses, in that an ISFA
expert actually travels to a shop to assist them
remote location to which individual fabricators would travel for classroom and hands-on
training. While this type of training is still in
the repertoire of the organization, the on-site training allows fabricators to learn by using
their own equipment in the actual setting they will be working. In the past few years, dozens of businesses around the country have taken advantage of ISFA’s expertise, ranging from smaller organizations to large fabricators
learning to refine their processes, and even a prison in California.
Now and in the Future In 2015, ISFA upgraded its annual meeting to
include a conference and made it into more of
association is hoping for a good turnout of
members to celebrate its 20th anniversary. It is also continuing to ramp up its social
media efforts, and this year began offering
opportunities for members to submit various
news items that ISFA would then share through its online presence. (See Page 43 for more details.)
in setting up or improving their operations. Previously, training had all been done in a
(Read more about it on Page 18.) The
a retreat style event, held in Austin, Texas. In 2016, the ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference continued on this note, hosting the event in Cancun, Mexico. That same year, ISFA China was developed to assist Chinese fabricators in developing their operations to include processes already refined in the United States. ISFA China sent a delegation to the 2016 Annual Meeting & Conference, and a solid relationship was formed. ISFA is now working on potential expansion into several areas of the world where the surfacing industry is in rapid development mode and fabricators can benefit from tried-and-true methods modern fabrication businesses are using. And this year, ISFA is once again holding its
Circle RS#18 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Going forward, ISFA staff and board of
directors hope to continue to build on the long history of cooperation amongst fabricators,
manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of all premium surfacing materials. Additionally new cooperation opportunities, such as the one
recently developed with the North American
Building Materials Distributors Association, will be explored to further ISFA’s mission.
Perhaps you can be part of the next 20 years in ISFA history by getting involved to the
betterment of your business, yourself and the industry as a whole.
ISFA Communications Director Kevin Cole can be reached at kevin@isfanow.org.
Circle RS#19 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 35
ISFA FABRICATOR PROFILE: WILCOR
Solid Surface Inc.
In this striking J-shaped kitchen countertop in Sorrel Corian, WILCOR arranged the veining to follow each facet of curve in the top to stunning effect.
Based in Chicagoland (Elk Grove Village),
to experiment with it. He became so enamored
fabrication business that works strictly with
solid surface would be the thing to replace
WILCOR Solid Surface is a well-known
solid surface. As an early adopter of solid surface fabrication, the man behind the
business has been a pioneer for the material and was a founding member of ISFA.
The business was founded in 1975 by John
Reamer, who had worked for GE in its laminate manufacturing business, called Textolite.
Reamer heard about a new product called
DuPont Corian®, the first solid surface, which
was catching on and was intrigued by it. He got his hands on some remnant material and began
J. Bradford Reamer is the son of the founder and has been president of WILCOR since 1995.
with its properties and came to believe that laminate as laminate had done to linoleum years before.
His son and current president of WILCOR, J. Bradford “Brad” Reamer, started working in
his father’s shop in 1977 as a kid just before his ninth birthday. “I would work during the
summers and after school learning the trade
by sanding splashes and doing all of the nasty
“When I helped found ISFA, I was only 28. I met fabricators from all over the world and managed to steal every good idea they ever had! Seriously, that type of exchange is invaluable, not only in learning new craft, but learning about people. I also made some of the best friends I’ll ever know.”
stuff that newbies do,” recalled Brad Reamer. “I left WILCOR in 1990 and took a sales job. I wanted to be out from my father’s
A young Brad Reamer (bottom center) photographed with his class after training with the veteran Tony Basilio at DuPont in Kennet Square. Reamer was one of the founders of ISFA and grew up in his father’s shop.
36 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
WILCOR Solid Surface Inc.
This solid surface conference table and reception desk installed by WILCOR shows the versatility of the product and skill set, which the company uses to its advantage.
“Our residential clients talk about the ease of ownership being important. Homeowners don’t want products that require maintenance or tender use. The hygienic aspects of solid surface are also key for clients raising a family.”
considerable shadow. But, in 1995 my father was 70 years old and his health was failing
as was the health of WILCOR. I bought the
company that year and Dad worked for me as a consigliere of sorts.”
Unfortunately the senior Reamer passed in
2001, but not before he got to see WILCOR
change into its modern version, recalled Brad. “I’m very proud of him, and the zenith of that pride was inducting him into the ISFA Hall of Fame in 2000,” he added.
A homeowner had a vision and WILCOR had the ability to make it work in this two-toned kitchen with a combination of Cottage Lane colored Corian with a Thyme colored border and bullnose edge. It includes two integral sinks with the color fields reversed and a thoughtfully lowered transition to keep water where it belongs. as a blank canvas that can meet nearly any surfacing application that can be imagined.
WILCOR focuses purely on solid surface
“Our residential clients talk about the ease
Greater Chicago area. “Twenty years ago I
“Homeowners don’t want products that require
Reamer. “WILCOR is solid surface. I have had
aspects of solid surface are also key for clients
fabrication and installation, and services the
of ownership being important,” said Reamer.
decided to remain a specialist,” explained
maintenance or tender use. The hygienic
many opportunities to fabricate stone and
raising a family.”
quartz, but it just doesn’t appeal to me. I have
been criticized by some who see my business model as myopic and that’s fine. WILCOR is
strong and healthy and I still love what we do.” One of the reasons for this singular focus
is because the business sees solid surface
And because of this focus on one product, WILCOR has the operation down to a near
accomplished through the use of modern
machinery and equipment as well as years
of process development and refinement. He also pointed out how solid surface has also improved over the years, to the credit of
manufacturers. “The material is so consistent now,” he said. “The days of pitting and wave in the sheet stock are long gone. Fabrication techniques are also more consistent. I know that ISFA had a hand in that evolution.”
science, with each two-person team able
Brad, who is not only a founder of ISFA, but
surface sheets per day when handling
He credits his networking and involvement in
to go through an average of seven solid
standard residential fabrication jobs. This is
also served as president of the association.
the industry as a key factor to the company’s International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 37
WILCOR Solid Surface Inc.
One of the company’s clients wanted to reuse a vintage sink that had family history, so WILCOR reused it under a new vanity and made her fond memory part of her everyday again.
success. “When I helped found ISFA I was only
28,” he explained. “I met fabricators from all over
The shop has high-end tools and machinery, which play a role in its profitability and quality.
the world and managed to steal every good idea they ever had! Seriously, that type of exchange
is invaluable, not only in learning new craft, but
“So many times we’ve had folks come in our shop and say, ‘You did the countertops in my parents’ house when I was still at home.’ That’s very gratifying. After 42 years of doing one thing, yeah, we’re starting to get the hang of it.”
learning about people. I also made some of the best friends I’ll ever know.”
The shop has high-end tools and machinery,
which also play a role in the profitability of the
business. They include a CNC router, two-head miter-folder; panel saws; and thermoforming
equipment, and operates on a computer-based platform. “We generate zero paperwork,” said
Reamer. “Everything is digital and web-based.
Each employee has a tablet to see work orders, schedules and CAD drawings. The use of CNC routers and miter-folders make for work that is repeatable at the highest quality.”
Reamer has continued to develop the business over the years and now brings in residential work from a variety of sources including
direct sales, box stores/retail and remodeling
contractors. “We do commercial work as well
as residential,” he explained. “In fact we have been doing more and more commercial work
in recent years. I avoided much of it during the
financial crisis. It was awfully tough to get paid, and being strung out on cash flow is not what
I call a good time. I find that business changed quite a bit post-financial apocalypse. People were scarred by the recession and nobody
wants to go back! Contractors are willing to
make a promise you can’t keep; and 2) Don’t
pay substantial deposits now where they rarely
sh!t where you eat. After owning this company
used to. Most of the commercial work we do comes to us. WILCOR has been around so long that we’re pretty tough to avoid and our reputation is stellar.” That reputation has gone a long way, so much so that the company does not advertise. “I have no feet on the street, and word-of-mouth has brought us a lot of business,” said Reamer. “So many times we’ve had folks come in our shop and say, ‘You did the countertops in my parents’ house when I was still at home’ or something to that effect. That’s very gratifying. After 42 years of doing one thing, yeah, we’re starting to get the hang of it.” Not one to mince words, when asked about his company’s philosophy for success, he said, “We have only two rules here: 1) Never
38 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
for 22 years, I think about 80 percent of the decisions I make can be put into one or both of those buckets. The other 20 percent? Well, that may take a bit more finesse and some carefully solicited advice.” Reamer was hesitant when asked what advice he could give to other fabricators, but offered the following. “As I get older I am learning to be happier more often by choosing to be in the moment, even in the smallest of things. Be it as a parent, partner [my girlfriend Kerry is a saint] musician or a just a fella in traffic, I’m having a great time!” For more information, contact WILCOR Solid Surface Incorporated, 2371 United Lane, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, (888) 956-1001.
Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. Humboldt Countertops Pierce Laminated ALABAMA GEORGIA Cutstone Co.
& Surfacing
Atlanta Kitchen Inc.
Products Inc.
Surface One
The Countertop Factory
Counter Fitters LLC
Solid Surface Creations Inc.
117 Cloverdale Dr. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-624-3538 www.cutstoneco.com 2421 Hwy. 11 Pelham, AL 35124 205-621-1125 www.surface1.com
ALASKA
AMW Construction PO Box 573 Bethel, AK 99559 907-545-3499
Cook Inlet Housing Authority 3510 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503 907-793-3047 www.cookinlethousing.org
ARIZONA
Kitchen Bath & Beyond
Specializing In Solid Surface 1440 Corona Ft. Mojave, AZ 86426 928-788-1000
ARKANSAS Qualserv
7400 S. 28th St. Ft. Smith, AR 72908 479-459-5892 www.qualservsolutions.com
CALIFORNIA
Black Rock Construction Services, Inc. 131 E. Berkshire Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93307 323-627-3891 www.blackrockcs.net
Design Fabrication Inc.
100 Bosstick Blvd. San Marco, CA 92069 760-727-1800 www.designfabrication.com
Duracite
2100 Huntington Dr. Fairfield, CA 94533 707-402-1600 www.duracite.com
Duracite of Southern California 100 Bosstick Blvd. San Marcos, CA 92069 760-727-1800 www.duracite.com
Fischer Tile & Marble 1800 23rd St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-452-1426 www.fischertile.com
70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 707-442-5918 www.humtop.com 2470 E. Coronado St. Anaheim, CA 92806 562-944-2450 www.thecountertopfactory.net
COLORADO Best Tops
1250 N. 3rd St. Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-241-5187
DELAWARE
Troy Granite Inc.
711 Interchange Blvd. Newark, DE 19711 302-292-1750 www.troygranite.com
FLORIDA
Beverin Solid Surface 1108 Palmetto Ave. Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 239-368-9444 www.beverin.com
The Decker Group 7008 Clark St. Hudson, FL 34667 727-868-0669
Delorie Countertops & Doors Inc.
2140 N.W. 18th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-970-7661 www.deloriectd.com
General Property Construction Co.
1550 N.W. 96th Ave. Doral, FL 33172 305-592-9570 www.gpconstructionco.com
NSM 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
Surface Crafters
405 6th St. Daytona Beach, FL 32117 386-253-0826 www.surface-crafters.com
196 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3220 www.atlanta-kitchen.com 1026 Lynes Ave. Savannah, GA 31415 912-231-0103 www.counterfitterssav.com
Countersync
2430 N. Court St. Rockford, IL 61103 815-968-9651 www.piercelaminated.com
403 S. Sycamore Villa Grove, IL 61956 217-832-8207 www.ssctops.com
Sprovieri’s Custom Cabinets
2014 Westside Ct. Augusta, GA 30907 706-828-7544 www.countersync.net
55 Laura Dr. Addison, IL 60101 630-917-4690 www.sprovieris.com
Craftmark Solid Surfaces Inc.
2772 Simpson Circle Norcross, GA 30071 770-242-8469 craftmarkcountertops.com
Stalwart Systems
1325 Oakbrook Dr. Ste. C Norcross, GA 30093 770-446-5155 www.stonecenteratlanta.com
Stevens Industries Inc.
Stone Center
Top South
7797 N. Caldwell Ave. Niles, IL 60714 847-972-1193 www.stalwartsystemsusa.com 704 W. Main St. Teutopolis, IL 62427 217-857-7100 www.stevensind.com
830 Pickens Industrial Dr. Marietta, GA 30062 770-422-4009 www.topsouth.com
WILCOR Solid Surface
Cultured Marble
INDIANA
HAWAII
1726 Republican St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-832-2535
A. I. A. Countertops LLC 201 S Huntington St. Syracuse, IN 46567 574-457-2018 www.aiacountertops.com
Honolulu Tile & Marble Inc.
1602-B Auiki St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-3775
Bollock Enterprises LLC
Solid Surface Technologies 360 Mokauea St. Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-8677 www.ssthawaii.com
Custom Marble Inc.
PO Box 306 Millstadt, IL 62260 618-476-1345 www.custommarble.net
Maxwell Counters, Inc.
New Age Surfaces 1237 Naperville Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 630-226-0011
900 Farabee Ct. Lafayette, IN 47905 765-448-6000 www.bollockstoptops.com
Hard Surface Fabrications Inc./Kormax
ILLINOIS
PO Box 234 Farmer City, IL 61842 309-928-2848
2371 United Ln. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 888-956-1001 www.wilcorusa.com
810 S. Beiger St. Mishawaka, IN 46544 574-259-4843
Laminated Tops of Central Indiana Inc.
711 E. Dillman Rd. Bloomington, IN 47401 812-824-6299 www.rakesolutions.com
IOWA
Solid Fabrications Inc. 2515 Murray St. Sioux City, IA 51111 712-255-5319 www.solidfab.com
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 39
Top Crafters
Sterling Architectural Millwork
Surface Menders
Jaynes Structures
1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 712-368-4381 www.vtindustries.com
Sterling Surfaces
MONTANA
OGB Architectural Millwork
Parman Brothers LTD
Sterling-Miller Designs Inc.
811 Iowa Ave. Marshalltown, IA 50158 641-752-2465
VT Industries
KANSAS
PO Box 7 Johnson, KS 67855 620-492-6882 www.parmanbrothersltd.com
Top Master Inc.
2844 Roe Ln. Kansas City, KS 66103 913-492-3030 www.top-master.com
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
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
Creative Surface Interiors Inc. 8393 Ardwick Ardmore Rd. Landover, MD 20785 301-386-4654 www.creativesurfaceinteriors.net
SolidTops LLC
505 South St. Easton, MD 21601 410-819-0770 www.solidtops.com
MASSACHUSETTS
Jack’s Custom Woodworking/ JCW Countertops 3 Aberjona Dr. Woburn, MA 01801 781-935-1907 www.jcwcountertops.com
PADCO Countertop Co. 5 Springdale Ave. Canton, MA 02021 781-828-1177 www.padcocountertop.com
55 Avocado St. Springfield, MA 01104 413-732-2131 www.sterlingarc.com
76 Leominster Rd. Sterling, MA 01564 978-422-3321 www.sterlingsurfaces.com 1079 N. Montello St. Brockton, MA 02301 508-894-6999 www.sterlingmillerdesigns.com
32 Clipper Ln. Kimberling City, MO 65686 417-598-2390 www.surfacemend.com
Jim Shreve
PO Box 721 Florence, MT 59833 406-880-3566
VanSetten Walker Construction Co.
2906 Broadway N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-344-8589 www.jaynescorp.com 3711 Paseo del Norte Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-998-0000 www.ogb-am.com
NEW YORK
Distinctive Granite
821 1st Ave. N.W. Great Falls, MT 59404 406-570-5283
331 Dante Ct. Ste. C Holbrook, NY 11741 631-737-3337 www.distinctivegraniteny.com
75 Hale St. Bridgewater, MA 02324 508-279-2650 www.twdsurfaces.com
WoodCo LLC
Evans & Paul LLC
Blasius Inc.
NEBRASKA
Marker Systems Inc.
TWD Surfaces
MICHIGAN
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
Marbelite Corp.
22500 Heslip Dr. Novi, MI 48375 248-348-1900 www.marbelitecorp.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
MISSISSIPPI
Alexander Counterwrights
903 Ingalls Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39567 228-938-6484 www.alexandercounterwrights.com
MISSOURI
Cohen Architectural Woodworking
9 Industrial Dr. St. James, MO 65559 573-265-7070 www.cohenwoodworking.com
40 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
PO Box 30254 Billings, MT 59107 406-259-5177 www.woodcollc.com
Lincoln Laminating Inc. 5010 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-6009
Premier Countertops
8720 L St. Omaha, NE 68127 402-991-7258 www.premiercountertops.com
NEVADA
Carpenters Int’l. Training Fund
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
American Countertops 8013 Edith N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-897-3141
Creative Countertops & More
7908 Ranchitos Loop N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-814-5354 www.creativecountertopsand more.com
Franken Construction Co. 1201 Tilden Ave. Las Vegas, NM 87701 www.frankenconstruction.com
140 DuPont St. Plainview, NY 11803 516-576-0800 www.evansandpaul.com
940 River Rd. North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1102
Modern Home Distributing PO Box 395 Nunda, NY 14517 585-468-2523
Penn Fabricators Inc. 100 Bellport Ave. Yaphank, NY 11980 631-205-0282 www.penn4corian.com
NORTH CAROLINA Carolina Counters
13570 Broadway Ave. Midland, NC 28107 704-888-4010 www.carolinacounters.com
Merge Design Co.
3001-103 Spring Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27616 919-790-1749 www.mergedesignco.com
OHIO
Bertke Countertops 9355 Amsterdam Rd. Anna, OH 45302 937-538-7024
Cutting Edge Countertops Inc.
1300 Flagship Dr. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-873-9500 www.cectops.com
Kitchens by Rutenschroer 950 Laidlaw Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45237 513-251-8333 www.kbrmfg.com
Korkan Granite
4561 Crystal Pkwy. Kent, OH 44240 330-677-1883 www.korkangranite.com
Fabricator Directory Companies in blue are Certified Professionals. For more information on the ISFA Certified Professional Program, visit ISFAnow.org/certified-pro.html. L. E. Smith Co.
1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 888-537-6484 www.lesmith.com
Laminate Shop, Inc. PO Box 1218 Marietta, OH 45750 740-749-3536
The Countertop Shop LTD 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 419-868-9101 www.countertopshop.net
Top Advantage Surfaces Inc. 12989 Market Ave. N. Hartville, OH 44632 330-877-2138 www.topadvantage.com
Top Shelf Laminated Products 400 Dietz Rd. Warren, OH 44483 330-393-1289
Tower Industries
2101 Ninth St. S.W. Massillon, OH 44647 330-837-2216 www.towersurfaces.com
OKLAHOMA
Hoffman Fixtures Co.
6031 S. 129th St. Ste. B Tulsa, OK 74134 918-252-0451 www.hfccountertops.com
OREGON
Grifform Innovations Inc. PO Box 258 Glide, OR 97443 541-496-0313 www.grifform.com
Precision Countertops Inc. PO Box 387 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503-692-6660 www.precisioncountertops.com
Satis&fy
3550 N.W. 215th Ave. Hillsboro, OR 97124 971-570-9800 www.satis-fy.com
PENNSYLVANIA ASST
350 South St. McSherrystown, PA 17344 717-630-1251 www.asst.com
Advanced Surfaces Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 814-663-0369
Armina Stone
870 Rte. 910 Unit 400 Cheswick, PA 150244 412-406-8442 www.arminastone.com
Harrisburg Troy Granite 3617 Simpson Ferry Rd. Camp Hill, PA 17011 717-918-3315 www.troygranite.com
John Kramer’s Fabrications Inc.
PO Box 41 Bernville, PA 19506 610-488-6213 www.kramershowerbases.com
Kauffman Kitchens
270 Commerce Dr. New Holland, PA 17557 717-355-9906 www.kauffmankitchen.com
Pence Countertops Inc.
124 Ellis Woods Rd. Pottstown, PA 19465 610-326-6609 www.pencecountertops.com
Pittsburgh Troy Granite 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.alliedfloorcovveringinc.com
SOUTH CAROLINA Solid Products
109 Lazenby Dr. Ft. Mill, SC 29715 704-236-9796 www.solidproducts.biz
SOUTH DAKOTA
DFC-Dakota Fixture & Cabinet Co. 45753 237th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-3707 www.soliddfc.com
TENNESSEE
Alexander Brothers Tile & Marble Inc.
Creative Countertop Solutions Inc.
VIRGINIA
Kitchen Tops
Mid-Atlantic Mfg. Inc.
919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 615-915-0718 www.creativecountersolutions.com 1300 Ault Rd. Knoxville, TN 37914 805-523-0967 www.kitchentops.net
301 W. Olive Ave. Memphis TN 38106 901-602-7115 www.countertopsofmemphis.com
9115 Digital Dr. Unit 12 Manassas Park, VA 20111 703-396-866 www.metrostoneworks.com 10040 Whitesel Rd. Ashland, VA 23005 804-798-7462 http://midatlanticmfg.com
TEXAS
Advanced Fixtures Inc.
2655 E. Audie Murphy Pkwy. Farmersville, TX 75442 972-784-8800 www.advancedfixtures.com
Ba Shi Ba Inc.
38303 Green Willow Way Magnolia, TX 77355 281-881-2911
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
Classic Counter Tops
WASHINGTON
Counterscapes, Inc.
22445 76th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 253-639-4567 www.floform.com
Countertop Solutions LLC
865 Carlsborg Rd. Ste. C-2 Sequim, WA 98382 360-683-2318 www.hugheshomeconcepts.com
2325 Executive Dr. Garland, TX 75041 972-840-1234
2228 Deerbrook Dr. Tyler, TX 75703 903-581-5676 www.counterscapes.com PO Box 82087 Houston, TX 77282 713-204-0080
FloForm Countertops
Hughes Home Concepts LLC
WISCONSIN
Bisley Fabrication Inc. 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 715-787-4410 www.bisfab.com
Finishes Etc
19530 FM 362 Waller, TX 77484 936-372-1670 www.finishesetc.net
McDermott Top Shop LLC 200 A Main St. Sullivan, WI 53178 262-593-2456
Gecko Solid Surface Solutions
Spectrum Surfaces Inc.
4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 210-227-3100 www.geckosss.com
812 Marquis Way Green Bay, WI 54304 920-337-6575
AUSTRALIA
W.R. Watson Inc.
Asian Solid Surface
12902 Mula Ln. Stafford, TX 77477 281-495-3664 www.wrwatson.com
40 Day Dr. Pasadena, South Australia 5042 Australia 040-571-3865
UTAH
BARBADOS
Utah Kitchen and Bath
2098 E. 2250 N. 1446 S. Cooper St. Ste. 101 Layton, UT 84040 Memphis, TN 38114 801-814-8847 901-278-9626 www.utahkitchenandbath.com www.alexandermarbleandgranite.com
Countertops of Memphis
Metro Stone Works LLC
VERMONT
Vermont Solid Surface
PO Box 602 852 Portland St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-535-4986 www.vermontsolidsurface.com
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
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 41
Shape Industries
MEXICO
125 Hamelin St. Winnipeg, MB R3T 3Z1 Canada 204-474-2334 www.floform.com
Summum Granit Inc.
Boulevard de los Charros 1500 Col. Belenes Ind. Nte. Zapopan, Jalisco Mexico 45150 52-3310287863 www.indeko.com.mx
10-710 Cynthia St. Saskatoon, SK S7l 6A2 Canada 306-665-7733 www.floform.com
FRANCE
Coni-Marble Mfg. Inc. PO Box 40 99 Harrison St. Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0 Canada 519-461-0100
FloForm Countertops
FloForm Countertops
FloForm Countertops 7630 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB T5B 1G3 Canada 780-474-7999 www.floform.com
Granit Design
77 Industrielle Stanstead, QC J0B 3E0 Canada 819-564-7111 www.granitdesign.com
10 McPhillips St. Winnipeg, MB R3E2J7 Canada 204-947-0409 www.shapeinc.com 460 Principale St. Saint-Sebastien, QC G0Y 1M0 Canada 819-625-2333 www.summumgranit.com
CREA Diffusion
ZA Le Cheval Blanc Solgne F-57420 France 38-764-6923 www.crea-diffusion.com
ITALY
Legnopan SPA (Starkryl Solid Surface)
Via Dell’Industria 13-15 Piovene Rocchette, VI, 36013 Italy 39-0445-551500 www.legnopan.com
INDEKO
Victor Coronado Services
Boulevard Hacienda Galindo 116 Villas del meson Juriquilla, 76230 Mexico 52-4422342743
RUSSIA
AKRILIKA HOLDING Svobody St., 29 Moscow Russia 125362 +7(495)782-84-75 http://akrilika.com/en
ARTCOR
Presnenskiy Val Str., 27, Bld. 18-19 Moscow Russia +7-485-657-8578 www.artcor.ru
Circle RS#20 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 42 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
DECORA PRO
Lunacharskogo S.t 25, Apt. 95 St. Petersburg Russia 197227 +7 812-922-4070 www.decora.pro
SINGAPORE
Harvest Building Products PTE LTD
61 Woodlands Industrial Park, E9 Singapore 757047 +659-797-3011 www.hbp.com.sg
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Bond Interiors
PO Box 15758 Dubai U.A.E. 04 2711727, 06 5343222 www.bondinteriors.com
UNITED KINGDOM Interfab LTD
Unit 9 Willersey Business Park Willersey, Nr. Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7RR United Kingdom 441-386-858100 www.interfab.co.uk
Here.Now.News. ISFA Expands Social Media Efforts Members can now submit material for ISFA to share As a part of its ongoing efforts to bring continued value to its members, ISFA has expanded its social media presence and will now share member company news and photos as a part of its social media marketing efforts. This means that member businesses gain a greater presence through ISFA’s social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Both fabricator and associate members are invited to participate. The goal of the program is to provide an outlet for members to gain increased web presence, which can: ■■Drive awareness of your company and capabilities
■■Improve traffic to your website ■■Potential to land more jobs ■■Increase your brand awareness ■■Lead to higher sales conversion rates Your submissions might include: ■■Cool installations ■■Newsworthy jobs you have completed or are working on ■■Company announcements/news ■■New/improved product information ■■Industry trends News and/or photos should be sent to ISFA Program Coordinator Amy Kyriazis via email at amy@isfanow. org to be included in the ISFA Social Media plan. All information will be reviewed for relevance, etc. before posting. ISFA reserves the right to determine if a post should be shared.
ISFA CEU Program Receiving Upgrades
ISFA and the sponsors of its continuing education unit (CEU) program are working to update and upgrade the program’s offerings, which are certified by the AIA. The CEU program is designed for members to be able to draw in architects to their facilities and educate them on a variety of topics. That way, the ISFA members can better interact with their potential customers.
nonpromotional in nature, and so presenters must be trained by ISFA on how to properly conduct the seminars. However, many participants in the program provide lunch after the sessions and then have opportunities to network with the participants. For more information on the ISFA CEU Program, contact Executive Director Bryan Stannard at bryan@ isfanow.org or by phone at (210) 389-2917.
Upcoming ISFA Training & Events
For more information or to sign up to attend any of these events, call (412) 487-3207 or email info@isfanow.org.
ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Sept. 19 – 22 Virginia Beach, Va. ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference Sept. 28 – Dec. 1 Cancun, Mexico ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Dec. 5 – 8 Virginia Beach, Va.
AIA certification requires that all courses be
ISFA Annual Award Nominations Approaching Each year ISFA awards ISFA members for their service to the industry and the association, based on votes by their peers. Nominations forms for the ISFA Annual Awards will soon be
an individual of a fabricator member company that in the past year has best exemplified the ISFA ideals of quality, innovation, character and exemplary service to ISFA and/or the
emailing out to all members.
decorative surfacing industry, with overall
Awards are given in five categories. The Hall
given to an associate member company that
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. The Fabricator of the Year is awarded to
excellence. The Associate of the Year Award is in the past year has best exemplified the role of servicing the needs of fabricator member
companies, and who has best supported ISFA in all activities. 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 Envision Award is given to the manufacturer member that excels in creating something imaginative and special for the surfacing industry. Those members who are not on the ISFA email list are urged to send in their nominations. Each nomination must include a reason why that person or company deserves the award. Nominations should be emailed to info@isfanow.org or mailed to ISFA. Current members of the ISFA Board of Directors are not eligible to be nominated. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 43
ISFANews Find Great Educational Opportunities at the
2017 Annual
Member Meeting & Conference
Come and join us for this great opportunity to improve your business and also enjoy yourself. PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSOR
Educational Presenters Kim Lewis Kim Lewis, a designer, speaker and philanthropist, is a “Little lady with big ideas!” She is best known for her work as the lead designer behind ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and founder of Kim Lewis Designs in Austin, Texas. In six years with the television show, Kim designed more than 120 homes in 43 states. Her work has been featured on television networks ABC, HGTV, TLC, National Geographic, Spike TV and FYI’s “Tiny House Nation.”
Dan Sedor As a Certified Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®) implementer and partner at Leadership Resources, Dan Sedor helps entrepreneurial leaders get more of what they want out of business and life. Sedor spent the first half of his career working as an engineer in corporate America, solving problems, building systems and achieving goals as part of a team. Over the last 13 years, his company has specialized in developing emerging leaders and helping companies grow through strategic planning.
The 2017 ISFA Annual Meeting & Conference will once again be held in Cancun, Mexico, running from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, an all-inclusive resort. YOUR CONFERENCE TICKET INCLUDES:
Three nights all-inclusive accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, the welcome reception, educational sessions, the ISFA Annual Meeting, the ISFA Awards Dinner, and airport transfers to and from the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. You may register online for the event at www.isfanow.org, or contact the ISFA office at (412) 487-3297, or email info@isfanow.org.
44 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
ISFANews ISFA On-Site ISFA brings training programs to your shop ISFA On-Site is a customized solid surface
training program designed to meet the needs of a
knowledge, handling, inspection, safety, tooling,
■■ Standard woodworking tools plus solid surface
shop layout, templating, material layout, cutting, specific business or organization. Basic fabrication seaming, edge treatments, sink and bowl instruction includes product orientation, safety, mounting, cutouts, backsplashes, thermoforming, tooling, fabrication and installation. More
advanced instruction includes manufacturers’ fabrication/installation requirements. The benefits include:
finishing, basic repair, installation, support, overhangs and inlays. The more advanced program runs three days and is 40 percent classroom learning and 60 percent
■■ Allowing staff to train in the actual environment
hands-on shop training. It covers all of the areas
■■ Instructor can assist with starting a new job.
complete a kitchen countertop project in teams.
where work will take place using their own tools.
the basic program does, plus students actually
■■ The trainees/students can remain in the shop
It may also include shop layout and efficiency
■■ Particularly for larger groups being trained, it
and more advanced installation training.
and not lose travel days.
can be more economical to pay trainer travel than staff’s travel expenses.
audits, on-site consultation, speciality production Requirements
■■ Trainer can assess additional on-site needs
There are some basic requirements that must be
The basic program is two days, of which 70
The company being trained must be a member of
is hands-on shop training. It includes product
to host the training must have:
and make recommendations for best practices.
met before on-site training can be scheduled.
percent is classroom learning and 30 percent
ISFA, or join prior to the training. Also, the facility
ISFA Board of Directors Ryan Miller President VT Stone Surfaces 1000 Industrial Park Holstein, IA 51025 712) 368-4381, ext. 236 RMiller@vtindustries.com www.vtstonesurfaces.com
Adam Albee Immediate Past President Lincoln Laminating 5010 Rentworth Dr. Lincoln, NE 68516 (402) 434-6009 adam@lincolnlaminating.com www.lincolnlaminating.com Kate Dillenburg Vice President Bisley Fabrication 700 Industrial St. Gresham, WI 54128 (715) 787-4410 kbisley@bisfab.com www.bisfab.com Mike Langenderfer Treasurer The Countertop Shop 9300 Airport Rd. Monclova, OH 43542 (419) 868-9101 mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net
specialty tooling ( the trainer can provide a list).
■■ A solid surface or woodworking shop with a minimum of 800 sq. ft.
■■ An area for classroom type instruction.
The registration process requires that an initial
phone consultation be conducted, and at least
one month lead time must be incorporated into the schedule for course preparation.
Upon completion of the training, participants
will receive a certificate to recognize that they have completed a professional solid surface
fabrication training course. They will also receive window clings for work vehicles to identify
them as members of the International Surface Fabricators Association. Lastly, they will be
asked to complete a follow-up survey to provide feedback on the program.
Those interested in either on-site or TFT solid surface training can get more information by contacting Operations Manager Carol Wilhite at the main ISFA office by emailing carol@isfanow.org or calling (412) 487-3207.
ISFA Contacts
Kelley Montana Director Humboldt Countertops & Surfacing 70 W. 4th St. Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-5918 kmontana@humtop.com www.humtop.com
Steve Stoddard Director Advanced Surfaces, Inc. 130 Plastics Rd. Corry, PA 16407 (814) 663-0369 sstoddard@advanced surfacespa.com www.advancedsurfacespa.com
Mike Woods Director Creative Countertop Solutions 919 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 (615) 915-0718 mike@tnccs.com www.creativecounter solutions.com
Matt Kraft Director Custom Marble Inc. 850 S. Mulberry Millstadt, IL 62260 (618) 476-7501 matt.kraft@custommarble.net www.custommarble.net
Augie Chavez Director 4630 Sinclair Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 (210) 227-3100 augie@geckosss.com www.geckosss.com
John Hansen Associate Member Representative Kohler 3721 Armstrong Dr., Ste. 2B Bloomington, IL 61704 (920) 207-7701 John.Hansen@kohler.com www.kohler.com
Amy Miller Director L.E. Smith 1030 E. Wilson St. Bryan, OH 43506 (419) 636-4555, ext. 3253 amiller@lesmith.com www.lesmith.com
Jessica McNaughton Associate Member Representative CaraGreen 109A Brewer Ln. Carrboro, NC 27607 (919) 929-3009 Jessica@caragreen.com www.caragreen.com
Main Office 2400 Wildwood Rd. Gibsonia, PA 15044 (412) 487-3207 Fax: (412) 487-3269 www.isfanow.org Executive Director Bryan Stannard (210) 389-2917 bryan@isfanow.org Communications Director Kevin Cole Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor (815) 721-1507 kevin@isfanow.org
Operations Manager Carol Wilhite (412) 487-3207 carol@isfanow.org Account Representative Paul Wisnefski (262) 498-4184 wisnefski@sbcglobal.net Program Coordinator Amy Kyriazis (412) 487-3207 amy@isfanow.org Account Representative Chad Thomas (412) 637-6980 chad@isfanow.org
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 45
Product News including: CastleRock, Apollo, Avalanche, Terra Nova, Sea Pearl, Carbonite, Cantera and Fleece. Circle RS#47 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Glue Warehouse Expands Seam-It Adhesives Line Glue Warehouse now offers color-matched adhesives for more than 5,100 surfaces. The company’s Seam-It line of adhesives has added 70 all new brands to its color match charts, bringing the total number of brand matches to 112 in 65 stocked colors. The company has eight fully stocked warehouse locations around the United States. Circle RS#46 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Silestone by Cosentino Offers New Texture Option Cosentino has developed a new texture for its Silestone® product — Suede. Suede is much more than just an extra matte texture. Thanks to the integration of an exclusive new treatment, Suede offers advanced technological performance and extremely high resistance to stains and blemishes, making maintenance of the surface simple and easy, which ensures maximum hygiene. Going beyond that, to the sensory level, Suede is soft to the touch, with a velvety feel that captivates and enchants, eliminating any need for color enhancement. The texture is available in a range of Silestone colors. Circle RS#48 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
helps extend the life of the bit. Molded from clear polycarbonate, the router hood offers both clarity and durability. Its dust dome and chip cover rotate as the router moves so the tool operator can work unimpeded. The lower chip cover removes quickly without tools for inner plunge work and can be replaced by the included shallow cover for tighter edge work. The router hood installs easily using the router’s existing hardware and includes a quick-release hose connection port for simple storage. Circle RS#49 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Chemical Concepts Offers Low Bloom Stone Repair Kit The new Chip Repair Kit from Chemical Concepts features Stone Tac Low Bloom Accelerator along with the CA5 thin repair compound, CA100 medium repair compound and CA2400 thick repair compound. It allows a variety of repairs on natural and engineered stone surfaces, with a decreased chance of blooming or stone discoloration. Stone Tac is an aerosol accelerator designed not to settle into the stone and react with the metals, decreasing the chances of any blooming effects. Circle RS#50 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Surface Warehouse Expands Oneida Air Introduces Vadara Quartz and Livingstone Universal Dust-free Solid Surface Lines Router Hood U.S. Surface Warehouse has expanded both its Vadara Quartz and Livingstone Solid Surface lines. Vadara Quartz, which is available in jumbo sized (63 in. wide by up to 126 in. long) slabs, introduced the Milan Collection, which has a dark, sophisticated palette of sleek black and chic gray. The collection has six colors: Athena (pictured here), Petra Grigio, Heather, Oscuro, Marengo and Nero Galassia. The company has also expanded its Livingstone Solid Surface SmartPalette by eight earthy shades and tones,
Oneida Air Systems, an American manufacturer of dust collection systems, introduced its patentpending Universal Dust-Free Router Hood. This router accessory is designed to capture nearly all of the dust, chips, and shavings generated by portable routers for a virtually dust-free routing experience. The router hood features a universal base plate, an upper dust dome and lower chip cover that combine to fully encapsulate the router bit. This enables dust capture at two different collection points simultaneously and
46 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Regent Stone Products Has 5-Step Diasant Dry Pads Regent Stone offers five-step Diasant Dry Pads made in Italy that allow for true dry polishing of engineered stone work across the full range of colors, from whites to the darkest blacks and everything in between. Designed to be used with light pressure at 3,000 rpm or less, they are suitable for jobsite touch-up, installations and repairs, including scratch removal and face polishing. Circle RS#51 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Braxton-Bragg Offers the Stone Pro Rock Jockey
24-in. tiles, with coordinating bullnose trim and
Stone Pro Rock Jockey from Braxton-
and coordinating bullnose trim. Turin is a line of
mosaic tile. Livingstyle has a limestone-inspired look in large format porcelain tile. It is offered in 24- by 24-in. and 18- by 36-in. matte tiles
Bragg makes the job of moving
Merge Design Increases Recycled Material Content
material a one-man operation, limiting injury risk. The device allows a forklift operator to safely work alone removing
linear wood look ceramic tiles that adds depth
to projects. It is available in 12- by 24-in. matte tiles and 6- by 24-in. matte planks.
Circle RS#54 on
Merge Design Company increased the recycled
materials from trucks, removing or
page 49 or visit www.
content of the LEED contributing, eco-sensitive
positioning materials from or to a
isfanow.org/info.
extremeconcrete | Xposed material to 50 ™
slab rack, and placing materials on
™
Neolith Expands Surfacing Collection
percent. Xposed redefines the simplicity and ™
an A-Frame or photo stand. The Rock Jockey
beauty often not seen in sustainable choices
provides remote control release of the lifter latch
by expressing a handmade over machine-
and offers continuous 360-degree rotation in
made aesthetic while giving the warmth and
either direction. The hand-held remote has a
depth of natural stone.
12-volt rechargeable battery with a magnetic
Circle RS#53 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
back to prevent loss and can be used while wearing gloves. Remotes have unique signals, allowing for multiple units to operate without interference. Other features include an EMFshielded, weatherproof antenna, and a safety clutch to prevent damage to the unit or slab from strong wind or accidentally hitting a stationary
MSI Releases New Collections M S International, Inc. (MSI)
object. The unit is the same width as a clamp for
presents three
getting into tight places. Made and assembled
new porcelain and ceramic collections:
in the USA, the Rock Jockey features all steel construction in two versions specific to the brand clamp used: the Abaco 50 and the Ardwolf 50.
Optima, Livingstyle and Turin. Optima has a contemporary cement design and includes matte, polished and textured finishes and
No routine maintenance is necessary. Circle RS#52 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
multiple colors in 12- by 24- in. and 24- by
TheSize expanded its range of Neolith
sintered stone, including new pattern designs, thicknesses, formats and finishes. The new
additions bring the total to 56 designs within seven collections. Inspired by Italian Carrara marbles, two versions of Blanco Carrara are
available in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses and a polished finish — one with more subtle veining and the other a prominent, high-contrast
version. Inspired by Spanish marble, Nero
Marquina has bright white veining on black
available in Polished and Silk finishes in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses. Zaha Stone, a twist
on Iranian Gray Stone is an industrial gray with white veins in contradicting directions in 6mm
Circle RS#21 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 47
Product News and 12mm and in a Silk finish. Also available
Bourbon Pine; Antique Marula Pine; Potter’s
Concrete Taupe is a neutral décor. Aspen Grey is
includes: Ribbon Marble; Pearl Sequoia; Oyster
Clay; and Forged Steel. Artistic Experience
in 6mm and 12mm sizes and in a Silk finish,
Sequoia; White Cascade; Dusk Cascade; and
a dark gray matte with micro elements scattered
Sierra Cascade. Simple Splendor includes
throughout inspired by natural Aspen stone. Its
color is present through the entirety of the slab.
translucent white, a concrete look, two medium
It’s available in 6mm and 12mm in soft touch
scale quartz looks, a tumbled stone, plus the
Silk. Second in a series, NanoTech Polished is
added drama of a translucent linear design.
the successor of Décor Polished without the
The solid surface designs are: Arctic Dune
need for a glass layer on top to achieve the high available in Calacatta, Estatuario, Pulpis, Strata Argentum, Calacatta Gold, Pierre Bleue, Beto and Iron Frost.
The new Curated Luxury Collection of laminates
The Artisan Group partnered with American
alongside planked woods, concrete and rustic
Ready Made line of Heritage Wood unfinished
Wilsonart Expands Solid Surface, Laminate Designs
metal looks. The collection includes designs in
Wilsonart broadened its solid surface portfolio
and Creative Intrigue. Rejuvenate includes:
five categories: Rejuvenate, Uniquely Crafted
Industrial, Artistic Experience, Simple Splendor Cipollino Con Panna; Andorra Shadow; Andorra
with six new designs along with the debut of
Fog; Toffee di Pesco; and Pebble Piazza.
24 decorative laminates. The six patterns in the
Uniquely Crafted Industrial includes: Planked
Timeless Luxury Collection feature designs in
California Walnut; Planked Texas Walnut; Antique
whites and grays. The new patterns are a solid
Benjamin Grey; Hebron; and Hebron White.
Circle RS#56 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
Artisan Group Partners with American Hardwood Industries
focus on white, gray, deep and moody stones,
Circle RS#55 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
d’Azur Noir. Creative Intrigue includes: Lario;
Concrete; Tumbled Stone; and Luminous White.
Kimberlite; Grey Beola (pictured here); Brooklyn
glass polish. Additionally, 3mm slabs are now
Marmo Bianco; Cote d’Azur; Serrania; and Cote
Hardwood Industries (AHI) to launch the
blank wood countertops. AHI is a vertically
integrated standing timber company with 10
sawmills across four states in addition to lumber concentration/drying/merchandising facilities. Butcher block constructed wood panels/
countertops are the primary product of AHI’s Augusta Surfaces Division.
Circle RS#57 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
ISFA Member since 1998 Circle RS#22 on Readers Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. 48 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Circle RS#23 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 2013
Free Product Information Form Or visit www.ISFANow.org/info to fill out our online form
Main: (412) 487-3207 • Fax: (412) 487-3269 • www.ISFANow.org • 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044
Volume 10 / Issue 3 Get Your Free Product Information Today: For more facts on products and services, please fill out all the information below and circle the product referral numbers that are found in the magazine. Product referral numbers can be found below each advertisement. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer. You can submit this form via mail, fax, email (editor@isfanow.org) or visit us online at www.ISFAnow.org/info. Personal Information Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: y providing your fax number, you are giving ISFA permission to send you information via fax. q Check here if you do not wish to receive education event information via fax. B Email: q Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via email. About Your Business What category best describes your business classification?
What surfacing materials do you work with?
q Fabricator
q Manufacturer
____________________________________________________________
q Raw Materials Supplier
q Woodworker/Cabinetmaker
____________________________________________________________
q Builder/Remodeler
q Architect
____________________________________________________________
q Distributor/Manufacturer of Sheet/Slab q Other (please specify) ________________________
Which one category best describes your job title/function? q Owner/Partner/Corporate Management and Related Personnel q Production/Plant Management and Related Personnel q Design (includes staff designer/architect and related personnel)
____________________________________________________________ Free Product Information Please circle below all of the referral numbers found in the magazine, or the category numbers found on this page that you would like more information on. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer.
q Purchasing/Specifier and Related Personnel
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
q Marketing & Sales Management and Related Personnel
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
C14 Sinks
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
C16 Solid Surface
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
C18 Templating Equipment
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
C20 Training
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
C22 Other Materials
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
q Other (please specify)
Information By Category If you want more information from several advertisers in a category, circle the category number that matches up with the category below. C01 Abrasives
C12 Sealers/Polishes
C02 Adhesives
C13 Seaming Equipment
C03 Air Quality Equipment C04 CNC Machinery C05 Concrete Materials & Supplies C06 Hand/Power Tools C07 Laminate C08 Material Handling Equipment C09 Prefabricated Accessories C10 Quartz Surfacing C11 Saws
C15 Software C17 Stone
C19 Tooling
C21 Waterjet Equipment
International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • 49
Classifieds
Upcoming ISFA Events!
Name
RS # Page #
BACA
3
5
Beckart
13
23
Betterley Industries, Inc.
20
42
Braxton-Bragg
8
15
Colonial Saw
15
26
Cosentino
24
51
www.isfanow.org
CountertopResource.com 23
48
ISFA Annual Meeting &
Glass Recycled Surfaces
4
7
Global Vacuum Presses
18
35
GlueWarehouse.com
1
2
Integra Adhesives
25
52
Karran
12
31
Kohler
17
34
KRION
10
20
Laminam
21
47
Laser Products
12
22
Maqstone
9
17
MSI
2
3
Oneida Air
19
35
Park industries
5
9
Performance Abrasives
22
48
Regent Stone
6
11
RouterCAD
14
23
Water Treatment Solutions 11
21
ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Sept. 19 – 22 Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207
Conference
SOLID SURFACE SHEET PRODUCTION FACILITY FOR SALE Admits 100% acrylic resins or 100% polyester resins. For more information, please contact: irpol@irpol.es — IRPOL S.A. (SPAIN) — Mr. Xavier Pujolar
Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 Cancun, Mexico (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org ISFA Quartz & Stone Fabrication Training Hosted by Regent Stone Dec. 5 – 8
YOUR AD [could be here]
Virginia Beach, Va. (412) 487-3207 info@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org
Fabricators! ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment you would like to sell? Looking to fill a key position? Why not submit a FREE classified ad? That’s right, relevant classifieds in this publication are free to ISFA fabricator members! Just send us the text you’d like to run and we’ll do the rest. Email us today at editor@isfanow.org. For those of you who are not fabricator members, email kevin@isfanow.org or call (815) 721-1507 to get a quote. 50 • Vol. 10 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
Ad Index
Don’t Miss These
Pass it along! Share this copy with a colleague or friend. Better yet, have them subscribe at isfanow.org/magazine.
Circle RS#24 on the Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info. ISFA Member since 1998
Circle RS#25 on Reader Service Page or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
ISFA Member since 2003