Countertops+Architectural Surfaces

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 2009 SINGLE ISSUE $14.
95
Whats Inside:

Ideas for Turning Your Scrap
into Cash
Page 28
Industry Snapshot - An
Outlook on Construction and
Remodeling
Page 36

The innovative concrete work
of meldUSA
Page 46

Plus Tips for Solid Surface,
PaperStone and Getting into
Commercial Construction!
I NT ERNAT I ONAL SURFACE FABRI C AT ORS ASSOCI AT I ON
Circle Reader Service #8 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info
Fabricating Paper Based
Materials
Tricks for better results when working
with PaperStone.
Page 40
Quartz Surfacing Marches On
In spite of the troubling economy, the
world of quartz surfacing continues
to push its boundaries.
Page 42
The Oversized Island
Oversize islands more than 59-in. wide and 88-in.
long can be a fabrication and installation challenge.
Dani Homrich with Dani Designs provides tips for
fabricating long deck seams in solid surface.
Page 44
Departments
06 - From The Editor
08 - Presidents Letter
10 - Executive Directors Letter
12 - Safety Corner
13 - Calendar Of Events
14 - Industry News
17 - Featured Commentary
18 - Marketing Solutions
20 - Education Connection
22 - Business Solutions
50 - ISFA News
62 - Product News
66 - Classifeds
66 - Ad Index
Table of Contents
Fabricator Profle - MeldUSA
Whoever said concrete countertops
(and beyond) are just dull and gray?
ISFA member Michael Bustin of
meldUSA in Raleigh, N.C., gives us a
taste of what can be achieved when the
material is put in the hands of some
really top fight designers. Page 46
Free Form
More than 700 sheets of 3form resin
panels were used to decorate the
ceilings of a hotels Grand and Junior
Ballrooms. That is in addition to a sky
is falling effect of windblown-like 3form
panels cascading over the hotels two
escalators, which feed into the main
lobby. Page 48
Supplier Profle - Domain
Industries
How one national distributor draws on
its fabricator roots to deliver quality and
service to its customers.
Page 60
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Scraps For Cash
There could be money lurking in
that unsightly scrap pile and
lots of it.
Page 28
Concrete Countertop Sealers
Three methods for creating that
all-important fnish.
Page 32
The Artisan Group
A group of mostly ISFA fabricators
join together to create their own line
of branded products.
Page 34
International Surface Fabricators Association Vol. 2, Issue 3, 2009 3
Letters To The Editor
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.
Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters,
ISFA, PO Box 179, Lehi, UT 84043 or fax to (801) 341-
7361 attention: Editor. Include a telephone number
and address (preferable email address). Letters may
be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high
volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all
letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural
Surfaces to editor@isfanow.org or mail to ISFA, PO
Box 179, Lehi, UT 84043 or fax to (801) 341-7361
attention: Editor.

Contacting ISFA
Phone: (801) 341-7360
Toll Free: (877) 464-7732
Fax: (801) 341-7361
About This Magazine
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is published
quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators
Association (ISFA). Individual copies of Countertops &
Architectural Surfaces are available at the non-member
newstand price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural
Surfaces is also available by individual subscription at
the following rates: ISFA non-members, one year (four
issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year free with
every membership renewal. Special rates and charges
apply for orders outside of the United States. Call for
details. To subscribe, call (877) 464-7732. Printed in
the United States of America. Copyright International
Surface Fabricators Association 2009. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted
or otherwise reproduced without publishers written
permission. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces
and The International Surface Fabricators Association
assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts
or photographs. Materials will be returned only if
accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
For change of address, please include old label with
new information, including both old and new zip codes.
Allow 3-6 weeks for address change to take effect.
Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Lehi, Utah,
post offce 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, PO Box 179, Lehi,
UT 84043.
Photography:
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.
Photography Provided By: 3form, meldUSA,
stockexpert.com, bigstockphoto.com, Kohler Company,
CesarStone, PaperStone, Cosentino, DuPont
Surfaces, Mory Ludwick, Artisan Group, Samsung,
Pangea Quartz, Dani Homrich, Mike Langenderfer,
Evan Kruger, Solidsurface.com, and IceStone.
Credits
Publisher & Editor Kevin Cole
Creative Director Joseph Winters
Contributing Editors Russ Lee

ISFA Offcers Of The Board
Sid MacKay, President
Evan Kruger, Vice President
Hunter Adams, Secretary
Ted Sherritt, Treasurer
Joe Hoffman, Assistant Treasurer
Michael Job, Director-At-Large
Kurt Bonk, I.T. Offcer
Todd Werstler, Past President
Russ Lee, Executive Director of ISFA

ISFA Directors
Mike Nolan, Director
Mike Langenderfer, Director
Martin Funck, Director
Dave Paxton, Director
Mike Cook, Director
Harry Hollander, Associate Member Rep.
Bryan Stannard, Associate Member Rep.

ISFA Staff
Russ Lee, Executive Director
Joseph Winters, Art Director & Web Services
Kevin Cole, Communications Director
Sandy Milroy, Membership & Event Director
Margaret Pettingill, Administrative Assistant
Cover Photo:
meldUSAs extremeconcrete creates a stunning
counter for Vivo, a high-end restaurant located in
Raleigh, NC.
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4 Vol. 2, Issue 3, 2009 International Surface Fabricators Association
More than the Sum
of its Parts

In developing this issue,
we put out a call to various
industry leaders and asked
them to contribute. We
wanted to make it all about
the people that are in the
trenches sharing their tips
and their perspectives, and
offering the kind of advice and insight that only
those who are involved could put forth. We were
not disappointed.
I feel very good about what ended up on
the pages before you. A variety of ideas and
disciplines have been expounded upon, in my
opinion, to great success. There should be
something for just about everyone herein. And
the response was so warm, we received more
than we could publish in one issue, so you will
see more of these great tips in future issues
as well.

While I hope the content within this magazine
holds value for you, the real story here is not
what tricks you can pick up and what effciency
or fscal returns you might make by taking the
time to investigate one of the processes or
projects discussed. The real story is that most
of our authors are men and women just like you
who have businesses to run, countertops to cre-
ate and bills to pay, who took the time to share
their thoughts for the beneft of us all.
One piece, in reviewing it, struck me as captur-
ing the idea behind it all. It is our Featured
Commentary in this issue, and it is a short in-
terview with a countertop fabricator who shares
her thoughts on the association that puts this
magazine together each month. It is an honest
and frank dialogue about the history of ISFA,
its successes and meanderings, and about its
current and future roles. Whether you share the
opinion expressed or not, I hope you will read it
and explore your thoughts on the subject. You
may like what you fnd.
Of course not everyone will agree with or imple-
ment every idea laid out here, but it is important
to keep in mind that your fellow craftsman have
contributed generously of their time and effort
for a common cause of bettering us all. That is
the real gem to be found here that we can all
learn from.
Ive heard time and time again from members
of this association that the piece of themselves
they contribute to the cause always comes back
to them in greater numbers. Take, for instance,
the Artisan Group, which you will read about in
this issue. Here was a group of solid surface
fabricators that met through various ISFA func-
tions and decided to go fy fshing together.
Ultimately, the time they spent discussing their
businesses and sharing ideas led to the forma-
tion of a buying group that grew into a proftable
network covering all of the U.S. and Canada.

I googled the defnition of association the
other day, just on a whim, and I think the results
that came up are a ftting end to my monologue.
Here are the frst six results:
A formal organization of people or groups
of people
The act of consorting with or joining with
others
The state of being connected together
The process of bringing ideas or events
together
Affliation: a social or business relationship
A relation resulting from interaction

Sounds like a good idea.

As always, I look forward to your
feedback.
Sincerely,

Kevin Cole
Editor & Publisher
kevin@isfanow.org
From the desk of Kevin Cole, Countertops & Architectural Surfaces
Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director
From The Editor
No reveals! No overhangs! Just seamless integration!
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customers nothing but the edge! The new EDGE stainless steel sinks
by Lansen are the worlds first seamlessly integrated stainless steel sinks
for solid surface and stone countertops.
Tel: (866) 452-7726 www.lansensinks.com
Filling Your Glass

Is todays business environ-
ment a blessing or a curse?
Is your glass half full or half
empty? If you are like me, it
can change from day to day
(mostly depending on cash
fow). About a year ago I
heard someone say that we
have a New Normal and that the Old Normal
is gone forever. Well, I dont know about the
latter, but there is defnitely a new normal. It
seems that the better we adjust to this new nor-
mal, the more we see our glass as half full.

I do have to admit that our company is a better
company today than it was a couple of years
ago. We have learned a lot of things that have
made us leaner and given us a better under-
standing of what we are doing. When you are
busy, it is a lot easier to throw money at a prob-
lem than it is to fx it. But today, with cash being
so tight, the only option is to fx the problems.
While this might be painful, it helps make our
businesses stronger and in turn puts us in the
perfect position to take advantage of the profts
to be made when the economy turns around.
As I look at what I have learned over the last
couple of years, I have to acknowledge that
most of it came from fellow fabricators. I have
been able to list more than 30 things that I have
learned from my peers. In the space I have here
I cannot discuss them all, but I would like to
share a few of them to show how valuable these
lessons have been.
One ISFA fabricator I talked with told me that
he approached his lenders about re-amortizing
his loans. I was able to approach my bank and
re-amortize my building and a couple of equip-
ment loans that saved me more than $12,000
a month.
On a conference call arranged by another fabri-
cator I learned how to approach my bank with a
proactive business plan and request deferments
on some of my building payments. While they
only gave half of what I requested, I was able
to defer more than $77,000 in payments on my
building.
I was also able to get the information needed
to convert my sales people from salary to com-
mission from talking with one of my peers. Ive
found that by doing this they are more motivated
and all of their sales are up.
And one last thing I learned from a couple of
fabricators I met through ISFA is how to have
a remnant sale and during the last couple of
months we have sold more than $100,000 in
material remnants.
These are just a few of the things I have learned
because of my membership in ISFA. I feel I
have gotten a pretty good return on my invest-
ment in the association, and that was just by
taking advantage of the networking opportuni-
ties. I hope everybody is planning on attending
the ICE show in February so you to can learn
some of the great things that are available when
you make these connections.
From here, I think I would have to say my glass
is way more than half full.
Sincerely,

Sid MacKay
ISFA President
sid@creativesurface.com
From the desk of Sid MacKay, ISFA 2009-2010 President and
proud ISFA member since April 15, 1997.
From The President
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ISFA Certifcation:
Te Assurance of a
Job Well Done

The stark reality of do-
ing business in the 21st
Century is that consumers
are better informed, more
conscious of features and
benefts (they want them
all) and are almost rabidly
price conscious. They are
also more time-starved, suspicious and fearful
than ever before. But heres the paradox: iconic
brands that charge considerably more for their
products and services are mostly holding their
own in this fearful, dog-eat-dog climate.
To help illustrate, pardon me if I trot out a clich.
People are willing to pay more for an iPhone
because they believe the brand delivers a
certain value, and because they identify with the
culture Apple has created for itself. There exists
this trustful relationship that transcends almost
all the negatives even a protracted recession
can throw at it.
Of course, Apple is not immune to the effects of
the current downturn, but think about it if your
fnancial resources are stretched to the limit,
do you want to risk squandering your time and
money on an unproven entity?
Countertop fabricators could beneft from a
brand that inspires confdence in the end-user
and is not tied to a specifc surfacing mate-
rial or product. To that end, ISFA has laid the
groundwork for the ISFA Certifed Professional
program, which aims to raise the level of profes-
sionalism within the industry. If our efforts are
successful, consumers will come to view the
ISFA Certifed Professional mark as the assur-
ance of a job well done. That translates into a
powerful marketing tool for you.
Even though your customers may spend a lot
of time on the Internet researching countertop
options, they are still quite fearful of making an
expensive mistake by selecting the wrong com-
pany to do the work. They want and need assur-
ance of a positive, even pleasurable countertop
purchasing experience. In essence, it all boils
down to trust.
By concentrating on a fabrication companys
ability to perform and not on technical expertise
or material specifcations, ISFA certifcation de-
livers peace of mind to the end-user. The mes-
sage is that regardless of the materials used, an
ISFA Certifed Professional will do what it takes
to deliver a quality installation every time.
The implementation process has already begun.
Your association is actively marketing the ISFA
Certifed Professional program to architects,
specifers, interior designers and end-users
through the recently launched Awareness Cam-
paign. You should also expect to see the ISFA
Certifed Professional logo begin to show up in
selected big box stores across the country.
ISFAs responsibility is to administer and
market the program. Your responsibility is to
get involved. Its pretty straightforward really
you need to have all licenses and applicable
insurances in place, use fair and easy-to-read
contracts and institute a policy for resolving
customer issues. Its all about being the best in
the business. ISFA just wants to formalize the
process, turn it into a recognizable brand and
help you market it to your customers.
The day will come when the ISFA Certifed
Professional mark will have meaning to
specifers and end-users alike. Dont wait to
become involved. This is a case where be-
ing frst defnitely translates into a marketing
advantage.
We could all use a little of that.
Sincerely,
Russ Lee
Executive Director, ISFA
russ@isfanow.org
From the desk of Russ Lee, Executive Director of ISFA, Charter
Fabricator Member (1997) and Industry Partner (2007).
From The Executive Director
Theres Nothing COLD
About The Industrys
HOTTEST Event.
February 8-10, 2010, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
ISFA will be hosting a new
industry trade show called
ICE (The International
Countertop Expo) in
2010. ICE showcases
the latest products,
newest innovations and most
up-to-date training
for the countertop industry.
Call for more info:
(702) 240-1660
Email for more info:
expo@isfanow.org
The Official Show of the International Surface Fabricators Association
In Conjunction With
Employment
Practices and
Liability Insurance

Employers are faced with
more issues concerning
employment practices than
ever before. With a tight la-
bor market and construction
and building slowdown, now
is the time to make sure hu-
man resource managers are
doing everything they can to
prevent a steady increase of lawsuits relating to
harassment, discrimination, termination, promo-
tion and breach of contract.
What is an employment practices liability claim?
Usually claims are in the form of a written
demand for damages relating, but not limited to,
civil, administrative, regulatory proceedings or
arbitration.
These types of claims now account for ap-
proximately 30 percent of all civil lawsuits in the
United States. Why are they increasing? The
reasons could be an increase in the number of
mergers, acquisitions, bankruptcies, downsiz-
ing, outsourcing and increased layoffs. Better
knowledge and expanded interpretation of the
following labor laws are providing opportunities
for plaintiffs attorneys in this ground-breaking
new growth area:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
Equal Pay Act (EPA)
Civil Rights Act of 1991
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Fair Labor Standards A

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commis-
sion (EEOC) reports that 75,428 charges were
fled in 2005, 36 percent based on race and 35
percent based on gender. The EEOC has be-
come more aggressive and is conducting more
in-depth investigations to bring lawsuits directly
against employers. These are costing more time
and money, and the numbers are increasing.
Discrimination charges rose approximately 15
percent in 2008, with retaliation jumping 23
percent and age discrimination up nearly 29
percent according to the EEOC.

Ask yourself a few questions:
Have you terminated anyone recently?
Do you keep fles on your employees?
Do you enforce an employee handbook?
Do you treat all of your employees equally?

As a result of two 1998 decisions of the U.S.
Supreme Court, an employers documented
efforts at preventing harassment are key in de-
fending claims. Companies with a disseminated
harassment policy and a complaint procedure
will have an affrmative defense of such claims.
Employer liability for harassment differs depend-
ing on whether the harasser is a supervisor or
employee. The key to minimizing claims are the
same: a well publicized policy against harass-
ment and an effective and consistent response
to all reports. The policy should include:

A statement of zero tolerance;
A description of harassment conduct;
A complaint procedure; and
A statement of confdence and no-retaliation.

Employers should require that employees
acknowledge in writing that they have read and
understand the policy. An effective employee
handbook and a proactive human resource
manager are the frst lines of defense against
employment practice issues. The only other
protection is a good insurance policy. Compre-
hensive EPLI protection should provide cover-
age for executives, employees and the entity
itself. Independent contractors are also covered
against an extensive list of employment allega-
tions, claims and lawsuits, as well as mental
anguish and emotional stress. Some other
important coverages to look for include wage
and hour coverage, third-party discrimina-
tion, alien investigation coverage, identity
theft coverage and workplace violence
counseling.

There has never been a more important
time to make sure your organization is
protected against all types of lawsuits.
The bottom line: risk management
works in reducing employment liability.
Studies show that a low percentage of
organizations utilize basic loss control
and risk management procedures. A
comprehensive risk management and
transfer program will help protect
you and your ability to stay in busi-
ness proftably for the long term.

David Mack joined Schechner
Lifson in 2006, before which he
managed a small insurance
agency in Plainfeld, N.J. He
has a BA in education from
Kean University and is a New
Jersey certifed Teacher
of the Handicapped. He
worked as a volunteer for
Youth at Risk as a team
Leader in charge of
training and fundraising.
He can be reached
at 908-598-7875 or
davidm@slcinsure.
com
From the desk of David Mack, Senior Account Executive of
Schechner Lifson Corporation. www.schechnerlifson.com
Safety Corner
Calendar of Events
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AZ School of Rock Basic Fabrication Course
Aug. 3-6, Gilbert, Ariz.
480-309-9422
MIA Marketing Your Company in Todays
Environment
Aug. 5, Chicago, Ill.
440-250-9222
MIA Business Success for Fabricators Training
Aug. 5-6, Chicago, Ill.
440-250-9222
CCI: Intensive Precast Countertops 101
Aug. 10-12, Raleigh, N.C.
888-386-7711
CCI: GFRC for Concrete Countertops 201
August 13-14, Raleigh, N.C.
888-386-7711

Buddy Rhodes Comprehensive Concrete Training
Aug. 14-15, San Francisco, Calif.
415-431-8070

Buddy Rhodes Advanced Concrete Training
Aug. 17-18, San Francisco, Calif.
415-431-8070
Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo
Aug. 17-19, Sydney, Australia
+61-39-888-3459
American Waterjet Conference & Expo
Aug. 18-20, Houston, Texas
314-241-1445
The Pinske Edge Fabrication Seminar
Aug. 19-21, Plato, Minn.
800-847-6753

CHENG Concrete Outdoor Living Essentials
Aug. 22, Berkeley, Calif.
510-849-3272 ext 217
Sept. 7-10, Gilbert, Ariz.
480-309-9422
MIA Countertop & Floor Repair
Sept. 9-10, New York, N.Y.
440-250-9222
MIA Business Success for Fabricators Training
Sept. 9-10, New York, N.Y.
440-250-9222

Sept. 10-11, San Francisco, Calif.
415-431-8070

Buddy Rhodes GFRC Training
Sept. 12, San Francisco, Calif.
415-431-8070

CHENG Concrete Counertop Essentials Workshop
Sept. 12, Berkeley, Calif.
510-849-3272 ext 217
Sept. 14-16, Raleigh, N.C.
888-386-7711

CHENG Advanced Concrete Countertop Design
Training
Sept. 14-18, Berkeley, Calif.
510-849-3272 ext 217
ISFA Total Fabricator Training
Sept. 14-17, Orem, Utah
877-464-7732
Sept. 16-18, Plato, Minn.
800-847-6753
Sept. 17-18, Raleigh, N.C.
888-386-7711
Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo
Sept. 24-26, Toronto, Canada
847-415-8024
Marmomacc 2009
Sept. 30-Oct. 3, Verona, Italy
202-783-7000
Oct. 5-8, Gilbert, Ariz.
480-309-9422
Oct. 9-10, San Francisco, Calif.
415-431-8070
Oct. 12-14, Raleigh, N.C.
888-386-7711

Oct. 15-16, Raleigh, N.C.
888-386-7711

ISFA Town Hall Meeting St. Petersburg, Fla.
Oct.. 16, St. Petersburg, Fla
(877) 464-7732

CHENG GFRC Training
Oct. 19-20, Berkeley, Calif.
510-849-3272 ext 217
StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2009
Oct. 21-24, Las Vegas, Nev.
866-550-6808
ZOW Italy
Oct. 21-24, Verona, Italy
+49-521-964-3370
Oct. 28-30, Plato, Minn.
800-847-6753
Nov. 2-5, Gilbert, Ariz.
480-309-9422

Nov. 6-7, San Francisco, Calif.
415-431-8070

Buddy Rhodes Advanced Concrete Training
Nov. 9-10. San Francisco, Calif.
415-431-8070
Nov. 9-11, Raleigh, N.C.
888-386-7711
Nov. 12-13, Raleigh, N.C.
888-386-7711
ISFA Total Fabricator Training
Nov. 16-19, Orem, Utah
877-464-7732

Dec. 4-5, San Francisco, Calif.
415-431-8070
12 Vol. 2, Issue 3, 2009 International Surface Fabricators Association International Surface Fabricators Association Vol. 2, Issue 3, 2009 13
Eastern Surfaces Named
Regional Fabricator for Sears

Eastern Surfaces, a Pennsylvania-based
fabricator of natural stone and solid surface
products for home, commercial and industrial
buildings, was recently awarded a contract to
produce countertops for all Sears stores in the
Philadelphia region.

When we made the commitment to invest in
our new state of the art production facility in
South Allentown, we set ourselves up to be able
to deliver the highest quality product, to exacting
specifcations, said Brian Rocca, co-owner of
Eastern Surfaces. We are honored that Sears
recognizes our capabilities, large capacity
and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction
and have selected us as their fabrication and
installation partner in this region.

Despite challenging economic times and
a sharp drop in new home sales, Eastern
Surfaces continues to thrive. Crucial to the
companys success is its fexibility in capacity
and its focus on quality, reliability and effciency.
The company has reportedly picked up on the
remodeling side of its business to combat falling
home building rates.

Sears always looks to partner with companies
that can provide exceptional quality in
workmanship and materials, said Bob
Iandoli, Sears district production manager.
Eastern Surfaces was chosen to handle
all of the kitchen divisions surfacing needs
in the Philadelphia Region based on their
dedication to quality and attention to detail,
as well as their capacity capabilities.

Plexus Introduces New Web
Site and Color Charts
ITW Plexus, manufacturers of Plexus
Surfacing Adhesives, relaunched its im-
proved Web site at www.itwplexus.com.
The Web site offers an extensive adhe-
sive cross reference color chart for most
major brands of surfacing products. The
color chart can be accessed at
www.itwplexus.com/products/selector.cfm.

AC Stone Owners Acquire New
England Stone

Don and Angela Conte of AC Stone LLC have
acquired the fabrication facility formerly oper-
ated by New England Stone LLC. The new
company, Structural Stone LLC, is in operation
and is a full service stone fabricator offering
stone selection, estimating and drafting. The
company fabricates cut to size stone for projects
of any size and complexity whether commercial
or residential, interior or exterior. All types of
natural stone including brownstone, bluestone,
limestone and marble are fabricated with a spe-
cialization in granite. Materials are sourced from
all over the world but regional granites such as
Deer Isle, Stony Creek and Jet Mist, to name a
few, are more commonly worked.
The 80,000 sq. ft. operation sits on 8.5 acres in
an industrial park with rail and sea access. The
state-of-the-art facility houses a full comple-
ment of equipment including three gang saws,
seven CNC single wire saws, one multi-wire
saw, an 11-ft. splitter, two 10.5-ft.-dia. saws,
seven bridge saws, a Breton polishing line and
a multiple head saw for pavers. This plant is
responsible for the fabrication of signifcant
projects such as The National WWII Memorial
in Washington, D.C., The Bear Stearns Build-
ing/383 Madison Ave. and Time Warner Center
at Columbus Circle in New York City.

New Midwest Sales Manager
Hired at Eos
Gordon Shell has returned as the Midwest
sales manager for Eos Surfaces, covering Ohio,
Mich., Ind., Ky., Ill., Wis., Minn., Iowa, Mo.,
Ark., Okla., Kan., Neb., S.D., N.D. and Ontario
and Manitoba Canada. Shell returns to Eos
having served in the same position, after spend-
ing the last 14 months training fabricators in
digital templating and digital implementation in
stoneworking, millwork and solid surface shops.
Previously he was a Dupont Certifed instructor
in both Corian and Zodiaq.

In The Industry has the latest news and events for the decorative
surfacing industry.
In The Industry
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Schechner Lifson President
Earns Certifed Risk Manager
(CRM) Designation

Marc A. Rosenkrantz, President of Schechner
Lifson Corporation,
Summit, N.J., re-
cently earned the
designation of Cer-
tifed Risk Manager
(CRM) through
Certifed Risk Man-
agers International,
after completing
a fve-course
program. Certifed
Risk Managers
International is a
nonproft organization founded by The National
Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.
To attain the designation, Rosenkrantz com-
pleted the program and passed examinations in
each of the following subject areas: Principles
of Risk Management, Analysis of Risk Control,
Financing of Risk, and Practice of Risk Manage-
ment. The CRM Program reportedly features
practical hands-on course content, designed
to be applied immediately to the risk managers
daily work.

NKBA Promotions Announced
The National Kitchen & Bath Association
(NKBA) announced two promotions at its Hack-
ettstown, N.J., headquarters. The association
promoted Claudette Hoffmann to the role of
Director of Member Services.
Hoffman had been serving as Acting Director
since June 2008. In recent years, the NKBA
has enjoyed substantial gains in membership
growth and member retention, due in large part
to Claudettes efforts, said CEO Don Sciolaro.
As Director of Member Services, Hoffman will
continue to be responsible for the planning,
development and implementation of the NKBAs
member services strategies and support materi-
als for regions and chapters. She has been with
the NKBA since January 1996, previously serv-
ing as Manager of Member Services.
Laura Domanico, former Manager of Profes-
sional Development, has also been promoted,
receiving the title of Senior Manager of Educa-
tion, where she will oversee all aspects of
the NKBAs educational courses, certifcation
programs and academic materials.
DuPont Corian Design Studio
Opens in Philadelphia

The ultramodern 2,500 square-foot DuPont
Corian Design Studio that recently opened in
Philadelphias Marketplace Design Center is
part showroom, part drafting table and part art
gallery. DuPont partnered with C.H. Briggs, one
of the largest distributors of DuPont Surfaces, to
unveil the inspiring downtown space, where
Philadelphias architects, designers, specialty
retailers and commercial specifers can expand
their understanding of solid surface as an
inventive, multi-dimensional design material.
Created to refect a gallery-style setting by re-
nowned New York-based designer Harry Allen,
the space serves as a place where architects
and designers can explore and experiment with
solid surface as an innovative and multisensory
design material.
In the right hands, Corian can do almost any-
thing, said Allen. Corian responds to design
ideas so sensitively and also has all the func-
tional qualities that resonate with contemporary
architects and designers.
Throughout the Design Studio space, the fex-
ibility, pliability and versatility of solid surface is
seamlessly showcased in 3-D applications via
many of the newest technologies that allow for
constant design innovation. One of the most
dynamic elements of the Studio is a 21 by 17-ft.
freeform Corian conference table in Glacier
White, which is stretched like chewing gum
through a glass wall. The design is achieved
through a combination of thermoforming, CNC
routing and hand working.
In another standout design feature, Corian is
used to recreate the Philadelphia cityscape
via a 3-D photography reproduction, featuring
window panels that are backlit by the sun.
In addition to more traditional countertops and
cabinetry, solid surface also is featured in
vertical and horizontal applications within the
space, including a vertical wall faade, furniture
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and work stations.
The Design Studio will be home to traveling ex-
hibits, educational seminars and other events.
Philadelphia is the third city to be home to a
DuPont Corian Design Studio following Milan
and New York. Each location is individually
created to meet the unique design needs of its
geographic region. Architects and designers
can schedule one-on-one appointments at the
studio.
In addition to DuPont and C.H. Briggs, four sur-
facing solutions providers also helped bring the
studio to life. Each provider will be called upon
to consult with, and provide on-site support to,
architects, designers and specifers, based on
a projects specifc needs. The four fabricators
include Allegheny Solid Surface Technologies
of Hanover, Pa., MacLaren Fabrication Inc. of
West Chester, Pa., McGrory Inc. of Kennett
Square, Pa. and Rick Wing Co., Inc. of
Kirkland, Wash.
Rosskopf & Partner Celebrates
25th Anniversary

The Rosskopf & Partner Group in Obermehler,
Germany, celebrated its 25th Anniversary on
June 1, 2009. From humble beginnings, on
June 1, 1984, the master carpenter, Helmut
Rosskopf, started his own carpentry shop in
Gnadenthal near Limburg on the Lahn River in
the German state of Hessen. Four years later,
he met Martin Funck, and together they founded
Rosskopf & Partner GmbH. In May, 1991, the
frst branch was opened in Hennersdorf near
Chemnitz in Saxony. Over the next few years,
the Hennersdorf location became the strategic
company headquarters for the processing of
solid surface material. In the summer of 1997, a
third location in Thuringia was added, and in
July, 2000, in the industrial park near the
Obermehler/Schlotheim airport, Rosskopf
moved into a new facility. In May, 2002, the
three independent companies merged to
become Rosskopf & Partner AG with its
headquarters in Obermehler, Thuringia.

Currently, sales and marketing progresses in
three different business areas: In the area of
architecture, the Rosskopf & Partner Group is
increasingly called upon by architects and major
enterprises to provide solutions for challeng-
ing designs. For the area of kitchen and bath,
Rosskopf & Partner established an external
work force in 2008 to market its own product
brand Lavanto and Xsyro worktops and wash
tables, as well as sinks, basins, shower trays
and bathtubs made of solid surface, quartz
and porcelain ceramics. In the area of material
distribution, the company distributes raw sheets
of Silestone or LG HI-MACS, and semifnished
products of HI-MACS.
Samsung Staron Introduces
Colors2U Web Site

Staron Surfaces, a division of Samsung, has
announced the introduction of Colors2U, a
Web site that provides homeowners, dealers
and designers with an easy way to view and
purchase Staron color samples. Online at www.
StaronSamples.com, Colors2U features they
companys array of acrylic surfacing materials
including Staron Solid Surfaces, Tempest and
Tempest Stylist. The samples are available for
purchase in three different sizes 2 by 2 in., 2
by 3 in. (Tempest only) and 4 by 4 in. The site
provides an additional venue where Staron
color samples can be viewed, and retail custom-
ers, as well as design professionals, can now
select from more than 75 different Staron sur-
face colors and have samples shipped directly.
Girard to Speak at Concrete
Countertop Industry Confer-
ence, Other Industry Events

President of the Concrete Countertop Institute
Jeff Girard, P.E., will act as host of the Concrete
Countertop Industry Conference (CCIC). The
ffth CCIC is planned for Oct. 21 to 24 in con-
junction with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas,
at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The
CCIC is an annual educational conference that
provides contractors with seminars by industry
leaders sharing the latest information and criti-
cal topics for successful concrete countertop
making. Being a part of StonExpo not only will
be of great beneft to our students, but it will
also help us expose the endless possibilities
of Concrete Countertops to an international
audience, said Girard. He is also scheduled
to speak at World of Concrete and the Interna-
tional Countertop Expo in February 2010.
Featured Commentary:
Cris Johnson

Editors Note: Jayme and
Cris Johnson of Hawaii
Kitchen & Bath in Kailua,
Hawaii, were among the
frst group of fabricators
to join ISSFA when it was
organized in 1997. Pas-
sionate about the potential
benefts of a trade association for fabricators,
Cris served as Hawaiis frst State Coordinator.
Although the company let its membership in
the association lapse, Hawaii Kitchen & Bath is
once again excited to be a member of the new
ISFA. In the following interview, Cris Johnson
candidly relates her experiences.
CAS: What was it like in the early days of the
association?
CJ: There was a lot of energy. I was very pas-
sionate about a trade association for solid sur-
face fabricators and I spent a great deal of time
talking to other fabricators in the state about
joining. There was a real camaraderie among
us in the group. Even so, it was hard to get a lot
of the companies to join. They said they either
didnt have the time or money.
CAS: What happened then?
CJ: We stopped being members when the
association turned more and more to stone. It
was a weird transition and it was something we
didnt want to be a part of. I was so passionate
about ISSFA and when it started turning away
from the solid surface fabricator a lot of the
enthusiasm went with it. It was an odd situation.
CAS: So you let your membership drop. Did
Hawaii Kitchen & Bath continue to specialize
in solid surface products only?
CJ: Our niche has always been high-end. I
didnt want my customers to go somewhere
else, and they were asking about other prod-
ucts. So we learned and we became profcient.
CAS: What products do you offer now?
CJ:In addition to solid surface, we do most of
the quartz surfacing brands, we were one of the
frst in Hawaii to do Richlite and PaperStone.
ICEStone, Vetrazzo, Enviroslab and other
green products are materials we had to quickly
learn about and offer to our clients in this ever-
changing market.
CAS: What brought you back to the
association?
CJ: I would check in every now and then just
to see what the association was doing. Then,
suddenly, there was this big turnaround. There
was a new name, a new look and a defned
focus. It seemed to me like the association was
all about the fabricator again. I went to the Web
site (www.isfanow.org) and read about a lot of
the changes. I really like the name of the trade
show International Countertop Expo (ICE).
Were all about countertops, and now it feels
like we fnally have a trade show again that
speaks to our needs. Im really looking forward
to going in February.
CAS: What are your expectations for the
future now that you have re-joined the as-
sociation?
CJ: I came back because it was a combination
of ISFA going in a new direction and getting
back to being a countertop group. It has a lot
to do with member benefts. I know there have
to be other people out there like me who were
once members but drifted away when it seemed
the association lost its focus. I am really looking
forward to being with that group again and hav-
ing goals and a purpose.
I was so passionate about the old ISSFA. I want
to feel that way again.
CAS: You mentioned member benefts.
Which benefts caught your attention?
CJ: The Find a Countertop Pro feature on
the Web site is really a great thing. Market-
ing to consumers helps fabricators get
recognition. I am very excited that there
is a trade show for us fabricators and that
ISFA members get discounts for attend-
ing. I also think getting a professional
Web site for almost no money is huge.
Fabricators who dont take advantage of
the Internet are missing out on lots of op-
portunities. And, of course, Im really look-
ing forward to creating new relationships
and rekindling old ones at the convention
and other meetings.
CAS: Any other thoughts?
CJ: Members should take the attitude
of what can I do to help this associa-
tion be strong again. What can we
do instead of complaining? There
are other people like me who
want to be a part of a focused
group. Its a partnership. Being
a member of ISFA is just the
beginning. Membership
gives us the opportunity
to become involved and
make a difference in the
industry. I dont expect
to pay my dues and
then just say, What
are you doing for
me?
Featured Commentary
Piecing Together Your
Home Grown
Marketing Strategy
Part 2

In the last issue of Coun-
tertops & Architectural
Surfaces, we discussed the
frst and most crucial steps
of making your company
succeed when adopting a
new product or surfacing
material. Its something that
every shop encounters, and
as reluctant as you might be about changing
your current line up, its important to experiment
with and evolve your product offering. This is
especially true in the current extremely dynamic
and ever-changing market environment.

Keep in mind that regardless of how wonder-
ful and exciting a new product might be, it is
extremely important for a countertop fabricator
to concentrate on building the company brand
above all else. This puts your company above
the whims of what can be an extremely fckle
fashion-driven market, and helps put you on an
even footing with your suppliers. When times
get tough, or the competition ratchets up, hav-
ing a strong and recognizable brand within your
community is like having money in the bank.

Now that you have a road to start the journey
for adopting a new product, there are detailed
avenues that need to be outlined so that failure
is minimized and profts are maximized. One,
in particular, is effective advertising to cre-
ate awareness about your company and the
products it offers. Believe it or not, there are
methods for getting beyond traditional forms of
advertising that are relatively inexpensive and
do not break the proverbial bank. Best of all, re-
gardless of whether your fabrication company is
large or small, this approach allows you to ft the
marketing solution to the size of your budget.

Its Okay. Seriously. Traditional forms of adver-
tising may not work for some fabrication shops.
Television, radio, print ads and billboards can be
expensive and their return on investment may
be suspect. And you know what? Thats okay.
Theres nothing wrong with overlooking these
for the time being. Although, long-term, you will
probably want to give them consideration.

Todays unique market environment rewards
those people who use their knowledge and
creativity to experiment and explore different op-
tions. Who knows? Different markets around the
country respond to messages and the way they
are delivered . . . well . . . differently. So, lets
investigate some alternative (and inexpensive)
marketing methods that might be effective in the
long run.

Before we go through some of the alternatives,
its important to note that you should have some
idea of what you want your advertising to do. In
this case, we are striving to create a strong and
unbreakable brand for your fabrication company
frst, and the innovative array of products you
offer second. With that goal in mind, create an
outline or business plan that will help you get a
grasp on how much you can spend on differen-
tiating yourself from the competition with your
Unique Selling Proposition and/or new product
line(s).

Also keep in mind how many potential custom-
ers you expect that marketing to generate, how
many of those potentials you need to turn into
actual customers, and even more important,
how much money each customer needs to
spend on that countertop order. Once you have
these numbers in your marketing plan, you can
look at different methods to see which ones
might work best in your business.

Virtual Presence. Its Viral. Virtual, in this
case, means establishing an Internet presence
with a strong company Web site. A lot of people
have the impression that starting a Web site and
getting online exposure is diffcult and costly.
That isnt necessarily the case. The truth is, it
doesnt matter how big or small your company
is, you should have a Web site. A Web site
gives you a presence globally without the need
to spend tons of money to do so. It also gives
you an outlet to showcase the new products you
are offering. But more importantly, it lets you
take advantage of some inexpensive advertising
options.

Permission-Based Marketing. This is a great
way to get customers. If you have a Web site
that offers people the chance to sign-up for
an e-mail newsletter, youll be able to market
to them again and again. By offering valuable
information in your newsletter, your prospects
will come to view you as the expert: the person
they will turn to when they need the service
or product you provide. Its a way of building
credibility and trust without spending lots of
money. As you see the potential for an effective
newsletter grow, you will implement a policy of
collecting e-mail addresses from your custom-
ers and prospects as part of everything you do.
It builds your mailing list.

Pay-Per-Click Ads. You see them everywhere
on the Web, but especially on search engine
pages. These are ads you pay for each time
someone clicks on them and ends up at your
Web site. Theyre great for qualifying prospects
because the people who click on your ads are
those who are most interested in what you have
Business Solutions
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to offer. The traffc generated from these pay-
per-click ads come directly to your Web site,
where your products and services await to be
showcased.

A great advantage of pay-per-click ads is that
they are targeted to a specifc geographic area.
That means the money you spend on Internet
advertising is localized to attract those pros-
pects most likely to buy from YOU not that
fabricator in Osh Kosh, or Schenectady. Keep
in mind that ISFA offers practically free Web
site design as a beneft of membership. If you
dont have a Web site and need one or wish to
update your existing presence on the Web, give
us a call at the ISFA offce (877-464-7732), and
we will get you started.

Participate in a Local Home Remodeling
Show. Here are some interesting statistics pro-
vided by American Consumer Shows, Inc. about
the people who attend home remodeling shows:
98 percent are homeowners
Average household income is $150,000
44 percent plan on beginning a home
improvement project within 30 days
34 percent plan on beginning a home im-
provement project within 31 to 180 days
14 percent plan on starting a home im-
provement project within 12 months
56 percent plan on fnancing their projects
8 percent were making improvements in
anticipation of selling their property

Many fabricators report that showcasing their
products and services at a local home remodel-
ing show can generate as many as 150 quali-
fed leads and enough in on-the-spot sales to
pay for attending the remodeling show several
times over.

Back-End Sales. What are back-end sales? All
of your customers are new customers at some
point. New customers are expensive to come
by. A back-end sale occurs when you sell an
existing customer another one of your products.
When you sell a customer Countertop A, its a
lot cheaper and requires a lot less effort to sell
that same customer Vanity Top B than it is to
sell a new customer Countertop A. But more
importantly, you now have a captive audience
to begin back-end sales, which will grow your
customer base and profts.

Word Of Mouth. There really is no better
method of advertising than from word of mouth.
You can get word-of-mouth advertising in one
of two ways, and both are effective: 1) You can
encourage your happy clients to refer other
people to you, or 2) You can do something that
creates buzz and has people talking about you
over the water cooler. The frst way requires
you to provide real value and great customer
service. The second way requires you to think
outside of the box and do something to grab
peoples attention.

How much do the above marketing methods
cost? Nearly nothing! Pay-per-click advertising
often costs just pennies per person. Permission
marketing is a fxed cost whether you have 10
people on your list or 10,000, and its usually
the cost to prepare the newsletter and distribute
it. Back-end sales will only cost you what you
lose in the front-end sales. And word-of-mouth
advertising may not cost anything, depending
on how you choose to go about it.

The stark reality of business today is that it
doesnt matter how much quality you build into
your products if you have no customers who
want to buy them. Marketing your company
helps generate those vital prospects. Marketing
wisely helps you conserve your
precious cash.

Joseph Winters can be reached at Joe@
isfanow.org.
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Educating the World
(to Your Benefit)

Its hard to think of anything that could beneft
your business more right now than a market-
place full of energetic and enthusiastic custom-
ers looking for the products and services you
provide. Dream on, right?
It might be diffcult to visualize under the current
economic conditions, but not long ago the coun-
tertop industry was doing quite well. Fabricators
would arrive at their businesses in the morning
to fnd the fax machine full of orders. Today, it
seems like all that comes in over the wire are
offers to help grow hair on your head, remove it
from your legs or refnance your mortgage.
Your customers have changed how they want
to do business. They now use the Internet to
gather information about goods and services.
They listen more to opinion leaders who help
guide their purchasing decisions. They do busi-
ness with trusted brands.
ISFA may not be able to do anything about the
economy, but it can help position its member
companies to take better advantage of the op-
portunities that do exist, as well as help lay the
groundwork for a more proftable future. This is
done through a combination of initiatives that,
taken as a whole, constitute the ISFA Aware-
ness Campaign.
Media Awareness
It begins with the media. ISFA has established
contact with editors of major trade and con-
sumer publications throughout the country, as
well as home improvement Web sites, and is
providing them with regular information and
updates about the latest products and trends
affecting countertops.
But it goes beyond that. Like the rest of the
business world, print publications have been
hit hard in this economy and are cutting back,
which impacts their ability to provide compre-
hensive editorial content. ISFA has positioned
itself as the go-to resource for any and all
countertop surface information. If editors need
an idea for a feature story, photos, background
information, contact with a local fabricator or
even a complete article, ISFA is there for them.
Whether they prefer to research and access
information online at www.isfanow.org, or talk
to a member of the ISFA team, we provide
whatever they need to produce an accurate
and informative article. In addition to providing
specifc information on countertop materials
and fabrication/installation scenarios, ISFA
communicates the advantages of using an ISFA
Certifed Professional.
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ISFAnow.org
Your customers use the Internet to do their
research. You know that. We know it too. Thats
why ISFA redesigned its Web site to appeal
to end-users and specifers frst. They go to
isfanow.org to learn about countertop materi-
als, compare surface options and gain a better
understanding of the installation process. Speci-
fers want to know about possible applications,
performance data and warranties. All of that
information is accessible to them at our
Web site.
In its frst two weeks being live, the new ISFA
Web site received more than a quarter million
hits, largely in the Consumer section. In addition
to providing excellent resource information on
the countertop purchasing experience, ISFA
promotes its members. Located prominently
on every page of isfanow.org is the Find A
Countertop Pro button, which enables visitors
to locate an ISFA fabricator in their area. Search
results return the company name, address,
phone number, e-mail address and a link to its
Web site. We then track the number of times a
fabricators company information is accessed
by visitors and e-mail a report to members each
week with the results.
Social Networking
ISFA is now on Facebook, My Space, Twitter,
LinkedIn and Flickr. These social networking
sites are great for making contact and staying in
touch with fabricators, as well as reaching archi-
tects and interior designers through specialized
discussion groups.
ISFA Certifed Professional
A key element of the ISFA Awareness Cam-
paign centers on the ISFA Certifed Professional
(ICP). Based on ability to perform and not
technical expertise, ISFA certifcation targets the
end-users desire to use a fabrication company
they can trust. As part of their certifcation,
ICPs provide ISFA with copies of their standard
contracts, applicable licenses, insurance and a
written protocol for handling customer service
issues when they arise. They also sign and
notarize an affdavit saying they will abide by
the ISFA Code of Ethics in all their business
practices.
The association promotes ISFA Certifed Profes-
sionals as the ultimate assurance of a job well
done to the media, consumers and specifers.
ICPs are provided with the ISFA Certifed Pro-
fessional seal to use on their trucks, advertising,
uniforms and literature. End-users and speci-
fers are encouraged to look for the ISFA Certi-
fed Professional seal on all their projects to be
certain the contractor they use will provide an
exceptional countertop purchasing experience.
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces
Magazine
Although countertop professionals look to CAS
for the latest news and information pertaining to
the decorative surfaces industry, its circulation
is not limited to fabricators and their suppliers.
In fact, a signifcant number of architects and
specifers have indicated a desire to subscribe
to the magazine as an idea book for new and
innovative applications, as well as background
information on the full gamut of decorative
surfacing products.
Placing copies of Countertops & Architectural
Surfaces in the libraries of major architectural
frms across the country raises the level of
awareness regarding surfacing products and
introduces specifers to the value of using an
ISFA fabricator.
ISFA Architectural Kit
In 2008 ISFA produced a presentation kit
containing all the resource material a fabricator
needs to put on a Lunch and Learn or similar
event for architects or interior designers. The kit
includes a training and resource DVD packed
with solid information, step-by-step guidelines
and multi-media to help fabricators approach
and educate architects.
The kit is the result of feld-tested techniques
aimed at providing solid technical specifca-
tion data to specifers of commercial projects.
Included in the DVD are a video presentation,
a PowerPoint containing dozens of exceptional
photos, a step-by-step presentation guide,
resource materials and specifcation guides
for specifying solid surface in commercial and
residential applications. Although the kit is
specifc to solid surface products, it can easily
be updated to include the full range of products
offered by your company.
Its All Good
The ISFA Awareness Campaign is defnitely a
case where the whole is greater than the sum
of its individual parts. By using the tools and re-
sources made available through the association
for promoting and positioning their businesses,
ISFA members can increase their visibility and
credibility quicker and with more certainty. The
best part is that the more fabricators who utilize
this, the more effective it becomes.

For more information, call ISFA at
(877) 464-7732.
Five Ways Leaders
Lose Their Edge

Whether economic times
are fourishing or founder-
ing, many leaders get stuck
in the same trap: they dont
take time to stop and refect
on what theyre doing.
Because theres so much
for them to do and so much
to be responsible for, theyre
constantly on the go, striving to deliver results.
However, their non-stop action only feeds the
underlying problem that theres no alignment
between whats important to them and whats
important to their company. As a result, they
feel unfulflled and stressed out. Thats why they
need to take a step back and give some serious
thought to what theyre doing and why. Only
then can they see what they bring to their lead-
ership position and how it can help them reach
their personal and professional objectives.

Many leaders often get so fxated on the suc-
cess of their team that they forget to focus on
themselves. Yet its their own ability to sustain
a high level of effectiveness that is one of the
biggest contributors to the companys overall
success. So if you ever feel youre working
harder, but are less fulflled, you may be making
one these top mistakes. Take the steps to cor-
rect them today so you can reap bigger rewards
tomorrow.

1. Ignoring the vision
Having a vision means youre clear about what
you want in vivid detail. You know something
about what it will take to get there and how it
will feel to arrive. When you have a clear vision,
you can connect to an inner source of inspira-
tion that will compel you to achieve your goals.
Therefore, you need to get a vision not only for
the company, but also for your role as a leader.
Who do you want to be as a leader? What do
you want to achieve? What strengths do you
bring, and how can you capitalize on those
strengths?
2. Losing focus
Once you know your vision and what you want
to achieve, you need to stay focused on it. As
Harvard Business School Professor Robert
Kaplan commented, Having 15 priorities is the
same as not having any at all. Theres only
so much you can think about at once. Finding
focus is about choosing where to put your time,
energy and attention. It means highlighting,
combining, minimizing and even deleting priori-
ties so your choices ft into the greater context
of your life. If you really want what you say you
want, what areas do you have to focus on to
get it? What areas will help you achieve your
vision?
3. Taking ineffcient action
After you decide where to focus, make sure
your daily action plans refect that priority not
just the 25 other things on the list. While many
leaders are taking care of the needs of the
business, their employees and their existing
responsibilities, theyre not taking action on the
things that matter most to them. Therefore, stop
asking, How can I do everything I need to do in
a day? and start asking, What are the most ef-
fective actions I can take to move toward my vi-
sion, and how can I take those actions now? By
investing just minutes in the planning process
and then taking targeted action, you can shave
a lot off the time it takes to reach your goals.

4. Doing things the hard way
In business and life you can continue to do
things the hard way, the usual way, or you can
do things your way the way you were made
to do them. The key is to identify, maximize
and leverage your unique attributes so you
can be an effective leader. When you focus on
your strengths, you do things your way based
on where you naturally excel. To begin fnding
your strengths, answer these questions: Where
are you especially talented? What do you love
to do? At work, what are you recognized for?
Given the freedom, how would you do things?
5. Becoming disconnected
To be successful, you need to connect not only
to your work, but also to an inner sense of vital-
ity. For many leaders, much of their energy goes
into striving. They want to get ahead. Finding
fulfllment and alignment
with your work means understand-
ing what youre striving for. The meaning. The
purpose. The essence.
When you lack fulfllment, you lose your edge.
Your energy goes down while your stress goes
up. You may even feel guilty and resentful. You
might be bored, either in an I-cant-take-this-
anymore way or in a dull, channel-surfng kind
of way. You might get short-tempered or edgy.
So the questions to contemplate are: What do
you want from your work? Do you want to be
happy? Are you trying to reach your full poten-
tial? Do you hope to make a difference? These
are some of the experiences leaders seek when
striving for success. The key to fnding fulfll-
ment at work is to identify what success means
to you not the results but the spirit of a life well
lived.
Reclaim Your Leadership Edge
While these fve mistakes are by no means
all-inclusive of all the pitfalls leaders need to be
wary of, by avoiding these common mistakes
youre laying the foundation for exceptional
leadership results. The fact is that every day
millions of people drive onto the fast-lane and
race their lives away ironically missing the
fact that everything they are doing to try to im-
prove their life is actually running them into the
ground. Stress levels rise and talented leaders
burn out. It doesnt have to be this way.

So as you go forward into the future, know that
every step you take to improve your leader-
ship is going to enrich your life and the lives of
others. By avoiding these leadership mistakes,
youll be on the path to becoming the kind of
leader you were meant to be.

About the Author
Joelle K. Jay, Ph.D., is president of the leadership
development practice, Pillar Consulting. As an execu-
tive coach, author and speaker, Joelle helps leaders
achieve top performance and business results. Joelle
is the author of The Inner Edge: The 10 Practices of
Personal Leadership. For more information e-mail
joelle@pillar-consulting.com or visit
www.Pillar-consulting.com.
Business Solutions
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Several years ago at a
meeting of commercial
construction professionals
(general contractors, sub-
contractors and suppliers)
the invited speaker got a
nearly unanimous show
of hands by asking, How
many of you have said in
the last week that This business isnt as much
fun as it used to be? A follow-up question,
How many of you have said its getting harder
and harder to make money in this business?
got the same level of response and even a few
Amens. The speaker, a lawyer specializing in
construction matters, paused and said, Well,
youve got nobody to blame but yourselves.
That line earned just stunned silence.
The speaker went on to explain that the you
referred to those folks anywhere in our con-
struction industry that treat business relation-
ships as a zero-sum adversarial contest. That
is, one in which each contract or transaction
produces a winner and a loser, as opposed
to two winners. Ive known GCs, second- and
third-tier subcontractors and suppliers that oper-
ate using that methodology. Usually its a rogue
personality at a company, but sometimes its a
corporate culture. Theres no reason to think
this will change overnight, but there are some
things a fabricator can do to be less vulnerable.

Know Your Market
Be sure youre looking for business that suits
your capabilities. Your company isnt quite like
any other enterprise. There are some things
you do well, others not so well. If youre good
at it, it can be proftable and maybe even a little
fun too. And if youre not in business to make
money and enjoy doing it, there are lots of less
stressful ways to lose money.
Learn from bad experiences and avoid the
worst offenders. If youve been on the ugly end
of a win/lose relationship, dont fall for the temp-
tation to try to get even by entering into another
contract with the same folks. Someone once
said that the defnition of insanity was doing the
same thing over and over again and expecting
different results. Remember that you cant lose
money on a job that you dont take.
Build Relationships
Building relationships is a vital business func-
tion; its working on your business, as opposed
to working in your business. In the past distribu-
tors of surfacing products invested in trained
sales personnel who called on architects and
designers and educated them about products.
Today thats a rarity. Most design professionals
get product information directly from manufac-
turers Web sites. Its convenient information,
but its not professional advice.
Just as there are GCs who build the kind of proj-
ects you want, there are architects who design
those jobs. Get to know them. No feld has been
immune to the challenges and changes of the
last year, including architecture. Invest in a copy
of the AIA membership directory for your market
area and identify the frms you want, and need,
to get to know. Usually the directory provides
enough information for research, so that you
understand the frm and know some key names.
Contact these targeted frms and determine if
they have a specifcation writer or if each project
architect or studio develops its own specs? Ask
if you can offer a lunch-and-learn presentation
yourself, or if they require an AIA-sanctioned
presentation so their professionals can earn
Continuing Education Units or Learning Units
(LUs). If thats the case, one of your distributors
may be able to provide an AIA program and
even help present it.
Even the simple courtesy of a brief personal
meeting can be effective in establishing a basis
of trust. In todays electronics-driven world,
nothing takes the place of a hearty handshake
and an earnest eyeball. Just knowing the archi-
tecture frm and a few names can do wonders in
elevating your frms stature in todays competi-
tive business environment.
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By Richard Rudy
Another way to get face time with the design
community is to join a local chapter of Construc-
tion Specifcations Institute. Go to www.csinet.
org and fnd your local chapters contact person,
attend a meeting, join and participate. Chances
are youll soon get to know the very people your
business relies on.
Fabricating and installing surfacing material is
your business; it is probably your only business.
But to a general contractor, your business
is probably less than half of 1 percent of the
project value, and it doesnt get installed until
near the end of the project. Even on a ft-up or
remodel, surfacing products are rarely even
10 percent of the job. In other words, its way
down on the GCs priority list - until its needed,
of course. Thats why the millwork company is
a valuable ally for the fabricator. Division 6, as
its generally called, includes Millwork, which
represents a much bigger portion of the project
to the GC.
Millwork subcontractors understand that your
products, well executed, can make their work
look even better. And your scope of work is
probably 10 to 20 percent of their package, or
maybe even more. The GC will issue a contract
to the millwork company who in turn will contract
with you. That makes the millwork company the
lead dog on the team, so it stands to reason
that building relationships at this level will be
mutually benefcial.
Thats not to say that the GC shouldnt be
on your contact list. After all, the GCs decide
whether or not to bid a job, which means their
estimators have looked at the plans and specs
long before they were released for your bid. A
relationship here can save you frantic Requests
For Information (RFIs) as bid day closes in.
If youve been in business for at least a year
you probably already know who are doing the
projects that are right for you. There are two
levels of contact in the GCs offce: estimators
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The ISFA Architectural
Presentation Kit, available
on DVD, provides fabricators
with everything they need to
put on an Architects Lunch
& Learn. Included in the kit
are a video presentation,
a PowerPoint containing
dozens of exceptional photos,
a step-by-step presentation
guide, resource materials
and specifcation guides for
commercial and residential
applications. The kit is available
to ISFA members free of charge.
Non-members may order it for
a fee.

To learn more about the ISFA
Architectural Presentation Kit visit
the ISFA Web site at www.isfanow.
org/kit or call the ISFA offce at
877-464-7732.
Fabricator
Tip
and project managers. Once the estimators
assemble the numbers for bid, its usually the
PM who buys out the job. Make sure these folks
know who you are and have a favorable impres-
sion of you.
Call the front desk at your target GC frms and
ask if theres a day when they dont have a bid
going out, then deliver a big box of pastries
or doughnuts just before coffee break time.
Make sure your business card is easily seen
by everyone who comes near. And dont forget
something tasty for the front desk person too.
Thats the gatekeeper; the person who can
make sure you reach the right person in a timely
manner or not.
Throughout all of this, remember how construc-
tion contracts fow. Theyre issued by the owner,
usually to a GC but often to a construction man-
ager who then contracts with a GC. From there
contracts are issued to frst-tier subcontractors
(such as a millwork house), who in turn issues
a contract or purchase order to their fabricators
and suppliers. In the strict interpretation of proj-
ect relationships your only chain of communica-
tion is with the party that issued you a contract,
so its in your companys interest to know who
youre dealing with.
After Winning the Bid
If all goes well and you are the successful bid-
der, remember that the contract you receive is
written to the advantage of the writer, not the
recipient. It may be a fair and equitable contract,
but you owe it to yourself to read every word.
In a standard contract there will probably be
some terms that can, and should, be changed.
For instance, a standard contract may require
every subcontractor to attend progress meet-
ings. Surfacing is a late-stage project. You dont
need to attend every progress meeting starting
with the frst day dirt is being pushed around on
the site. Before you accept the contract try to
get a modifcation to require your attendance
only after interior walls and partitions are
in place.
Other standard conditions may require that
every trade have every employee who comes
on-site drug tested within 30 days of the per-
formance of any work. Even if you have a good
drug-testing policy, who will pay for additional
testing? If the mandated work hours are 6 a.m.
until 6 p.m. and your shop is 90 minutes from
the job, how will you accommodate that? If your
work is in a secure environment there may be a
requirement for background checks. In the case
of a manufacturing or research facility project
every worker may have to attend half- or full-
day safety training. These terms arent in every
contract, but you need to know it when they are.
In addition to requesting any modifcations,
consider developing an expectations letter and
ask that it be included as a part of your contract.
Your expectations may include the site condi-
tions that must be present in order for your work
to proceed, your standard work hours and days,
site access including lifts, materials staging and
storage areas and secure on-site storage of
tools and equipment to facilitate each
days work.
If it is in the contract, you will likely be required
to abide by it, so make sure it is fair and
reasonable.
All in all, if you want a better chance to do well
in the commercial arena, you need to not only
know your industry and market, but also know
how the process itself works. And going a step
beyond just knowing, real success usually
means participating in and being accepted as a
positive member of your markets design, speci-
fer and/or contractor community. And remem-
ber, your relationship with others need not be
one in which there is a winner and a loser. You
get more respect and more proftable business
opportunities if you develop working relation-
ships that allow for everyone to prosper.

About The Author
Richard Rudy has extensive architectural products
sales experience, including 17 years in surfacing.
He has provided consulting services, developed and
delivered presentations for expositions and has written
several articles for trade publications. Rudy resides in
North Carolina and can be reached at 919-801-8021 or
at sufacematters@earthlink.net.
East: 888-777-2729

West: 800-252-6355
www.csaw.com

saws@csaw.com
Been in a Countertop Shop Lately?
Chances are Youve Seen a Striebig.
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While it is always important for fabricators to
be mindful of waste, during these troubling
economic conditions it is even more so. One ob-
vious area for reducing waste is in, well, waste.
How many fabricators have a large waste bin
full of scrap material sitting behind their facility?
More than you would think.
That is material that fabricators are paying for,
and then, when the project it was bought for is
complete, are discarding. Not only is it money
being thrown away, but many are paying some-
one to come and haul it away. Why not turn
that so called trash into treasure? There are a
number of ways to do so:
The Basics
Obviously there are a few things that every fab-
ricator should be doing to avoid wasting money
in the form of scrap material.
First and foremost, scrap should be inventoried.
If you are not aware of or dont know where to
fnd a particular remnant, then you can hardly
sell it or use it. Whether using a bar coding sys-
tem, electronic tracking or even the old pen and
paper method, it is key to label remnants and
store them in an orderly fashion where they can
be easily accessed. It is suggested that materi-
als be tracked by size, color, brand, etc. Some
fabricators even include a price in their labeling
system so remnants can be offered regularly as
a normal part of the business. And, of course,
large pieces of scrap material are perfect for
making into vanities that can be stocked or
made-to-order.
If you have material that you feel there is
absolutely no use for, at the least do not pay to
have it hauled away. With stone scrap material
many fabricators fnd a local or regional stone
company will haul away scrap at no cost to be
crushed and sold. Others are able to sell the
scraps to local hobby shops, on ebay or donate
TURNING SCRAPS
INTO CASH.
By Kevin Cole
scrap material such as solid surface to area vo-
cational programs. Be creative; paying to have
scrap hauled away is like paying for the unused
material twice.
Remnant Sale
Many fabricators are having success in offering
remnant or yard sales a couple of times a year.
During these sales, the public is invited in to
buy scrap material, or in some cases, slabs,
damaged goods or ancillary products, such
as sinks, vanities, faucets, etc. For some the
event was cash-and-carry, others offered or
even included installation, edge treatments, etc.
Those that offered more in-depth services with
their remnants, like installation, advise making
sure that a timeline is established along with the
sale, such as 90 days.
Most fabricators have reported making signif-
cant proft off of such a two- or three-day event.
However, it is not something to be taken lightly.
Generally speaking, putting on such an event
successfully requires some sort of advertising,
plenty of prep work and a good amount of time.
However, the end result can be well worth the
effort.
The most successful sales seem to hinge on
getting the word out to the general public,
reported Todd Werstler, owner of Tower Indus-
tries in Massillon, Ohio. You have to spend an
ample amount on advertising or else nobody
will show up, he explained. Fabricators report
using storefront banners, newspaper ads, fyers,
radio ads and even an occasional television ad
to make sure customers knew about the event.
Proper inventory of the material is also a must.
You HAVE to inventory all your remnants, said
Mike Job of Quality Surfaces Inc., Spencer, Ind.
We already do this using Moraware and our
own barcoding system and it works great! You
need the dimensions and color for each rem-
nant. We put this all on a spreadsheet and then
use one sq. ft. price for almost all the material
unless it is some special exotic. It makes it re-
ally easy to price that way.
We already label all remnants before we place
them in our remnant section, added Evan
Kruger of Solid Tops Inc., Easton, Md. They
are labeled for size and price and therefore can
be sold as remnants at any time. During sales
we discount off of their pre-labeled price. This
makes the set up for the sale very simple. All
we do is advertise the remnants are already in
place and labeled.
Other things must also be done in preparing for
the event, such as cleaning the shop, moving
the remnants, setting up tents, portable bath-
rooms or refreshments, pricing the inventory,
creating order forms and material sheets, pre-
paring employees and laying the ground rules
for customers. A critical frst step is to plan
your layout, advised Job. You want to make
sure you have adequate parking and make sure
all the full slabs are roped off (that is, all non-
remnants, non-orphan slabs that are NOT part
of your yard sale.) You will have families with
children so you can plan for that too. We set up
a tent with some picnic tables and had lots of
refreshments. I also suggest you also write out
a sheet to help protect yourself from as much
liability as pos-
sible and include
instructions on how
the yard sale is
conducted. We at-
tached this informa-
tion along with an
order sheet and a
copy of the remnant
list spreadsheet on
clipboards so that
each customer had
the price on every
slab or remnant we
had.
Safety is of particu-
lar importance with
such an event, as
most of the visitors
have no idea about
proper procedures
when dealing
with heavy slabs
or sheet goods.
We gave each of
our customers a
fyer explaining the
procedures if they
wanted to see a
certain piece, said
Mike Langenderfer
of The Countertop
Shop Ltd., Holland,
Ohio. We also made sure that no customers
were left unattended in the yard.
Werstler said his staff made sure customers
knew they could walk through the inventory,
but could not touch it and did not allow children
under 12 around any slab materials. We greet
all customers and explain safety precautions
and ensure we have enough material handlers
on site so that the customers are not moving
remnants to view them, said Hunter Adams of
TRINDCO, Suffolk, Va. The material handlers
also moved sold materials and reorganized
remnants in the yard as needed.
Overall, the key to success is largely prepara-
tion and planning, with an end result being
proft. Our frst yard sale netted us $68,000
in two days and the last one we did almost
$140,000 in two days, said Job. Thats cash
too, no 30, 60 or 90 days to collect your money.
And that doesnt count the additional kitchens
and additional exposure we got.
Scrap Services
Fabricators of solid surface have a couple of
unique options when it comes to scrap Emer-
gency Material Services (EMS) and Solidsur-
face.com. These two Web-based entities help
fabricators turn scrap into cash by matching up
those looking for a certain size, color and brand
of solid surface with those who have it on hand.
EMS offers an online subscription service
at www.emergencymaterialservices.com
for buying and selling scrap material. Users
inventory scrap on the Web site for others to
search through. Subscribers can search other
companies scrap inventories based on color,
brand, width and length to fnd the specifc piece
that is needed. Once the correct piece of scrap
is located, the buyer pays online for the scrap
(based on an industry average price for that
material) and the shipping. The seller is notifed
and EMS sends him or her a shipping label and
arranges for pickup. Once the seller has been
notifed of the buy, he or she has 24 hours to
package the material for the courier service. Te
seller receives payment once receipt of the cor-
rect item is confrmed by the buyer.
Solidsurface.com has a similar program that
can bring fabricators some additional funds.
The fabricator contacts the company with an
inventory of scrap solid surface materials.
Solidsurface.com makes a lump-sum offer to
buy the complete inventory of scrap. Once the
transaction specifcs are agreed upon, shipment
is arranged and the company warehouses the
materials for resale. Those materials are cata-
logued and visitors to the www.solidfsurface.
com Web site can search for a specifc brand,
size and color of material and then buy it directly
from the company.
Repurposing Scrap
Probably the most common way of squeezing
the value out of a collection of fall-off is repur-
posing it. Many shops fabricate vanity tops from
sizable pieces of solid surface, quartz surfacing,
granite or other sheet or slab material. Some
fabricators go further.
Gene McDonald, owner of Refresh Interiors,
in St. Petersburg, Fla., specializes in environ-
mentally-friendly products and fabrication tech-
niques. He has had great success using scrap
in signs and other inventive applications, going
so far as to crush scrap for one-of-a-kind inlays.
And I even make use of scrap that I cant sell,
offered McDonald. I practice new techniques
on scrap material when there are slow times or
even on Saturdays. Our competitors are always
hoping we are doing business as usual, but Im
constantly learning and experimenting. And by
doing so it gives me more confdence to say
Yes when a customer asks Can you do that?

We throw very little away here at Sterling,
explained Jon Olson of Sterling Surfaces,
Sterling, Mass. One thing that has helped us
here is nesting. Every job we do is nested to
reduce sheet usage. In fact we use 30 percent
less sheet stock because of nesting. It may
mean gluing up scraps to make one of our tops,
but the software helps us to fnd a way to use
[nearly] all of the stock. The stock that doesnt
get used follows a different route. Bigger pieces
are put into our outfall rack, tagged and put into
our central information system. This helps our
programmers to see what is available on the
next project. Smaller pieces are saved and used
as cutting boards we pass out to clients that
visit our show room. And even the smaller parts
are made into cleats for seam reinforcement,
etc. The last step is to gather what cant be used. We then
sell that in pallet form to different hobby shops, on eBay or, at
times, the material is given to vocational schools to play with.
Pavers, Accents and Others
Another way to turn scrap, particularly granite or quartz
surfacing, into a revenue stream is by offering paving stones.
Mory Ludwick of Premier Countertops in Omaha, Neb., has
recently purchased a machine that allowed him to do so. He
said its been a solid investment for his business. According
to Ludwick, the demand is such that he cant keep up with
it. With most materials selling for $5 per sq. ft., regardless of
type, Ludwick said the equipment will have paid for itself by
the end of its frst year of use.
GranQuartz offers such a machine in the Diarex StoneCycler,
which punches out a variety of shapes from remnants. These
shaped pieces of scrap can then be offered as pavers. Cut-
ting dies are available in multiple standard shapes and sizes,
as well as custom designs.
Those working with higher end machinery, such as CNC
machines, may be able to turn some of their scrap into a
variety of accents that they can upsell to customers or stock
on a regular basis. Such items include switch plates, knobs,
shower bases, cutting boards, shower caddies, etc. Several
companies, such as Mirart, Kormax, Top Notch Products or
Turned In Stone, make a full time business out of fabricating
these types of products.
The possibilities are really limited only to the imagination, but
by planning and pursuing a path, scraps can be a source of
income instead of a sore point.

Kevin Cole can be reached at kevin@isfanow.org.
The concrete countertop industry has not been
without its challenges, however with the en-
thusiasm for concrete growing and the number
of fabricators increasing, various areas that
once posed a challenge are becoming less of
an issue. For many years the main obstacles
were sealing and cracking, however the issue of
cracking has been virtually eliminated because
of new mix designs and the types of reinforce-
ment that are used. Sealing, however, continues
to be one of the biggest challenges to the
industry as a whole.

The fnal step prior to installation, sealing is
often the culprit of a call back should there
be one. Even so, we continue to see fabrica-
tors who choose to take shortcuts with lower
performance sealers that have higher failure
rates. Why? Two common reasons are the cost
or, perhaps, the application process is too tricky.
Either way, I encourage concrete countertop
manufacturers to do their research and fnd two
or three sealers that work for them and offer
clients great protection against staining and
scratching.

Ive been applying sealers in this industry for the
last four years and want to share some of my
experiences. I have consistently used the top
three types of sealers that are most used in
the industry and have had great success with
all of them. Each has performed fairly equally
regarding protection and best of all have
resulted in minimal call backs.

E3/2K
First is the E3/2K system (E3 = the latest
generation epoxy for fnish coats. 2K =
two-part polyurethane). I have applied it in
hundreds of kitchens with few call backs. Its a
three-part system that requires a minimum of
two days to apply. The frst step is the organo-
silane waterborne (OSW) conditioner, which
prepares and secures the E3 for greater adhe-
sion. OSW can be applied quickly with a foam
brush and the excess wiped clean. A time lapse
of 30 to 45 minutes is required for drying before
moving to the next step.

The OSW is followed up with the E3, a two-part
water borne epoxy, which provides stain protec-
tion. E3 can be applied with a roller or high vol-
ume/low pressure (HVLP) sprayer. It should not
be applied too thickly, or it will likely cure with a
white milky haze. The E3 phase of the process
will require at least an eighthour curing period
before moving to the next step.

Once cured, the entire top must be sanded
using 220grit sandpaper in order to level out
any orange peel or low spots. Sanding must be
done carefully so as not to sand through what
has been applied. Next it is wiped down with
equal parts of water and acetone mix.

The fnal step is the application of 2K, a two-part
water born urethane. For best visual results,
a HVLP sprayer is recommended, however a
roller also works well if you have the skill to ap-
ply without leaving roller lines. The 2K is tricky
as well. If you dont apply enough material,
water rings may surface later. If you apply too
much, out-gassing may occur causing tiny white
bubbles that feel like anti-skid sealer. Let the 2K
cure for at least 48 hours before placing on a
frame for delivery. Failure to wait 48 hours may
result in hazy scratch marks from the A-frame.

The 2K is 95 percent cured in 72 hours, with
full cure at about seven to 10 days. While there
is a defnite learning curve with this particular
system, I found it to be worth it because it
consistently performs well for stain and heat
resistance. An additional beneft is that it can
be colored for tinting purposes. The biggest
challenges I experienced were: 1) the amount of
wasted material because the product is a two-
part pot life product, 2) the four to fve day ap-
plication process (assuming all went perfectly)
before installation, and 3) the cost involved for
overnight shipping of the product during the
winter season.

EAP
Second is the enhanced acid protection (EAP)
system, a nanotechnology blend single com-
ponent system that has outstanding scratch
resistance and is easy to apply. The application
process is fairly basic with the use of a roller
or HVLP sprayer. The product comes in a matt
or gloss fnish and can be cut with denatured
B
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alcohol at a ratio of 1:1 up to 1:3 for application
ease. Multiple coats can be applied in one shot
by applying back-to-back while material is wet.
If more coats are desired after curing 24 hours,
sanding will be needed between coats.

The ability to apply multiple coats is a positive
feature of the EAP system along with a quick
cure timeframe that allows you to install after 24
hrs. Stain and scratch resistance are also good,
although straight white vinegar will etch it if left
on the surface for too long. With EAP, you have
no waste because it is a single component, and
by cutting it you can make one gallon into two
or three, potentially saving you thousands of
dollars in the long run. While this product does
ship in a fammable state, it can be shipped in
any climate. A fnal beneft to EAP is that it can
be tinted using 519 acetone color dyes.

UV
Finally is the UV sealer. This is a nanotechnol-
ogy blend with photo initiators that can only be
cured using a special ultra violet (UV) light. This
system provides outstanding results as well. By
far, the biggest highlight of the UV system is the
ability to seal and install a project in the same
day. This feature has the potential to reduce the
sealing schedule by two to fve days, making a
shop more effcient with a shorter turn-around
time and potentially allowing the operation to
ft into a smaller facility, saving on the cost of
overhead.

The UV system has been rated No. 1 for stain
and scratch resistance by the Concrete Coun-
tertop Institute (CCI). As a test, I poured straight
muriatic acid on a top sealed with this system
and left it for 24 hours with no damage resulting.

The application process starts by rolling the
material on with a 3/16 knap roller. The material
must be permitted to set for approximately 15
to 30 minutes, allowing it to level out like glass.
Next, the material is cured by running the UV
light over it. First a B cure will be performed, in
which the light is positioned 18 to 24 in. above
the top. Then an A cure is done at a level of 2
in. above the top. Upon completion of these two
steps, the sealer will be cured (although it will
continue to cure on its own for the next seven to
10 days).

Immediately after cure, the fabricator can deter-
mine what type of fnish he or she wants they
control the sheen. The low or high gloss fnish
is determined by the type of post sanding treat-
ment applied. A low gloss fnish is achieved by
sanding (or polishing) the sealer up to 800 grit.
This produces the most natural topical sealer I
have ever seen. You virtually cant tell there is a
sealer on the top. To achieve a high gloss look,
higher sand paper grits are used. The sanding
process will require more time than the actual
application process. A 50-sq.-ft. kitchen could
take up to two hours to complete, depending
upon the fnish required.

Ive been using the UV system for more than
a year now and have had NO CALL BACKS. A
defnite positive is the ability to fx any repairs
easily and quickly. One of the draw backs to the
UV system is the cost to purchase the UV lights,
which are relatively expensive. For me, what I
gained in effciency and turnaround time justi-
fed the expense of the equipment.

Overall, there are a lot of great sealers on the
market and without a doubt they will continue
to get even better as our industry grows and
we get more attention from manufacturers.
Those manufacturers choosing to use lower
performance sealers should take into account
the possibilities of callbacks, reputation loss and
loss of referrals. It may be worth it in the long
run to invest in the sealing process.

About The Author
Troy Thompson is owner of Surface Studios (www.
surfaceconcrete.com), and is co-owner of Surface 519,
a distributor of concrete countertop sealers. For more
information, Thompson can be reached at 515-208-
3998 or via e-mail at troy@surfaceconcrete.com.
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Guerrilla Branding

Fabricator group capitalizes on
relationships formed through
ISFA to create its own branded
line of products.

At the turn of the 21st Century the writing was
on the wall. Although solid surface had enjoyed
an extended run at the top of the high-end
countertop heap, its appeal as a premium mate-
rial was waning. Granite, on the other hand was
gaining ground quickly, a fact that was heavily
underscored when several of the major solid
surface producers entered the market with their
own lines of branded natural stone.

About the same time, Architectural Granite &
Marble (AG&M) approached a select group of
well-established and highly automated solid sur-
face/granite fabricators with a comprehensive
plan for providing granite as part of a national
distribution program. Forming the group was
made easy because most of these fabricators
had already established relationships with each
other through their membership in ISFA. The
name chosen for the group was Granite
Buyers Club.

By 2007 the concept of branded granite pro-
grams was gaining ground. Home Depot had
StoneMark and Lowes had Granite Certifed by
DuPont. The Granite Buyers Club, which by this
time numbered 20 member companies, decided
to create a grassroots brand named The Arti-
san Stone Collection.

This concept of a fabricator-owned brand ap-
pealed to the group because of a history within
the industry of fabricators building up brands for
manufacturers, only to end up competing with
a manufacturer-owned fabrication shop or a
sudden infux of new competitors marketing the
same brand. Because branding and marketing
decisions are made by Artisan Group members
themselves, group members have the conf-
dence to build their own brands. Artisan Group
is a partnership between the fabricators in the
group and AG&M, including the trademarks and
intellectual property of
the group.

The group frst came to
market with the Artisan Stone
Collection in Spring of 2008,
and offered the industrys
frst Lifetime Warranty on
granite countertops covering
staining, material integrity
and craftsmanship. The group
then launched Heritage Wood
countertops in Fall of 2008, which is a line of
high-end wood countertops available exclusively
through Artisan Group, and partnered with
Kohler to carry a line of sinks and faucets. Arti-
san Group also has its own line of care products
called Firstline Care Products.

Promoting Industry Standards
Through their association and service in ISFA,
Artisan Group members had come to under-
stand the value in creating a nationwide network
of fabricators who perform to the highest
standards of countertop fabrication. All member
companies of the Artisan Group are required
to obtain accreditation in the MIA Accredited
Fabricator program. Likewise, the group is mov-
ing toward full participation in the ISFA Certifed
Professional program.

Currently Artisan Group membership consists
of 32 fabricator companies. Evan Kruger of
Solid Tops, LLC, envisions that number will
grow to 50 or more businesses, depending on
the needs of individual markets. Membership
in the Artisan Group is not for everyone, he
said, but the important point is that a group of
(mostly ISFA) fabricators got together, created
their own brand and put together a lifetime
warranty to back up their work. Maybe this
will inspire even very small independent
fabricators to take the bull by the horns and
create a strong brand independent of their
vendors. Its a way of differentiating them-
selves from the competition and building for
the future.

More information is available on the Web
at www.artisan-counters.com
The Artisan Group
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C01 Abrasives
C02 Adhesives
C03 Air Quality Equipment
C04 CNC Machinery
C05 Hand/Power Tools
C06 Material Handling Equipment
C07 Prefabricated Accessories
C08 Quartz Surfacing
C09 Saws
C10 Sealers/Polishes
C11 Seaming Equipment
C12 Sinks
C13 Software
C14 Solid Surface
C15 Stone
C16 Templating Equipment
C17 Tooling
C18 Training
C19 Waterjet Equipment
C20 Other Materials
Construction
FMIs Second Quarter 2009 Report predicts total construction for 2009 will fnish at 13 percent
lower than 2008 and 2010 only looks a little better dropping off another 7 percent. However, this
disappointing forecast does have a couple of less gloomy spots when broken down into its parts (see
Chart 1).

We still anticipate that residential construction may fnd the bottom this year, but that the decline until
it does will be steep, stated a release on the reports fndings. Residential construction is expected to
decline 19 percent this year, but only 1 percent in 2010. However, FMI expects to see a sharp decline
in nonresidential construction in 2009, which will last throughout 2010. According to the report, non-
residential construction, which had been faring much better than residential, will decline 14 percent
this year with further declines of 17 percent in 2010.

Nonresidential construction for 2009 was reportedly fat through April, but is expected to fall off
sharply for the remainder of the year. On the nonresidential side, contractors have reported backlogs
of nine months, down from 11 months in the beginning of 2008, according to FMIs Q2 Nonresidential
Construction Index (NRCI). Tight credit continues to cause cancellations and delays, stated the
report. Project delays continue to be four times the normal rate and are currently at 20 percent (up
from three times in 3Q08). Project cancellations are fve times the normal rate and are currently at 10
percent of backlog (doubled from 3Q08). Credit is expected to remain tight through 2010 and delays
and cancellations are likely to increase.
FMI stands by its earlier prediction that the stimulus bill would take longer to reach the construction
sector. According to its 2Q09 NRCI, Now that the details of the American Recovery and Reinvest-
ment Act of 2009 (ARRA) projects are beginning to become known, nonresidential building contrac-
tors are realizing stimulus funds wont bring an immediate cure for declining backlogs as 88 percent
Two reports have recently been released detailing information on
the industry. One is construction outlook put forth by consulting and
research frm FMI that offers information on both residential and
nonresidential construction with predictions for the future. The other
is a home remodeling and repair survey released by Service Magic,
which is an online referral service.
Industry Snapshot
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Chart 1
this information that it is only a snapshot of the
industry, and is not presented to be scientifcally
representational, as not all of those in the
countertop industry use Servicemagic.com. That
said, of real signifcance to the surfacing sector
is the large (39 percent) national increase in
countertop projects, which looks that much
more signifcant next to the fact that overall
kitchen remodels are reportedly down by 19
percent. Another area that has seen an increase
is in green projects, and Servicemagic.com
is reporting that 46 percent of homeowners
surveyed are interested in learning how their
home projects can be made environmentally
friendly and/or energy-effcient.

When the countertops number is broken down
by region, the Great Plains states, such as the
Dakotas, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri
are faring the best in a comparison of Q1 08
to Q1 09. The company reports an increase in
these states of 113 percent in countertops and
36 percent in cabinetry. The numbers varied
state to state, but in this area of the country
countertop fabricators seemed to fare very
well, particularly in Lincoln, Neb., Topeka, Kan.,
Kansas City, Des Moines, Iowa, and the Quad
Cities, with Springfeld, Mo., and St. Louis faring
the worst. (See Chart 2 for more city-by-city
numbers.)

The Deep South (Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas,
Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi and
Alabama) show a reported 44 percent increase
in countertop activity. The Midwest (Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan)
reported an increase in countertop activity of
43 percent. The Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma,
New Mexico and Arizona) showed a 28
percent increase in the countertop category.
The Upper South (Tennessee, Kentucky, West
Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia
and Washington, D.C.) reportedly saw a 38
percent increase in the countertops category.
Countertop activity in the Northeast (New York,
New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania,
Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware,
Rhode Island and Vermont) increased by 32
percent according to the report. The Mountain
region of Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Utah,
Montana and Wyoming showed a 35 percent
increase in countertop activity. And the Pacifc
region (California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska
and Hawaii) showed an increase of 38 percent
when it came to countertops.

of panelists said they had not yet seen the
affects of the stimulus bill. However, 23 percent
expect the bill will increase their backlogs as
much as 5 percent in the next year.

The report also peeks briefy at the general
economy, which obviously is the main driver for
both nonresidential and residential construc-
tion. Predictors used by the report had gross
domestic product (GDP) decreasing 2.9 percent
overall for 2009, better than the previous 6+
percent decreases seen previously. Those
same predictors have GDP growing 1.8 percent
in 2010, although it admits this prediction is
somewhat optimistic and subject to several
variables including, to a large degree, con-
sumer spending.

Consumer spending is likely to be the key
to recovery, stated the release. However,
consumers wont spend while their confdence
is low, and they cant spend if they dont have
income from employment. Unfortunately, un-
employment continues to be a problem, with a
national rate of 9.4 percent in May, 2009.

Since the start of the recession back in De-
cember of 2007, the United States has lost six
million jobs and the unemployment rate has
fallen 4.5 percent. While job losses continue
to be widespread, the reports points out that
job losses in the construction sector seem to
have moderated. That said, construction has
lost more than one million jobs since its peak in
January, 2007. Other indicators, such as retail,
food service and gas station sales were also
continuing to decline, some at a more moderate
pace than others.

The economy may show some signs of improv-
ing, but it is just the beginning of the downfall
for nonresidential construction, stated the FMI
report. Nonresidential construction typically
lags the general economy by about 18 months.
Intense competition that has been bringing
down prices has been reported. This is good for
owners, but not so good for contractors.

The report also looked at the Conference
Boards Consumer Confdence Index, which
improved tremendously in April and posted an-
other large gain in May. The Index is at 54.9, up
from 40.8 in April. After two months of signif-
cant improvements, the Consumer Confdence
Index is now at its highest level in eight months
(61.4 in September 2008), said Lynn Franco,
Director of The Conference Board Consumer
Research Center, who goes on to point out
that there are signs the current conditions have
moderately improved, and the second quarter
will have less negative growth.

Looking ahead, consumers are considerably
less pessimistic than they were earlier this year,
and expectations are that business conditions,
the labor market and incomes will improve in
the coming months, Franco concluded. While
confdence is still weak by historical standards,
as far as consumers are concerned, the worst
is now behind us.
Remodeling and Home
Improvement
Back in May, Servicemagic.com released
its Home Remodeling and Repair Survey,
and while it is hard to say it is 100 percent
representative of the industry, it does provide
some insight.

In his letter introducing the survey, Craig Smith,
CEO, pointed out that while the housing market
was hard hit, service requests through the Web
site grew in 2008 and continue to grow in 2009.
Smith credits this growth to changing home
improvement choices, stating: We believe
homeowners now realize they may be in their
current residence longer. This means they are
addressing smaller, more affordable projects
that increase the live-in value. For example,
rather than undertake a major kitchen remodel,
homeowners are turning to low-cost/high-return
projects such as countertop replacements.

Beyond the statistical data shared in the
report, the company also includes information
from a survey of consumers and contractors
conducted in April, 2009, in which 517
homeowners and 375 service professionals
responded.

Overall, were seeing data trends and survey
results that indicate homeowners now see their
homes as lifestyle-enhancers and longer-
term investments more so than perhaps
they originally planned when they purchased
it, stated the report. They want to increase
the live-in value of their home for their own
enjoyment not just because they want
to increase their property value. They are
investing in their homes for themselves.
The Numbers
It is important to keep in mind, in reviewing
The survey portion of the report was broken into homeowner
and professional service segments, and the homeowner
section showed that people are starting to feel more hopeful
about the economy, with 64 percent saying they were more
likely to do a home remodeling project in 2009 vs. 2008. The
most popular rooms for remodeling were the kitchen and the
bathroom, but 68 percent said they would be spending $3,000
or less on these projects.

In the business survey, 82 percent of businesses reported
seeing decreases in revenue over the last 12 months,
most of which attributed that revenue loss to the faltering
economy. The most popular remodels reported, by far, were
in the kitchen at 41 percent and the bathroom at 31 percent,
although 49 percent reported that the average project was less
than $3,000.

While fewer customers and smaller projects were reported to
be behind the revenue losses suffered in 2008, 72 percent of
respondents said they are optimistic about their companys
performance. Finally, 76 percent anticipated a signifcant
increase in service requests will stabilize their businesses in
12 months or less.

Much like the economy of the past few months, the forecasts
presented in these two reports is something of a mixed bag.
Probably the best news for countertop fabricators is that both
studies seem to predict better times are fnally coming to the
residential section beginning in early 2010.
For more information or to obtain the reports from which this article was
derived, contact:

FMI Corporation, 5171 Glenwood Ave., Suite 200, Raleigh, N.C.,
27612, 919-785-9335, www.fminet.com.
Servicemagic.com,14023 Denver West Parkway, Building 64, Suite
200, Golden, CO 80401, 800-474-1596, www.servicemagic.com.
1
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Concrete Manufacturers...
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Stone Fabricators...
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Give Your Company The
Leading Edge.
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or call us at (877) 464-7732
Whether its adopting a new material to offer more to your customers, or
refreshing your staff on some of the best techniques and practices in the Solid
Surface segment of the industry, theres a reason for everyone to experience
Total Fabrication Training of Solid Surface Material.
TOTAL FABRICATION TRAINING
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P
Tricks for better results when working with PaperStone
PaperStone is an innovative
surfacing material that
is gaining ground in the
countertop industry. With the
increase in demand arise
questions on fabricating the
material. The following tips/
tricks are the result of MilGreen
Industries trial-and-error efforts
throughout the last two years of
fabricating the product.

The frst thing fabricators need to realize is that
PaperStone is different than most solid surface
materials. It is an extremely hard and dense
material that does not need extra support.
Structurally, it is as strong if not stronger
than stone, yet it can be cut and routed with
conventional woodworking tools. Carbide tipped
saw blades and solid carbide router bits are
a must when cutting it because the process
creates a tremendous amount of heat. The
speeds and feeds used during cutting may be
somewhat debatable, but cutting too fast can
result in chip-out and cutting it too slow can
burn the material. It is always a good idea to do
a test cut on a piece of scrap material.

When deciding on which type of end mill
to use with PaperStone, the safest route to
take is to always perform stress cuts with a
compression cutter. Because the material is
made of multiple layers of recycled paper, there
is always a chance for chip-out when cutting.
By using compression cutters, the chip-out is
minimized as much as possible. Depending on
the thickness of the material you are cutting,
utilizing step-cuts may produce the best results.
A fnal clean-up cut with a non-compression
cutter is also recommended for optimum fnish.
This will also reduce the amount of sanding that
is needed for the edges.

Sanding this material requires a little more
attention than most solid surfaces because it
tends to show swirl marks more. When sanding
edges, we use from 80 to 240 grit abrasives
in their correct sequence without skipping a
level. The top surface of PaperStone typically
only requires a light grit sanding (180 to 240
grit) followed by a non-woven prior to coatings.
Please note that sanding the top surface with a
very aggressive sand paper (less than 80 grit)
can result in opening up the layers of paper,
which will create a non-uniform, or mottled
appearance.

When seaming the material, it is always a good
idea to use mechanical fasteners of some sort.
Biscuits are frequently used, but mechanical
fasteners may be a safer method because
there are still discrepancies on which seaming
adhesive works best with the product. A basic
two-part epoxy used with mechanical fasteners
seems to work very well. Seaming clamps, such
as Gorilla Grips, are also highly recommended
when working with this product. Sanding the
excess adhesive off the top surface after
seaming is very diffcult and typically results in
a visually lighter area around the seam. A better
method for removing this excess is to wait until
it is slightly cured and peel it off by hand, and
then use Acetone to clean the remaining residue
completely off.
FABRICATING
PAPER BASED MATERIALS
By Mike Miller
Mounting PaperStone to cabinets can be
accomplished by either screws, adhesives or
a combination of both. Pre-drilling holes in the
underside of the countertops before inserting
the mounting screws is a must. There are
many different adhesives that work just fne for
attaching the tops to the cabinets. I recommend
using a combination of screws and adhesives
as it provides the best hold-down strength.

While it can take a little time to perfect your
skills with this material, following these basic
guidelines can help you produce better results,
and allow you to feel more comfortable and
confdent in working with projects that call for
PaperStone.
About the Author
Founded in 1945 by the father and son team of Ted
and Carl Miller, Milgreen Industries of Raymond,
Wash., started out producing machine parts. Today
the company specializes in fabricating PaperStone
environmentally-friendly surfacing products. Mike Miller
represents the fourth generation of the company. More
information is available at www.milgreenind.com; 800-
633-1569.
Cutting too fast with the wrong router bit can cause chip-out on the edge.
It is always a good idea to use mechanical fasteners
combined with a two-part epoxy when making a seam.
Using a compression cut-
ter minimizes the chances
for chip-out.
I
In spite of the troubling
economy, the world of quartz
surfacing continues to push
its boundaries. Not only are
the old standbys putting forth
new innovations, but several
companies have stepped into
the arena, some of which are
best known for their natural
stone offerings.
Sustainable products continues to be an area
of growth, and surfacing materials providers
are not ignorant of that fact. Several companies
have jumped onto the bandwagon and are
working to capitalize on the green scene.

DuPont has recently been awarded the coveted
Green Approved product seal for National
Green Building Certifcation from the National
Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research
Center for its Zodiaq product. The third-party
endorsement means that the product can now
be used by builders to earn points toward
certifcation to the National Green Building
Standard. Zodiaqs Terra Collection received
the Green Award because of its 25 percent post
consumer recycled content (making it eligible
for up to two points). In addition, all Zodiaq
colors have been approved for vertical cladding
applications, qualifying for up to four points.
Four new colors have also been added to the
Terra Collections palette Wintergreen, Flax,
Licorice and Coriander.

Cosentino, the largest producer of quartz
surfacing with 11 manufacturing lines, has also
been very busy working the green angle, and
has released a new line of material called ECO
(see Figure 1). The properties of the new line is
very similar to its popular Silestone brand, but
is composed of 75 percent recycled material.
Reportedly the result of a six million dollar
research and development investment, this new
product caters to the environmentally conscious.
It is available at all Lowes stores nationwide, as
well as specialty kitchen and bath distributors
and showrooms.

The launch of ECO by Cosentino is an exciting
milestone for the company, said Roberto
Contreras, Jr., President of Cosentino North
America. It marks the introduction of an
entirely new category to the industry and sets
a new standard that not only complies with
environmental regulations but goes beyond
and invests in innovative environmental and
conservation practices and technologies.

The post-industrial and post-consumer recycled
raw material that reportedly makes up 75
percent of the material includes: salvaged
mirrors; salvaged glass from windows and
bottles; granulated glass from consumer
recycling practices; porcelain from china, tiles,
sinks, toilets and decorative elements; and
industrial furnace residuals from factories in
the form of crystallized ashes. According to
Cosentino, approximately 3,000 glass bottles
equals 1 ton of raw materials. The production
of ECO is expected to re-use the equivalent of
60,000,000 glass bottles every year.

The recycled content is then mixed with 25
percent natural material including: stone scrap
from mountains, quarries, manufacturing and
fabrication; and is bonded together with a
proprietary eco-friendly corn oil based resin.
The material is available in two color palettes
the Revive collection and the Green collection
totaling 10 colors. It is also available in both a
polished and a matte Leather Texture fnish.

ECO comes in jumbo slabs of 63 by 128 in. and
standard tile sizes of 12 by 12 in., 18 by 18 in.
and 24 by 24 in. The jumbo slabs reportedly
allow for a higher square footage of material per
container, therefore minimizing the products
carbon footprint and provide a higher yield of
material during fabrication, minimizing seams
and waste. The slabs are available in 1.2cm,
2cm and 3cm thickness to respond to varying
market needs.

The material has achieved Cradle to Cradle
Silver Certifcation by the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC) and can contribute from fve
to nine credits in the LEED certifcation system.

New Colors, New Materials,
New Locations
A variety of new colors and materials beyond
those appealing to the environmentally
conscious are also coming onto the market.

QUARTZ SURFACING
MARCHES ON
Figure 2: Cosentino has lauched a line of semiprecious stone based material it is billing as Prexury.
Cosentino has released new innovative color
options in the form of the Silestone series. The
Platinum Series offers four distinctive metallic
color choices that integrate the performance of
quartz surfacing and the look of stainless steel.
Colors available in the Platinum Series are
Chrome, Zirconium, Carbono and Steel. The
company has also added three new colors to
its Silestone lineup: Magenta, Tao and Kenzo.
These additions bring the Silestone palette to
more than 65 colors.

Cosentino has also launched its Prexury
Collection, a new semi-precious stone surfacing
material (see Figure 2). This collection is
comprised of semi-precious stones, petrifed
woods and fossils handcrafted into a surfacing
material, for a lineup consisting of twelve exotic
colors.

The semi-precious materials are selected and
handcrafted into standard sized slabs of 109
by 58 in. that can be used in both vertical and
horizontal applications. Some of the colors are
translucent and may be back-lit to create unique
environments.

Samsung is another manufacturer that is has
grown its quartz offering, by adding six new
colors to its rebranded line of quartz surfacing
now known as Radianz. The quartz collection
now offers 20 high-gloss color options, including
its newest colors: Everest White, Cumberland
Flax, Amazon Twilight, Palau Java, Toba
Blackridge and Sechura Mocha (see Fig 3). The
surfacing material is reported to be comprised
of more than 93 percent mined quartz crystals.

The creation of the Radianz line allows us to
distinguish this unique product from our other
product lines, including Staron Solid Surfaces
and Staron Tempest, said Dale Mandell,
Samsung North America Sales Director. We
liked the Radianz name because it exudes
design that is brilliant, radiant and precious,
which is what people should expect in this
material. According to Mandell, the Radianz
collection will be manufactured in Samsung
Starons new, state-of-the-art facility in South
Korea.

And Hanwhas North American quartz surfacing
plant, which began construction in early 2008 in
Canada, was scheduled to be fnished in July.
The plant, which utilizes the latest generation
of the Breton system of manufacturing, should
allow Hanwha more capacity and quicker reach
to its North American distribution chain. The
quartz surfacing is available in more than 30
colors.

Caesarstone also launched at least eight new
colors, including two containing recycled glass
known as Smoky Ash and Chocolate Truffe.
Additionally it has added Black Rocks, Metallic
Black, Basalt Black, Buttermilk, Organic White
and Dusty Stones.
New Entrants
In addition to the well known brands mentioned
above, at least four new brands have come onto
the market in recent months, two of which are
offered by companies traditionally known for
their natural stone products.

The frst of these products is Quantra, offered by
Indias well known granite provider Pokarna. A
brand new and very large Breton manufacturing
complex has been established by the company
in India to produce the new material. The entire
production line is fully automated and uses
programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to help
ensure uniform thickness in slabs. The plant
also manufactures veined looking, granite
looking and forito engineered stone. Slabs
are sized at 55 by 120 in. standard, with fnished
thicknesses of 1.2, 2 and 3cm. The company
offers custom colors and a variety of fnishes,
such as polished, honed, sandblasted, antique,
brushed, velvet, egg and leather.

Another company that is known for its natural
stone offerings, MS International, has also
entered into the quartz surfacing scene with
its new Q product. Like its contemporaries it
boasts 93 percent quartz content and a 15-year
warranty. The products 17 color choices are
available through its 10 distribution centers
throughout the United States.

A third product entry is Pangea Quartz a new
line of engineered quartz stone manufactured
in a state-of-the-art facility in Vietnam, using
the patented Breton system (see Fig 4).
The facility has two manufacturing lines and
reportedly produces 5,000 sq. meters (about
1,200 slabs) of quartz surfacing daily. The
product comes standard in slabs of 118 by 55
in. and in thicknesses of 1.2, 2 and 3cm. More
than 50 colors are available and the company
is actively seeking importers and distributors
in the United States and Canada, with delivery
reportedly averaging two to four weeks from the
order date.

Worldwide Surfaces, distributors of Polystone
solid surface, have also introduced a line of
quartz surfacing to compliment its solid surface
offering. The quartz product is available in 16
colors, with more currently in development.

Its All About Choice
Quartz surfacing initially became popular
because it offered an alternative to traditional
granite countertops. With new innovations now
hitting the market quartz has expanded that
vision to include alternative choices to its own
product category. Its just one more indication
that when it comes to decorative surfacing
options, the customer reigns.
Figure 3: Samsung, with six new colors of its Radianz
quartz surfacing product, is among the many compa-
nies expanding their offerings or newly entering into
the quartz surfacing segment of the industry.
Figure 4: Pangea Quartz is one of many new products
that have entered the market in recent months.
Figure 1: A new trend in quartz surfacing is recycled
materials, such as in ECO by Cosentino.
About the Author: Dani Homrich is a long-time fabricator of solid surface and the owner of Dani Designs, a supplier of clamping and polishing supplies. For more information visit www.daniclamp.com, call 248-852-9248 or e-mail danidesigns@sbcglobal.net.
O
Oversize islands more than
59-in. wide and 88-in. long
can be a fabrication and
installation challenge. Here
are some suggestions on how
to make the job of seaming
these oversized tops a little less
problematic.
The frst question is how many deck seams?
On a 62 by 102 in. top you have two choices:
1) run seams across the 62-in. width, making
three seams and having extra issues with seam
blocks and supporting a 12-in. overhang, or 2)
making two seams down the middle. I prefer
doing two seams down the middle because you
only have one area to sand, making it much
easier to blend the two sheets together in the
TURNING SCRAPS
INTO CASH.
By Kevin Cole
Oversized Islands
Tips for Fabricating Long Deck Seams
in Solid Surface.
ByDani Homrich
About the Author: Dani Homrich is a long-time fabricator of
solid surface and the owner of Dani Designs, a supplier of
clamping and polishing supplies. For more information visit
www.daniclamp.com, call 248-852-9248 or e-mail
danidesigns@sbcglobal.net.
Figure 1
Figure 2
About the Author: Dani Homrich is a long-time fabricator of solid surface and the owner of Dani Designs, a supplier of clamping and polishing supplies. For more information visit www.daniclamp.com, call 248-852-9248 or e-mail danidesigns@sbcglobal.net.
feld. With more seams across the width you
have a much greater chance of adding dips
that will be very obvious in refected light, which
could lead to a possible customer call back.
This is one thing every fabricator wants to avoid.

When making two seams down the middle on
a 62-in. top, you need to add a 3-in. strip to the
edge of one sheet. I always do all of my shop
deck seams face down so I dont have to fip
the deck to do the edges. Long 3-in. strips can
be diffcult to clamp and keep fush to eliminate
extra sanding and time wasted.

I have come up with a method using a paste
waxed melamine board to solve the problem
(see Figure 1). This process is great because
on the deck surface the glue squeeze-out is fat
and it is very easy to sand keeping the surface
fat, unlike sanding out a bead of glue.

The next thought that comes to mind is
clamping a 104-in. seam on site keeping it fat
and not to create dips in the fnished job. I solve
this by using a tongue and groove method with
the seam blocks. I cut the seam blocks wide
enough to cover both deck seams. With seam
blocks on both decks all surface height and
alignment problems are solved (see Figure 2).

After I fnish gluing the edges, I fip the deck,
trim the edges and straight cut the deck seam
and edges. Then I bevel the under side of the
deck for any glue squeeze-out from the seam
blocks so I can glue on the seam blocks. I
always glue the seam blocks in the shop and
with the deck face up to keep any glue off the
fabricated deck seam (see Figure 3). It is
always wise to check for a perfect ft on the
deck seams before doing this process.

On site I always dry ft frst to make sure there
isnt anything to cause a bad bond line, then
I pull the decks apart leaving about -in. of
seam block under each deck before applying
adhesive. This makes it very easy to push the
two decks together (see Figure 4). I use metal
foil tape to catch any adhesive drips because
it doesnt bend from the adhesive weight like
other tape might.

In clamping the seam I always use Nylon glue
blocks for the clamps because they are very
easy to remove and are reusable (see Figure
5). All it takes is a little thinner and a pair of
channel lock pliers, and with a little twist they
pop right off. I also use lacquer thinner on the
blocks so the hot melt glue will peal off easily so
they can be reused.

The advantage in fabricating long deck seams
this way is it greatly reduces the amount of
sanding needed because the deck seam is
totally fat along its entire length; there are no
misaligned areas. And by reducing the amount
of sanding needed, you greatly reduce the risk
of creating a dip that will be seen in refected
light. All this combines to make the job more
proftable.
Figure 5
Figure 4
Figure 3
Whoever said concrete countertops (and beyond) are just dull and gray? ISFA
member Michael Bustin of meldUSA in Raleigh, N.C., gives us a taste of what
can be achieved when the material is put in the hands of some really top fight
designers. Although some projects have been fabricated and installed by others, all
the countertop materials shown in these pages were manufactured by meldUSA.
Bustin guides us through the portfolio in his own words:
photographer: Paul Hultberg
About meldUSA: meldUSA is a manufacturer of innovative concrete slabs for distribution to fabricators across the USA, as
well as 3-D architectural concrete surfaces and furniture. You may contact the company via its Web site at www.meldUSA.
com or by phone at 919-79-174
RainShine House
The RainShine House in
Decatur, Ga., designed by
Robert M. Cain Architect has
achieved, and exceeded,
the highest level of green
architecture possible through
the U.S. Green Building
Councils (USGBC) Leadership
in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) for Homes
Pilot Program, namely, LEED
Platinum.

One of the most important
credits given this home was for
extraordinary performance in
the selection of homeowner and
environment-friendly materials
from salvaged, locally-sourced,
recycled materials and those
with low or no volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). Each
material represents lower
energy investments, lower
contribution to off-gassing
and environmental pollution,
reduced energy investments in
shipping, enhanced durability,
etc. The RainShine House is
the frst LEED Platinum house
in the Southeast.
meldUSAs ecoX eco-sensitive
concrete material was used on
the countertops for this project.
The color was Natural with
Tri-blend 100 percent post-
consumer colored glass.
COSI
Cosi is an up-scale national restaurant chain with a sophisticated,
modern and warm atmosphere. Meld manufactured more than 700
table tops in various sizes along with eating counters for more than 30
restaurants nationwide. The counters were cast in extremeconcrete
in two colors and in both Monochrome and Terratone fnishes.
All tops were cast with embedded threaded anchors in them, which
allowed the table bases to attach easily to the table tops with simple
bolts thus eliminating the need for wood sub-tops.
Fabricator Profile - meldUSA
Vivo
Vivo is a high end restaurant in Raleigh, N.C. The Architect asked
for a custom color blend that would coordinate with three different
plaster colors being used in the space. The companys trademarked
extremeconcrete material in a Terratone fnish was selected for this
counter. The Terratone fnish is a hand pressed technique that uses
pigment flls and blends to create mottled color effects, from slight
variations in tone to stronger lines (resembling the look of marble
or flled travertine). Slightly imperfect, the Terratone fnish is tactile
to the touch and warm to the senses. The serpentine counter was
approximately 70 linear ft. long with a 2 3/4 in. integral bullnose front
edge return as well as an integral drink ledge. The counter juxtaposed
a lower back lit resin faade. The counter consisted of 14 sections and
14 custom molds. The project was completed in four weeks.
A Southern Season
The architect approached Meld with a picture in hand of a custom bar and asked
us if we could manufacture something with this complexity for a new gourmet
food retailer and restaurant in Chapel Hill, N.C. A Southern Season is a nationally
recognized award-winning retailer of gourmet gift baskets and samplers and
international gourmet foods. This custom bar top and bottom was constructed for
A Southern Seasons restaurant, Weathervane.

The bar top consists of 10 similarly sized multi-compound curved sections, which
creates a 30-ft. curved bar top. The mold was digitally designed in 3-D and cut
on a CNC machine. The components were cast from solid extremeconcrete. The
fnish was Monochrome and the color was Tripi. Each section weighed about
300 lbs. Each component contained two anchor bolts, which allowed the pieces
to be bolted to the structural steel support. Additionally there was a cast-in radius
keyway on the backside of each section and custom stainless steel keys were
used to tie each section together and strengthen the arc.
The bar bottom utilized a custom CNC-cut mold as well. Each section contained
an integral rolled foot rest. Material, color, fnish, construction and installation
were the same as the above.

This project was about as complex as they get. A total hit with the customer, the
project took about nine weeks to complete.
Oggi Girl
Oggi Girl is a fashionable teenage clothing boutique in Raleigh, N.C.
The architect wanted to create a monolithic counter with a unique
textural fnish that also contained an integral shoe ledge. Melds
extremeconcrete material was chosen for the project. The color was
Clay. The fnish was the companys signature Voidz fnish. The
Voidz fnish accentuates the more elemental nature of the material
with honey-combs and surface fssures contrasting with areas honed
smooth. A cash wrap and back wrap were also made for this project.
3
File Under: Beyond Countertops
Things are defnitely looking up at the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel in
Baltimore, Md. That is because more than 700 sheets of 3form resin panels were
used to decorate the ceilings of the hotels Grand and Junior Ballrooms. That is in
addition to a sky is falling effect of windblown-like 3form panels cascading over the
hotels two escalators, which feed into the main lobby.
Free Form
Fabricated and installed by Allegheny
Solid Surface Technologies (ASST), in
Hanover, Pa., the ceiling project is more
than three years in the making from design
concept through installation, and includes
thermoforming, copper inlays, fber optics that
glow with the beat of the music and some
fantastic structural engineering.

I was impressed with the complexity of
construction, especially of the light baskets
suspeneded from the ceiling the in the
Junior Ballroom, said 3form specifcation
representative, Allison Bierenbaum, who
helped coordinate the project with ASST
and the design frm of Daroff Design Inc. in
Philadelphia. The baskets were of differing
sizes. Some of them were made of eight,
4- by 8-ft. panels joined together in a basket
weave design. Those baskets were so large
they had to be fabricated in two sections in
order to get them in the building.

3form produces decorative resin panels
somewhat akin to solid surface, yet may
include patterns and textures sandwiched
into the panels for a decorative effect. The
company also produces solid color panels
ranging from perfectly clear to translucent
and opaque. All materials are made to order.

The escalator sculptures feature colorful
curvilinear panels foating above the
escalators leading to the hotels convention
spaces. The multi-textural sculptural
elements, which were thermoformed,
fabricated and installed by ASST, bring life
to these spaces and create an illuminated
feature that not only announces the area but
also are visible to the adjacent pedestrian
walkway.

ASST entered the project as a preferred
contractor specifed by the general
contractor, said Bierenbaum. They [the
contractor] felt like ASST was the only
company able to do such a large and
complicated project. They did a fantastic job.
For more information contact Allegheny Solid Sur-
face Technologies (www.asst.com) at 717-630-1251
or info@asst.com.
Here.
Now.
News.
Peace
of Mind.
ISFA Innovations in Design
Competition

For the frst time ever fabricators from all over
the world can strut their stuff using any kind of
surfacing material by competing in the ISFA
Innovations in Design competition to be hosted
at the upcoming International Countertop Expo
(ICE) at Mandalay Bay, February 8 to 10,
2010. The competition is open to all types of
decorative surfacing, and includes the following
categories:

Residential Kitchen
Residential Bath
Commercial/Institutional Application
Freestyle/Art
Artisan
Green Application
Onsite Vanity Fabrication

The Onsite Vanity Fabrication category is a new
wrinkle in the competition that pits fabricators
against each other to design and fabricate the
most innovative vanity top on the show foor
during exhibit hours. Entrants are provided
with a set of general specifcations, i.e., length,
width, bowl location, etc. and are encouraged
to use their creativity and craftsmanship in their
choice of material(s) to produce their most in-
novative design. At the end of the competition
all vanities will be donated to charity.
This is a chance for fabricators to show off their
craftsmanship and creativity to the rest of the
decorative surfacing industry, said Russ Lee,
executive director of ISFA . Its an opportunity
to be recognized among your peers for excep-
tional skills as a fabricator.
Category winners in the ISFA Innovations in
Design competition will receive a certifcate and
award to display at their place of business. Each
winner also receives a written press release
that can be used to promote their business as
a recognized leader in the industry for use in
their local media. They also receive editorial and
photo coverage in Countertops & Architectural
Surfaces magazine, as well as other selected
media. Entries will be judged by a panel of
industry experts.
This competition features the industrys best
in every way, said Sandy Milroy, ISFA director
of meetings & membership and show manager
of ICE. Fabricators are free to mix and match
materials and use the full extent of their imagi-
nation and craftsmanship to wow their peers the
world over.

Full details about the ISFA Innovations in
Design competition, including entry forms, rules
and deadlines, may be found at the ISFA Web
site (www.isfanow.org), or by calling the ISFA
offce at 877-464-7732.

ISFA e-Newsletter
In June the new and improved ISFA Update
was launched. This informational e-newsletter
is designed to be an ongoing and timely source
for pertinent news and information. The monthly
e-mail newsletter contains industry and product
news, information on upcoming events, the
latest happenings at ISFA, articles offering tips
and insight into fabrication, an interactive poll
and much more.

For more information, or to subscribe to the
ISFA Update, go to www.ISFAnow.org/isfaup-
date.

ISFA Certifcation
The association has launched its pilot ISFA
Certifed Professional program, and is currently
seeking member companies wanting to be the
frst to differentiate themselves in the market-
place via the program. Using an ISFA Certifed
Professional is an end-users assurance of a job
well done and ISFA certifcation is a powerful
marketing tool.
Objective: To establish the ISFA Certifed
Professional mark as the assurance of a job
well done, thereby providing peace of mind to
end-users, contractors, dealers and specifers
that an ISFA Certifed Professional will perform
up to expectations.

Scope: ISFA Certifcation addresses a mem-
bers ability to perform based on the principles
embodied in the ISFA Code of Ethics. It does
not cover technical knowledge, fabrication ex-
pertise or material performance characteristics.

The ISFA Code of Ethics
Each fabricator member of the International Sur-
face Fabricators Association (ISFA) agrees to
observe high standards of honesty, integrity and
responsibility in the conduct of their business.
By adhering to the highest quality stan- 1.
dards of fabrication and installation.
By writing contracts and warranties that 2.
are clear, honest and fair to all parties
involved.
By honoring all contractual obligations in a 3.
reasonably prompt manner.
By quickly acting on and attempting to re- 4.
solve all customer complaints. In situations
where complaints appear unreasonable
and persistent, by encouraging the cus-
tomer to initiate and approach third-party
dispute settlement mechanisms.
By being fscally responsible and honoring 5.
all legitimate fnancial obligations.
By maintaining all required licenses and 6.
insurances.

Methodology
ISFA Certifcation is voluntary, yet highly encour-
aged of all ISFA fabricator members. To qualify
for certifcation a candidate must:
Be an ISFA member in good standing. 1.
Demonstrate adherence to the ISFA Code 2.
of Ethics by submitting to an ISFA Certif-
cation Audit.
Have in place a clear and precise written 3.
guideline for resolving customer complaint
issues.
If a complaint is registered, the company 4.
will act in good faith to resolve the com-
plaint in a timely fashion.
Submit to a yearly ISFA Re-Certifcation 5.
Audit.
Use and display the ISFA Certifed Profes- 6.
sional mark according to ISFA defned Use
and Display guidelines.

The ISFA Certifcation Audit:
Submit three letters of recommendation 1.
each from (where applicable):
a. Residential end-users.
b. Wholesale contractors or kitchen/
bath dealers.
c. Commercial specifers and/or
contractors.
Submit examples of contracts and warran- 2.
ties used by the fabrication company in its
normal course of business activities.
Submit detailed company protocol for 3.
responding to customer issues and com-
plaints, including minimum elapsed time
standards once an issue has been lodged
by the customer.
Submit copies of business license, con- 4.
tractors license (where required) and other
applicable licenses.
Submit proof of liability insurance in the 5.
amount of at least $1,000,000. Submit
proof of Workmans Compensation insur-
ance.
Submit the signed and notarized ISFA 6.
Certifed Professional Pledge.

ISFAnow.org Is Working For
You

ISFA Recently launched the Find A Countertop
Pro function on the ISFA Web site at www.
isfanow.org. This function allows visitors to the
site to locate an ISFA fabricator in their area.
Consumers and specifers can fnd company
name, street address, phone number, Web site
address and e-mail address for anyone in the
searched for zip code. The results have been
great. In the frst 2 weeks since the launch, ISFA
fabricators received more than 200 views of
their information.

Tap into the Green
Movement
With an ISFA Town Hall Meeting.
Friday, October 16, 2009 St. Petersburg, Fla.
RSVP Today. Its Going to be an
Awesome Event. Visit
ISFANow.org/green for more info.
If you are interested in tapping into the Green
Movement as a countertop fabricator but dont
know exactly where to begin, ISFA has the
perfect event for you. We have packed an entire
day in October full of all things Green, including
a shop tour, lectures by members of the U.S.
Green Building Council, guided tours of LEED
certifed homes and the states frst
Zero-Energy bank.

Event Details
When - Friday, October 16, 2009
Where - Tours and lectures begin at Refresh
Interiors, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Event Activities
Shop tour of Refresh Interiors
Discussions led by Josh Bomstein, president of the Florida Gulf
Coast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and Gene Mc-
Donald of Refresh Interiors. Discussion topics center on whats on
the horizon in Green Design for countertop professionals, and how
to work with architects and contractors to become involved in this
rapidly growing and proftable segment of the market.
Tour a Gold LEED Certifed home featuring bamboo cabinets and
Paperstone and Avonite countertops.
Tour Magnify Bank, Floridas frst Zero-Energy building that features
Paperstone wall cladding and countertops and also includes Shetka-
stone, Lumistone, Vetrazzo and Bamboo Plywood. Magnify Banks
CEO, John Santarpia, will be on hand to discuss the philosophy
behind sustainable design. (see a video:
http://www.gogreenpolkcounty.com)
Tour the Terra Verde project featured on Greenovation TV. Members
of the Florida Green Building Coalition will be on hand to provide
details on the project, which will use Vetrazzo countertops. (more
info: http://terraverdetv.com)
Drinks and dinner at a local restaurant with fabricators, general con-
tractors and design professionals in an informal setting.
ICE 2010
Excitement Is
Building

In recent weeks I have
noticed a defnite change in
the tone of conversations
Ive had with people in the
industry regarding the new
look and direction of ISFA.
There is now a defnite buzz
about what ISFA is doing
to improve the lives of countertop fabricators
everywhere.

Of all the great things going on with your trade
association, the excitement and momentum
surrounding the International Countertop Expo
(ICE) is the most intense. People get it that
this show is all about countertops (and beyond)
and the people who work with them. Its about
the latest and greatest materials. Its about
meeting, greeting, learning and sharing with
other like-minded folks from all over the world.
Its about innovation. Its about a sense of
belonging to a unifed industry that is fashion-
driven and dynamic. Its about doing all the
great things that help build your business that
you simply CANT do on the Internet.

This is THE EXPO for the entire countertop
industry. In addition to conventional surfacing
options like solid surface, quartz and natural
stone, expect to see products such as concrete,
glass, paper-based, recycled, ceramics, wood
and many others. For anyone looking to expand
their product offerings, or just to be brought up
to date on the latest materials, this is the perfect
chance to see everything at one time, under
one roof.

Demonstrations on the show foor include
fabrication of vanities as a part of the ISFA Inno-
vations in Design Competition. The tops will be
fabricated from template through fnal inspection
from all types of different materials. Expect to
see different tools and techniques employed
during fabrication. All vanities will be donated to
charity at the end of the show.

Conferences and seminars are geared to the
needs of countertop fabricators. Categories
include Countertop Fabrication Practices &
Techniques, Business/Marketing, Product
Knowledge and Sustainable or Green Materi-
als & Practices. Sessions on new and emerg-
ing products will also be offered.

Feb. 7 is Super Bowl Sunday and there is no
better place to be than Las Vegas for the big
game. Because it is one of Vegas biggest
weekends, hotel rooms are expensive and hard
to come by. But, not if you take advantage of
the ISFA/ACMA room block at Mandalay Bay.
We have negotiated an extremely reasonable
rate that is guaranteed for ISFA members. But
you have to act fast we have limited rooms set
aside and they will go quickly. Once in Vegas
be sure to celebrate the big game at the ISFA
Football Party Sunday afternoon and evening at
Mandalay Bay.

Design Contest on steroids. The ISFA Innova-
tions in Design competition is the most compre-
hensive design contest this industry has ever
seen. Categories include all types of decorative
surfacing and application environments.

ICE embodies the spirit and mission we all want
and expect to come from the countertop indus-
try trade show. Its about countertop fabricators
and the people and companies who support
them. Its about the growth and proftability of
our industry. In a word, its about you.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Feb. 8 to
10, 2010, and be at the Mandalay Bay Resort
& Casino in Las Vegas. ISFA has partnered
with the American Composites Manufactur-
ing Association (ACMA), which will host its
own separate Expo that runs concurrently
with ICE, to bring you the best value for
the least money spent. Be sure to take ad-
vantage of the ACMA/ISFA room block at
Mandalay Bay for great deals on lodging
while you are in Las Vegas.
From the desk of Sandy Milroy, Director of Membership Services,
Trade Shows and Events for ISFA.
Expo Update
Continued on page 56
Absara industrial S. L.
Accent Surfaces, LLC
Accent Tile
Aetna Plywood, Inc.
Alaska Stone & Precast Inc
Atlanta Kitchen, Inc.
Atlantic Plywood Corp.
Ball Consulting, LTD.
Bertke Countertops
Blasius, Inc.
Braun Ind., Inc.
Brian Cramer Co
Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products
Cabinet & Countertop Designs
Carpenters International Training Fund
Chemcore Industries, Inc.
Chemical Concepts, Inc.
Classic Counter Tops
Classic Stone Works, Inc.
Coast Cabinets
Coni-Marble Mfg., Inc.
Cosentino USA
Countertops by Topsecret
CREA Diffusion
Creative Surfaces
Custom Countertop Inc.
Dakotaland Woodwork & Cabinets, LLC
Dan Solid Surfaces
Deans Solid Surfacing
Distinctive Surfaces of Florida, Inc.
Distinguished Stone & Solid Surfacing
Dolan & Traynor, Inc.
Emagine Concepts
ETemplate Systems, Div. Of Tri-Tech Solutions,
Inc.
Fein Power Tools, Inc.
Fine Line Pacifc, Inc.
Fischer Tile & Marble
Five Star Fab & Fixture
Floor To Ceiling Store
Formatop Company
F-W-S Solid Surface Specialist, Inc.
Grifform Innovations, Inc.
Hard Surface Fabrications, Inc./Kormax
Hawaii Kitchen & Bath, Inc
Hodges and Sons
Honolulu Tile & Marble, Inc.
Hunter Millworks, Inc.
Innovative Surfaces Ltd.
IPS/Weld-On Structural Adhesive Division
Jacks Custom Woodworking/JCW Countertop
Lenova
Lytle Construction
Marbelite Corporation
Marble Masters of Texas, Inc.
Martins Counter Tops, Inc.
Marvic Corp.
McClain Surfaces
Meld USA, Inc.
Michiana Laminated Products, Inc
Mirka Abrasives, Inc.
Modern Home Distributing
Moraware, Inc.
NBC Solid Surfaces, Inc.
New England Counter Top
Nippon Electric Glass America
Northwest Fabricators, Inc.
OBRE Fabrications Ltd.
Paragon Granite & Marble
Thank You.
To more than 100 companies that are
new members or have recently
renewed their membership with ISFA.
Pence Countertops, Inc.
Pierce Laminated Products, Inc.
Precision Woodworking
Pristine Countertop Distributors
Quality Encounters, Inc.
Quality Surfaces, Inc.
Quartz Concepts
Quartz Concepts, Inc.
R. J. Marshall Company
RB Interior Trim
Redding Countertops
Respond S. A. L.
Rojo Enterprises, LLC
Rosskopf & Partner AG
Scantibodies
Schechner Lifson Corp.
Shads Custom Countertops, Inc.
Smokey Mountain Tops, Inc.
Solid Surface Creations, Inc.
SolidTops, LLC
Sterling-Miller Designs Inc.
Steven Caldwell
Stone Care International, Inc.
Stringer Construction
Sulzer Mixpac USA
Superior Solid Surface
Surface Crafters
Surface Fabrication Magazine
Surface Products
Surfaces Unlimited, Inc.
Talquin Fabrications, Inc.
TFI Corporation
The Countertop Factory
The Pinske Edge
Tiffany Decor Co., Ltd.
Top Master, Inc.
Top of the Line Fabricators, Inc.
Tops By Dieter
Tower Industries
Triad Counter Corporation
Troyers Custom Cabinetry
TWD Surfaces
Utah Valley University

Sid MacKay
President
Creative Surface Solutions
2855 Coleman Street Las Vegas, NV 89032
Phone: 702-365-6444 Fax: 702-365-6798
Email: sid@creativesurface.com
www.creativesurfaces.com
Evan Kruger
Vice President
Solid Tops, LLC
505 South Street Easton, MD 21601
Phone: 410-819-0770 Fax: 410-819-0783
Email: evank@solidtops.com
www.solidtops.com
Hunter Adams
Secretary
TRINDCO
1004 Obici Industrial Blvd. Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone: 757-539-0262 Fax: 757-539-8921
Email: hunteradams@trindco.com
www.trindco.com
Ted Sherritt
Treasurer
FloForm Countertops
125 Hamelin Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T3Z1
Phone: 204-474-2334 Fax: 204-475-9295
Email: tsherritt@foform.com
www.foform.com
Joe Hoffman
Assistant Treasurer
Hoffman Fixtures Company
9421 E 54th St Tulsa, OK 74145
Phone: 918-627-3055 Fax: 918-627-3560
Email: joehoffman@hfccountertops.com
www.hfccountertops.com
Michael Job
Director
Quality Surfaces, Inc.
2087 Franklin Road Spencer, IN 47460
Phone: 812-876-5838 Fax: 812-876-5842
Email: mikej@qualitysurfaces.com
www.qualitysurfaces.com
Kurt Bonk
I.T. Offcer
Cabinets2Countertops
7142 Frank Avenue NW N. Canton, OH 44720
Phone: 330-244-0221 Fax: 330-266-7635
Email: CCBONKCO@aol.com

Todd Werstler
Immediate Past President
Tower Industries
P.O. Box 647 Massillon, OH 44648
Phone: 330-837-2216 Fax: 330-837-2642
Email: twerstler@towersurfaces.com
www.towersurfaces.com

Russ Lee
Executive Director of ISFA
910 West State Street Unit 1 Lehi, UT 84043
Phone: 702-567-8150 Fax: 702-567-8145
Email: russ@issfa.org
www.issfa.org

Mike Nolan
Director
Windbound Co.
113 Craftsman Drive Morganton, NC 28655
Phone: 828-438-0892 Fax: 828-438-0893
Email: windboundco@bellsouth.net
www.windboundhomes.com
Mike Langenderfer
Director
The Countertop Shop Ltd
10406 Geiser Road Holland, OH 43528
Phone: 419-868-9101 Fax: 419-868-9104
Email: mike@countertopshop.net
www.countertopshop.net

Martin Funck
Director
Rosskopf & Partner AG
Bahnhofstrabe 16 D 09573 Augustusburg -
Hennersdorf
Germany
Phone: 493-729-12524 Email: martin.funck
@rosskopf-partner.com
www.rosskopf-partner.com
Dave Paxton
Director
Paxton Countertops
P. O. Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Phone: 517-719-0146
Email: paxtoncountertops
@yahoo.com

Mike Cook
Director
Concrete Approaches
2246 Vantage St. Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 406-544-5150 Fax: 214-637-1529
Email: mcook@concreteapproaches.com
www.concreteapproaches.com

Harry Hollander
Associate Member Representative
Moraware
3020 Zeus Way Reno, NV 89512
Phone: 650-242-4272 Fax: 309-414-1013
Email: harry@moraware.com
www.moraware.com

Bryan Stannard
Associate Member Representative
ITW Plexus
30 Endicott Street Danvers, MA 01923
Phone: 210-389-2917 Fax: 978-774-0516
Email: bstannard@itwplexus.com
www.itwplexus.com

ISFA Legal Counsel

William Barton, Esq.
ISSFA Legal Counsel
Barton, Baker, McMahon & Tolle, LLP
1320 Old Chain Bride Road, #440 McLean, VA
22101
Phone: 703-448-1810 Fax: 703-448-3336
Email: wbbarton@aol.com
ISFA Staff

Russ Lee
Executive Director
Email: russ@isfanow.org
Offce: (877) 464-7732 ext. 12
Direct: (801) 735-7606

Joseph Winters
Creative Director & Web Services
Email: joe@isfanow.org
Offce: (877) 464-7732 ext. 11
Direct: (702) 468-2639

Kevin Cole
Communications Director
Email: kevin@isfanow.org
Offce: (877) 464-7732 ext. 13
Direct: (815) 721-1507
Sandy Milroy
Meeting & Membership Director
Email: sandy@isfanow.org
Offce: (877) 464-7732
Direct: (702) 240-1660

Margaret Pettingill
Administrative Assistant & Registrar
Email: meg@isfanow.org
Offce: (877) 464-7732 Ext. 10

Main Offce
Toll Free: (877) 464-7732
Direct: (801) 341-7360
Fax: (801) 341-7361
Email: info@isfanow.org
Web: www.ISFANow.org
ISFA Board of Directors & Staf
Not an ISFA member, but want your hands on the ONLY trade
magazine for the surfacing industry?

Then weve got you covered. Simply fll out the form below, fax it or
mail it in and thats it! Your subscription automatically starts the next
time an issue is mailed out. Whats even better is that if you subscribe,
you save half off the cover price!
Name: Title:
Company:
Address:
City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code:
Country:
Phone: Fax:
E-mail:
Pricing Information: 1 Year (4 issues) - $30.00 2 Years (8 issues) - $55.00

Remember that ISFA Members get a free subscription with membership along with dozens of other benefts! To become a member, look for the New
Member form in this magazine.
Credit Card Number: Credit Card Type:
Exp. Date: Amount To Be Billed: Signature:
Order online at www.ISFANow.org or fax this form back to ISFA at (801) 341-7361 or by mail: P.O. Box 179, Lehi, UT 84043
To order by phone call us at (877) 464-7732 or fax this form to (801) 341-7361
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Subscribe Today.
TIME HAS RUN OUT.
The time to act is now. Well make it easy for you to subscribe. Sign up for a FULL YEAR of
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces for the LOW PRICE of $30 (thats half off the cover price) and
well throw in the ISFA Surface Sales System Webinar (worth $69.95) download for FREE! Thats
ONE FULL YEAR of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces AND the ISFA Surface Sales System
Webinar for only $30.
ISFA Member Bonus: Sign up now to become an ISFA member and get all the benefts of
membership, PLUS Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine free.
(And So Have Your Free Issues)
Not to worry. You can continue receiving Countertops & Architectural
Surfaces when you subscribe.
Supplier Profle
Domain Industries, Inc.
Its all about the fabricator at least that is the
way the folks at Domain Industries look at it.
More specifcally, its about providing excep-
tional service and affordable pricing for small
to mid-size fabricators all across the country.
Considering the roots of the Austin, Texas,
distributor of solid surface products, sinks and
accessories, it only makes sense.

We come from a fabrication background, said
Glenn Synnott, president of Domain Industries.
We know the problems fabricators face every
day because we have been there. We try very
hard to look at things from the perspective of a
fabricator.

In the beginning, working on the front lines in
their small fabrication business, Synnott and
his son, James, saw a need in the marketplace
that was not being addressed by the traditional
distribution network for solid surface materials.
As small fabricators we were not getting all the
products we needed through some distributors,
explained James. Small fabricators couldnt
buy material as well as a large fabricator, which
put them at a competitive disadvantage. They
didnt have buying power.

The solution: provide small to mid-size fabrica-
tors with quality solid surface products at a bet-
ter price. Then create a method for getting that
product to their doorstep in two to three days,
instead of two to three weeks.

So the Synnotts left fabrication and got into
distribution. For them, it was a move that made
fscal and emotional sense.

We are kind of like pioneers in the industry. We
take care of all the logistics and the other things
people dont like that are associated with ship-
ping, said Glenn. If something gets damaged,
we take care of all the paperwork. If somebody
calls about a damaged order, we ask if the truck
is still there. If it is we tell them to load it on the
truck and ship it back. That same day we send
out a replacement. The end result is the fabrica-
tor gets the materials he needs to fnish the job
and we take care of the details.

Domain offers the Affnity line of acrylic solid
surface sheets, as well as the full complement
of acrylic, copper, stone, composite, stainless
steel and porcelain sinks. The company also
provides supplies and accessories needed to
run a full-service fabrication shop. Whatever
the fabricator needs, we have it, said James.

Of particular interest to solid surface fabricators
is the companys Engineered Acrylic product
that has the appearance of an engineered
stone material, yet is 100 percent solid surface.
When we saw the e-stone segment coming into
the market we came up with a product that had
the look of engineered stone, but was made of
acrylic, explained James. It really looks like
e-stone. We put it in our booth at trade shows
with a high-gloss fnish and people cant tell the
difference.

The Synnotts credit their success as distributors
to a culture of really listening to their fabricator
customers, identifying the needs they have and
then fulflling those needs cost effectively. It
generally starts with a sales call, said Glenn.
In almost every one of these talks we fnd
areas where there is a real opportunity to serve
the market. Then we fnd ways to provide solu-
tions.

In their quest to reach and serve the fabricator,
the folks at Domain have found a helpful partner
in their industry trade association. We have
been members of ISFA from our beginning,
said Glenn, and we are proud to support it
through our participation in association events.
Like Domain, ISFA is all about the fabricator. Its
a good partnership.

For more information on Domain Industries, call 866-
385-7775 or visit www.domainindustries.com.
In almost every one of these talks we fnd
areas where there is a real opportunity
to serve the market. Then we fnd ways to
provide solutions.
Domain Industries Staff from left to right: Jared Matthews - Customer Development Manager, Matt De
Steffen - Business Development Manager, James Synnott - Product Development Manager, Glenn
Synnott - President.
Colonial Saw Offers New
Programmable Stop Option for
Streibig Panel Saws

Colonial Saw Company, North Americas im-
porter of Striebig Vertical Panel Saws, offers a
new programmable stop option available for the
Swiss-made vertical panel saws. According to
the company, benefts of the new programmable
stop include increased productivity and digitally
accurate and repeatable cuts; the ability for
users to send the stop to a position entered on
the touch screen color monitor or to a previously
saved dimension; and the option to open a cut
list at the saw via the fabrication companys
network or portable USB drive. The customized
programmable stop system can be retroftted
onto existing Striebig saws, is manufactured in
the United States and is available exclusively
through Colonial Saw. Circle Reader Service # 10
on the Reader Service Page (pg. 35) or go to www.
ISFAnow.org/info
The Pinske Edge Offers
Squaring Press

In response to request from cabinetry
manufacturers, The Pinske Edge now offers
a Squaring Press, designed to put a square
chisel cut in the corners of cabinet doors
quickly and easily, reports the company. The
process reportedly takes 10 to 15 seconds
for all four door corners. Each corner can
be square-cut by setting the door over the
adjustable stop and activating the cylinder.
By stepping on a pneumatic foot control,
the chisel lowers. The chisel features a
3/8-in. square hardened steel cutting
blade specially designed to cut
hardwoods. The frame footprint is 36 by
26 inches. Pneumatically driven, the only
necessary hookup is air supply. Circle Reader
Service # 11 on the Reader Service Page (pg. 35) or
go to www.ISFAnow.org/info
Moraware Releases
Upgrade

Moraware JobTracker version 3.0 is now
available and offers new ways to view and flter
schedules to focus on specifc problems or
missing information. This update also gives
users access to the new Moraware mapping
service. Users of all JobTracker editions will
beneft from new types of flters on text and
number felds, and new ways to flter for values
or activities that dont exist. Standard and
Enterprise customers currently on a
maintenance plan will have access to the new
mapping service, which allows them to view a
map of all activities scheduled for a day, so they
can double-check that their feld crews are
being used optimally. There may be additional
fees for this service in the future. In addition to
new flters and maps in v3.0, every update
contains a variety of improvements and new
features based on customer suggestions. The
full release notes are available on the
companys Web site at http://www.moraware.
com/help.Circle Reader Service # 12 on the Reader
Service Page (pg. 35) or go to www.ISFAnow.org/info

Domain Expands Pure Ceramic
Porcelain Sinks

The Pure line of porcelain ceramic sinks from
Domain Industries has been expanded to
include more than 20 new vessel-mount and
drop-in models. Three new Pure bathroom
pedestal sinks with contemporary styling have
been added to round out the product line. The
line complements the range of kitchen & bath
products including stainless steel sinks,
composite-quartz, porcelain, copper sinks and
Product News
P
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d
u
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t

N
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w
s
fabrication tools and accessories. Circle Reader

ITW Plexus Introduces Clip and
Rod Bonder

ITW Plexus, manufacturer of Plexus Surfacing
Adhesives, now offers Plexus Clip and Rod
Bonder, a two-part methacrylate adhesive
designed specifcally for bonding of undermount
sink and dishwasher clips. It is also well suited
for rod reinforcement of natural stone. The
adhesive exhibits an exceptional ability to bond
engineered stone, solid surface, metals, plastics
and composites, reports the company.
Combined at a 1:1 ratio, it has a working time of
6 minutes and achieves rapid fxture within 13
minutes at room temperature. The adhesive
offers a combination of high strength and
stiffness, as well as a unique ability to bond in
wet environments often found in stone
fabrication facilities. Plexus Clip and Rod
Bonder is supplied in standard sized Caulk
Tubes packaged with two static mixers, side by
side 50ml cartridges and a unique 25ml hand
mix cartridge suited for job site bonding.Circle
Reader Service # 14 on the Reader Service Page (pg.
35) or go to www.ISFAnow.org/info

Apollo Sinks Offers
Thermoformed, 100 Percent
Acrylic Sinks

Apollo Sinks offers thermoformed, 100 percent
acrylic seams that can be hard seamed to
laminate for a seamless look, as well as
undermounted to solid surface or seamed to
granite. The acrylic is poured between two
sheets of glass producing a 5mm sheet of
acrylic, then vacuumed formed, making them
easy to clean and maintain. Being only 5mm
thick, this type of sink doesnt have thermo
shock problems when pouring boiling hot water
into the sink, reports the manufacturer. They
come in 17 styles in white or bisque color. The
also feature extra deep bowls that go virtually
straight down for a large working area, and
approximately a 3/4in. mounting rim to line up
with the partial broad, reinforced drain area.
They have a satin, sand-blasted fnish to assure
soft look and feel through out the sink, a
relatively fat mounting surface cut with a CNC
machine, hand laid fberglass backer to avoid
any air bubbles and are competitively priced,
according to the company. Circle Reader Service #
15 on the Reader Service Page (pg. 35) or go to www.
ISFAnow.org/info

Federal Saw Carries New
Amana A.G.E. Blades

Federal Saw and Tool now carries the Amana
A.G.E. Series saw blades for cabinet shops.
Manufactured in Germany, the blades are laser
cut from virgin steel, then fattened, ground,
tensioned and tipped with large, European-style
carbide tips for smooth, accurate cutting, reports
the manufacturer. The blades are reportedly
suitable for use with FESTOOL equipment.
Circle Reader Service # 16 on the Reader Service
Page (pg. 35) or go to www.ISFAnow.org/info

Meld Offers Eco-Sensitive
Concrete Material

Meld USA offers the ecoX and Xposed brands
of eco-sensitive concrete material. EcoX uses
post-consumer and post-industrial recycled
materials, and showcases a unique balance of
bold aesthetics, refnement and the preservation
of the naturalness of concrete. Xposed is a
sustainable concrete material made from natural
minerals, organic fbers and post-industrial
recycled materials. Derived from the companys
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award winning extremeconcrete material,
Xposed retains the verve of concrete while
offering an alluring surface texture and more
natural aesthetic. Meld has engaged in a
distribution partnership to market and supply
ecoX and Xposed slabs to countertop
fabrication shops throughout the country. Circle

CAULK-EZ Provides Caulk
Release Agent

CAULK-EZ offers the CAULK-EZ brand of caulk
tooling aid that enables users to achieve a
perfect bead of caulk in a fraction of the time
without the mess, reports the company. Simply
apply a thin bead of caulk, spray on CAULK-EZ
holding the nozzle 4 to 6 in. from the surface
and wipe the caulk bead smooth applying light
pressure. The agent is formulated for all kinds of
caulks and prevents excess caulk from sticking
to fngers or adjacent surfaces, according to the
company. It wont stain even painted surfaces
and when dry the adjacent surfaces can be
painted. It is non-fammable and odorless and
one can covers up to 400 ft. of caulk. Circle

Lansen Launches Seamless
Stainless Sinks for Stone,
Laminate and Solid Surface

Lansen Sinks has launched its new Edge series
of patented stainless steel sinks that reportedly
allow for complete seamless integration in solid
surface, stone and laminate. The new sinks
have a unique resin rim in place of the
traditional stainless steel rim found on other
undermount stainless steel sinks. This resin rim
allows for complete seamless integration in solid
surface, stone and laminate. With four designs
and more in the works, these stylish sinks are
made from 18-gauge, type 304 steel. The resin
rim is 1-1/4-in. wide and made from a specially
formulated resin matrix. The rim is milled
completely fat with no radiused transition from
the horizontal rim to the vertical bowl wall. Circle
Fishstone Concrete Countertop
Supply Introduces Plasticizer

Fishstone Concrete Countertop Supply has
introduced the new Optimum 380 Premier
Superplasticizer for concrete countertop
manufacture. The plasticizer is a modifed poly-
carboxilate high range water reducing admixture
formulated to deliver high spread rates with self
placing properties. It reportedly delivers higher
early strength, improved workability and surface
densifcation with lower dosage rates. Water to
cement ratios can be reduced by as much as 25
to 30 percent. It is available in 1-quart, 1-gallon,
5-gallon and 55-gallon sizes. Dosage rating is
3 to 5 oz. per 100lbs. of cement material. Circle
Omni Cubed Offers Seam Setter

The Automatic Seam Setter VC2 by Omni
Cubed joins seams, levels seams and stabilizes
backsplashes. A powerful, yet compact, vacuum
pump reportedly maintains pressure for all
cups and operates on AC Power or a single 9V
battery (for installations where electricity is not
available). The working area is easily accessible
with the units in place, so removal is not needed
in order to apply epoxy or scrape the seam, re-
ports the manufacturer. The seam levelers slide
in tracks for custom placement on both sides
of the seam, and feature non-spinning feet with
replaceable vinyl caps to prevent scratching of
surfaces. The tightening handles are anodized
machined billet aluminum, and the 6-in. cups
are suitable for handling heavy counter tops.
Also available is the Multi-Seam Expansion Kit
that includes two additional VC2 seam setters
with storage case, and an accessory coil tube
adapter. The expansion kit enables installers
to simultaneously join and level two seams (up
to 14 ft. apart with use of the coil tube and only
one vacuum pump). Installers can also chain
link up to four seam setters together for larger
seams (i.e. longer island seams). All Omni
Cubed products are engineered, manufactured
and assembled in the United States and are
covered by a one-year manufacturers limited
warranty. Circle Reader Service # 21 on the Reader
Service Page (pg. 35) or go to www.ISFAnow.org/info
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Dani Designs Launches New
Line of Sanding Pad for Radii

Dani Designs is now offering a new high quality
round foam hand pad with hook for 5- and 6- in.
hook & loop sandpaper. The pad is suitable for
radius areas that require touchup by hand. It
reportedly provides excellent material contact
and greatly improves the speed and
performance of the sanding procedure, saving
time and money. Circle Reader Service # 22 on the
Reader Service Page (pg. 35) or go to www.ISFAnow.
org/info

Crystallyne Upgrades Software

Crystallyne has released version 3.6 of
QuickQuote, its countertop estimating and
drawing software. QuickQuote offers fabricators
and kitchen designers a simple, intuitive
interface with automatically generated drawings,
fexible pricing methods and professional
looking printouts, reports the company. The
release contains new features to help users cut
costs and increase the quality and speed of
their services. These features include quote and
drawing information transfer to the Moraware
Job Tracker system for scheduling; a
multi-quote option that provides users the ability
to instantly generate a quote in all price levels/
color groups for a given product and print it out
for their customers; and a slab-use estimation
that generates a breakdown of each parts
square footage and utilizes a user-defned slab
size to calculate the minimum amount of slabs
required for that job. And, the company now
offers a two-payment purchasing plan for both
multi- and single-user versions of the software.
Circle Reader Service # 23 on the Reader Service
Page (pg. 35) or go to www.ISFAnow.org/info
Everlife Adds New Color

Appealing to various preferences in todays
countertop design options, Everlife by
Innovative Stone introduced a new color
Peach Red to its natural stone countertop
collection. The new color is a part of Everlifes
Vitality collection, comprised of a global
collection of designer-selected granite, marble,
quartzite and soapstone colors. All Everlife
countertops are reportedly stain resistant and
protected by the companys PermaShield
technology. The countertops do not require
sealing, according to the company. The new
offering comes from China and comes with a
15-year stain-resistant warranty. Circle Reader
Swan Introduces New Green
Colors

Four new colors contribute to LEED credits for
recycled content and rapidly renewable materi-
als. Swanstone kitchen and bath products
will soon be available in new green colors
offered in a variety of shades. The colors have
earned the green label because they contain
up to 39 percent recycled content and 4 to 6
percent rapidly renewable materials.

Dubbed the Our Planet Collection, the colors
include Glacier, Prairie, Acorn and Canyon.
The products contribute to multiple credits in
the U.S. Green Building Councils Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Green Building Rating System. Although prod-
ucts themselves are not LEED certifed, they
contribute to LEED credits such as building and
materials reuse, regional materials and indoor
air quality when specifed on a project. Swans
new colors contribute toward the following cred-
its in the materials and resources category: 4.1,
Recycled Content, 10 percent; 4.2, Recycled
Content, 20 percent the new colors use up to
39 percent post-consumer recycled content and
6, Rapidly Renewable Materials. Circle Reader
Classifieds

In Search of Opportunity
Experienced distributor and fabricator com-
mercial sales professional seeks challenging
and rewarding sales position involving market
development and expanding new business,
negotiating, closing, customer service, problem
solving, presentations, and relationship building/
strengthening. Active in construction industry
including membership in CSI and USGBC, pur-
suing LEED certifcation and OSHA 30-Hour
credentials. Developed and delivered presen-
tations at surfacing expos, wrote magazine
articles, created sales materials and aids. Prefer
southeast U.S. location but will consider other
areas. Call 919-801-8021 for more information.

Gurus and Experts Needed
The International Solid Surface Fabricators
Association is looking for experts and gurus
on various surfacing materials to help with a
new area of the ISFAnow.org Web site to be
launched August of 2009. We are looking for
people who can help with technical support
and specifcation assistance for Solid Surface,
Concrete, Recycled Materials, Paper Based
Surfacing Material, Marble, Granite and any-
thing else thats a hot item for consumers. For
more information, please email us at admin@
isfanow.org
Do you have used equipment taking up space in your shop that
you would like to sell? Are you looking to fll a key position in your
operations? We have 10,000 readers that might be interested.
Why not submit a FREE classifed ad? Thats right, classifeds in
this publication are free to fabricators! Just send us the text youd
like us to run, and we will do all the rest. Email us today at editor@
isfanow.org.
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Ad Index
Attention Fabricators
Page Number
31 - Apollo Sinks
26 - Colonial Saw
02 - Domain Industries
29 - Federal Saw & Tool
67 - Integra Adhesives
09 - ITW Plexus
07 - Karran/Lansen Sinks
68 - Kohler
05 - Moraware
Referral Number
07
05
01
06
08
04
03
09
02
KOHLER
CastIronKitchenSinks.
Over20gorgeouscolorstocoordinatewithtodaysmostpopularkitchencabinets
andcountertopsandanenameledsurfaceguaranteednottochip,crackorburn.
Seewhatsnewat/pro

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