New Colors
`& Materials
`Spotlight
`
`The Latest and Greatest in
`the World of Surfacing Page 20
`
`Industry Outlook 2015 Page 26
`OSHA’s Recent Focus
`in the Surface Fabrication
`Industry Page 32
`Strategies to Make 2015
`Your Renaissance Year Page 34
`
`VOLUME 8 / ISSUE 1 • QUARTER 1, 2015 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95
`
`

`

`Circle RS#01 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
`
`ISFA Member since 1997
`
`

`

`CREDITS
`
`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, 2400
`Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or fax to (412) 487-3269 attention:
`Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferably an email
`address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high
`volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send
`queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow.
`org or mail to ISFA, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 or fax to
`(412) 487-3269 attention: Editor.
`
`Contacting ISFA
`Phone: (412) 487-3207
`Fax: (412) 487-3269
`editor@isfanow.org
`www.isfanow.org
`About This Magazine
`Countertops & Architectural Surfaces (2372-983X) is published quarterly
`by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), with a fifth
`“Buyers Guide” issue publishing in September. Individual copies of
`Countertops & Architectural Surfaces are available at the nonmember
`“newsstand” price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is
`also available by individual subscription at the following rates: ISFA
`nonmembers, one year (five issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year
`free with every membership renewal.
`Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States.
`Call for details. To subscribe, call (412) 487-3207. Printed in the United
`States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators
`Association 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
`reprinted or otherwise reproduced without publisher’s written permission.
`Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface
`Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited
`manuscripts or photographs.
`Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, 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
`Gibsonia, Pa., post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers
`in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops &
`Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators
`Association, but rather those of the individual writers.
`
`Postmaster: Send address change to Countertops & Architectural
`Surfaces magazine, 2400 Wildwood Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044.
`
`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/graphics provided by: Cosentino, Andrea Chapman, Visitor’s
`Bureau of Austin, Texas, Ed Hill, Groves Incorporated, P. Max La Pera and
`Joanna Duggan.
`Magazine Credits
`Publisher & Editor: Kevin Cole
`Proofreader: Nancy Mueller-Truax
`Design: V2 Marketing Communications
`ISFA Officers of the Board
`Mell Hill, President
`Dave Paxton, Immediate Past President
`Adam Albee, Vice President
`Erica Hussey, Treasurer
`Ryan Miller, Secretary
`ISFA Directors
`Mike Woods, Director
`Kate Dillenburg, Director
`Ryan Miller, Director
`John Hansen, Associate Member Representative
`Jessica McNaughton, Associate Member Representative
`ISFA Staff
`Keith Haight, Executive Director
`Kevin Cole, Communications Director and
` Magazine/Website Publisher & Editor
`Paul Wisnefski, Account Representative
`Carol Wilhite, Coordinator
`Chris Pappenfort, Volunteer Project Manager
`Joanna Duggan, Member Advocate
`Cover Photo
`This photo, courtesy of Cosentino, depicts the Aura color of the
`company’s Dekton product, which has a pattern that repeats to allow for
`bookmatching applications. This and many new colors and materials of
`all varieties can be found in the annual spotlight. Read the full story on
`Page 20.
`
`International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 8 / Issue 1 • 1
`
`

`

`Features
`20 New Colors & Materials Spotlight
`
` Our annual look at the latest and greatest in surfacing materials
`
`26 Industry Outlook
` A forecast of the countertop industry for 2015 and beyond
`32 What’s OSHA doing in the
` Surface Fabrication Industry?
`
` A look at the most common hazard citations
`
`
`issued over the past year
`
`34 Make 2015 Your Renaissance Year
`
` Success through discipline, diversification,
`
` outreach and strategy
`
`Departments
` 6 From the Editor
` 8 From the President
` 10 From the Executive Director
` 12 Education Connection
` 13 Calendar of Events
` 14 Management Matters
`16
`Industry News
`36
`ISFA News
`42
`ISFA Fabricator Directory
`46 Product News
` 49 Reader Service Form
` 50 Guest Column/Classifieds/Ad Index
`
`CONTENTS
`
`20
`
`26
`
`32
`
`34
`
`2 • Vol. 8 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
`
`

`

`Circle RS#02 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
`
`ISFA Member since 2000
`
`

`

`From the Editor
`
`From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher,
`and ISFA Communications Director
`
`One More Cup of Coffee…
`
`I recently received a promotional coffee mug in the
`mail from a company called Wordologies (www.
`wordologies.com) that focuses on products that are
`designed to inspire and feature words of wisdom
`(like coffee cups or notepads, etc.) and the mug,
`while beautiful, carried upon its side two curious
`sentences. “Clear the static. Change conquers.” I
`have yet to try out the mug, although I must admit
`I have a hard time if I miss my morning coffee(s).
`I’m sure it will serve its purpose, but instead it has
`been sitting on a side-table to my desk staring at
`me for the past week, and I have glanced over on
`numerous occasions only to have the statements
`catch my eye. And it seems each time I read those
`two short simple sentences, a small debate begins
`in my head.
`On the surface, the concept in those two
`statements seems relatively simple. But on
`reflection, perhaps too much of it, they make my
`mind tumble around a bit.
`I’m generally of the opinion that change can be a
`really good thing, and it is wise to review your static
`processes and look for ways to improve. Being a
`newlywed, I also know just how fulfilling change
`can be. But I also know change can be negative
`if done hastily, without forethought or is forced by
`uncontrollable circumstances. Either way, I am of the
`belief that with each new year comes change, and I
`don’t think 2015 will be an exception.
`One change you will note if you read this issue of
`Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is that Jon
`Olson, our longtime columnist of “Management
`Matters,” is leaving us. As he says in his column,
`which I urge you all to read, there are several
`reasons for the change, but I can’t help but think
`how much I am going to miss chasing down his
`column for each issue and seeing what insight
`he is sharing. I have known Jon for many years,
`dating back to when I ran a different publication
`in the countertop industry, and he was one of
`the first people in the surfacing industry I had the
`pleasure to meet and interact with. Twelve years
`and two magazines later, I have worked with him
`4 • Vol. 8 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
`
`ever since, and I can truly say he is one of the most
`honest, open and caring people I have ever met. His
`enthusiasm for the surfacing industry is practically
`unparalleled and highly infectious. I am sure my
`friendship with Jon will continue and I know he will
`continue to be an influencing factor in our industry.
`And I have also warned him I will track him to the
`edges of the Earth if I have to to get him to write on
`occasion again for us.
`Jon, you are a true gentleman and a scholar and
`our industry has benefited greatly from your efforts.
`You exemplify to me the words of Margaret Mead,
`a great American cultural anthropologist, who said,
`“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change
`the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” My
`friend, you have not heard the last from me, by far.
`At the same time that Jon is departing, you will
`also notice that an old friend of ISFA and one of the
`founders, Joanna Duggan, has a guest column at
`the back of this magazine. I have known Joanna
`for even longer than I have known Jon, and in
`addition to helping establish ISFA, she was also
`the publishing force behind two previous surfacing
`magazines. I have often referred to her as the
`“mother of solid surface” as her efforts certainly left
`a big mark on the industry. Although retaining her
`membership status in ISFA, Joanna retired several
`years ago to spend time with her family, but with
`ISFA as one of her “children,” she couldn’t stay
`away forever. So, Joanna will be working with ISFA
`once again as a Member Advocate, and I hope to
`coax her to occasionally put pen to paper and share
`her thoughts in this magazine as well. For those
`of you who know her, you will quickly remember
`her feisty nature, quick wit and passion for the
`industry. And for those who have not yet had the
`occasion to interact with Joanna, I think you are in
`for a treat when she comes a-calling and shares her
`experiences with you.
`But other than the two changes you will find in this
`magazine, the whole issue is really a primer for 2015.
`As is always the case with the first issue of the year,
`we feature our “New Colors & Materials Spotlight”
`
`that showcases the latest new colors and materials
`hitting the market and some obvious trends can be
`seen when you look at the article as a whole.
`Another useful article to be found herein is the
`review of OSHA violations in the surface fabrication
`industry from the past year that Shannon DeCamp
`of TechneTrain put together for us. As the old
`saying goes, “Those who are ignorant of the past
`are destined to repeat it.” Well, I assure you OSHA
`violations are definitely not something you want to
`be part of your destiny.
`Additionally, this is the issue I sweat and struggle
`over each year, putting together a forecast looking
`ahead at the year ahead and beyond. Anecdotally,
`2014 seemed to be a real bounce back year for
`the surfacing industry, but you’ll have to read the
`“Industry Outlook” to get my predictions moving
`forward.
`Lastly, P. Max Le Pare of Artisan Manufacturing
`wrote an alluring article suggesting how to make this
`year a renaissance year for your business, offering
`concrete examples of things you can examine
`and possibly improve in the way you do business.
`I would urge you to give his suggestions some
`serious contemplation.
`So sitting here with my inspirational mug staring
`me in the face, I have to say that while change can
`be difficult and it may be both negative and positive,
`it all really depends on where you are headed in the
`first place. As the ancient Chinese philosopher
`Lao Tzu once said, “If you do not change direction,
`you may end up where you are heading” (for good
`or bad).
`As always I look forward to your feedback.
`Sincerely,
`
`Kevin Cole, Publisher & Editor
`kevin@isfanow.org.
`
`

`

`Circle RS#03 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
`
`ISFA Member since 1998
`
`

`

`From the President
`
`From the desk of Mell Hill, President of ISFA Board
`
`Take a Closer Look in 2015:
`You Will Be Pleasantly Surprised and Positively Rewarded
`
`As incoming president for ISFA, I first want to
`say a little about the past presidents I have had
`the chance to serve with and get to know. For
`me it all started with Russ Berry; I was recruited
`by him during his last term as president. For
`those of you who don’t know Russ, he is an
`extremely personable gentleman who has a
`wealth of knowledge like only a few others in
`the industry, and he is happy to share it. In the
`short time I was able to spend time with him, he
`shared, listened and provided me with excellent
`advice and has become a true resource for me
`and someone I look up to.
`Mike Langenderfer was the incoming president
`and I was immediately impressed with his level
`of passion and drive. It obvious that Mike is
`someone that puts his whole heart into not
`only his business, but into helping ISFA be a
`true fabricator’s resource. I have reached out
`to Mike (and his lovely wife on occasion) for
`assistance with several issues in the past year
`and am grateful for his time and advice.
`Last but not least is Mr. Dave Paxton! Talk about
`a charismatic individual. Dave is always intrigued
`and looking for ways to improve his business
`and life overall. He strikes up conversations with
`anyone and everyone, and those conversations
`end up benefiting all parties involved. Most of
`the time you benefit without ever even realizing
`you had a “puzzle” to solve to begin with. Dave
`is a human sponge that soaks in as much
`information as possible and puts it to use. In
`my opinion he uses ISFA to its fullest, and I am
`sure he would welcome a call from all of our
`members to talk about how being a member and
`serving on the board of ISFA has helped him.
`I would like to thank each of these individuals
`for their work with ISFA, their passion for the
`
`industry and their willingness and desire to
`share with others.
`Each year in their first magazine editorial, the
`incoming presidents usually talk about their
`goals and what they hope to achieve within
`ISFA and for the association’s fabricator
`network. I shall do the same. Let me start with
`this: I have heard Mike and Russ both say that
`you only get out of the association what you put
`into it, and I have experienced this firsthand.
`Oldcastle Surfaces, formerly Custom Surfaces,
`where I work as vice president and general
`manager, has been a member of ISFA for
`20+ years. In the beginning we were heavily
`involved and as the association changed our
`involvement dwindled. When I joined the board
`in 2012, I was pretty far removed from the
`organization and not 100 percent sure what
`to expect. My first board meeting was an eye-
`opener. I realized I have had all these resources
`at my fingertips for the past 15 years and not
`utilized a single one. Shame on me, right?
`I sat back and observed the first meeting and
`listened to the passion of the individuals in
`the room. The group’s strong desire to bring
`ISFA back to its roots and continue to be
`a worthwhile tool for fellow fabricators, to
`increase participation and teach others in our
`ever-changing industry. It certainly changed
`my outlook. I left kicking myself for not taking
`advantage of the training and networking
`opportunities in the past.
`The second meeting I took the time to speak
`with my fellow board members and tried to
`learn more about them and their businesses.
`I walked away from that meeting with advice
`from Mike that I immediately put into place to
`
`help increase my margins. Every meeting after
`has had the same effect. This is not limited to
`the board meetings. Every ISFA event I have
`participated in I have met someone new and
`learned something new.
`The connections and advice I have gained and
`learned over the past three years is invaluable.
`So my goal for ISFA in 2015 is to help other
`fabricators feel the same way about ISFA as I
`do, and as the board does! We are refocusing
`on our roots. Solid surface was the core of the
`original ISSFA — what gave us a start — and
`quartz surfacing is a natural addition to our
`focus, as our fabrication network has evolved. I
`would encourage, or even challenge you, to go
`to one meeting in 2015 or call one or all of the
`board members and talk to him or her about the
`association and how we can help you improve
`your business. After all, aren’t all of our goals to
`be more successful, to train the next generation
`to be able to fabricate and handle business
`decisions and to continue each of our legacies?
`I am more than happy to share more of my
`experiences, my excitement about our changes
`and our path to success with ISFA. And you
`can always find information about our events
`here in this magazine or online (www.ISFAnow.
`org). I hope to see you at one or more!
`Here’s to an amazing 2015!
`
`Mell Hill, 2015 ISFA President
`mell.hill@oldcastle.com
`(404) 925-3178
`
`6 • Vol. 8 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
`
`

`

`Circle RS#04 on page 49 or visit www.isfanow.org/info.
`
`

`

`From the Executive Director
`
`From the desk of Keith Haight, Executive Director
`
`An Overview of 2015
`
`In my last editorial I invited you to get together. I also mentioned the value of ISFA. Well to cover both topics, you are invited
`to participate in the following valuable offerings from ISFA. We encourage you to check the ISFA website at www.isfanow.org
`for dates, location and details on these offerings.
`
`ISFA Marketplace — This is by far one member
`benefit you don’t want to pass up! This benefit
`comes with membership at no extra cost and
`offers you access to discounts from FedEx,
`Staples and W.W. Grainger. We even have some
`ISFA supplier members in the process of setting
`themselves up as providers for this program! If you
`like saving money, take advantage of this program.
`You may even save enough through this program
`alone to pay your annual dues.
`Standards — In 2013 ISFA updated the material
`standards for solid surface and issued standards
`for quartz. These standards are valuable tools
`for architects and designers to understand what
`constitutes quality solid surface and quartz
`surfacing. In 2014 ISFA started standards for the
`fabrication and installation of these materials and
`will look to complete them this year. They will
`prove to be every bit as valuable as the material
`standards.
`Mike Nolan Scholarship Fund — What better
`way to participate than support the memory of
`someone who gave all he had to an industry
`he loved dearly! When we polled our members
`recently, finding good employees was the No. 1
`issue that concerned them. This scholarship is
`a step toward helping solve that problem. The
`scholarship goes toward students who intend
`to pursue careers in the trades that support the
`decorative surfacing industry. Anyone can donate
`to this worthy cause by visiting the ISFA website.
`Total Fabrication Training (TFT) — Members
`tell us the TFT program is one of the primary
`reasons they originally joined ISFA. This invaluable
`program trains attendees in templating, fabricating
`and installation of either solid surface or quartz/
`stone countertops (depending on which version
`of the class is taken). If you come to this class, be
`prepared to get dirty. You will use the tools and
`perform the actual tasks required for a countertop
`install. These classes are not just for start-ups.
`We can help train new or seasoned employees
`also. We have coordinated the use of a few U.S.
`training facilities or can bring the training to you!
`8 • Vol. 8 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
`
`Let us know how we can best meet your needs.
`Check the ISFA website for dates and locations or
`schedule a TFT at your facility by contacting the
`ISFA office at (412) 487-3207.
`Gen2 Roundtable — For businesses that are
`going through the transition of their children or
`someone else taking over their company, you will
`seriously want to consider attending this event.
`It is designed to help owners and owners-to-be
`understand the different perspectives of first- and
`second-generation individuals, plus avoid the
`potential pitfalls when transitioning from a first- to
`a second-generation business. The first event,
`sponsored by Cosentino and GranQuartz is being
`hosted by ILSD in Michigan next month. However,
`attendance is already sold out. So, stay tuned for
`details on another Gen2 event later this year.
`CEO Roundtable — Ever sit alone at night with the
`many issues you face weighing you down? Have
`you ever felt like you are alone on an island with
`unique issues nobody else understands? Wish you
`had someone to bounce ideas off of? This is the
`primary benefit of a CEO Roundtable. ISFA brings
`together business owners from all over the world
`to discuss the very issues that keep them up at
`night. Facilitating an event like this and resolving
`issues is a great reward for the attendees and
`ISFA. More importantly, friendships are established
`and networks built so ongoing communications
`between ISFA and members can continue.
`Productivity Event — Need a reason to take
`a business trip to Mexico? Then join us for the
`Productivity Event in Guadalajara. This two-day
`event will introduce you to many concepts and
`tools you can take back with you and focus
`on improving your bottom line. These tools
`will help make you more proactive rather than
`reactive in your approach to operations. They
`will also provide a way to ensure you and your
`employees are on the same page so you can avoid
`miscommunications and potential conflicts.
`Continuing Education (CE) Program — Looking
`to build up your commercial business? Then why
`
`not take advantage of the one program that can
`help get your foot in the doors of architects and
`designers? The ISFA CE program is an accredited
`program through the American Institute of
`Architects (AIA). Currently there are five courses
`available and several more in the works. The CE
`program will surely allow you the opportunity to
`provide architects and designers CEU credits they
`need to maintain their licenses. So take advantage
`of this program, set up a “lunch and learn” and see
`where this will take you and your business!
`ISFA Annual Meeting and Conference — What
`better way to cap off a great year than to have
`a large gathering event where there’s a mixture
`of vendor displays, technology, education and
`networking, and showcase the highlights of
`everyone’s accomplishments for the year! The
`Annual Meeting and Conference will be held in
`November at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin,
`Texas, and will be one event not to miss! More
`details for this event are being made available
`every day. Attendance for the conference portion
`of the event is limited, so consider signing up now.
`Those are just some of what we have in store for
`2015. But before I go, I would like to say to Joanna
`Duggan what a surprise it was when I received
`your recent email. Joanna is one of the founding
`members of ISFA, and if not for her, her husband
`Mike and several dedicated fabricators, there
`would not be an ISFA. That would be a tragedy,
`because an industry without an association to
`train, educate and facilitate valuable networking
`would struggle to survive. Joanna, I am looking
`forward to having you onboard as our Member
`Advocate! I’m also looking forward to a great 2015
`and interacting with as many folks as possible.
`
`Keith Haight, ISFA Executive Director
`(484) 354-5909 | keith@isfanow.org
`
`

`

`WARNING!
`This may be the last
`copy of this magazine
`you receive!
`
`We are in the process of updating the subscriber lists for Countertops & Architectural Surfaces
`magazine. If you are not a member of ISFA or do not have a paid subscription, and have not
`renewed your subscription in the past year, you may stop receiving this publication soon.
`
`For a limited time, ISFA is offering FREE subscriptions to qualified industry
`individuals residing in North America, but you must fill out the subscription form to make
`sure you will receive the publication in the future. You can find the subscription form online at
`http://isfanow.org/magazine-subscription.
`
`All ISFA members are automatically qualified and added to the subscription list and need not fill
`out the form.
`
`You must act now if
`you don’t want your
`subscription to end!
`
`

`

`Andrea Chapman,
`president of Suitable
`Solutions, and Sage
`100 Contractor-
`certified Consultant.
`
`Ed Hill, owner
`of Synchronus
`Solutions, LLC, and
`co-owner of Cabinet
`Creations.
`
`Education Connection
`ISFA Adds Expert Conference to Upcoming 2015
`Annual Meeting to Create an Event Not to Be Missed
`Business Improvement and Networking with the Best in a Luxury Atmosphere
`It is slated for Nov. 4 to 6, 2015, in the luxurious Four
`Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas — often
`referred to the music capital of the world and known
`for its scenic night life and fabulous food offerings. This
`year, in addition to the ISFA Annual Member Meeting,
`you have the opportunity to increase your value by
`registering for the Annual Conference. Attendee space
`for the full two-day event is limited, so don’t wait!
`We’re excited to have two of the greatest minds in
`the surfacing industry together for a day at the ISFA
`Annual Conference this year — Andrea Chapman and
`Ed Hill. Chapman is president of Suitable Solutions
`and a Sage 100 Contractor-certified Consultant. Hill is
`owner of Synchronous Solutions, LLC, and co-owner of
`Cabinet Creations. They both have firsthand experience
`in owning and operating countertop businesses and
`have proven track records of helping business owners
`achieve profits in their own businesses. You will have
`the opportunity to collaborate with them and other
`business owners to find new ways to build your bottom
`line. This is a unique opportunity for you to acquire
`knowledge and successful techniques that have taken
`years to develop.
`This two-day event will provide you with an opportunity
`to learn and network with the greatest minds in the
`business, with the focus of finding the most profitable
`parts of your business and then learning how to
`capitalize on them.
`With your full registration you will enjoy the following:
`• Two nights accommodations at the Four Seasons
`(Thursday, Nov. 4 and Friday, Nov. 5)
`• Kickoff Reception with food, drink and live music
`• A full day of discussion groups with industry experts
`• Vendor/Sponsor meet and greet
`• ISFA Annual Meeting and Lunch
`• Group dinner with your industry peers
`
`Nov. 4, 2015
`6 to 10 p.m. – Cocktail Reception & Live Music
`Catch up with some old friends and build your network on
`opening night. You’ll enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music and
`an open bar.
`Nov. 5, 2015
`8 a.m. – Opening Remarks
`ISFA President Mell Hill will welcome attendees to the
`event, followed by a short presentation from the presenting
`sponsor of the event — Cosentino.
`8:20 to 11:20 – Discussion Group 1
`Expert roundtable discussions will be broken out into two
`groups, one headed by each expert, allowing for more
`intimate and direct interaction with each speaker.
`11:20 a.m. to Noon – Vendor/Sponsor Meet & Greet
`Get a chance to visit with the various sponsors of
`the conference, who will have tabletop displays and
`opportunities to meet with individual fabricators or small
`groups.
`Noon to 1:30 p.m. – Annual Member Meeting Luncheon
`(open to all ISFA Members in good standing at no cost)
`Yearly ISFA business will be conducted; a discussion
`of current and upcoming ISFA programs will be given;
`members will have an opportunity for Q&A with the
`ISFA Board of Directors; the annual ISFA awards will be
`presented; and the newly elected 2016 ISFA Board of
`Directors will be announced. This discussion will be followed
`immediately by a gourmet lunch.
`1:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Discussion Group 2
`Expert roundtable discussions will be broken out into two
`groups for intimate and direct interaction with each speaker.
`Each of these groups will once again be headed by one of
`the experts, allowing for each attendee to meet with the
`expert he or she did not meet with in the first discussion
`group.
`4:30 to 5:15 p.m. – Vendor/Sponsor Meet & Greet
`Attendees will get a second chance to visit with the
`various sponsors of the conference at their tabletop displays
`for second opportunities to meet with individual fabricators
`or small groups.
`5:15 to 5:30 p.m. – Closing Remarks
`A few remarks will be made by the ISFA president and/or
`executive director, followed by dismissal and directions to
`the Networking Dinner.
`
`Here is what other fabricators are saying
`about these experts:
`“Andrea has been a key factor in the
`success of her business and has taken
`process software to a whole new level.
`She has a kind and helpful nature and
`a paradoxically tenacious pursuit of
`perfection. Andrea listens, understands and
`solves the issue. I have worked closely with
`her since the spring of 2004 and cannot
`imagine where I would be without her
`guidance and amazing software.”
`G. Smith, owner of Down East Fabrications, Inc.
`“His methods of analysis, education,
`implementation and follow-through
`were exceptional. Working with Ed was
`rewarding for everyone on our team.
`Together we significantly improved
`manufacturing flow and predictability,
`customer experience and ultimately the
`bottom line results of the business.”
`D. Connor, general manager at Cumar, Inc.
`
`Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor:
`
`The cost for attending the full two-day event, which includes two nights accommodations in the Four Seasons
`Hotel, the cocktail reception on Day 1, lunch and dinner on Day 2 and all of the networking and learning
`sessions is $550 per person. A second ticket for someone sharing a hotel room with a full-price ticket holder
`(or not staying at the hotel) is $275.
`There is no cost for ISFA Members in good standing to attend the
`Annual Member Meeting Luncheon only.
`Those wishing to attend can sign up online at www.ISFAnow.org, or contact the ISFA office at (412) 487-3207
`or info@isfanow.org.
`10 • Vol. 8 / Issue 1 • International Surface Fabricators Association
`
`FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE
`FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
`• FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE
`FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR
`• FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE
`FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR • FOR THE FABRICATOR •
`
`

`

`Calendar of Events
`
`ASID Design Summit
`Feb. 26, 2015
`Chicago, Ill.
`(312) 467-5080
`ISFA 2nd Generation Roundtable
`Hosted by ILSD
`March 4 – 5, 2015
`New Boston, Mich.
`(412) 487-3207
`www.isfanow.org
`Park Industries Digital Expo
`March 5, 2015
`Orlando, Fla.
`(800) 328-2309
`Xiamen Int’l. Stone Fair
`March 6 – 9
`Xiamen, China
`86-592-5959616
`SFA CNC Programming Workshops
`March 12 – 13
`Phil Campbell, Ala.
`and Caledonia, Mich.
`MIA Stone Industry Education Series
`March 26
`Dallas, Texas
`(440) 250-9222
`Architectural Digest Home Design Show
`March 19 – 25, 2015
`New York, N.Y.
`(800) 677-6278
`Domcrete GRFC Countertop Training
`April 7 – 11
`Sydney, Australia
`1300 132 679
`ISFA Total Fabrication Training — Quartz/Stone
`Hosted by Alpha Tools
`April 8 – 10
`Oakland, N.J.
`(412) 487-3207
`www.isfanow.org
`Stiles Executive Briefing Conference
`April 12 – 14
`Atlanta, Ga.
`(616) 698-7500
`Coverings 2015
`April 14 – 17
`Orlando, Fla.
`(703) 706-8227
`www.coverings.com
`MIA Stone Industry Education Series
`April 30
`Chicago, Ill.
`(440) 250-9222
`AIA National Convention
`May 14 – 16
`Atlanta, Ga.
`(800) 242-3837
`
`ISFA Total Fabrication Training — Solid Surface
`May 19 – 21
`Chantilly, Va.
`(412) 487-3207
`www.isfanow.org
`ISFA CEO Roundtable
`June 3 – 4
`Chantilly, Va.
`(412) 487-3207
`www.isfanow.org
`MIA Stone Industry Education Series
`June 4
`Edmonton, Alberta
`Canada
`(440) 250-9222
`ISFA Productivity Event
`Hosted by Indeko
`June 16 – 18
`Guadalajara, Mexico
`(412) 487-3207
`www.isfanow.org
`MIA Stone Industry Education Series
`June 18
`Denver, Colo.
`(440) 250-9222
`SFA Workshop
`June 18 – 19
`Toana, Va.
`MIA Stone Industry Education Series
`July 16
`Kansas City, Mo.
`(440) 250-9222
`AWFS
`July 22 – 25
`Las Vegas, Nev.
`(800) 946-2937
`ISFA Total Fabrication Training – Quartz/Stone
`Hosted by Alpha Tools
`July 27 – 29
`Oakland, N.J.
`(412) 487-3207
`www.isfanow.org
`ISFA Grassroots Gathering
`August
`TBD
`(412) 487-3207
`www.isfanow.org
`Stone Forensics Historical Restoration and
`Preservation Seminar
`Aug. 12 – 13
`Melbourne, Fla.
`(321) 514-6845
`SFA Workshop
`Aug. 13 – 14
`Findlay, Ohio
`ISFA Total Fabrication Training — Solid Surface
`Sept. 15 – 17
`Chantilly, Va.
`(412) 487-3207
`www.isfanow.org
`
`MIA Stone Industry Education Series
`Sept. 24
`Boston, Mass.
`(440) 250-9222