Best International Surface Fabricators Association Podcasts (2024)

1
Porcelain's New Era: Trends, Tech Advances & Fabrication Insights 33:48

9d ago33:48

33:48

In this episode of Behind the Surface podcast, ISFA’s executive director, Marissa Bankert, sits down with Todd Hibbs, a fabrication specialist from Caesarstone, to explore the burgeoning interest in porcelain slabs. From its rise as a marble alternative to its status as a staple in home design, Todd and Marissa discuss the factors driving porcelain…

1
The Problem with Silica: What You Need to Know to Maintain a Safe Shop 56:21

2M ago56:21

56:21

In the latest episode of the Behind the Surface podcast, ISFA Executive Director Marissa Bankert is joined by Nate Kolinski, president of Block Tops in California, and Jeff “Corky” Cartwright from Planet Granite in Colorado to discuss what’s been deemed a silicosis crisis in our industry. They will delve into: All eyes on engineered stone: bans, re…

1
The Art of Upselling 35:07

7M ago35:07

35:07

It’s pretty obvious that we wouldn’t be in business if we didn’t know how to sell countertops. The question is: How many of us know how to maximize the profit we get from each sale? In this episode, Geoffrey Gran of The Countertop Factory talks with us about: • Why sell upgrades? • Upgrades are everywhere in your life. • Eliminate “reverse buyer's …

1
The New NEO Consumer 59:50

7M ago59:50

59:50

When the economy gets shaky, consumers tend to spend less overall, and they look for more bargains when they do spend. If this is always true, then how do we explain how Apple generated $3B in iPad sales in 90 days during the Great Recession? If everyone is reducing their spending across the board, how does a nonessential and relatively expensive i…

1
Using Data to Find Opportunity in Your Business 29:12

8M ago29:12

29:12

The recession is on everyone’s minds: Will we have one, or won’t we? How long will it last? Will we have a soft landing or a hard one? In uncertain times like these, it is more imperative than ever before to leverage data to run your business. Join us as we talk with Tim Saddoris, president of Grand Onyx. At Grand Onyx, they build world-class stone…

1
Mindful Materials and Sustainable Products 15:51

8M ago15:51

15:51

Tune in to this episode of Behind the Surface as two experts from CaraGreen, a trusted source for healthier alternatives to conventional building materials, address mindful materials and sustainable products. This discussion will cover: What is being done to limit or eliminate crystalline silica in slabs for the safety of the fabricators. Industry …

1
How to Build a Sales Engine to Drive Business 20:17

9M ago20:17

20:17

In today’s uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to have a strong sales pipeline that can withstand economic pressures and keep your business profitable. Join us as we chat with Justin Shaw, founder of Stone Fabricator Elite, a business development and sales support agency that specializes in helping fabricators grow their businesses with …

1
Marketing Tools That Lead To Growth 25:56

9M ago25:56

25:56

In this episode, we’re joined by Stephen Alberts from Countertop Marketing Co. to discuss accessible and inexpensive marketing tools fabrication shops can use to glean customer insights and increase sales. Starting with the basics, Stephen walks listeners through his recommendations with practical advice on the benefits of each tool. He’ll cover: C…

1
Shaping Tomorrow’s Quartz Innovations and Safety Insights 34:11

10M ago34:11

34:11

In this episode of Behind the Surface, Egon Hinss and Damiano Caon from Breton discuss advancements that mitigate risk, including the company’s newest development: Bioquartz. Learn how this material enables a safer production workflow for fabricators while furthering sustainability initiatives. The team also discusses other material innovations, in…

1
Digital Tools for Templating 43:30

10M ago43:30

43:30

In this episode of Behind the Surface, Kyle Welker and Dan Peter from Laser Products Industries discuss the world of modern templating. They explore different solutions, their pros and cons, and how to identify which is right for your workflow. Discover how these digital tools can enhance accuracy and create efficiencies and learn how to track key …

1
Integrating Software in your Business 34:21

10M ago34:21

34:21

An organized shop is a profitable shop. Chasing paperwork and other analog processes while keeping track of what and when things need to happen in the shop can be overwhelming. The bottom line: Disorganization inhibits your success in more ways than one. It creates confusion and mistakes and often increases the work. There are all kinds of digital …

1
Tracking Sales 26:28

11M ago26:28

26:28

In this episode of Behind the Surface, Tim Saddoris, president of Grand Onyx, a firm dedicated to helping fabricators increase their revenue using proven techniques that help build more profitable and scalable businesses, joins ISFA Executive Director Nancy Busch to discuss ways in which you can set your sales team up for success. Tim will break do…

1
Silica Safety and Industry Standards with NIOSH 21:39

12M ago21:39

21:39

In this episode of Behind the Surface, ISFA Executive Director Nancy Busch is joined by Alyson Fortner and Reid Harvey from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Respiratory Health Division. Together they will discuss: What is NIOSH and how is it different than other agencies? How does NIOSH work with the Centers for Dis…

1
Sink Cutouts: Carving Out Hidden Revenue 20:48

1y ago20:48

20:48

In this episode of Behind the Surface, Steve Mast, director of Precision Countertops, joins Nancy Busch to discuss why there's no such thing as a free sink and how this concept applies to your sales strategy. Listen in and explore how you can make these offerings work for you by understanding the true costs versus the advantages. Learn practical ti…

1
Slab Yield and Material Optimization 16:58

1y ago16:58

16:58

In this episode, Joe Duszka, a highly experienced fabricator and current president of Carolina Custom Surfaces, joins host Nancy Busch for a conversation about innovative techniques and strategies that maximize slab yield and efficiency. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge technologies or tried-and-true methods, Joe will share his valuable insi…

1
Staying Power: Adhesives for Manufactured Surfaces 13:41

1y ago13:41

13:41

In this episode of Behind the Surface, Bradley Tuck, technical sales representative for Integra Adhesives, joins Nancy Busch to discuss adhesives for manufactured surfaces. In this podcast, you’ll learn about: Application best practices. Sticky sinks: ensuring adhesion on all surfaces, including porcelain and cast iron. Color matching. How to preve…

1
Insurance 101 for Fabricators: Protecting Your Assets and Managing Risk 32:44

1y ago32:44

32:44

In this episode of Behind the Surface, Marc Rosenkrantz, president of Schechner Lifson Insurance, shares insights and strategies around how fabricators, installers, distributors and anyone else in the industry can protect themselves from potential risks and liabilities. He'll cover important topics such as property insurance, risk transfer programs…

1
Pro Tips for Shop Process Improvement 19:00

1y ago19:00

19:00

In this Behind the Surface podcast, Ed Young of Fabricator’s Business Coach joins Nancy Busch to discuss strategies for process improvements in the shop. Ed will identify value-added and nonvalue-added activities and discuss the TIM WOODS approach, a methodology that can reduce process waste and costs while enhancing productivity. Tune in to discov…

1
Tracking Your Machines’ ROI 20:44

1y ago20:44

20:44

Recent years have shown steady growth in revenue, enabling many shop owners to invest in new machinery or expand their staff in order to keep up with demand. But when a downturn looms, how do you maintain a positive trajectory? In this Behind the Surface podcast, Tim Saddoris, president of Grand Onyx, joins Nancy Busch to discuss how to get the mos…

1
A Colorful Conversation with Mark Woodman 51:52

1y ago51:52

51:52

Did you know color trends start in development as much as 10 years before they hit the marketplace? In this Behind the Surface podcast episode, Mark Woodman, CMG, a passionate designer, trend-spotter, and consultant for Corian Design, joins Nancy Busch to discuss color and design trends in the decorative surfacing industry. Together they will discu…

1
Industry Outlook: A Fab’s Perspective 13:57

1+ y ago13:57

13:57

Are you wondering what the industry holds for your business this year? In this Behind the Surface podcast episode, Ed Young of Fabricator’s Business Coach joins Nancy Busch to discuss the 2023 Industry Outlook from a fabricator’s perspective. Tune in to hear what expert and fabricator Ed Young sees trending across the country and gather insights on…

1
A Sales Rep Clinic 13:20

1+ y ago13:20

13:20

Do you need to train your salespeople in the art of selling specifically for the surface fabrication business? Are you struggling to find the time to provide the comprehensive training necessary to develop your team's skills? Join Justin Shaw from Stone Fabricator Elite and Behind the Surface host Nancy Busch for A Sales Rep Clinic Introduction. Le…

1
Industry Outlook: A Supply Chain Perspective 26:39

1+ y ago26:39

26:39

In this episode of Behind the Surface, Matthew Bodoff, Business Development Manager at Ineos Composites, and Chris Anderson, Business Development Manager at US Silica, discuss quartz supply from a raw material supplier’s perspective. The pandemic and the winter storms of 2021 affected the supply chain, and where does that leave us today? Listen in …

1
How the Top Fabricators are Planning for Turbulent Times 21:39

1+ y ago21:39

21:39

How are you planning for an economic downturn? Will you be taking an offensive or defensive approach? In this episode of the Behind the Surface podcast, Ed Young of Fabricator’s Business Coach and Justin Shaw from Stone Fabricator Elite join Nancy Busch to discuss effective business strategies to survive what challenges your business may be facing …

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 15: Coaching for Performance 10:38

1+ y ago10:38

10:38

How do you use good delegation to inspire your team? How do you set expectations and timelines with your power players? Listen in to this episode of the Installing Profitability® podcast as Eric Tryon coaches you through: The power of good delegation: How to accomplish more by inspiring others Creating clarity: Expectations, rules of engagement and…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 14: Annual Strategic Planning 6:03

1+ y ago6:03

6:03

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. This episode will discuss Annual Strategic Planning. Working on the business compared to in the business Year in review: evaluating wins & losses Identifying the next big opportunity Creating team focus and game plans After listening, att…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 13: Commercial Channel Success 11:53

1+ y ago11:53

11:53

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. This episode will discuss Commercial Channel Success. Commercial & Residential Projects: Apples & Oranges Get educated and learn the game Financial Capacities & Impact Estimating & Personnel After listening, attend the workshop on October…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 12: Identifying and Targeting Large Customers 14:21

2y ago14:21

14:21

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. This episode will discuss Identifying and Targeting Large Customers. How do you identify and target large customers? How do you prepare for the financial and infrastructure requirements for these large customers? Listen in to this episode…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 11: Pricing Strategies 15:20

2y ago15:20

15:20

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. This episode will discuss Pricing Strategies. How do you determine your pricing? Do you have a dedicated system to review and iterate your pricing depending on inflation, material supply, customer demand, operating costs or other factors?…

1
Sales Success in an Uncertain Economy 38:38

2y ago38:38

38:38

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software has an incredible impact on the success of your sales team and company culture. CRMs create team accountability and ownership, set expectations and more. Tune in as Tim Saddoris, President of Grand Onyx, Mike Langenderfer, President and CEO of The Countertop Shop, and Nancy Busch, Executive Director o…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 10: Planning for Growth 20:18

2y ago20:18

20:18

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. This episode will discuss Planning for Growth. "How can I plan for growth when I'm swamped with the day-to-day?" Finding the time and the energy to increase your scope can be challenging, but it's essential nonetheless. Attend the next In…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 9: Performance Improvement Plans & Fierce Conversations 11:15

2y ago11:15

11:15

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. This episode will discuss Performance Improvement Plans & Fierce Conversations. What happens when you have a team member who is underperforming? That is never an easy conversation to have. You must first have the right tool in place to he…

1
Coloring Book to Masterpiece: Recorded live at Coverings 2022 18:03

2y ago18:03

18:03

Creating a positive, engaging consumer experience is vital in today’s highly competitive market. Consumer experience is the number one driver in their purchase decision. Having the right software and sales process in place to capture the emotional attention of your consumer from the start will lead to an overall better experience for all, providing…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 8: Managing by the Numbers 12:20

2y ago12:20

12:20

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. This episode will discuss Managing by the Numbers. Numbers don't lie. To find out what existing strategies are working for your team, you must have the right tools in place to track data and metrics. Those numbers will do the heavy liftin…

1
Helping Dreamers Do 14:48

2y ago14:48

14:48

Have you ever thought about what’s next in your personal and professional life? Every fabricator has created something that no one else has ever thought of before. But the real opportunity is building upon what you may already know. What great idea are you sitting on that could be the next chapter in your success story? Join Nancy Busch and special…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 7: Human Capital Assets: Building Management Teams 15:00

2y ago15:00

15:00

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. This episode will discuss Human Capital Assets: Building Management Teams. Building a management team is an investment, not an expense! You're only going to get so far by yourself. You must assemble a team to help handle your business gro…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 6: Human Capital Assets: Hiring, Onboarding & Training 16:21

2y ago16:21

16:21

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. In this episode, we will discuss Hiring, Onboarding & Training. For businesses that are the most successful, it’s the people that make the difference! You only have one opportunity to make the first impression! Find out how a planned onbo…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Episode 5: Human Assets: Job Descriptions, Interviews & Recruiting 26:32

2+ y ago26:32

26:32

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. In this episode, we will discuss Job Descriptions, Interviews & Recruiting.By International Surface Fabricators Association

1
Creating SOPs and Other Workflow Documentation 10:39

2+ y ago10:39

10:39

Standard Operating Procedures: You know you need them, but where do you start? SOPs and other workflow documentation are essential to running safe and efficient processes, but did you know they can also increase the value of your business? That’s right! Companies that have defined SOPs hold a higher value in the eyes of investors and buyers, and th…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Reducing Material Costs Part 4: Equipment & Technology 15:22

2+ y ago15:22

15:22

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. in the fourth episode of the conversation on Reducing Material Costs, we discuss Equipment & Technology!By International Surface Fabricators Association

1
Installing Profitability® Series Reducing Material Costs Part 3: Sales Program Design & Showroom Layout 20:16

2+ y ago20:16

20:16

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. In this third conversation on Reducing Material Costs, we discuss Sales Program Design & Showroom Layout!By International Surface Fabricators Association

1
Installing Profitability® Series Reducing Material Costs Part 2: Save a Slab 14:46

2+ y ago14:46

14:46

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. Next, in this four-part conversation on Reducing Material Costs, we discuss finding opportunities to increase yield and cut fewer slabs!By International Surface Fabricators Association

1
Get your foot in the door with commercial projects 16:17

2+ y ago16:17

16:17

In this special episode, we are joined by Rich Katzmann, who will be discussing commercial projects and whether you should be vying for this kind of business. Rich Katzmann is the founder and president of Stone Services Group and has been working in the surfacing industry for the past six years. He has been a part of the residential construction sc…

1
Installing Profitability® Series Reducing Material Costs Part 1: Compensation Plan Design 17:22

2+ y ago17:22

17:22

The Installing Profitability® Series features Eric Tryon and is brought to you by your friends at BACA Systems. First, up in the four-part conversation on Reducing Material Costs, we’ll tackle Compensation Plan Design.By International Surface Fabricators Association

Podcasts Worth a Listen

International Surface Fabricators Association Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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