Then, at the 2009 StoneExpo, the alliance launched its own, member-owned web site, which is geared mainly to fabricators and others in the business. The consumer information that the founders originally envisioned can still be found at StoneAdvice.com.
"While our web site has some features for the consumer, meeting those needs is not our goal," said Guy Robertson of Robertson Manufacturing in Davenport, Iowa, and current SFA executive director. "Our goal is to meet the needs of fabricators and improve their business."
One of the main tools for reaching that goal is the website's members-only forums. In these internet discussion groups, members can share techniques, discuss industry changes, share files and templates, and download forms and packets.
"I'd say that in the majority of cases, if you ask a question on the forum you will get some kind of response within an hour, and within 24 hours you'll have multiple responses to your question," said Robertson.
Another major benefit to membership is the opportunity to participate in one of the SFAsponsored, hands-on workshops. Workshops are held most months and are scattered throughout the country so that participants can usually find at least one within driving distance. The workshops are hosted by a member business, and SFA members can attend for free, although they pay for their own transportation, housing, and food. Some examples lined up in 2010 are "Spreadsheets for Profit/Loss" in Barbados, "Old School Hand Fabricating" in California, "Shop Tech/Management" in Maine, and "Sales and Marketing" in Georgia.
"The knowledge you attain at these workshops is way above the yearly cost of membership," said Robertson. "The host shop benefits too. Work doesn't stop for them, although it is disrupted a little since there could be 20 to 75 fabricators overtaking them. But most hosts say that the workshops are just as beneficial to them. When you have that many pairs of eyes watching your operation, you're bound to get input that will help improve it."
SFA sponsoring businesses may also attend workshops and provide a "mini trade show" for the participants where they can display new products and offer demos.
With all the back-and-forth discussions and information hashing going on through SFA, one other benefit has naturally grown from the alliance: product development.
"We like to say these products are 'Born in the SFA,'" said Robertson. Examples include the "Rubenator," a sink hole routing tool; the "DT Backerpad," a rigid backerpad that is used for polishing edges; the "Seam Phantom," a seam dressing tool; and the "Fabcenter Concept," an all-in-one CNC and saw machine. All of these products originated from or were developed with input from SFA members.
The many benefits of SFA membership stem from personal connections as well as electronic ones.
"Being a member is beneficial because of the educational value and the networking," said Braudway.
"I've been able to make contacts all across the United States and overseas through the workshops and the on-line forums. I've made friends and found out about new techniques and products. In this industry the products are changing every day." It's all about the networking - fabricators sharing techniques with other fabricators, product developers learning from those who use the tools, professionals sharing stories about the trials and tribulations of working with stone, and everyone working together to "learn, share, prosper," as the SFA motto goes.
"We're all about education and trying to raise the bar, one fabricator at a time," Robertson said.
Top: Workshops hosted by shops, owners and fabricators willing to share their knowledge offer some of the best learning and networking opportunities available to members.
Bottom: Sharing hands-on techniques in such highly-desired skills as hand-polishing, member Matt Lansing is all about raising the bar and passing on valuable knowledge.
All photos courtesy SFA
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