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Special Features August 2024 Issue...
SLIPPERY ROCK GAZETTE ® The Voice of the Stone Fabricator
2024 NTCA Five-Star Accredited Companies Announced
Block Tops Inc. Rocks the Golden State, by Peter Marcucci ...................................................................... Begins on 1 Training, Safety and Education
Industry Calendar of Events and Training: August to September 2024.......................................................................... 5 Effective Sales Enablement Strategies for Countertop Fabricators, by Anthony Milia ....................... Begins on 6 Customer Service Versus Customer Experience, by Darlene Compagna ................................................................... 8 Stone Forensics Announces 2025 Stone and Tile Troubleshooting Workshop in Las Vegas .............. Begins on 8 The Answer to All Problems, by Pete DuBruhle ................................................................................................................ 9 Navigating Growth Challenges in the Stone Industry by Justin Shaw .......................................................................... 10
Industry Topics, Tips and Featured Columns
Website Versus Landing Page, by Alyssa McKenna ......................................................................................... Begins on 5
The Stone Detective Dispenses Legal Advice, by Frederick M. Hueston ................................................................... 12
Stone Restoration and Maintenance Corner – Specialize, or Be a “Jack-of-All Hard Surfaces”?
by Bob Murrell .................................................................................................................................................................... Begins on 15
Talk to the Decision Maker, by Sharon Koehler ................................................................................................................. 16 Let’s Not Be Fooled By the “Tranquil” Life of a Butterfly, by Sam Venable ............................................................... 17
Industry News
2024 NTCA Five-Star Accredited Companies Announced...................................................................... Begins on 4 NTCA Honored at the 2024 Graphic Awards by PIAS ........................................................................... Begins on 13 Silica Research Update ........................................................................................................................................................ 23
Marketplace ............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Classified Ads .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Contributors & Staff
Rick Stimac .......................................................................................................................................... Publisher Larry M. Hood .................................................................................................. Editor and Design Director G. William Brown................................................................................................................. Graphic Designer Mark Anderson ......................................................................................................... Department of Humor Darlene Compagna ............................................................................................................... Direct Opinions Pete DuBruhle............................................................................................................. Synchronous Solutions Frederick M. Hueston .................................................................................. Stone Forensics Investigations Sharon Koehler.................................................................................................... Stone Industry Consultant Rufus B. Leakin ........................................................................................................ Guru of Urban Folklore Peter Marcucci ................................................................................................................ Special Contributor Anthony Milia ........................................................................................................................... Milia Marketing Alyssa McKenna ....................................................................................................... North Star Productions Bob Murrell ............................................................................................................... Restoration Consultant Justin Shaw .....................................................................................................................Stone Fabricator Elite Ed Young..............................................................................................................Fabricator’s Business Coach Sam Venable.................................................................................................................... Department of Irony
Read our online edition at www.slipperyrockgazette.net. Use the Classified drop-down menu to browse ads and to place a classified ad, and the article links to view stories in the current issue. Send advertising inquiries to LHood@ slipperyrockgazette.net, and comments c/o publisher@slipperyrockgazette.net. Subscription requests, a classified ad submission form, current and archived back issues and articles are available online at www.slipperyrockgazette.net .
The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is proud to announce the latest compa- nies to achieve Five-Star Contractor status, a prestigious accreditation that recognizes the highest standards of excellence in the tile industry. For the first half of 2024, we welcome Fischer Tile & Marble as a new Five-Star accredited member in the commercial category. Additionally, Brekhus Tile & Stone, Premier Tile & Stone, and Christian Brothers Flooring & Interiors, Inc. have received renewed Five-Star accred- itation, with Premier Tile & Stone being the first company to achieve Large Commercial accreditation.
The NTCA Five-Star Contractor Program is designed to recognize and promote the highest caliber of tile and stone installation compa- nies in the industry. To earn this esteemed accreditation, companies must demonstrate a commitment to
excellence in craftsmanship, cus- tomer service, and business prac- tices. This includes adherence to industry standards, ongoing educa- tion and training, and a proven track record of successful, high-quality projects.
“We are thrilled to welcome Fischer Tile & Marble as a new Five-Star accredited member and to recognize Brekhus Tile & Stone, Premier Tile & Stone, and Christian Brothers Flooring & Interiors, Inc. for their continued excellence,” said Bart Bettiga, Executive Director of NTCA. “The Five-Star accredita- tion is not just a recognition of past achievements, but a commitment to ongoing excellence and leadership in the tile industry.”
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