Stone Chatter Podcast
Stone Chatter is a podcast covering every side of the stone fabrication industry. For too long, the stone industry has operated in silos. Wholesale talking to wholesale, fabricators staying in their own circles, installers isolated in the field. Stone Chatter brings everyone to the same table. Built for fabricators, installers, shop owners, wholesalers, and everyone connected to the stone world, it creates space for transparent conversations about fabrication realities, safety, business pressures, leadership, and what needs to change. Hear from new guests every month, from fabricators, shop owners, distributors, sales leaders, safety specialists, manufacturers. We don't avoid opposing opinions, we invite them. This is where learning happens. Because transparency drives growth, shared knowledge strengthens the industry, and everyone deserves a voice. JOIN THE COMMUNITY! NEW EPISODES EVERY MONTH!
Episodes
The countertop industry is facing a wave of changes that could reshape how fabrication shops compete, price their work, and protect their employees.
In this episode of Stone Chatter, Ed Young, Rich Katzmann, and Erik Rapp examine the growing silicosis crisis, emerging state regulations, and why banning engineered stone alone will not solve the industry’s safety problems. They also discuss the legal challenge to quartz tariffs...
In this episode of Stone Chatter, Mark Meriaux of the Natural Stone Institute, Peter Dominguez of California Surfaces and Eric Vlaanderen of Legacy Counters join the conversation for a practical look at workplace safety. They explain why wet fabrication alone does not guarantee silica exposure is controlled, how air monitoring and medical screening protect employees, and what shop owners should expect when OSHA arrives.
The discuss...
The stone industry is facing a pivotal moment. In this episode, Rich Katzmann, Ed Young, and Erik Rapp break down the newly implemented quartz tariffs, the pricing responses emerging from manufacturers and importers, and the steps fabrication shops should take now to protect their margins.
The conversation covers how fabricators can negotiate with suppliers, revise pricing on existing projects, prepare for uncertainty, and offer al...
What Are Top Fabricators Doing Differently?
Want more sales without sacrificing your margins? In Part 2 of Stone Chatter’s sales series, Rich, Erik, and Ed join industry pros Carmina Mendez, Lauren Westwood, and Cory Edd to reveal what top fabricators are doing differently—from targeting more profitable customers and transforming the showroom experience to improving marketing, follow-up, outside sales, and team incentiv...
PART 2 - Stone Chatter is broadcasting live from the All Slab Fabbers Workshop in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hosted on-site during one of the industry's most hands-on educational events, this special episode captures conversations with shop owners, fabricators, suppliers, industry leaders, and attendees from across North America. The All Slab Fabbers Workshop brings together professionals committed to improving craftsmanship, shop opera...
In this episode of Stone Chatter, Rich, Erik, and Ed dive into one of the biggest challenges facing fabrication shops: How to Build a Sales Team That Actually Sells.
Instead of simply quoting whatever business walks through the door, how do you develop salespeople who actively pursue opportunities, protect margins, build relationships, and consistently generate revenue?
For this conversation, the Stone Chatter crew is joined by thr...
President Trump has officially enacted the imported quartz tariffs—and the stone industry is entering a new chapter.
In this special episode, Rich, Erik, and Ed break down one of the most significant developments to impact the stone industry in years. We discuss what the new tariffs mean, when they take effect, how they will work, and what fabricators, distributors, suppliers, and importers should expect in the months ahead.
...
For the first time, Stone Chatter is broadcasting live from the All Slab Fabbers Workshop in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hosted on-site during one of the industry's most hands-on educational events, this special episode captures conversations with shop owners, fabricators, suppliers, industry leaders, and attendees from across North America. The All Slab Fabbers Workshop brings together professionals committed to improving craftsmanship,...
Many business owners assume the value of their company is based on equipment, inventory, or annual sales but the reality is often very different.
In this episode hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed are joined by industry experts to discuss how fabrication businesses are valued, what buyers actually look for, and the practical steps owners can take today to increase the value of their companies whether they pla...
In this episode, hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed discuss some of the latest developments affecting fabricators, suppliers, and industry professionals across North America.
From updates on the ongoing ITC trade review to conversations around industry associations, upcoming events, silicosis developments, and other important industry news, this episode provides a broad look at the issues and trends shaping today's stone business.
In this ep...
The stone industry offers a variety of associations, organizations, buying groups, certifications, and networking opportunities but how do you know which ones are actually worth your time and investment?
In this episode of Stone Chatter, hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed explore the strengths, weaknesses, and real-world value of some of the industry's most recognized organizations. Whether you're a shop owner, general manager, or industry p...
The conversation around quartz, workplace safety, and regulation continues to evolve and the industry is watching closely. In this special episode of Stone Chatter, hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed discuss major updates surrounding the recent Cal/OSHA board meeting, ongoing conversations about a potential quartz ban in California, and what the next steps could look like for fabrication shops moving forward. This episode also covers industr...
Strong relationships between slab suppliers and fabrication shops have always been a major part of the stone industry but are those relationships changing?
In this special Stone Chatter Arena episode, hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed are joined by respected leaders from both the fabrication and supplier sides of the industry to have an open conversation about trust, loyalty, collaboration, and the future of working relationships across th...
The stone industry continues to navigate shifting regulations, trade policies, and real-world impacts on business operations. In this episode of Stone Chatter, hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed break down the latest developments affecting the industry from ITC updates and tariff refunds to the ongoing impact on imports and supply chains.
This conversation focuses on what is already happening on the ground, how businesses are being affected,...
The stone fabrication industry is entering a new phase driven by technology, automation, and smarter ways of working.
In this episode of Stone Chatter, hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed are joined by industry leaders to explore what the next 3–5 years could look like for fabrication shops.
From machinery advancements to digital transformation, this conversation dives into the real opportunities and decisions shaping the future of the ...
The stone industry is feeling the pressure from rising tariffs to evolving safety regulations and shifting market dynamics. In this episode of Stone Chatter, hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed break down some of the most important updates impacting the industry right now.
From cost pressures to compliance and major industry events, this conversation brings real insights into what’s changing — and what it means for fabricators, sh...
The conversation around quartz, silica dust, and shop safety is rapidly evolving across the stone fabrication industry. In this episode of Stone Chatter, we sit down with industry leaders to discuss one of the most talked-about questions today: Is quartz being banned?
Guests Include: Jessica Kolenski, President of CaraGreen, Evan Cohen, President of RevoLux & Quality Marble and Nate Kolenski, President of Block T...
In this inaugural episode, hosts Rich, Erik, and Ed cover a list of topics. They review TISE 2026:
- What folks are saying about a potential quartz ban
- How is AI being showcased at the show
- What’s new with ERP software, and more
They discuss the future of TISE:
- What will the show look like next year
- What impact is Surfex expected to have
Music Credits (used with written permission of the artis...
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