Cutting Edge Installs

Omni Cubed
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The Cutting Edge Installs Pod is a podcast where innovation meets installation —and everything in between! Merv Campbell, General Manager of Omni Cubed, interviews and highlights the experts and craftsmen in the industry.

  1. 6D AGO

    Why Your Bird-Friendly Glass Spec Is Probably Wrong | Geoff Shellard | Cutting Edge Install Ep 16

    Welcome back to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast — brought to you by Omni Cubed, where innovation meets installation and everything in between. Host Merv Campbell sits down with Geoff Shellard, Regional Architectural Design Manager at Guardian Glass, for a wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation about education, community, and the evolving responsibilities of the glazing industry. From Geoff’s unconventional journey through marketing, construction, remediation, and even award-winning karaoke, to his leadership role across North America, this episode is packed with real-world perspective and hard-earned wisdom. A major focus of the discussion centers on bird-friendly glass — what it is, why it matters, where projects go wrong, and how better education, early collaboration, and thoughtful specification can prevent costly mistakes while protecting wildlife. Geoff breaks down the technology, myths, and best practices behind bird-safe glazing, while also addressing performance, aesthetics, code requirements, and real-world budget pressures. In this episode, you’ll also hear them dive into: How education bridges gaps between architects, fabricators, and glaziers Why bird-friendly glass is both a design and PR conversation Common specification mistakes — and how to avoid them Balancing solar performance, aesthetics, and bird safety The importance of community in the trades Career paths, mentorship, and advice for the next generation Why passion, humor, and storytelling matter in leadership Thoughtful, practical, and refreshing, this episode is a must-listen for architects, glaziers, fabricators, specifiers, and anyone invested in smarter, more responsible building design. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about Guardian Glass: https://www.guardianglass.com/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:18) - Andrew Herring on Celebrating the Glass Industry(00:08:14) - The journey of becoming a regional architectural design manager(00:10:55) - Teaching Glass and Molding(00:15:24) - What Keeps the Glazers Together(00:18:47) - Glass Designer on Bird-Friendly Glass(00:22:04) - Bird-Friendly Glass(00:27:17) - What Makes a Bird Friendly Building?(00:32:33) - What is your proudest glazing project?(00:35:45) - What Is Your Karaoke Song Favorite?(00:40:12) - Best Practices for Solar and Bird Safety(00:44:39) - Open Communication between Architects, Glazers(00:47:55) - The Conversation Around Bird Safety(00:51:44) - Flying Blind: The Cut and Paste(00:55:25) - A Taste of the Concert(00:55:55) - Jimmy Kimmel on Advice For Students(00:59:36) - Jeff Greene on A Wealth of Knowledge(01:01:06) - Cutting Edge

    1h 2m

  2. JAN 22

    Andrew Lejeune’s Blueprint for Luxury Glass Fabrication | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep. 15

    Welcome back to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast, brought to you by Omni Cubed — where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this episode, host Merv Campbell sits down with Andrew Lejeune (of Glass Art Design in Minneapolis) to unpack what it really takes to run a custom glass shop that says “yes” to the weird, the complex, and the high-end. Andrew shares how he went from fire protection to leading a decades-old artisan glass business built on hand-crafted techniques, relentless quality control, and a reputation trusted by luxury homebuilders. Together, Merv and Andrew dive into: • Why custom glass is equal parts art, precision, and problem-solving • How “saying yes” (with the right guardrails) builds trust and reputation over decades • The reality of rejecting glass to protect quality — and what it costs (and saves) • Blending old-world craftsmanship with modern operations, systems, and scaling • Product development lessons from chasing a recycled glass countertop concept • The traits that make a great installer today: pride, detail, and consistency • Why cross-functional meetings prevent expensive mistakes on complex jobs 2026 goals: ditching paper, adopting tablets, and growing both luxury and commodity work From fire-molded showpiece doors in a $10M lake home to a stunning solarium packed with leaded panels and color, this episode is packed with practical insight and a real appreciation for craftsmanship in the trades. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about Glass Art Design: https://glassartdesign.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install(00:00:57) - Designing Fire Sprinklers and Alarms(00:07:16) - Glass Guys: The California Glass Industry(00:08:48) - What Makes Your Glass and Metal Fabrication Shop Different?(00:13:25) - How Custom Glass Fabricators Built a Reputation(00:16:36) - How Technology Affects the Stained Glass Industry(00:21:51) - How To Reign In Creativity In Your Product Development(00:26:50) - What Do You Do For Fun?(00:31:08) - Custom Glass Design(00:34:33) - Stained Glass in a Pub(00:36:57) - What Makes A Good Glazer or Installer?(00:44:14) - Marquis: What's One Lesson(00:49:46) - Inspiring People: On-Air Interview(00:51:34) - Andrew Glassman on His Vision for the Year 2022(00:53:56) - Cutting Edge Install

    55 min

  3. JAN 9

    Why Young People are Leaving the Trades w/Russ Payne | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep 14

    Welcome to another episode of the Cutting Edge Install Podcast — brought to you by Omni Cubed, where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this episode, host Merv Campbell sits down with Russ Payne, tradesman, business leader, and host of The Talking Tradesmen podcast. What starts as a light-hearted Irish-meets-English conversation quickly turns into a deep, honest discussion about the realities of life in the trades — from workforce shortages and social media myths to mental health, leadership, and building cultures where people actually feel supported. Russ shares his journey through the trades, why he felt called to start a podcast giving tradespeople a voice, and what he’s learned from years of wearing multiple hats as a craftsman, advocate, and mentor. Together, Merv and Russ unpack what’s really driving young people away from hands-on careers, why the trades are more valuable than ever, and how leaders can create workplaces that value people as much as production. You’ll also hear them dive into: Why the skilled trades gap is becoming a serious global problem • The damage social media myths do to young people choosing careers • Why craftsmanship is an unseen art — and why that matters • How honest conversations can save careers, businesses, and lives • What strong company culture actually looks like in practice • Encouraging the next generation without sugarcoating the work • Faith, family, rest, and learning when to “go dark” outside of work This episode is thoughtful, real, and refreshingly human — packed with perspective for installers, shop owners, foremen, and anyone who believes the trades deserve more respect, visibility, and care. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about the Talking Tradesman: https://www.thetalkingtradesman.co.uk/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:02) - The Talking Tradesman(00:03:12) - Talking Trades(00:09:11) - Rethinking the trades in the UK(00:12:23) - Talking Tradesman: The Journey to Mental Health(00:19:00) - The Talking Tradesman: A Podcast for Mental Health(00:22:26) - Just talk to someone(00:25:13) - The trades in the uk(00:30:42) - Apprentices and the future(00:35:38) - A more supportive work culture in the UK(00:42:11) - What advice would you give to a young guy starting out?(00:44:31) - A Year in the Life of the Talking Tradesman

    50 min

  4. 2025-12-25

    How One Glazier Built a $250K+ Business Through Instagram | Brandon Maestas | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep. 13

    Welcome back to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast, brought to you by Omni Cubed — where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this episode, host Merv Campbell sits down with Brandon Maestas, whose inspiring journey into the glazing world is anything but ordinary. From overcoming addiction at 15, to learning how to drive a rack truck on the fly, to becoming a leader known for innovation, professionalism, and consistency — his story is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Starting in a Denver glass shop long before he was old enough to legally work, he went on to master nearly every role in the glazing industry. Today, Brandon plays a pivotal role at Baron Glass, shaping processes, training teams, modernizing workflows, and driving high-end residential work with a blend of craftsmanship, technology, and leadership. Together, Merv and Brandon dive deep into: Early lessons in grit From shop hand to leader Technology that changed everything Why community beats competition The power of social media Hiring for attitude over skill Safety lessons learned the hard way Why high-end residential work thrives in every economy Leadership that actually works What he’d tell his younger self From near-disasters in a manual rack truck, to complex curved-glass measurements done by hand, to building a personal brand that attracts customers AND talent — this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and practical wisdom for glaziers, shop owners, installers, and anyone trying to grow in the trades. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about Baron Glass: https://baronglass.com/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:00:57) - How to Get Out of Debt in the Glass Industry(00:04:40) - In the Elevator With Jeff Bezos(00:06:10) - Driving At 16(00:08:52) - How Do You Work at Bar and Glass?(00:10:24) - What glazing companies need to do better(00:14:13) - Glazing Companies' Social Media Presence(00:17:37) - On Safety at the Job Site(00:20:32) - Builders and Designers: Social Media(00:23:43) - What would your message be for young people?(00:26:09) - Innovations in the Glazing Industry(00:29:14) - Glass Companies' Main Focus on Residential Work(00:32:52) - What is your Personal Brand?(00:33:43) - Reveal: Personal Branding(00:38:00) - Omni Cubed: Growing the Next Generation(00:39:04) - Have You Got A Personal Identity?(00:42:07) - One Project That Stands Out(00:44:16) - PODCAST: Patience Is the Key(00:48:43) - The Cutting Edge In Installers

    49 min

  5. 2025-12-11

    40 Years in Glass: How Darand Davies Built Black Line Glazing and a Culture People Want to Work In | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep 12

    Welcome to another episode of the Cutting Edge Install Podcast — brought to you by Omni Cubed, where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this episode of the Cutting Edge Install podcast, host Merv Campbell sits down with Darand Davies, Founder and CEO of Black Line Glazing in Oregon. With over 40 years in the glass industry, Darand traces his journey from sweeping shop floors at 19 to running a company built on integrity, long-term relationships, and a culture where people actually want to come to work. Darand shares what’s changed most in glazing over four decades—from single pane to high-efficiency systems, from aluminum to advanced European product lines and vacuum glass—and why estimating is more art than math. He talks candidly about big mistakes (including missing an entire floor on a job), why doing what you say you’ll do matters more than ever, and how strong communication and clear values can carry a shop through brutal market cycles. You’ll also hear Darand unpack: • How Black Line Glazing was born and why “Black Line” isn’t just a cool name • The leadership lessons behind building a healthy, durable company culture • Why owners need to know their blind spots and hire people smarter than themselves • The future threats and opportunities he sees for glaziers in a changing construction landscape • How faith, family, hunting, travel, and poker help keep him grounded outside of work Whether you’re an installer, estimator, shop owner, or just curious how a trades business survives and thrives over the long haul, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom, humor, and practical takeaways. Learn more about Black Line Glazing: https://blacklineglazing.com/ Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Cutting Edge Install(00:00:53) - How Old Is Your CEO?(00:01:49) - Glass Industry Veteran Retiring after 40 Years(00:03:59) - Black Line Glazing(00:05:53) - Blackline CEO on Team Culture(00:08:48) - In the Elevator With Ray(00:11:47) - How to Estimate a Glass Job(00:16:51) - Running a glazing business is difficult(00:20:09) - Bradley Glass Works: Technology and the Challenges(00:23:22) - Does the Glass Industry Have a Future?(00:25:12) - Do You Have Any Fun Activities?(00:26:29) - In the Elevator With Benji(00:28:04) - Tim Ferriss on Starting a Business(00:32:13) - How to Delegate Your Gifts(00:35:31) - Darren on Advice For 25-Year-Olds(00:37:47) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast

    38 min

  6. 2025-11-27

    How Alanna Staffel Built a Career in Glass | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep 11

    Welcome to another episode of the Cutting Edge Install Podcast — brought to you by Omni Cubed, where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this episode, host Merv Campbell sits down with Alana Staffel, a rising voice in the glazing world whose journey into glass is anything but ordinary. From managing electricians and plumbers, to being “poached” at a trade show, to suddenly cutting mirrors the day before a booth install — her story is full of unexpected twists, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of grit. Together, Merv and Alana dive into: • Falling into the trades (and loving it): how one weekend at a trade show changed her entire career path • Life in glass as a woman in the trades: the challenges, the misconceptions, and why she encourages more women to join • Craftsmanship that can’t hide: why she loves a trade where the quality is always visible • Lessons from companies that didn’t survive: cash flow, communication, staffing, culture, and red flags owners should watch for • Best practices for staying profitable: business development, follow-up, value-engineering conversations, and building trust with contractors • Where the industry is heading: energy efficiency, retrofits, and a return to architectural character • Faith, family, and attitude: how she stays upbeat in tough markets • Her newest passion project: combining mirrors and stained glass (and learning it from YouTube) This one is packed with humor, honesty, industry insight, and encouragement — for shop owners, installers, estimators, and anyone who’s ever been “thrown in” and had to figure it out on the fly. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:00:58) - How a Glass Trained Woman Went From Plumbing to Glass(00:02:35) - Tom Cruise on Being Unrecognizable(00:03:24) - Coming soon: The Glass Industry(00:05:49) - How to Get Your First Glass Job at 15(00:10:05) - How to Cut and Fabricate Glass(00:11:34) - Glass Business Owners: How to Survive a Recession(00:15:42) - Communication and Fun(00:19:04) - Glass Business Continues to Grow(00:21:05) - Irish Glass Industry: The Aesthetic(00:25:30) - Bring Back the Old Things(00:26:50) - Glass Repairs: The Most Interesting Projects(00:29:38) - 5 C's of Good Customer Service(00:31:37) - Glass Workers Keeps a Positive Mind(00:35:12) - TEXAS Glass Girl(00:38:15) - Bookworms and Podcasts(00:39:59) - C.S. Lewis at his home in Ireland(00:40:57) - Daily HABITS(00:45:22) - Teacher on Women in the Trades(00:48:30) - 15 Year Old Me(00:50:52) - Cutting Edge Installs

    52 min

  7. 2025-11-13

    Scaling A Glass Company Toward $5M+ Revenue | Ryan Shoemaker | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep. 10

    Welcome to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast, brought to you by Omni Cubed—where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this episode, host Merv Campbell, General Manager of Omni Cubed, sits down with Ryan Shoemaker, founder of Champagne Glass & Door, to talk about what it means to build a company from the ground up with heart, purpose, and craftsmanship.  Ryan shares his journey from second-generation glazier to business owner, detailing how he turned a one-man operation in a van into a growing team and thriving shop. Through stories of risk, resilience, and relentless standards, he reveals what it takes to build a brand that lasts. Throughout the conversation, Ryan provides insights on: • Lessons from starting over and defining excellence on your own terms • How customer service and reputation are the true foundations of success • The value of mentorship, humility, and lifting others in the trade • Using social media as visibility—not vanity—to elevate your craft • Building company culture that attracts and retains people who care • Why technology should enhance, not replace, craftsmanship • How to turn fear, failure, and persistence into a legacy worth building From personal reflections to industry insights, this episode captures the grit, gratitude, and growth mindset that define today’s best tradespeople. Learn more about Champagne Glass & Door: https://www.champagneglass.ca/ Learn more about OmniCubed: https://omnicubed.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install(00:00:59) - Merv Ryan, shoemaker, Champagne Glass and Door(00:01:54) - Omni Glass(00:06:42) - Starting your Business from Zero(00:08:16) - Lessons for Business Owners and Managers(00:10:11) - Vineland Shower: Starting a Business on Your Own(00:12:32) - Support Network for New Businesses(00:14:29) - A few words of encouragement for Glass Companies(00:18:42) - Turning Glass Into a Legacy(00:21:54) - How To Get Out There on Social Media(00:23:20) - Do installers need to post on social media?(00:25:51) - How To Attract and Retain Good Talent(00:30:48) - How Technology Is Affecting the Installation Business(00:34:41) - Glass Builders: Innovation in the Industry(00:35:56) - What Keeps You Going?(00:38:00) - Ryan O'Brien on the Glass Industry(00:41:00) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast

    42 min

  8. 2025-10-30

    How to be Best in Class in Stone Fabrication | Rich Katzmann | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep. 9

    Welcome to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast, brought to you by Omni Cubed—where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this episode, host Merv Campbell, General Manager of Omni Cubed, sits down with Rich Katzmann, Executive Director of the Rockheads Group, to talk about the evolving landscape of the stone fabrication industry—and what it takes to lead through it.  Rich shares his journey from construction and product development to leading one of the most influential professional networks in stone fabrication. He and Merv discuss the realities of running a shop, developing people, and staying resilient in uncertain times. Throughout the conversation, Rich dives into: • How the Rockheads Group helps fabricators grow stronger, safer, and more profitable businesses • Why connection and collaboration—not competition—are the keys to long-term success • How AI and automation are reshaping shop operations and workforce dynamics • The importance of mentorship, communication, and benchmarking for sustainable growth • Why transparency, continuous learning, and investing in people create a culture that lasts From tariffs and workforce challenges to game-changing technology and leadership lessons, this episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone in the stone, surfacing, or fabrication industries. Learn more about the Rockheads Group: https://www.rockheadsusa.com Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:00) - Rich From The Rockheads Podcast(00:05:04) - Since stepping into the leadership role at Laser Products,(00:06:08) - Leading the Stone Industry: Learning the Trade(00:08:42) - Fabricators' Biggest Challenge(00:10:36) - Rockheads Group: The(00:15:17) - Machine Fabrication: Opportunities in the Market(00:20:13) - Goodbye Big Box, Hello Costco(00:21:43) - Do Performance Metrics Impact Shop Growth?(00:26:26) - Leadership Lessons(00:30:42) - How do we encourage people to upgrade their business?(00:33:07) - Give Advice to Struggling Stone Shop Owners(00:38:51) - How Rockhead Fabricators support other machine shops(00:41:16) - How to Manage the Stone Industry's Administrative Processes(00:43:04) - What's One Lesson You Learned From Working With Others?(00:45:38) - What's Exciting About The Construction Industry?

    48 min
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About

The Cutting Edge Installs Pod is a podcast where innovation meets installation —and everything in between! Merv Campbell, General Manager of Omni Cubed, interviews and highlights the experts and craftsmen in the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Omni Cubed
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Cutting Edge Installs