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. Oct 8

    What Makes a Great Stone Installer: Lessons From 32 Years In The Industry | Cutting Edge Install Ep. 31

    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 Chad Nelson, a tile and stone professional with more than 30 years in the trade, to talk about the lessons that only come from decades of doing the work. Chad got his start at 19 years old and has spent the years since learning what it takes to build a reputation, take care of customers, lead a crew, and keep a stone installation business moving forward. Even after 32 years, one lesson remains the same: there's always more to learn. Merv and Chad dig into the importance of communication with homeowners, building a crew that works together, training the next generation, and learning when to step back as an owner and trust your people. They also get into one of the biggest realities of stone installation: safety. Chad shares how the right equipment has changed the way his crew handles difficult installations, including large-format porcelain slabs, and why investing in good tools isn't just about making a job easier — it's about protecting your people, your material, and your business. In this episode, you'll hear them discuss: Lessons from more than 30 years in tile and stone Building trust and communicating with homeowners • What separates a great installation crew from an average one  Training employees to take initiative Labor shortages and bringing younger people into the trades Why hard work still matters How installation tools have changed the industry Protecting installers when handling large-format slabs Why safety should come before simply getting the job done Balancing quality, profitability, and taking care of your crew Avoiding burnout as a business owner Building relationships with other contractors instead of treating everyone as competition Creating a reputation built on integrity and keeping your word From old-school installation methods to modern tools and safer ways of working, this episode is an honest look at how the stone industry has changed, and the lessons that haven't. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Introduction and welcome(00:00:46) - How Chad got into tile and stone(00:01:45) - Early lessons and years in business(00:02:58) - Early struggles and getting jobs(00:04:32) - Dealing with difficult homeowners(00:06:35) - Importance of communication with clients(00:07:49) - Horror story: the custom countertop battle(00:09:23) - Why kitchens and finishes matter most(00:10:30) - What makes a great installer vs just a guy(00:12:16) - Learning to delegate and trust the team(00:13:59) - Being there for employees as an owner(00:15:24) - Labor shortages and shifting attitudes toward trades(00:16:15) - Kids, college, and getting into the trade early(00:17:48) - From grunt labor to better tools and safety(00:19:27) - Old-school cutting methods vs modern tools(00:20:10) - How Omni Cubed's Slab Saver came into the picture(00:21:43) - A slab breaking and the tool that saved the day(00:23:18) - The real danger of porcelain slabs(00:25:56) - Trust in tools reduces stress on the job(00:27:00) - Justifying the cost of good tools(00:29:24) - What matters most as a business grows(00:31:11) - Avoiding burnout as a business owner(00:34:03) - Balancing work, family, and downtime(00:35:52) - Advice for younger guys entering the trade(00:37:14) - Helping competitors and building industry network(00:39:46) - Big companies vs small shops and quality(00:40:35) - Vision for legacy and company reputation(00:43:29) - Passing the business to the next generation(00:44:35) - Working with his son and teaching initiative(00:46:39) - Encouragement, imagination, and closing thoughts(00:49:09) - Show wrap-up and sign-off

  2. Sep 23

    The Lessons That Built a 30-Person Glass Company | Sean Westmoreland | Cutting Edge Install Ep. 30

    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 Sean Westmoreland of Dixie Glass for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, communication, and the future of the glazing industry. Sean is a third-generation glazier who grew up around the glass shop and learned the trade the old-fashioned way: through hands-on experience, mentorship, and plenty of hard lessons. Today, Dixie Glass has grown to more than 30 employees across multiple locations, but the journey to get there has been anything but simple. Sean shares how unexpected personal and business challenges forced him to step into leadership before he felt ready, and how those experiences changed the way he manages people, communicates with his team, and approaches growth. He talks openly about mistakes he's made as a leader and why learning how to communicate effectively became one of the most important lessons of his career. Merv and Sean also dive into the future of glazing, including how AI could transform estimating, drafting, and other parts of the business while making skilled tradespeople even more valuable. Sean believes the trades are positioned for major growth. But only if companies invest in training, professionalism, wages, and the next generation of workers. In this episode, you'll hear them discuss: Growing up as a third-generation glazier Learning the trade through hands-on experience and mentorship How difficult experiences shaped Sean's leadership style Why communication is one of the most important skills a business owner can develop The importance of continually learning and improving as a leader How AI could change estimating, drafting, and glazing operations Why skilled trades could become more valuable over the next decade The importance of patience for young people entering the trades Why the glazing industry needs better training and education How professionalism can elevate the perception of the entire trade Why mentors and industry relationships matter Building a company culture that takes care of its people The legacy Sean hopes Dixie Glass leaves on the glazing industry From leadership and mentorship to technology and the future of skilled labor, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to build a strong company and help move an entire trade forward. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about Dixie Glass: https://dixieglass.com/

  3. Sep 9

    Why Cheap Tools Cost Fabricators The Most | Brian Gambrell | Cutting Edge Installs Ep. 29

    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 Brian Gambrell, a stone industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience spanning sales, marketing, distribution, manufacturing, executive leadership, and now entrepreneurship with Pro Tool Haus. Brian shares how he unexpectedly entered the stone industry as a 21-year-old and became the second employee at Braxton-Bragg during a time when granite countertops were only beginning to gain traction in the United States. What started as simply needing a job grew into a three-decade career that gave him a front-row seat to the evolution of stone fabrication. The conversation explores the lessons Brian picked up along the way: from mentors who taught him the value of hard work and taking calculated risks to the importance of sharing knowledge with the next generation. Merv and Brian discuss why the stone industry's culture of collaboration is worth protecting and why experienced fabricators, business owners, and industry leaders have a responsibility to invest in the people coming behind them. They also get into the realities of leadership, including making difficult decisions, developing employees, maintaining work-life balance, and learning how to build a company that can operate without everything depending on one person. Brian also shares the thinking behind his newest venture, Pro Tool Haus, and why he's focused on education, customer service, relationships, and carefully selecting tools that professionals can depend on. That leads into a larger discussion about price versus value, and why saving money on the wrong tool can cost a fabricator far more when quality, safety, or reliability is compromised. In this episode, you'll hear them discuss: How Brian unexpectedly began a 30-year career in the stone industry What the early days of the modern stone fabrication industry looked like Why mentorship and knowledge sharing are critical for the next generation The importance of collaboration between fabricators and even competitors Lessons learned from sales, marketing, manufacturing, and executive leadership The difficult realities that come with leading a company Why leaders should train employees to succeed without them Finding a healthier balance between business and family Why Brian decided to launch Pro Tool House How professionals should evaluate quality, safety, support, and value when buying tools Why the cheapest tool can become the most expensive option when something goes wrong The importance of customer service and relationships in an increasingly automated world From old-school business principles to the future of fabrication, this episode is packed with lessons from three decades in the industry. And a reminder that better tools, better training, and better relationships all contribute to a stronger trade. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about Pro Tool Haus: https://protoolhaus.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:03) - Brian McAfee on the Tile Podcast(00:02:01) - Turning 30 Years Old: Robert Braxton Bragg(00:05:42) - Brian Slocum on the SFA Self-Fabricators(00:12:06) - Investing in the Next Generation of Fabricators(00:14:45) - How to Lead with a Purpose(00:16:45) - Having the Full-Loop on Countertops(00:18:03) - 10x(00:22:39) - Kirby Smart on the Hard Work of Being a CEO(00:28:40) - How to Balance Work and Family(00:33:29) - Pro Tool House(00:38:18) - Steve Haas on Pro Tool House's Future(00:40:20) - Choosing the Right Tools For Your Home(00:45:47) - Safety and Quality in the Installation Industry(00:51:11) - The Right Way to Work: Safety First(00:55:21) - Merv Star(00:56:34) - Cutting Edge Installs

  4. Aug 27

    He Started a Stone Company at 17. Now He Builds America's Luxury Homes | Josiah Lilly | EP. 28

    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 Josiah Lilly, CEO (or as he puts it, "Creative Energy Officer") of Epic Ceramic & Stone, for an inspiring conversation about craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, innovation, and building one of the country's premier luxury tile and stone companies. Josiah shares how he entered the trades at just 16 years old before launching Epic Ceramic & Stone at only 17. From those humble beginnings, he has grown the company into a leader in high-end residential tile and stone, completing some of the most prestigious homes in the country while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and client experience. This episode explores what truly separates exceptional contractors from average ones—from meticulous planning and digital workflows to empowering employees and creating a company culture built around family, passion, and excellence. Josiah also explains why embracing technology doesn't replace craftsmanship—it enhances it, allowing his team to deliver more creative work while giving clients greater confidence throughout the process. Merv and Josiah dive into the realities of installing multi-million-dollar projects, handling delicate materials, investing in new technology, and why the best companies never stop evolving. Whether discussing digital templating, custom shop drawings, or the importance of listening to installers when developing new tools, the conversation is filled with practical wisdom for anyone working in the trades. In this episode, you'll hear them discuss: How Josiah started Epic Ceramic & Stone at just 17 years old The systems behind successful luxury tile and stone installations Why planning and communication prevent costly mistakes How technology improves craftsmanship without replacing it The importance of empowering employees and building company culture Why reputation and quality matter more than competing on price Investing in new equipment that creates a competitive advantage The challenges of handling oversized slabs and luxury materials How client collaboration leads to better project outcomes Advice for young entrepreneurs entering the skilled trades From leadership and innovation to craftsmanship and company culture, this episode is packed with valuable insight for tile installers, stone fabricators, contractors, shop owners, and anyone passionate about building a business that stands the test of time. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about Epic Ceramic & Stone: https://epicstone.net/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:09) - CEO Josiah Lilly on Starting a Business at 17 ((00:06:47) - Tiling $300 Million Homes(00:12:22) - The Real Estate of Home Inspection(00:12:59) - Projects that give you sleepless nights(00:14:58) - Do You Ever Compete With Your Builders?(00:18:32) - Do You Do Digital Templating?(00:22:32) - Heavy Construction Materials, Modern Handling(00:25:38) - Deciding Between a Machine or a New Tool?(00:29:48) - Challenges of moving stones into houses(00:31:41) - What's Your Biggest Challenge?(00:33:02) - Epic Tile Installations: Communication(00:34:59) - Epic Software CEO on the Company's Culture(00:38:38) - Start Your Own Business at 17(00:41:49) - Epic Stone Refinishing: Next Step

  5. Aug 13

    Marketing That Actually Sells Countertops | Wesley Rice | Cutting Edge Installs EP. 27

    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 Wesley, Director of Digital Marketing at Precision Countertops, for a practical conversation about marketing, storytelling, customer relationships, and creating content that actually drives results in the stone industry. With more than two decades of experience in the countertop world, Wesley has worked across templating, fabrication, installation, and marketing. He shares how that hands-on industry background shapes the way he communicates with customers, builds campaigns, and balances creative ideas with real performance data. The conversation explores how companies can use social media as a testing ground, turn one customer project into multiple pieces of content, and build a marketing system that guides people from first discovering a company to becoming loyal customers and advocates. Merv and Wesley also discuss the continued importance of showrooms, face-to-face communication, and customer interviews in an increasingly digital world. They examine how AI can support marketers without replacing creativity, experience, or human judgment, and why companies should use it as a tool rather than allowing it to take over the entire process. In this episode, you’ll hear them discuss: How to balance creative marketing with performance data Why social media content can be used to test advertising ideas The importance of proofreading and reviewing work with fresh eyes How customer interviews reveal better marketing insights Why established companies should modernize without abandoning their history The role showrooms still play in the countertop buying process How to repurpose one project into multiple pieces of content • Where AI can help marketers — and where it falls short • Why storytelling creates stronger emotional connections • How video will continue shaping the future of digital marketing • The importance of treating marketing as a long-term journey From content strategy and customer experience to AI, video, and brand storytelling, this episode is packed with practical insight for fabricators, installers, marketers, and business owners looking to build a stronger presence in the stone industry. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about Precision Countertops: https://www.precisioncountertops.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:02:37) - How Do You Balance Creative Work With Data-Driven Decisions(00:06:13) - Marathon Branding: The Hard Way(00:10:37) - What's a Good Day at the Job?(00:14:48) - Trade Shows and how they affect the industry(00:16:39) - How Do You Modernize a Company's Brand?(00:18:51) - Do Showrooms Still Play a Role in the Industry?(00:23:57) - Is TEEMU Legit?(00:25:06) - How Marketing is evolving with AI(00:29:08) - "Artificial Intelligence Will Never Take Away Your Creativity"(00:31:56) - How AI is stunting the creativity of our kids(00:35:09) - Healthy Living with the Internet(00:37:19) - How to Multipurpose Your Content(00:40:11) - What's Your Strengthening Skill?(00:41:54) - Have You Changed Your Thinking About Marketing?(00:44:44) - What's Your Most Proud Moment in Your Career?(00:47:13) - Journey Into Install Podcast

  6. Jul 30

    How AI Is Reshaping the Glass Industry | Stephen Mullins | Cutting Edge Installs Ep. 26

    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 Stephen Mullins, founder of the Glass & Design Group, for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of the glass industry. Stephen shares his unconventional journey from a decade-long career in banking to becoming a leader in the glazing industry and launching his own company in 2026. Along the way, he discusses the lessons he learned from sales, business development, and why building systems and relationships ultimately led him to take the leap into entrepreneurship. The conversation dives deep into what separates great companies from average ones, the importance of understanding your ideal customer, and why so many businesses fail to adapt as industries evolve. Stephen also shares how emerging technologies like AI are already changing the way glass companies operate — from proposals and customer communication to efficiency and business strategy. Merv and Stephen explore where the industry is headed, why glaziers need a seat at the design table, and how small, agile companies can use technology to compete in ways that were impossible just a few years ago. In this episode, you'll hear them discuss: Why Stephen left banking to pursue a career in glass Building a new glazing company from the ground up The importance of systems and having a business plan Why relationships and customer experience matter more than ever The latest design trends in residential glass and glazing How AI is transforming proposals, communication, and operations Why business owners need to define their ideal customer The importance of asking questions and continuous learning How technology can help companies become more efficient and profitable What the future of the glass industry could look like in the next decade This episode is packed with practical insights for glaziers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build a modern company in the trades. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about the Glass & Design Group: https://glassdesigngroup.com/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:00:44) - Meet a Pro in the Glass Industry(00:01:53) - Many Glazing Industry Pros Reveal What Keeps Them Going(00:07:13) - What Led Me to Glass Design, Grip(00:13:32) - Well done Merv Griffin!(00:14:22) - Glass and Design Companies: Being More Flexible(00:20:02) - Looking for trends in architectural glass(00:21:49) - Do frameless shower doors cause leaks?(00:22:24) - Framed Shower Doors and Office partitions(00:28:41) - Good Conversation with Glazers(00:35:18) - Irish Businessmen on Why They Ask Questions(00:40:45) - Why Do We Do Things?(00:42:19) - How AI Is Helping You Manage Your Business(00:46:50) - How to Manage an Online Business?(00:48:18) - Starting a Glass Company(00:54:10) - What Makes Your Glass Panel Insurance So Different?(00:56:48) - What Do You Expect the Glazer Industry to Do in 5 Years(01:01:31) - Glass and Design Group(01:02:45) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast

  7. Jul 16

    The Trades Have a Succession Problem. This Family Solved It. | Jesse & Sebastian Murillo | Ep. 25

    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 father-and-son team Jesse and Sebastian Murillo of Murillo's Tile & Marble for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, family business, and building a legacy that lasts generations. Jesse shares his journey from learning construction techniques in Mexico as a teenager to immigrating to the United States, mastering the tile trade, and eventually launching his own company. Along the way, he opens up about the challenges of starting a business with limited resources, overcoming language barriers, earning credibility, and navigating difficult economic downturns while staying committed to quality workmanship. Sebastian offers a unique perspective as the next generation stepping into the business. He reflects on growing up around the company, learning the trade from the ground up, and how modern technology, tooling, and innovation have transformed fabrication and installation compared to the early days of the industry. Together, they discuss the lessons, values, and mindset that have helped their family business grow while maintaining the standards that built their reputation. In this episode, you'll hear them discuss: How Jesse built a tile and stone business from the ground up The challenges of entrepreneurship, credibility, and growth Why quality craftsmanship still matters more than ever Lessons learned from economic downturns and difficult seasons The role family plays in building a lasting business How technology has transformed fabrication and installation Why investing in better tools creates safer, more efficient crews Common challenges fabricators face with customers and expectations Advice for the next generation entering the trades What it takes to build a business that can be passed on to your children This episode is a powerful look at perseverance, family, leadership, and the evolution of the stone and tile industry — packed with wisdom for fabricators, installers, business owners, and anyone building something meant to last. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about Murillo's Tile & Marble: https://www.murillostileandmarble.com/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:20) - How did you get involved in the tile and stone industry?(00:03:41) - Teaching the Trade(00:04:50) - Be Your Own Boss(00:06:09) - Challenges of Starting a Business(00:08:37) - Growth of the Fabricators(00:10:24) - What Helped You Through The Hard Times?(00:12:36) - Inspiring men: Growing Up With My Dad(00:15:52) - How his dad taught him the business(00:19:26) - Working With Your Dad(00:20:17) - A Taste of Success: Watching Your Son Carry the Business(00:22:07) - Stone and Tile Fabricators vs Installers: What's Changed(00:27:56) - Do heavy workers need to be protected?(00:29:49) - A Day in the Life of an Installer(00:31:21) - How To Install Countertops & Backlights On a Contractor's(00:35:58) - Challenging a Porcelain Install(00:39:49) - Property Maintenance: Customers and Expectations(00:42:50) - It's Not a Tile(00:43:07) - Rethinking the Template Trade(00:45:54) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast

  8. May 28 ·  Bonus

    The Best Advice From Stone, Tile & Glass Pros | Cutting Edge Install Ep. 24

    Welcome back to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast, brought to you by Omni Cubed — where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this special highlight episode, host Merv Campbell revisits some of the best conversations from previous episodes with pros across the stone, tile, and glass industries. From jobsite safety and slab handling to customer service, training, craftsmanship, and building better teams, this episode brings together practical insights from the people who know the trade firsthand. The discussion highlights why stone, tile, and glass installation is far more complex than many customers realize. Whether it’s moving fragile slabs, handling razor-sharp thin materials, managing tight timelines, or making sure every person on the crew is trained and safe, the pros in this episode explain why communication, preparation, and the right tools matter on every job. Merv and the guests also dive into what it takes to grow in the industry — from mentoring younger employees and creating a culture of safety to improving sales conversations, listening to customers, and using great service as one of the strongest marketing tools a company can have. In this episode, you’ll hear them discuss: • Why slab, tile, and glass installation requires skill, planning, and precision • How safety training protects both new employees and experienced crews • Why communication is critical when handling heavy or fragile materials • What customers often misunderstand about fabrication and installation timelines • How better listening can improve sales, service, and customer relationships • Why customer service is one of the best marketing tools in the trades • How online training helps glazing contractors onboard new employees • What makes glass design, fabrication, and installation such a unique trade • Why relationships matter in recruiting, business growth, and long-term success • How craftsmanship, teamwork, and culture shape the future of the industry From unforgettable trade stories to practical advice for installers, fabricators, shop owners, and industry leaders, this highlight episode brings together some of the strongest moments from the Cutting Edge Install Podcast so far. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Chapters (00:00:03) - How to Install a Slat or Dial(00:01:45) - How To Mentor a 17-Year-Old Employee(00:05:00) - A Lesson on Collaboration in Sales(00:08:35) - What Keeps You Motivated in the Glass Industry?(00:12:04) - Learned Lasing Training(00:13:52) - What Makes Your Glass Fabrication Shop Different?(00:15:50) - Glass Engineer's Origin Story(00:18:03) - Exploring Your Company's Role in the Construction and Glass Industry(00:19:07) - Glass Guys: The Nerd Hat

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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
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Cutting Edge Installs