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. 5D AGO

    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

  2. 12/25/2025

    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

  3. 12/11/2025

    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

  4. 11/27/2025

    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

  5. 11/13/2025

    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

  6. 10/30/2025

    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

  7. 10/16/2025

    Human-First Marketing for Trades w/ Stuart Amidon | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep. 8

    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 Stuart Amidon, founder & CEO of Page50, for a no-fluff conversation on building brands, earning trust, and growing profit the patient, human way.   Stuart shares his journey from bivocational pastor and wedding shooter to running a boutique marketing agency serving clients worldwide—and why none of it was part of a “five-year plan.”   Throughout the conversation, Stuart digs into: Human over Hype: Why good marketing sounds like a person and serves actual people (and how “social media is social”). Brand ≠ Logo: Brand is your reputation—product quality + customer service—long before colors and typefaces. First Impressions that Matter: Invest in aesthetics as you can, but never compromise the human first impression. Avoiding “Design by Committee”: How to keep projects from turning into camels—and get decisive, effective creative. Mentoring the Next Gen: Hire hungry young talent, pay them to learn, and build a culture of teaching. Always Be Innovating: In the AI era, stagnation kills. Create weekly bandwidth for R&D and improvement. E-E-A-T in Practice: Publish real expertise to win search—experience, authority, and trust beat generic AI fluff. Owned Media is Back: Why email lists, podcasts, and repeatable content engines outperform fickle brand pages. Quick Win Example: Turning on Google Merchant Center (even for digital goods) to unlock discoverability at scale. Your Story, Ready to Go: Craft an elevator (15 sec) and stump (2–3 min) speech so every team member can sell the why. Serve & Leave a Legacy: “Business is serving others at scale”—build something that outlasts you.   Whether you run a fab shop, lead installs, or own a growing trade business, this episode is packed with field-tested moves you can implement today—without losing the human touch. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com Learn more about Page50: https://page50.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:14) - Start Your Own Business(00:05:17) - Startup: Shooting Events for Corporate Companies(00:08:08) - What's the Difference Between Good Marketing and Bad Marketing?(00:10:25) - The Human Side of Business(00:11:54) - Brand Management 101(00:14:21) - First Impressions(00:20:20) - How to Grow Your Business Quickly(00:22:31) - Mentoring and Career Development(00:23:43) - Never Stop Learning(00:27:35) - Don't Ask for More Money(00:28:52) - E-commerce Marketing: The Future Is Now(00:32:26) - Owned Media is Back(00:35:01) - Elevator Speech(00:37:26) - Business Owners: The Content Creator Way(00:42:50) - "Don't Panic!" AI Is Taking Your Jobs(00:43:51) - Design by Committee(00:45:52) - What's Fun in Your World?(00:48:07) - What Would I Want Them to Walk Away With After Working With Us(00:50:02) - Cutting Edge Inst

    51 min

  8. 10/02/2025

    All About Porcelain Installation w/ Nathan Parsons | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep. 7

    Welcome to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast, brought to you by OmniCubed—where innovation meets installation and everything in between.   In this episode, host Merv Campbell, General Manager of OmniCubed, sits down with Nathan Parsons, founder of the Porcelain Slab Company. Nathan will give us all his insight on his journey, challenges, and success using porcelain material.   Nathan goes through his story in the industry and his road to success in his business. Throughout Nathan’s journey, we find out that: He learned through trial, error, and costly mistakes he made along the way. It is essential to have the right knowledge, equipment, and expertise when dealing with porcelain material. Focussing on communication, teamwork, and understanding material behavior is key in this industry.   Whether you’re a tile expert, a stone shop owner, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation is packed with insight, experience, and advice from someone who learned a lot.   Learn more about The Porcelain Slab Co: https://www.theporcelainslabcompany.com/ Learn more about OmniCubed: https://omnicubed.com Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Pro(00:00:58) - Sliding Porcelain Into Your Tile Projects(00:04:27) - Porcelain Installers: The Challenges(00:06:26) - Tiling Industry Adapts To Big Slabs(00:09:32) - Granite, Porcelain Installers(00:13:12) - Basic Install Tools(00:20:17) - How To Fix a Broken Bathroom Seal(00:21:29) - What do you think, in your honest opinion, is holding people(00:23:37) - Tutorials for Tile and Granite(00:26:23) - milo on the road and his future(00:30:45) - How to Look for Work in Your Area(00:32:12) - Common themes in communication in the tile industry(00:33:28) - Porcain Slab Company(00:37:20) - Cutting Edge Installations

    38 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
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Cutting Edge Installs