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

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. May 14

    What Family Shops Know That Big Fabricators Don't | AVSONS Kitchens & Bath | Cutting Edge Install Ep. 23

    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 the team from AVSONS Kitchens & Bath for a practical, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to run a successful family-owned countertop business from start to finish. From templating and fabrication to final installation, this episode is packed with real-world lessons from the shop floor and the jobsite. The discussion dives into how a family business can maintain personal service while scaling operations, why attention to detail during templating can save major headaches later, and how the right tools open doors to bigger, more profitable projects. They also explore the realities of difficult materials, transporting oversized pieces, and the pressure that comes with high-value installs where one mistake can cost thousands. Merv and the team also unpack how craftsmanship, teamwork, and problem-solving remain the backbone of the stone industry — especially when dealing with uneven cabinets, tight jobsite access, complex miters, and demanding homeowner expectations. In this episode, you’ll hear them discuss: How family-owned shops build trust through personal service Common templating mistakes that create costly delays Why fabrication accuracy makes installs smoother and faster The best ways to handle seams, miters, and waterfall edges Which countertop materials are easiest — and hardest — to work with Why investing in better tools leads to more profitable jobs How teamwork and planning improve jobsite safety What homeowners should know before choosing slab sizes and layouts From practical shop wisdom to unforgettable install stories, this episode is full of insight for fabricators, installers, shop owners, and anyone working in the countertop trade. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about AVSONS Kitchen & Bath: https://www.avsonskitchen.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:06) - Countertop Fabricator and Installer(00:04:17) - What Does a Typical Templating appointment look like for your team(00:07:09) - Does Your Company Need to Upgrade to Digital Templating?(00:08:36) - Countertop and Cabinet Installers: Tensioning and Touch Up(00:10:32) - How to Install a Countertop(00:11:54) - How To Seam Interior: Avoiding Mistakes(00:15:40) - Fabrication: The Changes of 2026(00:19:09) - Are some materials harder to work with than others?(00:20:34) - What to Do on a Builders Job Site?(00:21:33) - Heavy Construction Work, Safety(00:24:03) - What's The Most Difficult Install?(00:27:19) - What Would You Say About Quartz?(00:30:13) - Slab SIZE(00:32:41) - Cutting Edge Install

  6. Apr 30

    Why "Good at Tile" Isn't Enough to Survive | Woody Sanders | Ep 22

    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 Woody Sanders, owner of DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting in Marietta, Georgia, whose career in the industry spans over four decades. From starting as a teenage tile setter to leading a thriving contracting business, Woody shares hard-earned lessons on craftsmanship, leadership, and what it really takes to build a sustainable company in the trades The conversation dives deep into the transition from being a hands-on craftsman to becoming a true business owner — and why so many contractors struggle to make that shift. Woody opens up about early mistakes, the wake-up calls that forced change, and how mentorship, financial discipline, and community shaped his long-term success. Throughout the episode, Woody emphasizes a people-first approach — from investing in employees and prioritizing safety, to building trust within the industry and giving back through organizations like the NTCA. In this episode, you’ll hear them dive into: The difference between being a contractor and running a real business Why knowing your numbers is critical to survival and growth Lessons learned from bad hires, setbacks, and industry challenges The power of mentorship and learning from others in the trade Why organic growth beats forced scaling every time How to build a culture that values people, safety, and craftsmanship The importance of industry relationships and contractor networking Long-term thinking, financial discipline, and planning for the future Woody shares a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on the trades — one rooted in experience, humility, and a commitment to doing things the right way. He provides valuable insights for contractors looking to grow, young tradespeople entering the industry, and anyone trying to build something that lasts. Honest, practical, and deeply insightful, this episode is a must-listen for installers, contractors, business owners, and anyone serious about mastering both the craft and the business behind it. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting, Inc.: https://dwstile.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:00:43) - Woody Sanders Tile and Stone Contracting(00:06:49) - Former Tile Contractor on Reevaluating His Processes(00:12:12) - Teile Tile Contractor: The Need for Skill(00:15:47) - Sliding on a slab is a skill required(00:17:12) - What Keeps You Stuck in the Tile Industry?(00:22:33) - Leading Contractors: The Backstabbing(00:27:19) - Do You Need AI in Your Marketing?(00:29:02) - Continued growth within the company(00:33:34) - In the Elevator With AI(00:34:22) - Structural Engineers on the Residential Market(00:36:48) - Beyond QuickBooks: Accounting Lessons(00:40:07) - Being a Sole proprietor: Predictability(00:41:51) - Mentors of the 1980s(00:44:54) - Teaching the Basics of Tile(00:48:48) - Contractor Tip of the Day: Don't Ask the Design Team(00:50:34) - Teacher Interview(00:53:18) - What is the NTCA and its value to tile installers(00:56:43) - President of the Tile Installers Association offers advice(01:00:29) - NTCA President on Member dues(01:03:31) - Tremors: An Investment in Equipment(01:07:14) - Nimble Workers: The Need to Shift Gears(01:08:59) - The Indian doctor who cured cancer(01:09:23) - NTCA Tiling Association Membership(01:12:54) - Cutting Edge Installations

  7. Apr 16

    Why the Best Tile Contractors Never Stop Learning | Jeremy Sax | Cutting Edge Install Ep. 21

    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 Jeremy Sax, Deputy Executive Director of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), for an insightful conversation about leadership, education, and the future of the tile industry. With more than two decades in the tile and construction world, Jeremy shares how his career evolved from warehouse trainee to industry advocate — and why he ultimately chose to return to the industry he loves.  The discussion explores how the NTCA supports contractors across the country through training, mentorship, and business resources designed to help installers work smarter, stay competitive, and build sustainable companies. From hands-on training events and technical support to mentorship networks and technology adoption, Jeremy explains how education remains the foundation for improving craftsmanship and profitability across the trade.  Merv and Jeremy also dive into practical innovation on the jobsite — from tools that protect installers’ bodies to emerging technologies like exoskeleton systems designed to help workers safely handle larger tile panels and demanding installations. Beyond tools, the conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning, servant leadership, and building a strong industry culture that welcomes the next generation of tradespeople.  In this episode, you’ll hear them discuss: How the National Tile Contractors Association supports tile professionals nationwide The role education and training play in raising installation standards Why mentorship and community matter in the trades How technology and innovation are changing jobsite efficiency Business strategies that help contractors grow sustainably The importance of continuous improvement and industry involvement Why the next generation of tile professionals is already emerging From leadership lessons and industry insights to real-world tools that help contractors succeed, this episode is packed with practical knowledge for installers, contractors, shop owners, and anyone invested in the future of the tile trade. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about the National Tile Contractors Association: https://www.tile-assn.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:21) - A New Friend On The Podcast(00:02:18) - Meet Jeremy Sacks(00:04:05) - Jeremy Stokes on His Journey into the Tile Industry(00:07:27) - What is the National Tile Contractors Association?(00:10:20) - NTCA Innovation on a Practical Level(00:12:41) - The Innovative Things You've Seen(00:14:56) - How to Be a Servant Leader to Your Members(00:19:22) - How Does the NTCA Keep People Sharp?(00:21:51) - Learning gaps and the language barrier(00:25:41) - NTCA Technology Solutions(00:28:20) - Does NTCA Education Help Installers?(00:32:43) - How the NTCAA Helped Organizations Grow(00:34:47) - The NTCA: Growing With Covid(00:38:43) - NTCA 5-Star Contractor Summer Meeting(00:44:16) - The New Tennessee Carpet Association's(00:48:12) - Get Involved with the NTCA(00:49:47) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast

  8. Apr 2

    The Glass Industry's Hiring Problem | Ashley Cline | Cutting Edge Installs Podcast Ep. 20

    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 Ashley Cline of MR Davidson, a long-time recruiter in the glazing and construction industries who’s redefining what good recruiting actually looks like. Instead of chasing résumés, Ashley focuses on relationships, culture fit, and long-term success — for both companies and people. Ashley shares her journey into the glazing industry, how recruiting has changed since COVID, and why culture, potential, and personality now matter more than ever. Together, Merv and Ashley unpack the real challenges facing the trades today — from labor shortages and generational gaps to misconceptions about recruiters and what it actually takes to build strong, sustainable teams. You’ll hear them dive into: Why relationship-driven recruiting outperforms job boards Culture fit vs. technical skill — and why one matters more How COVID and remote work reshaped estimating and project management roles Why project managers and estimators are in such high demand Bringing talent into glazing from other trades, military, and new industries The role recruiters play in reshaping the future of the trades Why you can teach skills — but not work ethic or attitude This episode is an honest, practical look at hiring, leadership, and building teams that actually last — packed with insight for shop owners, project managers, industry leaders, and anyone invested in the future of the trades.  Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about MR Davidson: https://mrdavidson.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:01:14) - Getting Back in the Recruitment Studio(00:02:03) - Have You Got What it Takes to Recruit?(00:03:13) - How Glass Companies Are Helping Construction Companies Get Talent(00:06:21) - Remote Work Has Changed(00:08:59) - Are there any sort of misconceptions that companies would have about working with(00:09:49) - How to Find the Right Person to Fill a Job(00:12:26) - Culture and the Right Fit(00:18:20) - What's the Most Important Potential In The Glass Build Team?(00:21:43) - What are the most demanding Skills or Jobs out there?(00:22:38) - Glass Build Recruiting: How to Retain Millennials(00:26:48) - "Forties Are For Grows!"(00:27:06) - Glass Industry Expert: Know What You're Looking For & Be Prep(00:32:30) - NCAN Grilling: Getting People Back to Work(00:35:05) - Ashley on the Weather(00:35:49) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast

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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
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Cutting Edge Installs