To Our Industry Partners and Fellow Fabricators,
Recent discussions throughout our industry have raised questions about ISFA's mission, representation, funding, and advocacy efforts. As the Board of Directors, we believe it is important to address these questions directly, clarify who we represent, and reaffirm what guides our decisions.
First and foremost, ISFA represents fabricators.
Our mission is to support the businesses and people who fabricate and install countertop and surfacing materials, regardless of the products they work with. We advocate for their safety, success, and long-term sustainability.
That commitment is reflected in our membership. This year, ISFA has experienced 64% membership growth, with fabricators representing 80% of our membership. We believe this growth demonstrates the industry's desire for an organization focused on the needs and interests of fabricators.
Our Industry Partners Are Essential to Our Mission
ISFA is proud to work alongside manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors throughout the countertop and surfacing industry. These organizations are essential to the success of fabrication businesses, and their financial support helps make our education, training, networking, and advocacy initiatives possible.
We value these partnerships and recognize the important role they play in strengthening our industry.
However, we want to be equally clear: Financial support does not determine ISFA's advocacy positions or organizational decisions.
Our partners support ISFA because they recognize the value of a strong, safe, and successful fabrication industry. Their involvement is welcomed and appreciated, but our responsibility remains to the fabricators we represent.
We Represent Fabricators, Not Products
This distinction is fundamental to our mission.
ISFA does not exist to promote or protect any particular countertop or surfacing material. We represent fabrication businesses working with natural stone, quartz, porcelain, solid surface, and many other materials.
This independence matters because what is best for fabrication businesses may not always align with the business interests of a particular manufacturer or supplier.
Often, those interests do align. A thriving fabrication industry benefits manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and fabricators alike.
But when those interests differ, ISFA's position must be guided by what is best for fabricators, their employees, and the long-term health of their businesses—not by the commercial interests of any particular material or manufacturer.
This is not a position against any material or industry partner. It is a commitment to independent representation and responsible advocacy.
Our Actions Reflect Our Commitment
Our commitment to fabricator representation is demonstrated through the work we do.
Earlier this year, ISFA helped organize and collaborated with other industry stakeholders on testimony related to proposed tariffs on imported surfacing materials. Our objective was to ensure fabricators had an independent voice and an opportunity to communicate how proposed trade policies would affect their businesses.
This is one example of ISFA working collaboratively with industry partners while ensuring the voice of the fabricator is heard.
Why We Are Pursuing Licensing
One of ISFA's most significant current initiatives is the pursuit of federal licensing for fabrication businesses.
We believe licensing is an important step toward improving worker safety, establishing consistent industry standards, promoting responsible fabrication practices, and protecting the long-term future of our industry.
Our direction has been shaped by extensive engagement with fabricators and overwhelming support for stronger, more consistent safety standards and licensing.
As part of these efforts, ISFA utilizes the American Countertop Manufacturing Council (ACMC) to gather input from fabricators and help ensure their voices are heard as we work toward meaningful industry solutions.
We are taking action to move this effort forward. Most recently, ISFA submitted a petition to Cal/OSHA as part of our ongoing efforts to advance licensing and stronger worker safety standards. This represents meaningful progress toward establishing a regulatory framework that protects workers while supporting responsible fabrication businesses.
We encourage all fabricators and industry stakeholders to participate in the public comment process and make their voices heard on this important petition.
We also recognize that licensing may provide a practical alternative to product bans, including those being considered in California. We believe a system that establishes clear safety requirements, accountability, and enforcement can address the underlying concerns surrounding worker exposure while allowing responsible fabrication businesses to continue operating.
But preventing product bans is not why ISFA is pursuing licensing.
We are pursuing licensing because we believe it is the right thing to do for fabricators and their workers. Our commitment to licensing exists regardless of how it may benefit or impact any particular countertop or surfacing material.
Our advocacy is driven by worker safety and the future of fabrication businesses—not product protection.
Moving Forward Together
Our industry faces significant challenges, but also tremendous opportunities. Addressing those challenges requires collaboration among fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and industry organizations.
ISFA remains committed to working with all stakeholders who share our goal of strengthening the fabrication industry. We welcome different perspectives, constructive dialogue, and collaboration.
At the same time, we recognize our responsibility to provide independent leadership and a clear voice for fabricators, particularly when important regulatory and legislative decisions are being made.
Beyond advocacy, we will continue investing in education, training, industry connections, and resources that help fabrication businesses succeed.
Our commitment is straightforward: We represent fabricators. We value our industry partners. We advocate independently. And we will continue making decisions based on what we believe is best for the people and businesses we serve.
We appreciate the continued support of our members, partners, and the broader industry as we work together toward a safer, stronger, and more sustainable future.
The ISFA Board of Directors
Travis McDermott, President, McDermott Top Shop LLC
Ted Sheritt, FloForm Countertops
Omar Chahin, GMD Surfaces
Sheri Pruitt, Alpha Countertops
Chad Thompson, Redding Countertops Inc
Kellie Akins, Innovative Surfaces, Inc.
Brandon Clavo, Cosentino USA
Troy Ellsoos, The Countertop Factory Midwest
Glenn Kross, Coastal Stone Group
Troy Page, Ellis Page Company, LLC
Todd Scott, Smokey Mountain Tops
Brian Tekulve Front Range Stone
Meagan Hegland, Park Industries
Frank Sciarrino, Granite Gold Inc.