Trade Talk (Ep. 10) - Smart Selections & Smoother Builds: Insights from Hard Rock Stone & Tile

In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah, Erin, and Lindsay sit down with Nelson Davis, owner of Hard Rock Stone & Tile, to dive into one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of the building process: making selections early.Nelson shares why early decisions can save time, money, and headaches for builders, homeowners, and designers alike. From managing budgets and schedules to avoiding delays caused by material lead times, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.You’ll also hear Nelson’s insights on:The real impact of delayed selections and how they snowball into bigger problemsTips for guiding clients with champagne tastes on a beer budgetThe latest trends in stone, tile, and flooring (and which ones he thinks need to go!)How builders can create stronger vendor relationships through better communicationHis favorite materials, underrated stones, and the most overused trends of 2025Plus, stick around for a fun rapid-fire round covering everything from dream countertops to the biggest pet peeves on a job site.Whether you’re a builder, designer, or just planning a renovation, you’ll walk away with practical tips that make the process smoother for everyone involved.Resources & Links:Learn more about Hard Rock Stone & Tile → hardrockstoneandtile.comFollow Trade Talk on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok for more industry insightsKey Quote:“The selection process can cause a lot of great things to happen or it can cause a lot of harm. If your customer is slow to select, it causes turmoil throughout the process from scheduling to budgets, there's a ton of different things that it can affect.” (3:26)Listen & Subscribe:New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.Got a topic idea or feedback? Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.