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