Cutting Edge Installs

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:

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/

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:

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/

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:

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/

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 Billy Britt III, third-generation owner of Britt & Tilson Glass in Asheville, North Carolina, to share a powerful story of devastation, faith, leadership, and rebuilding after a hurricane destroyed their 60+ year-old family business

From running through the shop as a kid to leading his team through one of the darkest seasons imaginable, Billy opens up about what it means to carry a family legacy — and what happens when that legacy is suddenly wiped away overnight. With no power, no building, and no guarantees, Billy and his team faced an impossible question: rebuild or walk away?

What followed was a daily commitment to show up, support one another, and lean fully into faith — one 24-hour period at a time.

In this episode, you’ll hear them dive into:

• What it’s like to lose a multi-generation glass business to a natural disaster

• Leadership under pressure — and the power of team loyalty

• Why “daily bread” became the operating strategy for survival

• How faith brought peace in the middle of chaos

• The importance of humility and not “being the smartest guy in the room”

• Mentorship, coaching, and investing in the next generation of glaziers

• Elevating respect for the glass trade in the broader construction industry

• Finding renewed purpose through branding, community impact, and giving back

Billy shares how peace replaced panic, how purpose replaced long-term planning, and how the company was not only rebuilt — but strengthened through relationships, character, and conviction.

Raw, grounded, and deeply inspiring, this episode is a must-listen for business owners, tradespeople, leaders, and anyone navigating adversity while holding onto faith and purpose.

Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/

Learn more about Britt & Tilson Glass: https://www.brittandtilson.com/

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 Greg White, a veteran glass professional whose career spans major airport projects, stadium work, fabrication leadership, and decades in the trades. From getting his start as a general contractor to managing a $14M glass install at Toronto Pearson Airport, Greg shares the experiences that shaped his passion for glass and craftsmanship.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn into the state of the trades today — why fewer young people are entering skilled work, how stigma around “dirty hands” still lingers, and what leaders can do to mentor, encourage, and retain the next generation. Greg offers practical, grounded insight on mentorship, embracing technology, cross-training, and why versatility is one of the most valuable traits in today’s workforce.

In this episode, you’ll hear them dive into:

Honest, experience-driven, and deeply relevant, this episode is a must-listen for glaziers, fabricators, installers, shop leaders, and anyone invested in the future of skilled trades.

Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/

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 Katy Devlin, Chief Content Officer at the National Glass Association, for a wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation about the future of the glass and glazing industry. From workforce development and generational change to technology, training, and advocacy, Katy shares what’s really happening behind the scenes — and what it means for contractors, installers, and business leaders on the ground.

Together, Merv and Katy dive into:

• How the National Glass Association supports the entire glass supply chain

• The biggest workforce challenges facing glazing contractors today

• Recruiting, training, and retaining the next generation of glaziers

• Why visibility and pride in craftsmanship matter more than ever

• How technology and smarter tools are reshaping safety and longevity in the trades

• Bridging generational gaps between experienced pros and new talent

• What to expect at the Building Envelope Contractors Conference (BEC)

• Why collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and curiosity are key to the industry’s future

From AI and jobsite technology to culture, mentorship, and career longevity, this episode is packed with practical insight, honest perspective, and real optimism for where the glass industry is headed.

Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/

Learn more about the National Glass Association: https://www.glass.org/

Welcome back to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast — brought to you by Omni Cubed, where innovation meets installation and everything in between.

Host Merv Campbell sits down with Geoff Shellard, Regional Architectural Design Manager at Guardian Glass, for a wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation about education, community, and the evolving responsibilities of the glazing industry. From Geoff’s unconventional journey through marketing, construction, remediation, and even award-winning karaoke, to his leadership role across North America, this episode is packed with real-world perspective and hard-earned wisdom.

A major focus of the discussion centers on bird-friendly glass — what it is, why it matters, where projects go wrong, and how better education, early collaboration, and thoughtful specification can prevent costly mistakes while protecting wildlife. Geoff breaks down the technology, myths, and best practices behind bird-safe glazing, while also addressing performance, aesthetics, code requirements, and real-world budget pressures.

In this episode, you’ll also hear them dive into:

Thoughtful, practical, and refreshing, this episode is a must-listen for architects, glaziers, fabricators, specifiers, and anyone invested in smarter, more responsible building design.

Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/

Learn more about Guardian Glass: https://www.guardianglass.com/

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 Andrew Lejeune (of Glass Art Design in Minneapolis) to unpack what it really takes to run a custom glass shop that says “yes” to the weird, the complex, and the high-end. Andrew shares how he went from fire protection to leading a decades-old artisan glass business built on hand-crafted techniques, relentless quality control, and a reputation trusted by luxury homebuilders.

Together, Merv and Andrew dive into:

• Why custom glass is equal parts art, precision, and problem-solving

• How “saying yes” (with the right guardrails) builds trust and reputation over decades

• The reality of rejecting glass to protect quality — and what it costs (and saves)

• Blending old-world craftsmanship with modern operations, systems, and scaling

• Product development lessons from chasing a recycled glass countertop concept

• The traits that make a great installer today: pride, detail, and consistency

• Why cross-functional meetings prevent expensive mistakes on complex jobs 2026 goals: ditching paper, adopting tablets, and growing both luxury and commodity work

From fire-molded showpiece doors in a $10M lake home to a stunning solarium packed with leaded panels and color, this episode is packed with practical insight and a real appreciation for craftsmanship in the trades.

Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/

Learn more about Glass Art Design: https://glassartdesign.com/

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:

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/

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:

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/