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 Alana Staffel, a rising voice in the glazing world whose journey into glass is anything but ordinary. From managing electricians and plumbers, to being “poached” at a trade show, to suddenly cutting mirrors the day before a booth install — her story is full of unexpected twists, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of grit.

Together, Merv and Alana dive into:

• Falling into the trades (and loving it): how one weekend at a trade show changed her entire career path

• Life in glass as a woman in the trades: the challenges, the misconceptions, and why she encourages more women to join

• Craftsmanship that can’t hide: why she loves a trade where the quality is always visible

• Lessons from companies that didn’t survive: cash flow, communication, staffing, culture, and red flags owners should watch for

• Best practices for staying profitable: business development, follow-up, value-engineering conversations, and building trust with contractors

• Where the industry is heading: energy efficiency, retrofits, and a return to architectural character

• Faith, family, and attitude: how she stays upbeat in tough markets

• Her newest passion project: combining mirrors and stained glass (and learning it from YouTube)

This one is packed with humor, honesty, industry insight, and encouragement — for shop owners, installers, estimators, and anyone who’s ever been “thrown in” and had to figure it out on the fly.

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