Jon Kaplan

Trade Groups Pay OffRockheads Group Managing Partner

By now, your New Year’s resolutions and your thoughts on what you can change about your life in the stone business post-COVID have likely moved to the back of your brain. It is time to get off the couch or out of the day-to-day business mix of getting countertops out the door and start working ON your business instead of IN your business.

The best way to do this is to get involved in the industry. It pays! Many times in CASH, sometimes in other valuable ways! For entrepreneurs and business owners, visibility and networking are key, but these are just the obvious reasons why it is a good idea to join an industry best practice group, and there are many other reasons. Local, regional, and national industry organizations offer a wide range of opportunities that can lead to enhanced business relationships, and ultimately, greater success.


Here are 10 reasons why joining an industry-related association is well worth your time and effort:

  1. Access to education and training. In many cases, membership in an industry association leads directly to advanced education and training programs, which helps you and your team keep knowledge current and skills sharp.
  2. Enhanced group buying programs. Most organizations offer members group purchasing perks, like freebies and discounts, as a reward for your investment.
  3. Access to membership directories. A lot of associations maintain directories in which member businesses are listed. This can help you increase your exposure to new markets and potential clients.
  4. Competitive advantage. Taking advantage of association resources can help you earn and maintain an edge over non-member competitors thanks to access to inside information and advanced training opportunities.
  5. Access to certification and licensing programs. Many associations support member certification and licensing initiatives, both required and optional. This offers you an excellent opportunity to diversify and expand your skill set, qualifications, and marketability.
  6. Privileged access to industry events and conferences. You may qualify for discounts or special access to upcoming conferences, trade shows and events locally and nationally.
  7. Potential cost savings. Some industry associations grant members access to special rates on products and services through key vendor partnerships, allowing them to price their goods more competitively, in turn saving you money and increasing your profit margins.
  8. Inside access to innovations and new developments. Associations help you stay on top of new products, services, and innovations within the industry. This gives you timely information to adopt and adjust to what makes sense for your business.
  9. Opportunities to give back to the community. You can use your membership to share your knowledge with other member businesses and promote a stronger sense of community cooperation. Many associations donate to charity events and provide member volunteer support and participation as a group.
  10. Networking opportunities. Perhaps the most important benefit of these associations is that they provide you with an excellent opportunity to network with other professionals and entrepreneurs in your field. From these relationships you can learn and grow from shared experiences.


The Rockheads Group is a private network of surfacing industry entrepreneurs dedicated to leadership, best practices, and financial health within our businesses. The Rockheads has over 100 companies to learn from and more than 300 participants to network with! Many members that participate in our programs have NO out-of-pocket costs. Many of our members have been referred projects at 10X the membership value. Also, new businesses have incubated from our conferences and meetings.


JUST DO IT!

Of course, I am biased towards the Rockheads! However, if the Rockheads is not for you, there is a group out there that is. Get involved!  


You can learn more about our Group at www.rockheadsusa.com. If you’re interested in seeing what we’re really about, we invite you to join us for our Hill Country Mansion Retreat happening outside of Austin, Texas, on May 19-21. Come meet us and reap the rewards!