KG Stevens played host to the Artisan Group tour, where members discussed fabrication issues from sales to installation.

KG Stevens played host to the Artisan Group tour, where members discussed fabrication issues from sales to installation.

Twenty-seven Artisan Group member companies, as well as the Kohler Members of Artisan Group recently toured fellow member shop KG Stevens in Wisconsin with tour guide Fabricator’s Choice. Participants got to see the latest in machinery and shop layout efficiency. Members discussed fabrication from sales to installation, and shared new ideas and concepts for issues that all countertop fabricators face. As a result of the meeting, the group is expanding its vendor partnership program. Companies that wish to exhibit in front of the Artisan Group at the Industry Showcase in Austin next April, should contact the group. 

The tour’s next stop was the Kohler Design Center and Foundry, expanding the group’s product knowledge. The Kohler partnership has been expanded to allow group members to better capitalize on the Kohler brand recognition. “As tough as it for business owners to take time away, this trip will drive business and relationships well beyond the time in Kohler,” says John Hansen, Kohler Sales Manager.

“The group’s enjoyment of the VIP factory tour and Design Center will continue to grow the relationship between Kohler and Artisan Group. I’m looking forward to seeing the group again in April, having been attending the Industry Showcase since the inaugural meeting four years ago.”

The group allowed trip sponsors Kohler, Moraware, Tenax, AG&M, Park Industries, BACA Systems, Fabricators Choice & Heritage Wood/Craft Art to address the group regarding efficiency, design, finances and more. 

“Whenever the Artisan Group gets together great information is shared among its members,” says Jon Lancto, Artisan Group best practices consultant. “Having this take place at a venue like Kohler was icing on the cake.”

The trip included a packed business itinerary, but in Artisan Group fashion, the group made time for fun and comradery as well, with fishing, golf and some shooting. “We have an amazing group that works hard and plays hard,” says Chad Seiders, Artisan Group Executive Director. 

“The group started out as a granite buying club of fly fisherman. We have continued that tradition as a group, with several fishing trips during the year. We also golf and shoot at some locations. Our family atmosphere is one of the aspects that makes our group unique.” 

With 35 members and growing, Artisan Group covers most major markets in the U.S., and it can handle a variety of fabrication needs from a local to national scale. Its members average more than 20 years of fabrication experience in the countertop industry, and all Artisan Group members have achieved, or have begun the process to achieve, full accreditation with the Marble Institute of America. The group is among the first granite fabricators in the world to be working towards this distinction. 

Brands of the Artisan Stone Collection include Aventine Quartz, Exotic & Classic Granite & Marble, and Saratoga Soapstone. It also offers Heritage Wood surfacing products.  For more information, see www.artisan-counters.com and facebook.com/ArtisanGroupCountertops.