Who are we?

Countertops 101

Countertops 101 exists to help countertop companies reach new heights.  We work hard to keep you informed on the latest marketing, sales and operations strategies available through our Blog, video posts, podcasts, live presentations and individual consultations.

Since first creating Countertops 101 back in 2005, it certainly has evolved over the years.  I am hoping that 2017 will be one of the best years to date! It It is hard to believe that in June 2017 Countertops 101 will be 12 years old!!

As in previous years, my goal for this site in 2017 is to help countertop fabricators take their business to the next level.

Sales/Marketing 90%
Operations 70%
Tooling 50%

JOURNAL

Find ideas on sales and marketing, operations, or even tooling and strategies from other fabricators to help make your company more successful and profitable.

PODCAST

Now there is no excuse not to raise your game. We have podcasts available so you can learn no matter where you are – gym, office, car or even out of the country!

VIDEO

Get hands-on with our YouTube channel. We are working at adding a regular assortment of videos to help you achieve total success in your business.

25000
Happy Customers
10200
Cups of Coffee
50680
Miles Traveled
39200
Songs Listened To

What we can do for you?

Why Countertops 101

Web & Mobile Design

Raw denim typewriter Carles irony. Helvetica farers Blue Bottle, distery vero you probably haven’t heard of them disrupt. Pariatur meh vegan ut.

Branding

Raw denim typewriter Carles irony. Helvetica farers Blue Bottle, distery vero you probably haven’t heard of them disrupt. Pariatur meh vegan.

Social Media

Raw denim typewriter Carles irony. Helvetica farers Blue Bottle, distery vero you probably haven’t heard of them disrupt. Pariatur meh vegan ut.

E-Commerce

Raw denim typewriter Carles irony. Helvetica farers Blue Bottle, distery vero you probably haven’t heard of them disrupt. Pariatur meh veg.
Our Work
  • “I am a small business owner who does custom counter tops in the very small and remote town in Homer Alaska. Because of our location it is important that we offer the best materials available to our customers and also we need the assurance that the materials will actually be available and will arrive on time. Sam has helped us stay competitive in our industry by keeping us current on the best pricing and shipping methods. Sam has also helped me in other ways such as how better to advertise in such a unique location.  That type of help is above and beyond his job obligation.  My business relies on great people like Sam Graham. ”
    David Gerard - Gerard Houseworks, Homer, AK
  • “…… Sam brought to the position a good breadth of industry knowledge and organizational skills. He was able to act quickly and decisively in a fast paced and ever-changing environment. He understood how to prioritize the day’s activities and resources to insure completion of the daily production plan. Sam definetely possess the skills and an intellect well suited for operations management.”
    Dwayne Robinson - ICON, Dallas, TX
  • “I give Sam my full endorsement for several reasons. He is a leader, a professional, and a problem solver! I’ve had the opportunity to work with Sam and witness his ability to turn adverse issues into successes, build client relationships through his integrity and create future business opportunities with excellent results. He is respected by his peers and clients and has an extensive track record of success. Sam would be an asset to any organization!”
    James Black - BMC, Dallas, TX

Meet the Talents

Meet the Team

Clark Thornton

Clark Thornton

Co-Founder & Technical Director
Clark Thorton is a designer who works remotely from Birmingham, AL. A graduate of Ole Miss, where he played quidditch.
Kathleen Fox

Kathleen Fox

Creative Director
Kathleen Fox is a designer who works remotely from Birmingham, AL. A graduate of Ole Miss, where she played quidditch.
Robert Murphy

Robert Murphy

Visual Designer
Robert Murphy is a designer who works remotely from Birmingham, AL. A graduate of Ole Miss, where he played quidditch.
Kristina Collins

Kristina Collins

Interactive Designer
Kristina Collins is a designer who works remotely from Birmingham, AL. A graduate of Ole Miss, where she played quidditch.

BUY WILLOW NOW

Placeat Vice mumblecore nostrud, mustache are seitaninty. Squid tempor cillum, locavore stumpton pickled VHS literally. Organic plaid ugh, dream selvage fingerstache dolore stumptown elit Salvia master cleanse quis retro. Elit dreamcatcher four loko, mumblecore salvia incididunt selfies Banksy placeat. Fashion axe 90’s accusamus

Buy Now

Latest from the Journal

The Journal

Always Focus on the Bottleneck
Best Practices / Fabrication / Granite / Journal / Operations / Quartz / Solid Surface

Always Focus on the Bottleneck

Welcome to Part I of Countertops 101’s Best Practices Series In most shops, the perception is you are making money if the bridge saw, panel saw, or CNC are cutting up a new project. Consequently, we like to see as many jobs being cut as possible.  However, the real place money is made or lost…

June 9, 2017
Shop Signage
Journal / Marketing / Operations / Sales

Shop Signage

Everywhere I go I am asked if there is any advice I have to increase business.  Here is one easy, simple and affordable tip that can help increase your revenue – A SIGN! You cannot imagine how many fabricators I used to visit each and every week. The most time consuming and frustrating thing I…

May 28, 2017
Acrylic vs. Polyester
Best Practices / Journal / Sales / Solid Surface

Acrylic vs. Polyester

So which is the better solid surface material?  Acrylic or Polyester? This has been the subject of much debate for as long as I can remember.  It seems every fabricator has their own opinion on which material is best.  The reality is there is no right or wrong…. just what is best given the specific…

March 5, 2014
Countertop Surfaces – Strengths and Weaknesses
Best Practices / Fabrication / Journal / Marketing / Quartz / Sales / Solid Surface

Countertop Surfaces – Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and Weaknesses Solid Surface/Quartz/Natural Stone Solid Surface Strengths: Non porous – extremely sanitary and resistant to bacteria NSF 51 approved for use in food service areas Damage can be repaired and in most cases repair will not be noticeable Inconspicuous seams Surface can be refinished if it becomes scratched Thermoformable – 100% acrylic surfaces…

December 12, 2013
Vanity Positioning for ADA Compliance
Fabrication / Journal / Solid Surface / Staron

Vanity Positioning for ADA Compliance

Over the last few days I have been getting lots of inquiries in regards to the positioning of bathroom vanities in regards to ADA compliance specifications. Here is a diagram showing the measurements to be in compliance. The Staron 3181 bowl will be in compliance when the front of the bowl is positioned 4″ back…

November 12, 2013
Journal / Operations / Sales

Make a Real Difference

In America, everyone wants to be a leader. I think, and would argue, everyone is already a leader by definition. In every interaction you are guiding or influencing in one way or another. This interaction will lead the mind of your peer to form an opinion or belief of some sort. It may be good,…

October 16, 2013

Helping clients across America raise the bar.

YOU CAN REACH US IN DALLAS, TEXAS
Dallas