BACK TO BASICS
WITH JAMES MFN'D AND CREW
IT'S BEEN 4 YEARS!
James hosted a massive SFA workshop in 2019!
Our friend James Donaire is back! Remember the game-changing SFA workshop from four years ago? He's bringing it back this year on the 14th and 15th of September, 2023. And this time, no-one gets left out! So if you're part of the SFA, ASF, ATS, MIA or the CIA, consider this your invitation. And like always, it's free.
This workshop is simply "Back to Basics," because that's what we'll be doing: diving deep into the nuts and bolts of stone fabrication. No matter how much the technology changes, those fundamentals stay the same. This is your chance to brush up on your knowledge and maybe even learn a few new tricks. So come on and join us for two days of learning, sharing, and—let's not forget—having fun. Mark your calendars and let's get "Back to Basics." We can't wait to see you there!
James was a lead instructor at the All Things Stone workshop last year hosted by Chad Mecurio.
PERFECTION CONNECTION
14 - 15 SEPT IN CARSON CITY NV
James' shop is a massive playground spanning over 24,000 square feet, filled with state-of-the-art equipment. We're talking about a sawjet, a five-axis saw, a CNC router, a bridge polisher, and that's just scratching the surface. Need slabs? No problem! James has a slab warehouse with a slab scanner right on-site. There is so much to do and learn.
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If you are flying in, you'll want to land in Reno. From there, it's just a quick drive to Carson City. So book your flights and get ready to learn. It's going biggest event of the year!
THE AGENDA
WELCOME TO NEVADA
The shop will be doing some production during the workshop where you will have a chance to watch guys texture slabs and cut projects. In addition to the normal “workshop” type activities, we have a large blocks of instruction tailored from the most basic skills sets to management/owner classes and a little of everything in between. Each class during the blocks will be taught twice, allowing you to choose and attend two sessions per block.
Thursday Afternoon Sessions
1. Integrated Porcelain Sink Construction - with Dustin Aust.
2. Template Training for Pros - Digital & Manual with Chad Mecuruio.
3. Lean Manufacturing Principles - introduced by Mark Lauzon.
4. Maintain Your Gear - with BBM Tech Wes Long & Sasso Tech Daniel Maulding.
Friday Morning Sessions
1. Seam Phantom Training - with Kris Jorgensen (both in-shop and field.)
2. Management Skills - with Beau Christensen to lead like a pro.
3. The Mitering Master Class - conducted by James and his crew.
4. Beyond Countertops - a session with Ben Kaulkman on business expansion.
Friday Afternoon Training Agenda
1. Installation Mastery - a deep dive with James and his crew on tips and tricks.
2. Top Polishing Fundamentals (for various materials) - Chad Mercurio and Kris Jorgenson.
3. Leveraging AI in the stone shop - with Mark Lauzon.
4. Introduction to Drawing in CAD - with Daniel Maulding.
And the experience doesn't end there! We've planned a delightful dinner at the shop on Friday and a day of relaxation and fun activities at Lake Tahoe on Saturday for attendees staying over the weekend.
Reserve your spot soon and bring some of your stone workers an agenda packed with rich learning, Join us as we get back to the basics, refine our skills, and collectively elevate our craft.
TOP POLISHING DIFFICULT STONES
Curious about surfacing slabs?
JAMES IS GOING TO BRING IT!
In the meantime, it's time to get ready! Mark your calendars, grab those flights, and book your rooms. We can't wait to welcome you to a couple of days packed with learning, sharing, and a whole lot of stone fun. See you in September!
EVENT SUPPORTERS MAKE IT HAPPEN
Supporters are the backbone that helps us rock these free workshops and we need your support to make this event a smashing success. We're aiming for this to be not just the biggest workshop of the year, but one for the record books. We can't do it without you. If your business wants to support this workshop give James a call, his number is at the bottom of the site.
When you choose to sponsor a meal, training session, or beverages, or provide financial support for facility expenses, you're not just helping to fund an event. You're investing in the future of the stone fabrication industry. Your support helps fabricators learn new skills, hone old ones, and improve their craft.
So, let's make history together. Support this event and let's ensure that the "Back to Basics" workshop becomes a monumental milestone in the stone fabrication industry. Together, we can create a stronger, brighter future for all.
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