What You Will Learn
Are you prepared for the sweeping changes defining the Surface industry in 2026? The traditional landscape of the Quartz, Tile, and Stone sectors is undergoing a transformation. Driven by federal silica-related lawsuits, the business is facing new strict safety certifications, dramatically altering fabrication costs and current business models. Simultaneously, it is up against an aging workforce. For every five baby boomers retiring from the trades, only two candidates from younger generations are coming behind them, threatening a significant loss of critical institutional memory, “the brain drain.”
While these challenges are creating disruption in the current marketplace, we believe this disruption brings with it unprecedented opportunity. This high-energy, data-driven webinar offers a strategic blueprint for thriving in this new era. We will explore the transition from manual, analog labor to a technical, data-driven trade that prioritizes both safety and entrepreneurial acumen. We will demonstrate how transformative change is possible by embracing innovation into every facet of your business (fabrication, installation, people, business model). Whether you are a fabricator, installer, designer, or contractor, this session will equip you with actionable insights to build a resilient, forward-thinking, and highly profitable business.
Learning Objectives:
- Market Trends: Webinar participants will learn how the recent federal lawsuits and aging workforce are significantly impacting the Quartz, Tile, and Stone sectors in terms of increased costs, shifting liabilities and the upcoming “brain drain” and labor shortage.
- Innovation: Learn how the kitchen and bath industry can embrace innovation by integrating new technologies, the digital fluency of the next generation of workers and co-op business models to not only tackle these challenges but transform the industry for the future.
- Skilled Trades Initiatives: Learn how the NKBA NextUp Program and Building Tomorrow’s Skilled Trades Workforce Program as well as business and government initiatives are showcasing the “New High Tech Trades”, supporting succession plans from Gen 1 to Gen 2, creating mentorship and apprentice opportunities as well as encouraging conversation through educational and networking events for the industry.
Featured Presenter
Jim Gurulé
President, Bay West Sales & Innovation
Jim Gurulé brings extensive experience working with kitchen and bath professionals, including designers, contractors, architects, and manufacturers. As the founder of Bay West Sales & Innovation, a business development company, he holds five US patents that have led to numerous licensing and cabinet manufacturing agreements, resulting in millions of units sold in the cabinet industry. His California C6 contractor’s license provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the kitchen renovation industry and valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Kitchen & Bath industries in the era of Artificial Intelligence Technologies.
He currently serves as the NKBA Northern California Chapter Membership Chair and was recognized as Best Membership Chair at the 2025 NKBA | KBIS’ Leader2Leader ceremony. Additionally, he has been a presenter at NKBA’s Voices from the Industry Conference and for the Chapter Presentation Program. He also hosts a weekly podcast with over 100 episodes discussing five key life areas: profession, health, worldview, money, and relationships.
Featured Presenter
Dominick Piegaro
Business Development Manager, Emser Tile
With over a decade of experience in the hard surface industry in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have built a strong background across both retail and wholesale environments. My work has focused on helping clients, designers, contractors, and builders select the right materials for a wide range of residential and commercial projects.
Throughout my career, I have developed deep product knowledge across natural and manufactured surfaces, including stone, porcelain, ceramic, and quartz. This experience has allowed me to guide customers through product selection, technical specifications, and installation considerations while balancing aesthetics, durability, and cost.
Working in both retail and wholesale channels has given me a well-rounded understanding of the supply chain, from showroom consultation and client relationships to distribution, logistics, and supporting trade professionals. I take pride in building long-term partnerships and providing solutions that meet the practical and design needs of every project.
My experience at Emser Tile & in the Bay Area market has also given me insight into regional design trends, construction demands, and the fast-paced nature of the building industry. I am passionate about delivering quality products, reliable service, and helping clients bring their vision to life through the right surface materials.
