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Consider Adding Concrete Tiles to Your Repertoire
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DEX and many other countertop contractors have branched out by offering precast concrete tiles for use as wall coverings, backsplashes and shower walls. Learn more about this growing market and how concrete tiles stack up when compared with traditional tile materials.
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SHARE YOUR PROJECTS AND PHOTOS
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What fabulous concrete countertop projects have you been working on lately? We want to share your stories, photos, and even your videos. We are especially interested in learning about projects that involve unique designs, innovative techniques, and creative ideas.
Submit your project now using this easy online form. |
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Greetings!
 Recently, I spent a day visiting the impressive production facilities of DEX Industries, a company specializing in precast concrete countertops and an array of other precast products. The company
was founded in 1999 by the husband and wife team of Craig Smith and
Lauriel Leonard. In just 10 years, they expanded the business from a 400-square-foot facility focusing solely on countertops to a huge operation encompassing 65,000 square feet, including a production facility, showroom, and warehouse. They needed the space to accommodate a broadening product line, a growing influx of large-scale commercial projects, and a client base that's expanded from local to international. What are the secrets behind their exponential growth? Craig and Lauriel shared these five business insights we can all learn from.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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1. Expand your product line
While countertops are an important part of DEX's work, they really
stand out by offering a complete array of concrete products, such as custom tiles,
sinks, bathtubs, furniture, and fireplace surrounds. About their growing line of concrete tiles, Craig says,""Not only can we produce elegant tile designs, we can do shorter runs than are impossible for a ceramic tile maker."
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2. Collaborate with other trades
DEX is located in the thriving Metropolitan Complex in Atlanta, which is composed of many different types
of artists whom Craig and Lauriel can collaborate with. There are woodworkers, metal workers, a machinist, a blacksmith, a wood
trader, a recycler, and a custom CNC shop. Their own facility has departments for forming, mold making, casting, polishing, recycling, and finishing.
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3. Offer distinctive designs
Not only is Lauriel a professional interior designer, DEX also works with noted artists and designers to craft special product lines in addition to their custom work. For example, the DEX Clodagh Collection is a line of sinks, "zen" tubs, and furnishings created in collobartion with award-winning designer Clodagh.
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4. Don't just talk green, be green
Sustainability is central in DEX's corporate culture -- not
because it's a trend but because they have always believed in responsible manufacturing practices such as reducing the use of nonrenewable
resources and minimizing environmental impact. Walk through DEX's recycling department and you'll see old perfume
bottles, wine and soda bottles, and even toilets that they recycle onsite using their own glass crusher. The aggregates in their primary product lines have a recycled content ranging from 30% to 70%.
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5. Think globally
Only a small percentage of DEX's work is local. They now ship precast concrete products nationwide and all over the world. A recent project was the Starbar for Dr. Pepper, one of six party decks at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas. DEX shows off its work in a huge showroom, where clients can see the many color and style options for their countertops, wall tiles, and sinks.
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