In an effort to dispel some of the myths about cutting and installing natural stone hardscaping products, Polycor launched a new contractor training education seminar for local contractors earlier this year. One of the highlights of the event was a hands-on demonstration by Polycor’s masonry technical specialist, Jamie Fitzsimmons, who gave contractors the lowdown on the variety of natural stone products available and showed them just how easy they were to install.

The kick-off event in Atlanta gave contractors an overview of Polycor’s long background in quarrying stone and outlined the variety of natural stone products available from U.S. quarries at local dealer’s yards. The event also gave contractors an overview on the historic stones, which have been used in many iconic American projects, including the legendary Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and the exterior of the Empire State Building. Many of the Atlanta attendees were surprised to learn that one of those quarries was right in their own backyard in nearby Tate, GA. How-to demos of installing ​natural stone thin veneers​, ​using proper substrates, waterproofing membranes, mortar mixing and troweling to create a high performance finished project rounded out the presentations.

Now with events across the country put on hold, Polycor is bringing virtual training and expertise to contractors interested in incorporating the timeless durability of natural stone into their hardscapes and masonry projects. This is a great way for the contractors who usually work with concrete products to learn about natural stone, but it also helps expand their business by offering these time-honored products to their customers.

To many contractor’s surprise it was discovered that installing natural stone was not much different than concrete products, but provided the added benefit in its life-cycle, lasting longer than other engineered materials when installed properly. From slab and pattern pavers, to steps and treads, as well as other accessories, display racks featured full size mock-ups of patterns and different applications.

Attendees reported that contractor trainings like these are an integral support piece to their stores' businesses and that some of the best support comes in the form of education, going a long way in providing great service. In the words of one local contractor, "Educating people on what’s out there to use is the most difficult part of the business." Polycor helps provide the product knowledge necessary to educate Certified Conractor’s customers.

“People are spending a little more time at home and now might be the perfect time to look into new ways to develop their business,” Jamie says. “You can learn to do this, and we are here to help show you how.”

Get in touch with Jamie​ for a video conference where you will get the opportunity to screen share visuals and talk face to face, or give him a call at 812.340.2084 to answer all your product and installation questions.
jfitzsimmons@ilco.com