INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Select Surfaces
Your Guide to Selecting the BEST Countertops
Cambria (Brittanica) supplied by Select Surfaces | Alyssa Lee Photography
This month kicks off the inaugural post for our new Industry Interview Series!
It's been my goal for some time now to interview our trades people who we work closely with to give a more in depth look at what they do, what homeowners should know before making a big decision and just get to know these wonderful people a little better.
As Designers we are required to know so much about so many products, which lets just face it, it's impossible to know Everything! The people you’re going to meet in this interview series are the unsung heroes of our projects. They’re the ones who supply us with the knowledge to help us make informed decisions, supply quality products/services/installation and help us problem solve along the way (because we’re just going to be honest here and address that there WILL be problems in every project).
I hope you enjoy this series and find it incredibly helpful whether you’re working on your own home or just love to know more about our industry.
Have something you want to know more about? Drop us a note HERE and let us know how we can help!
Now Lets Talk Countertops
“It is our mission is to ensure every client has the best experience possible today, tomorrow and for life.”
-Select Surfaces
Meet Tanya Otten
Who is Select Surfaces?
We are a family owned, full service, custom countertop company that specializes in quartz. We pour ourselves into every detail of the process and have invested in state of the art technology, which allows us precision you have to see to believe. We’re also a ton of fun & love what we do!
Business Profile:
Industry- Custom Countertops
Number of years in business- 25
Phone 651-483-1576
Website- www.selectsurfaces.com
Cambria (Carrick) supplied by Select Surfaces | Alyssa Lee Photography
Our Interview with Tanya:
No.1
What type of materials/products does Select Surfaces Carry?
Custom countertops, sinks & faucets
No. 2
What's your most popular product and why do you think that is?
We provide many different brands of quartz, but in MN consumers love the Cambria brand. They love knowing they are buying from a family owned, MN company that makes their product in the USA. They love the full lifetime warranty and they love the collection of designs to choose from.
No.3
What trends are you seeing in the countertop industry right now?
Showers! Yes, I said showers. We are using thinner slabs of quartz as shower walls. No maintenance and so beautiful. Our clients love to spend their lives enjoying life, not cleaning grout.
No.4
What trends to you hope to never see again?
Kitchen sinks made from slab stone. These sinks may look cool, but they are so hard and noisy. Dishes will be broken and the clanging and banging will become irritating. I would much rather provide a sink that will be loved forever, not just when it’s installed.
Cambria (Ironsbridge) supplied by Select Surfaces | Alyssa Lee Photography
No.5
What the signs of a quality product and installation?
Simply that the installed product lives up to your expectations. Your countertop should be just as gorgeous in 10 years as the day it was installed. If you use quality materials and the installation is done properly that will be the case.
No.6
What's your advice for homeowners picking countertops?
Allow us to be the professionals. We’ve literally worked with every countertop material under the sun and have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Trust us to share our knowledge and guide you to a surface that fits your lifestyle. Also, when you fall in love with a countertop color…STOP LOOKING
No.7
Any common misconceptions that homeowners should know about?
No matter what anyone says…do not put hot pots on stone countertops. Yes, I know your local granite guy says you can, but ask him if he’s going to replace your countertop if it does crack from heat. Of course he wont! Protect your investment and use a trivet. That goes for granite, marble, quartz and many other stone countertops. Google thermal shock for a science based description. When you heat a small area of a countertop, the rest of the cold stone is putting pressure back on the hot area. That could cause a crack. It doesn’t happen every time, but why risk it?
No.8
What's next for Select Surfaces?
We’re always looking for ways to improve our service. We’ve added a 2nd showroom in Plymouth and are introducing our VIP, 24 hour access, club. Have a discerning client that wants privacy? Need to show a client a slab at 8pm on a Friday? Want to pop in and grab a sample on Sunday morning? We might not be there, but you can let yourself in and act like you own the place.
Cambria (Templeton) supplied by Select Surfaces | Alyssa Lee Photography
This or That
Lets get to know Tanya a little better…
Coffee or Tea?
Tons of both!!! I feel weird if I don’t have a beverage in my hand.
Early Bird or Night Owl?
I definitely burn the candle at both ends. There is something so peaceful about being up before the birds and I’m often caught scrolling through Pinterest into the wee hours of the morning.
Book or Movie?
Love, love, love getting lost in a great book.
Sweet or Savory?
Like every good midwestern girl, I dig all the amazing savory hot-dishes.
Dog or Cat?
My Dorky, Booboo is the love of my life. Cats make my eyes blow up like small red potatoes or I would love them too.
Phone Call or Text?
Depends on the person and how much time I have. My brother Marcus and I could gab for hours. If I don’t have an afternoon to blow... text.
Night In or Night Out?
I have to go with In. As excited as I get to try a new restaurant or hang out on a good patio, I really enjoy cooking for my family and friends at home.
Online or Brick & Mortar?
I will research an item to death online, but definitely prefer to see it in person before I pull the trigger.
Cambria (Carrick) supplied by Select Surfaces | Alyssa Lee Photography