What does it take to build lasting partnerships, grow an industry, and deliver world-class hardscapes? In this episode of Raising the Grade, I sat down with Antonio Fernandez, Hardscapes Sales Manager for Mirage Porcelain & Bellegarde, to talk about the evolution of the industry, the power of collaboration, and the importance of quality over quick wins.Antonio’s journey from IT to the world of building materials is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days at Thompson Building Materials to becoming a key player in Mirage Porcelain & Bellegarde’s hardscape solutions, Antonio has seen firsthand how education, innovation, and strong relationships can shape a thriving industry.In this episode, we dive into:- The rise of porcelain pavers and their impact on the industry- Why training and education are crucial for contractors- The biggest mistakes in hardscape installations (and how to avoid them)- How industry partnerships are reshaping the way we build outdoor spacesIf you're a contractor, landscaper, or just someone looking to learn more about quality materials, installation best practices, and the future of hardscapes, this episode is a must-watch.Watch the full episode now and drop your thoughts in the comments!Key Moments:0:10 – Who is Antonio Fernandez?3:50 – From IT to Hardscapes: Antonio’s Journey11:00 – The Evolution of Porcelain Pavers17:00 – The Importance of Vendor & Contractor Relationships25:30 – Common Installation Mistakes & How to Avoid Them35:00 – Training & Education: Why It Matters42:30 – How Quality Materials Affect Long-Term Results57:00 – Future Innovations in HardscapingSubscribe for more conversations with industry leaders & innovators! Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content!#RaisingTheGrade #MiragePorcelain #Bellegarde #Hardscapes #Landscaping #OutdoorLiving #PorcelainPavers #ContractorLife #IndustryGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #ArizonaLandscaping #BuildBetter #LandscapeDesign Send us a text

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