{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Anti-Architect","title":"EP 85: Eric Edelson of Fireclay Tile","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3541,"description":"In this episode, Christian sits down with Eric Edelson, CEO of Fireclay Tile, to explore how a small artisan studio transformed into one of the most innovative, mission-driven tile manufacturers in the country. Eric shares the company’s evolution from a 19-person operation to a 280-employee, vertically integrated business with factories in California and Washington - all while staying true to Fireclay’s roots in craftsmanship, sustainability, and design. Christian and Eric dive into what it really takes to balance handmade artistry with modern technology, from advanced customization tools to the increasing role of AI in manufacturing. The conversation highlights Fireclay’s status as a certified B Corp and the values that drive the company’s commitment to responsible business and environmental stewardship - proving that growth and integrity can go hand in hand.\nhttps://www.fireclaytile.com/\nhttps://theantiarchitect.com/ \n0:00 - Introduction to the episode and Eric Edelson\n0:48 - What Fireclay Tile is and how it’s different\n1:42 - Eric’s background before joining the company\n5:28 - Moving from investing into operating a business\n8:02 - Why craftsmanship still matters in today’s world\n10:36 - Standing out in a commoditized industry\n11:52 - The inefficiencies of traditional supply chains\n13:10 - Going direct to the customer and why it works\n15:44 - Scaling the team from 20 to 300 plus\n17:02 - Preserving culture during rapid growth\n18:21 - What becoming a B Corp actually requires\n19:40 - Using business as a force for good in real ways\n21:00 - Transitioning toward employee ownership\n23:42 - Sustainability inside the manufacturing process\n25:05 - How recycled materials are actually used\n27:50 - Working with major commercial clients at scale\n29:12 - Balancing customization with operational efficiency\n32:00 - Becoming a fully integrated tile company\n34:10 - Risks of vertical integration and how they manage them\n39:00 - Leadership lessons from scaling a mission-driven...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/ZW5eDuUt1bwb5UhkubWT6UvpLMvmRoByqUMpcbhYG6o/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ1OTQ4LzE2OTY5/NDk0MjctYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}