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The outdoor shade industry is evolving with smarter systems, greater automation and integrated control solutions, and Spettmann USA is leading the way in driving this innovation. As a manufacturer specializing in premium retractable awnings and outdoor shade solutions that enhance comfort and transform lifestyles, the company is redefining living experiences through a blend of proven expertise and intelligent design. A subsidiary of the world’s largest outdoor shade manufacturer Activa Leisure Group, Spettmann’s global portfolio includes awnings, market umbrellas sold through major retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, Lowes and Target, pop-up tents, gazebos, patio umbrellas distributed through 1,600 dealers and casual outdoor furniture retailers. Smart Shade Pro, the company’s unified system, exemplifies its commitment to innovation. It was developed through close collaboration with dealers and installers who faced recurring challenges like complex setups, limited customization and a lack of integration. Designed to simplify installation and operation, Smart Shade Pro unifies hardware, automation and control into a single, user-friendly ecosystem. The system adjusts automatically to sunlight, temperature weather conditions and user preferences, offering seamless comfort for homeowners and effortless configuration for dealers. “We realized that understanding the needs of the people who work with these products every day is just as important as designing for the end user,” says David Cowie, President at t2Fi Melbourne Australia and founder with Marco Bresciani who are the integrators and developers of the Smart Shade System. Smart Shade Pro empowers dealers with connected tools to manage and monitor their installations effectively by bridging the gap between technology and usability. Its backend system allows dealers to track device health, receive alerts and perform remote diagnostics, ensuring faster service, fewer site visits and stronger customer relationships. This approach enhances convenience, efficiency and long-term reliability for homeowners while reinforcing trust and collaboration between Spettmann and its dealer network. Smart Shade Pro represents a shift in how outdoor living spaces can function. It unifies shades, screens and connected systems into one cohesive experience, transforming traditional shade automation into a foundation for intelligent outdoor design.
Top Absolute Construction Machinery Auction 2025
Selling heavy construction or farm equipment through traditional auction houses is rarely straightforward. For many owners, it brings complications such as fees, confusing contracts, and a lack of personal attention. Many auction houses take a large cut from the sale, leaving sellers frustrated when the hammer price does not match what ends up in their pocket. Another challenge lies in auction limits that set a floor price for items. These thresholds often leave buyers uncertain whether a lot will actually sell and make sellers question whether their equipment will move at all. A genuine no-minimum, no-reserve policy can eliminate that doubt, creating a transparent, friction-free marketplace for everyone involved. ProTEAM Auction is changing that experience by doing exactly that. Specializing in heavy construction, farm, and industrial equipment, it positions itself as a solution provider that puts fairness, service, and technology at the center of every auction. ProTEAM offers a no-minimum and no-reserve guarantee that reduces uncertainty for buyers and shows sellers that the company will actively attempt sales rather than rely on hidden thresholds. The company operates a permanent yard where bidders can inspect machines in person, watch walkarounds, and see equipment running, providing access that builds trust and reduces the risk of surprises. “We don’t charge a seller’s commission for anything over $250, so sellers receive the full hammer price. This is unique in our business, as many auction companies charge buyer premiums of 10 percent on the ground and 12 percent online,” says Travis Phillips, Owner, Principal Auctioneer, and CEO. ProTEAM has also developed a mobile app for Android and iOS, making bidding accessible and transparent. The app updates catalogs in real time and includes videos showing equipment in operation. For buyers, that level of detail provides peace of mind when purchasing machinery from afar. For sellers, it expands the audience well beyond local markets and ensures the process runs smoothly and reliably. As a full-service auction and appraisal company, ProTEAM handles far more than just the sale. Clients can rely on its team to evaluate equipment directly, review conditions, and provide an honest estimate before deciding to consign.
Porcelain and Ceramic Surfaces Manufacturer of the Year 2025
Every great space begins with intention. Long before walls rise or foundations are set, design choices quietly shape how a place feels and functions. Over the past two decades, Stonepeak Ceramics has deepened this understanding, transforming surfaces into silent storytellers that hold both purpose and personality. Nestled in the hills of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, the company has a uniquely American character that honors the time-proven tradition of fine Italian porcelain ceramics. Stonepeak’s story began in 2004 as part of the Iris Ceramica Group, a family-owned Italian company established in 1961 in Fiorano Modenese, near Modena. Since opening its door, the company has been pioneering the U.S. porcelain & ceramic industry. It was the first U.S. ceramic surface manufacturer to use Inkjet technology, the first to produce through-body slab with through-body veins and the first to produce the revolutionary 120” x 60”, ¼-inch thick large porcelain panels. StonePeak is also leading the U.S. ceramic industry in sustainability. It continually works to create a higher environmental standard, striving to lower its carbon footprint and create the most sustainable products possible. “Our story has always been about balance,” says Hector Narvaez, executive vice president. “We stand on the three pillars of Italian design heritage, American manufacturing excellence, and a true commitment to environmental responsibility. That’s not a slogan—it’s who we are.” Designing with Purpose For Stonepeak, surfaces are emotional expressions. Each slab conveys a story, capturing the warmth of natural stone and the serenity of flowing water. In homes, they create intimacy. In airports or museums, they define rhythm and space. Narvaez calls ceramics “an inspirational functional material,” one that influences how people experience a place rather than simply how it appears. This philosophy fuels continuous progress. Every year, the company invests millions of dollars in advanced research to refine texture, depth, and durability. The outcome is a collection that engages the senses as effectively as it meets performance demands. The surfaces feel organic, the tones remain balanced, and the designs inspire a sense of calm and confidence.
CXO INSIGHTS
Facility Management for the New Normal
Steve Cline, Vice President, Burns & McDonnell
Beyond the Topsoil-Excavation Safety in Construction
Reid C. Lenhart, CSP, Senior Safety Director, Concrete Strategies LLC
Walking the sustainability walk: The case for EPR
Brian King, EVP Marketing, Product Management and Sustainability, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc
Delivering More: The Foundation of Trust in Construction
Joffrion Beasley, Director of Quality Control, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing
Over Reliance on Manufacturers When it Comes to Design
Corey Zussman, QAQC Vice President, AECOM Hunt
Operational Leadership VS Field Leadership in the Utility Construction Business
Jarvis Lopez, Regional Safety Manager Power Division, Henkels & McCoy
IN FOCUS
EDITORIAL
The Rise Of Purpose-Driven Materials And Technologies
A cross design, construction and home environments, a clear shift is underway. Materials once valued only for appearance or basic function are now expected to support performance and efficiency. Porcelain and ceramic surfaces show this move toward purpose-driven design, where larger formats reduce seams, slimmer profiles simplify installation and natural textures suit contemporary spaces. Manufacturers are updating production methods to deliver these benefits with a smaller environmental footprint. A parallel change is visible in construction-equipment auctions. Digital platforms now move machines through the market faster, giving contractors timely access to reliable equipment as capital planning grows more demanding. Smart shading technologies continue this progression. As buildings adopt systems that anticipate rather than respond, automated shading becomes a logical next step. These solutions manage daylight, temperature and energy use with precise control, improving comfort while easing the load on HVAC systems. With outlooks strengthening across all three categories, porcelain and ceramic surfaces are projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 7 percent. The online heavy equipment auction market is rising at a CAGR of nearly 29 percent and smart shade systems are expanding at a CAGR of more than 23 percent. This edition features thought-leadership articles from industry leaders, including Joffrion Beasley, director of quality control at Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing, who discusses how delivering beyond expectations builds trust, strengthens client loyalty and raises quality standards in construction. It also includes insights from Reid C. Lenhart, CSP, senior safety director, Concrete Strategies LLC. who shares five practical guidelines for hiring effective safety professionals in today’s construction environment. The publication spotlights Spettmann as the cover feature for advancing outdoor living through Smart Shade Pro, an offering that provides intelligent automation to enhance comfort and simplify control. We hope this edition offers readers meaningful insight into how connected shading, automation and design innovation are shaping the next generation of outdoor spaces.
