NEW HOLLAND, PA — Two of the Northeast’s most influential hardscape suppliers are calling on contractors to rethink how they build outdoor living spaces, arguing that innovation has become the defining factor separating industry leaders from those falling behind.
Sauders Hardscape Supply and SHS Distributors spent the fall sharing that message at major contractor gatherings — including the SynkedUP Contractor Summit in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and Hardscape North America — where President and CEO Mahlon Stoltzfus pressed builders to adopt modern systems, advanced materials, and a more strategic approach to design.
“Innovation isn’t just about new materials,” Stoltzfus told attendees. “It’s the mindset — being willing to learn, plan ahead, and master systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Sauders and SHS, long-time partners in supplying contractors across the Northeast, used the events to showcase emerging technologies reshaping the industry. Among the systems emphasized were VDW 833 Resin Jointing Compound and the Trass Bed System — solutions that improve durability, reduce stormwater issues, and give hardscaped spaces a longer lifespan.
Stoltzfus said contractors increasingly face customers arriving with Pinterest-inspired expectations and little understanding of the complexities behind long-lasting installations. That dynamic, he argued, makes preparation and education more important than ever.
“Innovation is not optional,” he told the crowd. “It’s the difference between staying relevant and getting left behind.”
Pushing the Industry Forward
Beyond highlighting new materials, Stoltzfus introduced the companies’ latest offering: Outdoor Living Foundations, a customizable, easily shipped system designed to simplify the construction of outdoor kitchens and living areas. The solution aims to give contractors a standardized platform that speeds installation and expands design possibilities.
Sauders and SHS are also investing heavily in education. The company’s Leading Edge Series Classes — running November 7 through December 11 in New Holland — provide advanced, hands-on instruction for professionals looking to master next-generation techniques. The program is part of a broader commitment to equip both dealers and contractors with the skills needed in a fast-changing market.
A Broader Vision for Outdoor Living
Together, Sauders Hardscape Supply and SHS Distributors have built a reputation for pairing materials expertise with practical contractor training. At this year’s industry events, their message was consistent: the companies believe the future of outdoor living depends on builders willing to adopt new systems, embrace modern installation methods, and push beyond traditional approaches.
With demand for creative, durable outdoor spaces continuing to rise, their guidance suggests a clear path forward — one where innovation is the key to meeting customer expectations and maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving hardscape industry.
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