EP 85: Eric Edelson of Fireclay Tile
From The Anti-Architect by Christian Giordano
March 31, 2026 · 59 min · Season 5 · Episode 85
About this episode
Christian Giordano interviews Eric Edelson about the evolution and values of Fireclay Tile as a mission-driven manufacturer.
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. https://www.fireclaytile.com/ https://theantiarchitect.com/ 0:00 - Introduction to the episode and Eric Edelson 0:48 - What Fireclay Tile is and how it’s different 1:42 - Eric’s background before joining the company 5:28 - Moving from investing into operating a business 8:02 - Why craftsmanship still matters in today’s…
People in this episode
Host: Christian Giordano
Guest: Eric Edelson
Topics covered
- business growth
- sustainability
- craftsmanship
- manufacturing technology
- B Corp certification
Keywords
- Fireclay Tile
- Eric Edelson
- sustainability
- craftsmanship
- B Corp
- manufacturing
- business growth
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Fireclay Tile, B Corp
Places: California, Washington
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