Ternent Gets 2010 MIA Natural Stone Craftsman Award (March 29)

A six-member panel of stone-industry veterans selected Ternent from a pool of nominees in a competition sponsored by Montignoso, Italy-based stone supplier Campolonghi Italia S.p.a. The award honors the men and women who truly reflect the best of the natural-stone industry, and bring stone to life through love of the material, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

TernentTernent joined the natural-stone industry in 1971 as a laborer; by 1992, he had progressed to the position of mason foreman while employed with Ron Bratti Associates. From 1992 to 1996, he served as superintendant with Harmon Contracting.

In 1996, he joined Rugo Stone as Vice President of Construction & Corporate Officer, where he continues to serve the stone industry today.

“I had the good fortune to have started in this field at a very young age, and I have come into contact with over 1,000 workers and supervisors in the last 30 years,” says Brett Rugo, founder and president of Rugo Stone. “Jim Ternent is, without question, the finest marble mason and supervisor I have ever met.

“Starting with Jim’s layout skills, combined with his ability to read and proof drawings, he was like no one I had ever met on a job. Jim personally installed many of the most- complex and -precious stone projects we have contracted, and his stone-setting ability is excellent.”Click image to enlarge

In his free time, Ternent likes to watch football and go fishing. He says one of the greatest things about the stone business is that he never gets bored.

“There’s always something new or something changes,” he says, “so there’s always a challenge.”

The MIA honor includes a beautifully crafted and unique plaque. Rugo accepted the award on behalf of Ternent at the group’s Annual Awards Luncheon during StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas in Las Vegas on January 26.

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