by Cathie Beck
Jim and Jackie Vienneau, co-owners of Atlanta-based Stone Technics, distinguish their fabrication organization not only by their high-end clientele, but also by making the uncommon common in their stone design and fabrication repertoire.
By K. Schipper
TOPSHAM, Maine – At one point in his life, Nick Whatley planned on being a dancer. Today, he’s still concerned about controlled movements and smooth, continuous flow – and countertops.
By Jake Rishavy
OAKLAND, Calif. – When Les Baker and Latham Woodward set out in 1991 to create a new stone business, they set a goal of creating an operation that accomplished much more than simply generating revenue.
By K. Schipper
STOUFFVILLE, Ont. – When he was a custom cabinet maker, Gaetan Frank fabricated solid-surface countertops. That changed, however, the day a soapstone supplier came to his shop.
By Jake Rishavy
KENT, Wash. – When Fine Line Surfaces and RS Pacific Inc. merged in January of 2001, the two shops and their respective owners, Luke Moore and Tom Risinger, already knew each other well.
by Cathie Beck
LARGO, Fla. – The reasons Larry Crowley – one of three partners in Cutting Edge Granite– got into the granite-fabrication and custom-kitchen business seem, at first blush, a bit strange.
By Cathie Beck
MIAMI – The thing to know about Puma Marble Co. – aside from the fact that the family-run company’s been around for 35 years—is that they’re known for designing, installing and creating some of the most sought-after projects locally: the church market. Case in point: Puma Marble recently completed a crucifix, the altar furniture—including lectern and chair—and an onyx wall for a cathedral.
By K. Schipper
BALL GROUND, Ga. – Steve Bowker is a man who can recognize a good idea when he sees one. Unlike many people, though, he’s not afraid to take that idea and run with it.
By Cathie Beck
MOBILE, Ala. – Ryan Lott, president and owner Stone Specialties Inc., knows a lot about granite fabrication – but he also knows about the futility of blowing nearly half-a-million dollars to hold back Mother Nature.
By Jake Rishavy
SAN ANTONIO – When Michael Sandoval, owner and president of M S Granite, first started working in a family member’s stone shop back in high school, it was the hands-on aspect of shaping stone into a fine kitchen or bathroom that first sparked his passion for the business.