John Petterson may not know much about the stone industry, but he does recognize a successful business deal when he sees one. This entrepreneur, who holds a Ph.D. in anthropology, recently purchased National Quarries in San Marcos, CA. And although his experience does not lie with quarrying and fabrication, he has a veteran crew in place, which he is confident will carry out his plans for the company's expansion.
Heading up the team is Hobie Fletcher and Dan Gray -- both who have years of experience in the stone industry. Fletcher, who is president of National Quarries as well as the U.S. and Canadian sales representative for Officine Meccaniche Candiani shaping and block saws, comes from a long line of stoneworking family members. Originally from Massachusetts, Fletcher has worked in numerous quarries throughout the U.S. and in Quebec. He initially learned the business when he worked for his father and the H.E. Fletcher Co. Fletcher was instrumental in negotiating the sale of National Quarries. He explained that the company's history dates back to the 1940s, and had remained in the same family until Petterson purchased it on January 12, 2000.