“I moved out to Carson City for one contractor,” said Tate. “R.A. Nelson & Associates has work in Mammoth, CA, and they made a deal with me. I have been working with them out in Vail. This was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up.”

R.A. Nelson & Associates has been headquartered in the Vail Valley for more than 25 years, and specializes in mountain construction throughout the Rocky Mountain West. It has gradually expanded its territory, which as a result, led to work in California. According to Tate, he is now working with the firm on a large commercial building.

The fabricator explained that although he opened his Vail operation six years ago, he has been involved in fabrication for nine years. “It seems like I have been in the stone business most of my life,” he said, adding that he owns his operation with a small-share partner, Ben Hill. “The Vail facility is smaller than the new one. I moved the corporate headquarters to Carson City.”

The Carson City facility measures 8,400 square feet, and is equipped with a 3600 America bridge saw purchased through Regent Stone Products of Virginia Beach, VA, and a Denver Quasar polishing machine purchased through Vic International of Knoxville, TN. Additionally, the company uses tools and accessories from Hard Rock Tool of Anaheim, CA.

“Everything in the Carson City shop is brand new,” said Tate. “It is nice to work in.” The fabricator explained that it has the capacity for high production, and he is hoping that it increases 30 or 40% during the next several months. At this time, he employs 22 workers between both facilities.

“You never know what is going to happen,” said Tate. “I am here to stay. I bought the property to build another facility next to [the existing building].”

According to the fabricator, the majority of Professional Marble & Tile's work includes anything from countertops to fireplace surrounds to tub decks and vanities. “We're not into high-end detail design work yet, but hope to be soon,” he said, adding that he purchases most of his slabs through Arizona Tile and Dal-Tile. “I'm getting involved in getting stone directly from Spain. I would like to eventually buy everything direct.”

Additional goals for the company include taking advantage of its new location and branching out to casino and other commercial projects as well as fabrication for high-end residential design.

Type of work: residential and commercial projects
Machinery: America 3600 bridge saw purchased through Regent Stone Products of Virginia Beach, VA; Denver Quasar polishing machine purchased through Vic International of Knoxville, TN; tools and accessories from Hard Rock Tool of Anaheim, CA
Number of Employees: 22 (between Carson City, NV, and Vail, CO, operations)