Fabricators in the Tampa Bay area gathered at MSI’s new facility for the Stone Industry Education event to further gain insight into what it takes to run a reputable and profitable business
GK Naquin of Stone Interiors led an engaging morning presentation at the Tampa Stone Summit on October 10, 2019. The day-long event was one of 10 Stone Industry Education sessions organized by Stone World and the Natural Stone Institute across the U.S. This particular one was sponsored by MSI and drew 64 registered attendees.
At the heart of Quality Stone Concepts’ business is an appreciation for a team environment and sense of community. Owned by M. Ryan Culicerto, Terry J. McClaskey and Tony Pirrone, the Virginia Beach, VA-based fabrication company has widely transitioned since it was founded in 2007.
At the age of 12, Alex Elzein accompanied his father on his first stone project. This sparked his interest in the stone world. Elzein went to college where he received his engineering degree and joined the corporate construction world. However, he kept thinking about the stone business.
It should be no surprise to anyone that our market is constantly changing and we, as fabricators and business owners, have to adjust our operating models to stay innovative and competitive, but most importantly, cater to an all-knowing, multi-generational customer audience.
A two-day trip through the countryside of Indiana led to meeting many dedicated people in the stone industry who are devoted to the harvesting, cutting, carving and restoring of Indiana limestone, which has been used for many historic projects for centuries
Recently, Stone World had the opportunity to tour this region, which remains a viable source of limestone. The quarries and mills that we visited were busy with activity – many working on multiple projects, including some high-profile ones.
Since the beginning, TAB India’s goal isn’t to be the second best or the third best, it is to be the best in everything they do. TAB India does everything it can to create the best materials, create the best working environment and be the best in renewable energy.
Rocksolid Surfaces has become a premier fabricator in Cleveland, OH, but the 40-year-old company got its start in the wood business. “Tom Rocks was the original owner of the company,” said J.B. Walsh, president of Rocksolid Surfaces.
Come back tomorrow wearing some work boots and you have a job.” This is what Buddy Ontra, now owner of Ontra Stone Concepts in Bridgeport, CT, was told in 1982 when getting a job working on high-rise buildings in Houston, TX.
With the rapid expansion of eCommerce and online services, it is only logical for fabricators to utilize digital tools and programs to grow their businesses
With changing consumer shopping patterns, an accelerated pace of business and the need for real-time visibility, the Information Revolution has created a great need for technological advancement in the stone industry; it is up to all of us to answer the call together or be left behind in its wake.
With technology continually reaching new peaks, there are more digital options for fabricators to assist them in succeeding in their business. While there is a lot of technology out there that is available for the fabricator, the following products are available from leading manufacturers.