Stone Column: Every company has a story
A few times a year, we feature quarry articles from various areas of North America – and often Europe and Latin America too. Like most companies I write about, what I always find most interesting is the story behind the ownership or people who work there. When I have the opportunity to visit the site, it’s even better.
In this issue, we focus on Majestic Stone of Dayton, TN (page 40) and Buechel Stone Corp. (page 52). Each has its own unique story and path to success, but at the core of each company is the same set of values and business philosophies. Both have a company culture that appreciates its employees and promotes quality products.
Majestic Stone was founded a little more than 20 years ago, and experienced success on a small scale until the economic downturn in 2008. The owners cared so much about its future that they sought an investment company to take over ownership knowing it would have the funds and leadership to rebuild the brand. And in three short years, Majestic Stone’s new CEO has made significant strides in growing the company’s market and increasing sales – all while staying true to its roots.
Our other feature story, Buechel Stone Corp. in Chilton, WI, demonstrates how a company was built truly as a labor of love. The owners of the family owned business used their farm as collateral to take a bank loan for start-up funds. Today the company is run by the owners’ grandson, and Buechel Stone Corp. invests heavily in its employees and has expanded significantly since it first began.
I know there are many more unique stories out there, and the same is true with fabrication shops. As the year goes on, we will continue to share more of these company histories and experiences with our readers. If you have one you’d like to share, email me at: richinellij@bnpmedia.com.
In a few days, I will be making my annual trip to Las Vegas to attend StonExpo, which is part of The International Surfaces Event. By the time you are reading this, I will already be back. Attending trade shows such as this one not only helps me be on top of the latest introductions in technology and other products, but it also gives me the opportunity to reunite with old industry friends and form relationships with new ones. I always come away with a few new story ideas too. I look forward to sharing with you what I learn this time in an upcoming issue.
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