As a fourth generation co-owner of Murphy Marble Co. in Chicago, IL, Susan Van Etten is deeply rooted in the stone industry. She and her three brothers, Tom Van Etten, Bernie Van Etten III and Michael Van Etten, also own Galloy & Van Etten, Inc., which was founded in 1899 by their great-grandfather, Abram Van Etten, as a fabricator of Indiana limestone. He later went on to purchase Murphy Marble, a fabrication and installation company specializing in custom stonework. Van Etten’s involvement in the stone industry began at a young age, when she assisted her family with the business.
“Working with my dad has been a wonderful experience, as he was my first mentor,” said Van Etten, when recalling some of her favorite moments of working in the stone business. “I liked going out to jobsites with him and watching him interact with the contractors and installers in the field — learning on the go. He trusted me and he taught me well — hard work and good relationships matter.”