Located in Perth, Australia, WA Marble & Granite was started in 1935 by the Paganin family. As the business enjoyed an outstanding reputation, it was passed down within the family for generations. Maria Byworth, the company’s present owner, started working for the fabrication business in 1994 before becoming a partner in 2003. Her journey along the way has been nothing short of inspirational, motivational and exemplary of entrepreneurial heroism.
“I started by having a bookkeeping business,” said Byworth. “One of my contracts was with WA Marble and Granite. I started working there and sorting out the books and 10 years of daily interaction with the owners and managing some of the most sensitive information; I was asked to be a partner. At the time, I was pregnant with my second child however, with the timing being off for my family and me, I respectfully declined. They kept pursuing me though, and eventually, I came back to them and said, ‘No problem at all’ and became a partner of the business 17 years ago. I have been with WA Marble & Granite for 27 years now, and to be honest, I love it. I love changing people’s lives. I love renovating kitchens and bathrooms. I love doing anything with stone, really. Then two years ago, I paid my business partners out as they retired and now I am the sole owner.”