Lardner’s involvement as a businessman is not limited to Rocky Mountain Stone, but extends to local, state and regional impacts through organizations like Rotary International, Albuquerque Catholic Foundation, New Mexico Amigos promoting New Mexico businesses around the U.S. and Counters for a Cause, which donates a percentage of sales to local charities that benefits children, veterans and the homeless. Lardner was also one of the original members and a past board director of the Artisan Group, a pre-eminent buying group sharing best practices and representing the largest markets in the U.S.

Through his natural stone industry service, Lardner has amassed an impressive resume with the Natural Stone Institute (NSI). He served on the board of directors from 2002 to 2006 and was board president in 2005. In this time, Lardner would oversee the hiring of past MIA CEO Gary Distelhorst, guide the sale of StonExpo to Hanley Wood, provide the framework for what are today known as Stone Summits, and strongly advocate for the creation of safety training videos and guidebooks that have been widely expanded upon over the past 20 years.

But perhaps Lardner’s most pivotal contribution during his leadership tenure was the conception, development and implementation of the Accreditation Program. This well-established NSI initiative is the cornerstone of an effort to recognize and distinguish those companies involved in the natural stone industry that have met the highest standards of performance and excellence in fabrication and installation. Today, many project specifications require use of an NSI-accredited company – a vision Lardner laid out.

Like many diligent NSI leaders, Lardner remained active after his board service, providing guidance for the radon crisis, serving as a panelist at Stone Summits and trade show sessions and continues to assist NSI with the creation of many of its annual awards. In 2024, Lardner’s support of safety training is as evident as it was 20 years ago as he pledged to serve as a resource to the Spanish translation of the Silica & Slab Safety training certificate.

Family and friendships run deep for Lardner. Growing up in the family business, it is not surprising that Lardner’s son Sean has joined Rocky Mountain Stone as general manager. Industry colleagues remain cherished close friends with frequent hunting and fishing adventures and even teaming up for displays of support at industry gatherings. Lardner’s 40 years of service to the natural stone industry have helped guide NSI into the organization it is today. He frequently shares two valuable lessons of leadership for others to consider. “If you aren’t the lead dog, the view never changes,” and “there has never been a wrong time to do the right thing.”

Nominations for the 2025 Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement are being accepted until May 20th. To learn more, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/migliore.