SW: What do you enjoy most about working in the natural stone industry?

SG: The stone industry has a close-knit, community-driven atmosphere, which feels like home to me as someone who grew up in a small town. The relationships I've built throughout my career are deeply meaningful -- more like family than just professional connections. I'm incredibly grateful to have a career that allows me to support and uplift others while directly seeing the positive impact of my work on the industry.

SW: I know that sustainability is an important initiative that you work on for the NSI. What are some reasons it is meaningful to you?

SG: I have always loved the outdoors and felt a natural connection to stone, even as a child. I think I share this with many others in the industry. We all seem to share this understanding and appreciation of its attributes as a building material. I want to share that with others who haven’t had the opportunity to learn and embrace it yet. Mother Nature has gifted us this perfect building material, and convincing the world of its value and potential is a true passion of mine. We don’t need those added chemicals and complicated processes to make something beautiful and lasting. 

SW: What would you say are some of your proudest achievements working in this sector?

SG: In order to educate the design community about the sustainability attributes of natural stone, we needed more than a story. We needed quantifiable data for comparison to other materials, and we had to be able to speak in relevant terms to appropriately explain how it can accomplish green building goals. Rallying the quarriers and fabricators to contribute time and money to establishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for natural stone was a huge mountain that has yielded significant progress on natural stone’s recognition as a low-carbon material. I’m very proud to have been able to drive that initiative.  

SW: You have been very active in WIS, holding leadership positions. For industry women who might be considering joining, what benefits have you found belonging to a group such as this?

SG: Through WIS, I have established a network of smart, motivated and fun women. Having the support of this group has given me confidence to share my ideas and talents with the industry and has provided an opportunity to practice leadership skills that have helped me to be an impactful industry contributor. The industry needs more strong women, and WIS is here to nurture the up-and-coming work force. They just need to get involved.  

SW: What would you say is one of your most memorable times in the stone industry? 

SG: There have been so many unforgettable moments! Every quarry visit reignites my passion for the material, and each NSI Study Tour deepens my appreciation for both the industry and the incredible people in it. One memory that will always stand out is tromping through the marble mud on our way into the Colorado Marble quarry in 2023. I came prepared in my trusty yellow rain boots and was one of the few who stayed dry. Surrounded by towering stone walls in the cathedral-like quarry, it was one of those perfect moments of camaraderie, learning and pure admiration.  

SW: What is something that people might not know about you?

SG: As a member of the NSI staff, most people assume I live in Ohio and work out of the Oberlin office. I actually live in a small town in northeast South Dakota where I grew up. Working from home became more common during and after the Covid pandemic, but I’ve been doing it since 2012! 

SW: When you are not working, how do you like to spend your free time?

SG: I have a husband, two kids, two dogs and a cat. We spend a lot of time with local athletics and community groups, mostly baseball. I enjoy the outdoors and make sure to schedule a camping trip or two each summer.