SW: Tell us a little about yourself and your involvement in the stone industry.

JO: I have been in the stone industry since I was 16, working in my father, Buddy Ontra’s, fabrication shop during high school summers and weekends. After a year in college, I realized my heart was in the family business, so I returned home, took local classes and jumped into stonework full-time. For 16 years, I helped my father run Ontra Stone Concepts, specializing in kitchen counters and fireplaces. I’ve since joined Connecticut Stone, where I now handle both interior projects and exterior applications like patios, cladding, boulders, walls and cobblestones.

SW: How did growing up in the industry influence your interests and involvement?

JO: I grew up surrounded by stone: playing with stone dust in my father’s shop like it was a sandbox. My father has been in the industry since well before I was born, watching him work with such skill and dedication sparked my love for stone early on. From a young age, he taught me the importance of craftsmanship and hard work. Being immersed in the industry from such a young age made stonework a natural fit for me. It is not just another job; it is part of who I am.

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

JO: I love transforming a raw piece of stone into something both functional and beautiful. It is like bringing a piece of history to life. I enjoy the creative thinking required to turn people’s ideas into reality, finding innovative ways to bring their visions to life through stone. At Connecticut Stone, I am now exploring exterior applications. This has added a new layer of excitement to my work. The combination of creativity, technical skill and constant learning keeps me hooked. Seeing the end result and knowing I have made a customer happy is incredibly rewarding, and being part of a community of passionate stone professionals makes every project that much more fulfilling.

SW: Who are some of your mentors? How have they assisted you to grow your leadership role?

JO: My father is my biggest mentor; he taught me everything I know about stone -- from fabrication to running a business. He has instilled a lifelong passion for the craft. Jeff Erikson from Cutting Edge Countertops has opened my eyes to large-scale production, helping me think beyond small projects. Joey Marcella from Mario and Son, one of the best stone sculptors in the world, has inspired me to push the limits of what stone can do. And Jim Heib with the NSI has shown me how to navigate the industry with professionalism and given me insight into its inner workings. Together, they have guided me to lead with skill, creativity and integrity.

SW: As an emerging industry leader, what are some goals you hope to achieve in the coming years?

JO: I want to deepen my knowledge in crafting with stone materials, especially for exterior applications, now that I’m at Connecticut Stone. One goal is to contribute to a major public project, perhaps a park -- something that showcases the versatility of natural stone. I’m eager to mentor young professionals, passing down the knowledge my dad gave me. Sustainability is another focus; I’d like to explore new ways to reduce waste in our industries' fabrication processes and in refining how we source materials responsibly.

SW: What does it mean to you to have been named a Coverings Rock Star?

JO: Being named a Coverings Rock Star is an incredible honor. It validates the years I have dedicated to this industry -- from my start in my dad’s shop to my current role at Connecticut Stone. It means being recognized by a community I deeply respect. It also reflects not just my work but the legacy of my family’s business and the support of mentors like Jeff, Joey and Jim. This award inspires me to keep innovating and to continue making a positive impact on the stone industry.

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

JO: I am an avid traveler with a deep love for exploring the world and giving back. I have built a school for deaf children in Guatemala and a multipurpose community center that doubles as a hurricane shelter in the Dominican Republic. Those trips were eye-opening -- teaching me that those with the least are often the happiest in life. I have also ridden a camel into the Sahara Desert to camp under the stars, and I have spent time in the Amazon rainforest at eco-lodges in both Peru and Ecuador. I have climbed up and repelled down 100+-foot waterfalls in Ecuador. In Iceland, I hiked to an erupting volcano, ventured inside of an inactive one, hiked across a glacier and learned to ice climb. I also spent a week in Spain, horseback riding through the old silk and spice smuggler trails in the Andalusian mountains, camping on different farms each night. These experiences have shaped my perspective and remind me to stay connected to the world beyond the stone industry.

SW: How do you enjoy spending your downtime?

JO: I love staying active and connecting with friends. I am an avid bike rider and enjoy hitting the trails whenever I can. In the winter, you will find me skiing on the slopes, and year-round, I am always up for a good hike. I also enjoy playing golf with friends; it is a great way to relax and have some fun competition. Catching up over a good meal is another favorite; whether we are laughing about Jimmy from Brooklyn’s pizza pronunciation skills in Italy or just enjoying the moment, it is a great way to unwind.

SW: Is there anything else you would like to share?

JO: I am incredibly grateful to my dad for sparking my love for stone and teaching me the skills that got me here. I am also excited about my new role at Connecticut Stone. It is not only opening up new opportunities for growth and new challenges, but it is also an honor to learn from industry veterans like Joe and Tyra Dellacroce. The stone industry is an amazing community, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. To anyone considering this field, I would say dive in. It is a rewarding career that is always evolving, and there is nothing quite like working with a material as timeless as stone.