Building a Family Legacy
Taking the knowledge and experience of working as a fabrication shop production manager for years, Lucino Bedolla started High Rock Granite & Marble – a family run business outputting high-quality work
Lucino Bedolla has been working in the fabrication industry since he first came to the U.S. from Mexico. Starting out in solid surface, he soon began to cut natural stone, and eventually progressed to opening his own shop, High Rock Granite & Marble, in Lexington, NC, a little more than a decade ago. Today, the company operates out of a 5,000-square-foot facility, including a small showroom and separate warehouse for slab storage, and is run by Bedolla along with his two sons.
High Rock Granite & Marble primarily serves the residential new construction and remodeling markets, as well as occasional commercial projects. The company’s clients include homeowners, builders and designers seeking exceptional stonework that enhances both function and aesthetics. It has invested in state-of-the-art machinery from Donatoni to produce high-quality work efficiently.
Recently, Bedolla took the time to talk with Stone World about his shop and experience in the fabrication industry. Read what he had to say:
SW: Explain a little about how your company got started and how you got into the fabrication business.
LB: When I emigrated to the U.S., I began my career in the solid surface manufacturing
industry as a fabricator. As the company I worked for expanded its offerings to include stone, I took the opportunity to learn every aspect of the stone fabrication process. Over time, we added new equipment, and I eventually became the shop manager, overseeing day-to-day production and operations.
In 2014, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business -- armed with nothing more than a Blue Ripper and a small garage in my backyard. In those early days, we completed about one job a week and supplemented our work by helping other fabricators with installations. Through persistence and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, the business gradually grew. I was able to bring on employees, expand our capabilities and eventually move into our first dedicated facility.
Today, my two sons, Adolfo and Rogelio, help me run the business, allowing us to continue growing and ensuring that what started as a small operation has become a true family legacy.
SW: What machinery do you have?
LB: We currently operate a Donatoni Jet 625 5-axis CNC bridge saw and a Donatoni C.38 CNC router. The Jet 625 enables highly precise, complex cutting, miters and shaping across a range of stone materials.
The C.38 router complements this by handling detailed edge profiling, polishing and
intricate design work.
Together, these machines provide a fully integrated, efficient and high-quality fabrication process.
SW: Before investing in machinery, what are some points of consideration?
LB: Before making any investment, I consider several key factors:
- Production needs and workflow efficiency -- how the new equipment will fit into and improve existing processes.
- Return on investment -- both in terms of productivity gains and expanded capabilities.
- Ease of use and training -- how quickly the team can adapt to new technology.
- After-sales service and support -- ensuring that reliable technical help is available when needed.
- Relationships and trust -- working with manufacturers and sales representatives who stand behind their equipment and their word.
When I began looking into adding a CNC bridge saw, I spoke with several manufacturers, but ultimately, chose Donatoni. I have known Rob Donahue, our sales representative, for nearly 20 years, and the trust we built over that time was a major factor in my decision. Between that relationship, the machine’s build quality and its user-friendly interface, Donatoni was the clear choice. Their strong reputation for service sealed the deal.
SW: What is your most recent investment? How has this helped your production process?
LB: Our most recent investment is the Donatoni C.38 CNC router. This purchase was a more straightforward decision thanks to our positive experience with the Jet 625 5-axis. Although Donatoni was relatively new to the U.S. market with routers, I had complete confidence in both the company and Rob to deliver a high-quality machine backed by strong support.
The C.38 router has fundamentally improved how we operate -- increasing precision,
reducing manual labor and expanding our design and finishing capabilities. It has streamlined our workflow, enhanced consistency and elevated the overall quality of our finished products.
SW: What are some reasons you value the Donatoni brand?
LB: We value the Donatoni brand for its exceptional combination of structural strength, ease of use and dependable support. Their machines are built to perform with precision and reliability, and on the rare occasions when service is needed, the Donatoni service team has been outstanding.
A quick call or email to their Greensboro, NC, office consistently delivers prompt solutions and minimal downtime.
SW: What type of work do you do?
LB: Our primary focus is on residential stone fabrication, including custom countertops, fireplace surrounds and other architectural features. We take pride in delivering high-quality craftsmanship and personalized service for every project.
SW: What would you say is one of your biggest challenges as a fabricator today?
LB: One of the biggest challenges we face today is balancing quality and efficiency. Custom projects often come with unique specifications, which can make maintaining consistent turnaround times difficult without compromising the craftsmanship our clients expect. Managing material costs and supply chain delays also impacts project timelines.
SW: What are some solutions you have implemented to overcome these challenges?
LB: We have tackled these challenges by streamlining our workflow processes and investing in training for our team to ensure maximum efficiency without sacrificing quality. Close communication with our suppliers, builders and customers helps us anticipate issues and keep projects running smoothly.
SW: How many employees do you have?
LB: We have 12 employees, each playing a key role in keeping operations efficient while maintaining the high standards our clients have come to expect.
SW: Is there anything else you would like to share?
LB: Our success is truly a result of partnerships -- with our suppliers, builders and customers. We have been blessed to work with such incredible people, and we take pride in delivering craftsmanship that reflects both quality and collaboration.
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