Early on, my focus was on front-of-house operations — managing the office, bookkeeping and developing quoting processes — but over time, I became deeply interested in the full lifecycle of a project. I invested time in understanding fabrication techniques, installation practices and the craftsmanship behind the finished product. That curiosity and commitment to learning gave me a well-rounded perspective of the business, and ultimately, helped shape my leadership approach today.

SW: What is your position at Stone Fabricators?

GH: While I am not the owner, I serve as the president of Stone Fabricators and lead the business as if it were my own. I have a deep personal connection to this company, as I was part of its journey from the very beginning.

I often joke that I took a “six-year hiatus” from 2012 to 2018, but returning to Stone Fabricators felt like coming home. Within two years of my return, I was honored to be asked to step into the role of president. That trust means a great deal to me, and I take pride in leading a company that I have watched grow and evolve over time.

SW: What do you like most about your job? 

GH: What I love most about my job is the people and the craftsmanship that defines this industry. There is something truly special — almost timeless — about working with natural stone. It has a way of drawing you in and keeping you connected to the work in a meaningful way. I have a deep appreciation for the craftsmen on our team who take raw slabs and transform them into something extraordinary. Their skill, precision and pride in their work are what elevate what we do beyond simple countertops into true works of art. The same can be said for the designers who bring creative vision to each project.

Some of my favorite projects are our custom fireplace surrounds and high-end installations. These pieces go beyond functionality — they become statement features and lasting works of art in our clients’ homes. Being part of that transformation, from concept to completion, is incredibly rewarding.

SW: As a woman leader in the fabrication industry, do you ever find it challenging? 

GH: The stone industry is predominantly male, and like many industries with that dynamic, earning respect can be a challenge early on. I have found that the most effective way to overcome that is through knowledge, consistency and leadership.

I have always believed that if you are willing to put in the time to truly understand the business — from operations to fabrication — you can lead with confidence and credibility. I do not claim to have all the answers, but I do believe in doing the research, asking questions and surrounding myself with knowledgeable people to make the best possible decisions.

Over time, respect is earned not by title, but by how you show up, how you lead your team and the standards you uphold. That is something I take very seriously.

SW: You are a member of the Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) and attend many trade shows and other industry events. What are some benefits of being involved in the industry?

GH: Being actively involved in organizations like the SFA and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) has been incredibly valuable to both my personal growth and the success of our business. The educational opportunities alone are worth the investment. From workshops to breakout sessions, these events provide insight into industry trends, evolving technologies and best practices. Just as important, they create opportunities to connect with other fabricators and share experiences.

The SFA trip to Italy was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being selected to join a group of fabricators from across the U.S. and Canada, touring quarries and manufacturing facilities, and spending eight days learning from one another was unmatched. It provided a deeper appreciation for the origin of our materials and strengthened relationships within the industry in a way that simply is not possible in a typical setting. If someone in this industry has the opportunity to attend, I would highly recommend it.

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

GH: I actually studied psychology in school, which has been surprisingly beneficial in my career. Understanding how people think, communicate and make decisions has helped me tremendously in leadership, team development and customer relationships.

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

GH: Outside of work, I enjoy creative outlets — particularly quilting. I have always had an appreciation for art, and quilting allows me to express that in a hands-on way. There is an interesting parallel between quilting and working with stone. Both involve taking raw materials, breaking them down into smaller pieces and thoughtfully bringing them back together to create something beautiful and meaningful. It is a process that requires patience, creativity and attention to detail — qualities that carry over into my professional life as well.

I also spend a lot of time with my family. I have two children, one still in high school, so I stay busy attending sporting events and supporting her activities.

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

GH: I would say that one of the most important lessons I have learned in this industry is the value of continuous learning and surrounding yourself with great people.

This business is constantly evolving — whether it is new materials, technology or design trends — and staying engaged is key. But beyond that, success really comes down to the people you work with. I have been fortunate to be part of a team that takes pride in what they do, and that makes all the difference.