As many of you already know, the polls are currently open for the 2018 Stone World Fabricator of the Year Award. This is a long-time tradition which began when we presented Jim Stengel of Dakota Granite Co. with the award in 1988. Forward 30 years later, and we have a lineup of outstanding industry members who have demonstrated leadership, dedication and innovation.
While the year might be winding down, we still have a lot to report here at Stone World. You will notice that this issue is rather diverse, with features varying from the Fabricator Case Study to a roundup on natural stone care and maintenance products.
At the end of August, I traveled up to Portland, ME, to attend a Digital Expo, which was hosted by Park Industries. As with all industry events I cover, I walked away learning something new and meeting new people.
As September rolls around, it’s time for many of us to get back to a routine. School is back in full swing. And in the stone industry, our schedules usually fill up a little more in the fall with what we often like to refer to as “trade show season.”
We have quite a stunning piece of stone architecture on the cover of this issue. Not only are the complex angles and shape of the building unique, but the hues and striations of the stone itself are pretty incredible. The structure is the James Museum in St. Petersburg, FL.
2018 has definitely been busy so far. I've traveled everywhere from Vegas to Xiamen to Atlanta to our headquarters in MI. In the last few weeks, I have visited the Natural Stone Institute’s office in Oberlin, OH, and one of our workshops in Milwaukee, WI.
As you flip through this issue of Stone World, you will notice a subtle difference in its aesthetic, as well as its feature offerings. While our staff and I didn’t want to make any drastic changes, we thought it was time for a bit of a makeover.
Many of you who are reading Stone World are owners of a stone fabrication shop. Some may have taken over a family business, while others may be fairly new to the industry. How do you manage your shop so that it is viable and stays around for years to come?
I write this stone column on the heels of TISE and a few weeks before I leave for the Xiamen Stone Fair. Trade show season is in full spring, and judging by the positive turnout in Las Vegas, 2018 kicks off with a positive vibe for the stone industry.
RSS
