When it was founded, K & D Counter Tops of Trenton, IL, specialized in the production of laminate countertops. But as time passed, the company evolved to the point that it is now primarily a stone fabrication shop. And despite a slowing economy, K & D Counter Tops has held its ground and has continued growing by diversifying into other segments.
With a vision and determination, Homer Weller set out to start Rolling Rock Building Stone, Inc. in Boyertown, PA, in November of 1955. At the time, the company specialized in quarrying building stone locally from a site in Berks County. Today, Rolling Rock has expanded to include four quarries - three of which it owns - and has also become a well-known producer of thin stone veneer.
Sitting at the foot of the Alps is Brescia, an Italian city that has a rich history in stone quarrying. Part of Italy’s Lombardy region, the area is home to 55 active sites -- including one owned and operated by Marmi Ghirardi srl, a family business founded in 1938.
Nestled in the heart of California wine country is Ramekins Culinary School, Events & Inn, which opened its doors in June of 1998. Established as Sonoma Valley’s only learning facility dedicated to the education of the home cook, the 12,000-square-foot, two-story building is characterized by European style and Old World charm.
With the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains and an equally impressive landscape, Sun Valley, ID, is a majestic place that is steeped in history. Often referred to as the “American Shangri-La,” the area has become a thriving resort community - offering visitors a wealth of hotels and restaurants, outdoor activities and entertainment.
Developing Galaxy Granite Inc. into a success was a labor of love for owner Meng Peng. Starting out as a carpet business in 1985, the San Francisco, CA-based company evolved to include a stone fabrication division in 1999. What initially began as a one-man shop has grown to include 23 employees, including its own installation crew.
After more than a decade of planning, L.A. LIVE - a 4 million-square-foot, pedestrian-oriented entertainment and retail district in downtown Los Angeles, CA that sits adjacent to the Staples Center - has become a reality.
This fall, I made my annual journey to Verona, Italy, to attend Marmomacc, the largest stone exhibition in the world. And as always, the show did not disappoint.
