Vote for Fabricator of the Year!
The polls are now closed!
Every year, Stone World honors a Fabricator of the Year. The person is nominated by industry members and goes to someone who has shown dedication to growing their own business, as well as a willingness to share their knowledge to help other industry members. The following candidates each possess these qualifications.
The presentation for the 2021 Fabricator of the Year will be presented during StoneExpo, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, from February 1 to 3, 2022. The winner must be present the day of the ceremony to receive the award in person. The award has been a time-honored tradition for Stone World since 1988.
Click on a nominee's name below to learn
more about them :
Jared Barlow | Fred Christen
Slavo & Martin Ducar | Joe Duszka
Geoffrey Gran | William Parrish
Robert Wiemann
2021 Fabricator of the Year Nominees
Jared Barlow
“Jared Barlow is an amazing individual and a great asset to the stone industry. He has been managing the operations at Countertop Source for the last few years. He has created a culture of LEAN manufacturing and one piece flow in our Countertop Shop.”
Company: Countertop Source
The reason for my nomination:
Jared Barlow is an amazing individual and a great asset to the stone industry. He has been managing the operations at Countertop Source for the last few years. He has created a culture of LEAN manufacturing and one piece flow in our Countertop Shop. Now, at 27 years old, his expertise and innovative ideas are now being sought after by prestigious machine manufactures such as Baca, Intermac, and Brenton for future machine designs. He is currently working to lay the groundwork in our company for a training center, call Countertop Source University. He is on the recruiting board for the local Southern Utah Home Builders Association, as well as a member of the Southern Utah Young Professionals Group. Jared and loves to connect with other and make a positive impact in the lives of each one he meets to help them reach their goals and dreams.
Fred Christen
“Fred Christen, CEO of Hallmark Stone, has built a successful and community-focused stone fabrication business that allows his almost 200 employees to provide for their families, as well as support several businesses and charitable organizations in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. ”
Company: Hallmark Stone
The reason for my nomination:
Fred Christen, CEO of Hallmark Stone, has built a successful and community-focused stone fabrication business that allows his almost 200 employees to provide for their families, as well as support several businesses and charitable organizations in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. The company was recognized earlier this year by The Home Depot as its Fabricator of the Year out of approximately 230 fabricators.
Cooperation in sharing technology with the industry
Many fabricators that have worked with Hallmark Stone can attest to cooperation and collaboration in this area. From sharing the features and benefits of our in-house database and CRM to discussing best practices in safety, stone handling, fabrication, and installation – Hallmark Stone is at the forefront in sharing information to help improve the stone industry as a whole.
Willingness to pioneer in the use of new technology
Whether it’s their fabrication equipment (CNC's, robotic saw jets, waterjet line polishers, and more), digital templating systems (LT-2D3D Laser Templator), or software (Speed Label, Job Well Done) – Hallmark Stone strives to stay current with technology to keep up with demand, maintain quality and service, all while maximizing efficiency.
Fostering educational programs for the training of stoneworkers in industry methods
With the number of install crews and production shifts that Hallmark Stone runs, training and education is ongoing from best practices to safety. They take great pride in being able to work with individuals who have not had trade skills taught to them and develop them into productive employees who have transferable skills.
Promoting technological progress through association work
While the last two years have been unusual due to the growth of the industry and related work, and not much outside activity due to the pandemic, Hallmark Stone has always been active with various trade associations (HBA, NKBA, ASID, ASPE, and more), sharing and educating on ways to improve and evolve the industry.
Work with charitable organizations
Hallmark Stone’s largest charitable effort is their annual Remnant Sale, which is held every April. It is the one time each year that they open their doors to the public and sell discounted remnants with all proceeds donated to local charities including Annie’s Hope and Carney’s Kids. Over the two-day span, Hallmark Stone has raised more over $125,000 each year.
Last year, Hallmark Stone expanded their charitable efforts during the pandemic, supporting several more organizations in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, including Foster Adopt Connect, St. Patrick Center, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, Covenant House, Gateway 180 Homeless Services, Camp Circle Star, and Hemophilia Society.
Their largest new charitable project in 2020 was with the historic Washington Park Cemetery, which has been closed for more than 40 years, but remains a valuable part of St. Louis’ history. What started as a simple workday with 30 of Hallmark Stone’s staff and lot of lawn equipment turned into months of work to restore the beauty and dignity of the final resting place of so many members of that community.
Slavo & Martin Ducar
“Innovative company learning from the best. They are friendly with other stone fabricators in region. Showing us example of leadership and professionality.”
Company: Kamenarstvo STONE s.r.o.
The reason for my nomination:
Company of 2 brothers with 2 helpers started stone fabrication in 2013. Grew up to exemplary firm with 60+ employees today. Innovative company learning from the best. They are friendly with other stone fabricators in region. Showing us example of leadership and professionality. I had a chance to be invited to the workshops in their premises organized by Kamenarstvo STONE, and AKEMI, Technistone, or Cosentino. Since they came to the market in Slovakia, our businesses got more clients seeking beautiful Kitchen countertops, marble stairs, fireplaces...etc.
Joe Duszka
“Joe has done a remarkable job of sharing information that will help advance the industry. It is an honor to nominate a fabrication shop that strives for continuous improvement internally, and externally while exemplifying the ideals of quality, innovation, character, and service excellence.”
Company: Carolina Custom Surfaces
The reason for my nomination:
It is with great pleasure that we recommend Joe Duszka, of Carolina Custom Surfaces, for the “Fabricator of the Year”. Joe has done a remarkable job of sharing information that will help advance the industry. It is an honor to nominate a fabrication shop that strives for continuous improvement internally, and externally while exemplifying the ideals of quality, innovation, character, and service excellence.
Carolina Custom Surfaces is a family-owned and operated company. The legacy of Carolina Custom Surfaces is in their commitment to superior quality through custom fabrication. CCS works hard to provide highly-regarded products and service. Using innovative technology, custom-made countertop surfaces are fabricated within their 40,000 square foot facility. The doors opened in 1995 and in 2005, Joe and Deborah Duszka purchased CCS as they entered the stone industry.
Carolina Custom Surfaces has transformed from a manual shop to the fully, automated digital shop. In 2006, they purchased their first piece of stoneworking equipment. The following year they began digital templating. In 2013, as they emerged from the recession, stone became the largest part of their business. They went completely digital in 2017 with Park Industries CNC Sawjets and CNC Routers.
In 2020, they doubled their capacity and optimized their shop for the latest materials trends by adding the following machines: a SABERjet XP CNC Sawjet, TITAN 3800 CNC Router, FASTBACK II Edge Polisher, and HydroClear 220 Pro Water System.
The mission of CCS is to be the best surfaces company by providing the greatest value and service to their customers, both internal and external. CCS does not lose sight of the impact of a personal touch. Joe Duszka, President of CCS, continues to seek out ways to grow relationships with key accounts and find new ways to add value for them. Customers are offered tips and lists on countertop selection, proper countertop care, and other relevant topics to allow customers to gain knowledge prior to beginning the buying process.
Carolina Custom Surfaces devotes their time and energy to ensuring customers have the best experience possible. The customer service at CCS begins when the customer walks in the door, and never stops through every stage in the process. They work as a team to make each of their customers feel as if they are the only project being worked on, delivering accurate, on-time projects with strong customer service every day.
Carolina Custom Surfaces’ loyal commitment to their customers begins internally. Carolina Custom Surfaces runs a business model that encourages employees to work hard and strive for advancing their career with CCS. Joe Duszka has created a work environment where employees are rewarded through advancement and continuous self-development. With a belief that the 50+ employees should continue growing in their careers, CCS invests in training opportunities such as attending and presenting at Park Industries® Digital Stoneworking Expos, continuous CNC programming and machine training, participating in ISFA CEO Roundtable events, attending TISE, and vendor supplied training – to list a few.
In 2018, CCS launched a 401K plan, their first CCS 100 Class, and officially introduced “The CCS Way”. “The CCS Way” has been developed and implemented as a work culture that employees live by to ensure the team is the best it can be. Employees take a culture-fit test and Joe personally interviews each candidate to determine if they fit “the CCS Way” before hiring on a new employee. Carolina Custom Surfaces encourages others to emulate their business model, because it will improve the overall value of the industry in the communities they serve. To further encourage communication within the industry, Joe serves on the ISFA Board of Directors where he will soon be president. He also participates in the Rockheads Group and Park Business Group where he shares best practices with other fabricators across the country.
CCS is committed to innovative processes and green products that contribute to an eco-friendly manufacturing process as well as a holistic lifestyle that is smart, elegant and responsible. Carolina Custom Surfaces offers a large selection of green products with a few material options that are 100% free of harmful plastics, toxic resins, and VOCs. This coupled with the recycling process CCS uses to remove industrial waste from the general waste stream with their water treatment system elevates CCS to the top of its eco-friendly game. Carolina Custom Surfaces continually seeks ways to improve and implement advanced technologies into their process.
Carolina Custom Surfaces has flourished into a true leader in stone fabrication, and an innovator in the stone industry. Joe strives to set an example of hard work, determination and perseverance for his family and work family. Carolina Custom Surfaces is thriving with his leadership and passion for high-quality work and exceptional service.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this nomination for the 2021 Fabricator of the Year Award. Carolina Custom Surfaces is an exemplary fabrication shop that demonstrates a strong dedication to encouraging fresh, innovative solutions in the decorative surfacing industry and providing informative tools to customers of the fabrication industry.
Geoffrey Gran
“Geoffrey Gran co-founded The Countertop Factory Midwest (TCF Midwest) in Chicago, Illinois in 2005 and has been the driving force behind the company’s growth and success. Through the implementation of technology, and on focus operational efficiencies with streamlined processes and metrics, TCF Midwest has grown to produce and install 2,500 SF per day.”
Company: The Countertop Factory Midwest & Southwest
The reason for my nomination:
Geoffrey Gran co-founded The Countertop Factory Midwest (TCF Midwest) in Chicago, Illinois in 2005 and has been the driving force behind the company’s growth and success. Through the implementation of technology, and on focus operational efficiencies with streamlined processes and metrics, TCF Midwest has grown to produce and install 2,500 SF per day. In January 2021, Gran expanded his operations with the opening of TCF Southwest in Tucson, Arizona, where they are already producing and installing 750 SF per day.
Willingness to pioneer in the use of new technology
Much of the success of TCF can be attributed to its embracement and implementation of technology to not only keep up with demand but also maintain quality for its customers while performing efficiently. TCF Midwest operates (2) dual-table BACA RoboSaw Jets, (1) dual-table Park Fusion, (4) Park Titan CNCs with another one on the way, (1) BACA miter machine, (1) Park Fastback with Slabrack support system, Zares II tool measuring device, Terminator CNC tooling, and (10) LPI LT-2D3D digital templating systems.
TCF Southwest operates with (1) dual-table BACA RoboSaw Jet, (1) Park Titan CNCs with another one on the way), (2) Northwood CNCs, (1) BACA Miter machine, (1) Park Fastback with Slabrack support system, Zares II tool measuring device, Terminator CNC tooling, and (3) LPI LT-2D3D digital templating systems.
Cooperation in sharing technology with the industry
Gran is also the co-founder of Fifth Gear Technologies (FGT), the creators of the popular SPEEDlabel and SPEEDcad systems. Both products are the epitome of why FGT was created – to provide solutions for fabricators, by fabricators. To further build on this philosophy, Gran also co-founded Ignite Consulting Group to provide business consulting for the countertop fabrication industry, anchored by the Hot Sauce selling software.
Promoting technological progress through association work
A well-respected member of several industry associations, Gran is an ambassador of technology, best practices and the industry itself. From presentations that educate on the benefits of embracing technology to key metrics and ways to manage a successful business, Gran is a key figure in several associations, including:
- Natural Stone Institute (NSI): accredited member, Women in Stone mentor, member of the Accreditation commission team
- Rockheads Group USA: managing partner and board member
- Artisan Group member
- Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA): member, vendor sponsor
- International Surface Fabricators Alliance (ISFA): member, 2020 Fabricator of the Year, booster
Work with charitable organizations
Gran continually encourages all his companies to give back to their communities and have dedicated their support for such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Gary Sinise RISE Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, and Team Home Depot charitable projects.
William Parrish
“Prior to and during the pandemic, William Parrish has continued to raise the bar when it comes to his commitment and dedication to the stone industry.”
Company: IFPC
The reason for my nomination:
Prior to and during the pandemic, William Parrish has continued to raise the bar when it comes to his commitment and dedication to the stone industry. During his 10 years in the Stone Industry William has challenged himself by learning to use new technology such as the BACA Robo Saw and constantly seeks out ways to enhance his skills through education. Not only does he work to improve himself, William has proven to be an advocate for making his department stronger by training co-workers and employees and encouraging them to pursue. He is an asset to our industry.
Robert Wiemann
“The new leadership quickly set to work modernizing the business, investing in digital templating equipment and software, a state-of-the-art fabrication facility, and one of the region’s largest stone and quartz inventories. Over the past 6 years the company has pursued and attained massive growth while staying true to its small-town roots.”
Company: Sarto Marble & Granite
The reason for my nomination:
Sarto Countertops is an innovative leader in the countertop fabrication and installation industry. The company has scaled its business through significant investment in quality employees, forward-looking technology, and a passion for excellence promoted and supported by its leadership. Further, by developing its own industry-centered software, Sarto has made a positive impact on the stone industry as a whole.
The company was founded in 2005 in rural St. Marys, Kansas with a goal to provide beautiful and lasting stone countertops for the local community. The company enjoyed modest growth until 2015 when it was acquired by Robert Wiemann and Giuseppe Vanderputten.
The new leadership quickly set to work modernizing the business, investing in digital templating equipment and software, a state-of-the-art fabrication facility, and one of the region’s largest stone and quartz inventories. Over the past 6 years the company has pursued and attained massive growth while staying true to its small-town roots.
In 2018, Sarto recognized a need for better software to help them and other companies grow. Finding that nothing perfectly fit their needs, they created EasedEdge, a complete software for stone fabricators. The software allows companies to manage and develop processes that fit their needs inside of a robust framework built and maintained by those actually in the stone fabrication industry. From automatic email rules to scheduling and job management, billing, issue tracking, and more, EasedEdge is a 21st century software for an evolving stone industry. Perhaps most uniquely, Sarto recognized that many other software platforms don’t allow companies to scale without a significant increase in cost. Sarto wanted this to be a scalable solution, and so there is no increase in cost for any number of users.
In addition to scaling their own business and building EasedEdge, Sarto is a proud participant in the local community, focused on helping the lives of those they serve in northeast Kansas and western Missouri. Each year, Sarto donates the countertops and fabrication and installation time to the St Jude Dream Home Giveaway. This home is raffled off and the proceeds go to help ensure that “families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.” Sarto owner, Robert Wiemann says, “Being part of the St. Jude Dream Home is a major highlight of our year. We recognize how blessed we’ve all been, and we’re more than happy to help give back in this small way.”
Throughout its existence, Sarto has stood for quality, and that commitment has only increased over time. By focusing on delivering the best product to its building and construction partner customers, providing a much needed service to an evolving stone industry, and keeping itself grounded by participating in local charities, Sarto is a proven leader in the stone world.