CLEVELAND, OH - The Marble Institute of America, Inc. (MIA) has announced that Joe Durfee, Assistant Production Manager at Great Lakes Granite & Marble in Redford, MI, is the 2010 recipient of the MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award.
The scholarship was established by the MIA to provide educational opportunities for aspiring fabricators, installers, or administrative apprentices interested in furthering their career in the stone industry. Durfee’s selection was based on a 500-word essay explaining why he desires a career in the industry.
Included with Durfee’s application letter were before-and-after pictures of many projects he had worked on, including the first computerized layout project performed by Great Lakes Granite & Marble. Although the customers were not initially pleased with the result, Durfee was able to show them on a computer that the layout they received was the best possible outcome - given the flow of the stone and the location of the seams. “We were extremely impressed with the fact that he felt compelled to include a project that was not initially 100% satisfactory,” said MIA Executive Vice President, Garis Distelhorst. “Learning and growing from situations like the one Joe faced is what makes a successful person and businessman.”
“The Marble Institute of America is excited to recognize Joe Durfee’s commitment to the natural stone industry,” said Distelhorst. “The intent of the MIA Natural Stone Scholarship Award is to provide educational opportunities for aspiring natural stone professionals, and the opportunity to expand one’s knowledge.”
