Ben Mestek

Pacific Stone Creations

Reason for Nomination:

Ben Mestek of Pacific Stone Creations in Temecula, CA, exemplifies the great qualities in both quality of product and service, as well as leadership in the industry. Ben has become a leading fabricator in his market and has become a leader in the industry through his involvement with All Slab Fabbers and being a voice for help and support to fabricators around the country. Ben also has been involved in the Gary Sinise RISE foundation in donating fabrication and installation to severely wounded U.S. Heroes. Not only has he been a donor, but has asked how to get more involved. Ben supports the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) and continues to operate with high values and accuracy, making him a leader in the industry and helping pave the path for safety and proper techniques. Ben has also been ahead of the curve with silica safety in the workplace. He has focused on a safe and healthy working environment for his team, long before it was forced by OSHA. All around, Ben continues to persevere in the industry and provide growth and development to his team of employees.

Jeremy Adams

Las Vegas Rock Inc.

Reason for Nomination:

Jeremy Adams is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Rock Inc. (LVR) in Jean, NV. He comes from a construction, landscape, hardscape and masonry background. He has 20 years plus experience, mostly in leadership roles. Jeremy is responsible for overall daily operations at LVR and is an expert in details and is a master at operations. He serves as a liaison with architects and installers for every project produced by LVR and was heavily involved with the concept, design and execution of MGM’s “The Park” project. His passion and commitment to continuously improving his standard of excellence and inspiring people to use natural stone in unmistakable. LVR is an outstanding company, fabricator and quarrier. As members of the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) Adams and LVR are often involved in industry education programs and events.

Barry Brandt

Pyramid Marble & Granite

Reason for Nomination:

I take great pleasure in nominating Barry Brandt for Stone World Magazine’s 2024 Fabricator of the Year Award. It’s impossible to encapsulate all Barry has done with stone over the last 47 years, but some highlights are summarized below. Barry’s father was a stone mason, so Barry grew up in the stone industry. He began working with his father at the age of 16 and left home to attend college at Southern Illinois University. Barry graduated with a degree in Architecture and Engineering, and his first job out of college was as a foreman at a 65-story high-rise building in Dallas, TX. The building exterior was granite along with marble on interior walls, floors, railing and crowns. It took 300 masons over two years to complete the project. Barry then accepted a position at National Marble and Granite in Michigan and worked there for three years before starting his own company. Through these early experiences, Barry developed a reputation as a skilled craftsman and clever problem solver. This is evidenced when Steve Jobs hired him and became the first client of Barry’s business in 1989. Barry completed Jobs’ apartment in New York City, and his business has been growing ever since. As his business has grown, Barry has moved his operation three times to its current location on seven acres in Effingham, IL. This location hosts 12,000 square feet of manufacturing space and a 21,000-square-foot indoor slab showroom and sales office. Pyramid also has a second location in Effingham, which produces 1,500 monuments each year. Pyramid is the epitome of a family business, employing Barry’s wife, son and youngest daughter. I mentioned Barry was clever, so clever that he created his own tooling company in 1999 named StonePro. Barry has created 34 unique tools through this company and brought 28 of them to market. His biggest sellers are his vacuum rails and the Beaver Edge chiseling device. Barry has been in the stone industry for 47 years. With over 50 employees, he is still a hands-on business owner, spending many days working on and training installers at his high-end home projects. His company is known for its high standards and frequently sends its work to farther reaches across the country. Barry has indeed left his mark on the small community of Effingham, and within the hundreds of workers he has trained over the years. Barry is also involved in organizations such as the Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI). For these reasons, I am pleased to nominate Barry for the Stone World Fabricator of the Year Award 2024.

Mike Langenderfer

The Countertop Shop

Reason for Nomination:

We believe Mike Langenderfer, president of The Countertop Shop in Monclova, OH, would be deserving of Fabricator of the Year. The Countertop Shop, established in 1990, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in stone fabrication, setting a high standard for quality and industry involvement. We regularly interact with members of The Countertop Shop management team and they consistently demonstrate care for the craft, customer and business practices. In addition, we particularly value The Countertop Shop team because of their active participation in helping shape the future of software that serves the broader industry. They invest time in regularly sharing feedback, testing new features and providing insight to help refine software solutions that help other fabricators adopt best practices to improve operations, efficiency, quality and profitability. Beyond their commitment to supporting the development of software solutions, The Countertop Shop is engaged with their community and industry associations, including the Home Builders Association, PRO (Professional Remodelers Organization), ISFA (International Surface Fabricator’s Association) and Rockheads. These affiliations enable them to stay informed about the latest industry trends and evolving customer needs -- ensuring they remain at the forefront of the stone fabrication market. The Countertop Shop also prioritizes nurturing the next generation of fabricators through their involvement in career mentoring programs with local schools. Their commitment to their community also extends to participation in the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, Toledo Small Business Association and the Holland-Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Their reputation for quality craftsmanship is well-established, as evidenced by their 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 260 Google reviews. Customers consistently praise their attention to detail, reliability and ability to bring their visions to life with beautiful, durable stone surfaces. The Countertop Shop’s combination of industry leadership, community involvement and commitment to excellence makes them a deserving candidate for Stone Fabricator of the Year. Their contributions continue to elevate the standards of craftsmanship and service within the stone fabrication industry.

Ted Sherritt

FLOFORM

Reason for Nomination:

It is with great pleasure to recommend Ted Sherritt of FLOFORM for this year’s Stone World Fabricator of the Year Award. Ted's leadership and vision have transformed FLOFORM into one of North America’s largest countertop fabricators, setting high standards for quality and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, the company has expanded significantly, operating 16 branches and eight manufacturing facilities across Canada and the Western U.S. Ted’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the company’s reputation and his dedication to moving the industry forward has made him a true leader in the stone industry.

Ted Sherritt joined FLOFORM as vice president of finance and administration and became the owner and CEO in 1995. His strategic direction has propelled the company from its modest beginnings to being a leader in the surfaces industry, embracing technological advancements that enhance production efficiency and product quality. Notably, FLOFORM was an early adopter of digital technologies, including Park Industries®’ CNC machinery, which have streamlined operations and improved precision in fabrication. Today, FLOFORM relies on nearly 60 Park Industries machines across its eight manufacturing facilities to maintain efficient production, to consistently meet high demand and to ensure precision and speed -- all of which contribute to the exceptional quality of their finished products. The use of cutting-edge technology not only enhances their operational capabilities, but also reinforces FLOFORM's dedication to delivering superior craftsmanship at scale. Ted places a strong emphasis on employee engagement and development, fostering a culture that prioritizes teamwork and continuous improvement. He values the input of his team, encouraging them to explore innovative processes and techniques that drive the company forward. This supportive environment cultivates a sense of respect and empowerment, enabling staff members to thrive in their roles. The dedication and expertise of his team have been instrumental in maintaining FLOFORM’s reputation for quality and innovation. FLOFORM's commitment to customer satisfaction shines through in every aspect of its operations. With a robust quality control system, the company ensures that all finished goods meet the highest standards before being shipped from one of its manufacturing facilities. Ted’s efforts to build partnerships with major retailers like Costco and Home Depot have further strengthened FLOFORM’s market position and allowed for significant growth. In addition to being a member of the Artisan Group and hosting Rockheads, Ted Sherritt contributes significantly to the stone fabrication industry as president of the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA). He has expanded educational programs, providing fabricators access to the latest techniques and safety practices, while fostering collaboration across the industry. Ted's efforts have guided fabricators in navigating new regulatory standards, advocating for understanding and education to ensure safety while maintaining operational excellence. Ted’s involvement in ISFA continues to shape the industry's future by promoting innovation, fostering the development of strong professional networks across the fabrication community and encouraging continuous improvement. His leadership in these areas has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking advocate for the industry, ensuring that fabricators are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive. Ted's vision for FLOFORM focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences and maintaining high-quality standards. He believes countertops are central to family life and ensures clients receive expert guidance, a comprehensive selection of surfaces and the latest technology for perfect fit and finish. This commitment has reinforced FLOFORM's reputation as a trusted industry leader. Through his unwavering dedication and vision, Ted Sherritt not only elevates FLOFORM but also sets a benchmark for excellence within the stone fabrication industry. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this nomination for the 2024 Fabricator of the Year Award. FLOFORM is a leader in the surfaces industry, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Their dedication to excellence and their impact on the stone fabrication industry make them highly deserving of this honor.

Laura Grandlienard

ROCKin'teriors

Laura Grandlienard, the owner of ROCKin’teriors, sits down with Jason Kamery of Stone World to discuss how she started in the industry and grew her business.