Stone World magazine asked different fabricators about their experiences with digital templating. We talked about not only the investment that is needed for this technology, but also about some of the benefits they experienced — some expected and some not.

While high school best friends Geoffrey Gran and Bill Heuer went their separate ways for college and followed different career paths afterwards, they reunited in July of 2015 to open The Countertop Factory Midwest in Addison, IL.

Nearly 100 years since its founding, the company- run by brothers Alex and Greg DiPietro- is based out of its original location, but now caters primarily to the luxury residential market.

When walking into BardenStone's showroom in Memphis, TN, there's an immediate sense of warmth and friendliness. As a family business in its third generation, it is evident the Barden family cares about its customers and devotes itself to producing quality stonework to meet their design needs.

With a history dating back to 1928, the family-run business of Chester A. Smith, Inc. is steeped in history. The company, along with eight others, was a founding member of the Marble Institute of America (MIA) when it was formed in 1944 and today is listed as “Member #7” in the MIA Directory.

Established in 1992 and located along the east side of Lake Michigan in the city of Muskegon, Lakeside Surfaces is one of the largest fabricators of surfacing products in the Midwest. The company was founded by its current president, Rob Riegler.

Husband-and-wife team Sean and Teresa Ray have devoted much time and effort to establishing a successful one-stop-shop for their customers. Their business, Pro Stone Kitchen & Bath in Olive Branch, MS, provides a full service in kitchen and bath design.

For Karen Roe, owner of NSM Florida Enterprises (NSMOTIF) in Sanford, FL, it has been a series of stepping stones to achieve the level of success her stone fabrication business has reached today. Through hard work, determination and investment in technology, Roe has taken her company from only fabricating small custom projects to now receiving large commercial jobs.

Since starting his own company in 2004, Polishchuk wanted to build a business that reflected his passion for granite. A shop that would use the best technology, have a great crew and would allow him to be creative with his projects.

Business was going great for Sharon until the night of February 17, 2004. “I went to bed that night only to be awoken by a huge explosion,” said Re. “In a heartbeat, my entire shop, the trucks, forklifts, the office, etc. — everything was gone in one second.