Shop Talk

STONE JOURNAL ISSUE 3

Back in the day, employees often worked for a company for life—today, not so much. Nowadays, long-term loyalty to just one company is rare, and careers are often measured in short stays and strategic moves. But at Buechel Stone, longevity is easy to find—and so is pride. This stone company refers to its employees as “Rockstars,” a reflection of how central people are to its success.

“You have to make people feel valued in what they do,” says Tony Mueller, Buechel Stone’s vice president, who has been part of the company for 29 years. “A successful company surrounds itself with great people—and great people need to know they’re doing great work.”

Mueller has been with the company for nearly three decades, and his commitment is personal. “It isn’t a job—it’s a lifestyle I love,” he says. “The stone dust gets in your blood! This is my extended family.”

That sense of connection runs through every stage of production, shaping how employees see both their work and their place in the journey from quarry to completed project. For Wayne Geiser, an estimator specializing in cut stone who has been with Buechel for 24 years, the process begins with translating design intent into precise specifications. He reviews construction documents, prepares quotes, develops shop drawings, and helps guide projects into production. Once a project is approved, he coordinates closely with the saw shop—where raw, large-format stone blocks and slabs are refined into more usable sizes and specialized shapes—and sometimes visits job sites to ensure the finished stone aligns with the client’s vision.

Having started in the saw shop himself, Geiser understands how materials move through the plant and how design decisions affect fabrication. That shared knowledge keeps communication fluid among departments, which is essential once an order reaches the saw plant. There, raw stone begins its transformation. Blocks are selected from a range of colors and material types. Then, they are slabbed, shaped, finished, and inspected before shipping.

According to Mike Schuh, saw shop supervisor and 31-year Buechel team member, achieving the desired look for the stone requires seamless coordination. “We work as a team to give the customer exactly what they asked for,” he says. “Communication is a big part.”

The company’s collaborative work – flow also supports constant innovation. Ken Jacobs, director of operations, supports the saw shop to expand capacity, push technical boundaries, and tackle increasingly intricate custom work. “We’re always looking for ways to realize our potential,” he says. “When opportunity comes along, we move quickly.”

That forward momentum has helped position the company as an industry leader. Over the years, Schuh has watched competitors—and even equipment manufacturers— adapt in response to the company’s methods and standards.

But Mueller emphasizes that what sets the company apart isn’t just the stone or the process—it’s the service surrounding it all. From inspiration through installation, the company’s approach centers on guiding clients toward the best long-term solution. Rather than limiting offerings, the team produces a broad spectrum of custom-cut stone, advising clients honestly when a particular selection may not be the best fit. The goal is durability, performance, and lasting beauty.

That client-first mindset shapes daily work across departments. “We take pride in everything we do,” Jacobs says. “We always keep both internal and external customers in mind. The experience from selection to delivery is where we excel.”

For Geiser, responsibility continues after the stone ships. He remains available to support customers and, when needed, visits job sites to resolve issues firsthand. Standing behind the product—and the craftsmanship—is part of the job.

And every Rockstar contributes to the finished result. Their shared pride stems not only from the material they shape, but also from a workplace built on trust, respect, and genuine connection. Employees are encouraged to grow, challenge the status quo, and take ownership of their work—while enjoying the process along the way.

“I feel valued for what I bring to the table,” Jacobs says. “I’m challenged in the best ways—and I’m having fun!”

That spirit, Mueller adds, is easy to spot on the shop floor. “Our people work hard and have fun doing it,” he says. “They care about each other—and about what they create.”

In an industry largely defined by material, process, and precision, what stands out most here is the people behind the stone—and the pride they carry from quarry to finished project. ◗