Katie Jensen (Triton Stone Group) is the 2023 Women in Stone Pioneer Award recipient. In her letter recommending Katie for this award, Alison Mullins, Marketing Consultant for Triton Stone Group’s Richmond, Virginia location describes their work culture as one that empowers women. “It has been apparent and clear there are no limitations for women in this company nor in this industry. Katie’s leadership in this movement should not be ignored or forgotten. She is a pioneer and an advocate for all women in stone.”
Dan Rea (Coldspring) has received the 2022 Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement. Rea’s long career in the natural stone industry has been marked by outstanding vision, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to promoting the use of natural stone. After 45 years at Coldspring, he has announced plans for retirement, creating an opportune time to honor him with this award.
Timothy Johnston (Rugo Stone) has been named 2022 Natural Stone Craftsman of the Year. Brett Rugo, president of Rugo Stone, describes Timothy Johnston as a humble craftsman who stands out in a time when most people are satisfied with mediocracy. Johnston began his career in the stone industry in 1985 at Wood and Stone, Inc. in Virginia, as a stone carving apprentice working hand in hand with renowned master stone carver Harold C. Vogel, also a stone restoration master from Ansbach, Germany. Johnston earned the esteemed title of master carver by 1996 and worked another 10 years at Wood and Stone, Inc. in Virginia where he completed many restoration and carving projects.
The Natural Stone Institute’s Person of the Year award is presented annually to an individual who has provided extensive support to the association’s executive team. As a dedicated leader and tireless volunteer, Buddy Ontra of Ontra Stone Concepts is recognized as the 2022 Person of the Year.
You may also be interested in this article: KBIS Announces Best of KBIS 2023 Winners
