I am a stone and tile installation specialist based in Des Moines, Iowa, with over fifty thousand hours of experience in the field. I have worked on a wide variety of projects, installing stone and tile. I am also an industry nerd.

• Hands-on commercial experience includes a wide range of both large and small organizations and businesses throughout Iowa. I have installed stone or tile in various establishments such as casinos, churches, factories, hotels, restaurants, stores, malls, schools, and theaters. In addition to those, there have been several county, state, and federal projects.

• Residential single-family and multi-family projects in which I have been involved span across Iowa and Florida. Projects of all sizes and budgets have been completed, including RVs, farmhouses, spec homes, historic homes, custom homes, and gated communities. Additionally, projects have ranged from apartment communities to multi-million-dollar condos in Naples, and a few luxurious prime beachfront mansions on the far south end of Marco Island.

• I have collaborated directly with architects, builders, designers, directors, engineers, project managers, superintendents, small business owners, operations managers, and other contractors on a variety of projects. I frequently offer expert technical advice and practical solutions to proactively tackle challenges in the field, with the goal of simplifying their lives.

Born in Des Moines, I am an artist who fell in love with the beauty of natural stone, the near-infinite variety of tile, the creative applications they allow, and the enduring aspect of both. That's why I love the trade. I strive to infuse my life with a sense of artistry that impacts my work. To consistently and reliably produce the highest quality work that my skills allow, to push my abilities towards ever greater mastery, and to strive to be my best!

I am very fortunate to have had 30 years in the field working with and learning from other union and non-union tradesmen from across the United States. I absorbed their methods, tips, and tricks to enhance my own mastery of the trade and I appreciate the knowledge transfer.

I am most appreciative of George and his brother from Greece, from whom I learned so much early on in my career. George was a man who explained little but demonstrated much, and through his demonstrations, he explained nearly everything without the need for translation. It was a memorable and enlightening experience.

I am also deeply grateful to Mario and his sons from Italy for helping me overcome obstacles in my career and personal growth journey. Unmatched in technical skill and equally impressive in temperament, this man has had the most significant influence not only on my techniques and methods but also on my perspective of the trade, the construction industry, and life. It was my good fortune to have crossed paths with him when we did. He was always a pleasure and very enlightening.

I am truly grateful to each of those gentlemen for mentoring me and elevating my knowledge to a higher level in their respective fields. They alone are responsible for the two major "Aha!" moments of my career. Both are likely gone by now, being 25 and almost 40 years my senior at the time. However, I will pass along to my own sons the knowledge you shared, the stories we shared, and the memories of you. A deep, heartfelt thank you, gentlemen!