Holly, MI

As one of the nation's fastest growing companies, who have installed over 10,000 granite countertops in 2008 alone, and opened 4 new stores in the last few weeks, they have earned a good name

Macomb, MI - Rock Tops Granite is one of the nation's fastest growing companies and they are recognized as being one of the best companies to work for. Rock Tops specializes in fabricating and installing custom granite countertops. Founded in 2000, and originally a supplier to large home-improvement companies, Rock Tops has altered their business model and grown exponentially. They have installed over 10,000 countertops during 2008 alone. They have grown to 7 locations in the state of Michigan, and opened 10 new stores, nationwide, in the last few years. Four new stores just opened during the last few weeks.

Bob Gasiorowski, one of the owners of Rock Tops Granite, was recently interviewed by Mark Maupin, a local real estate investor, mentor and college instructor. Mark said, "I love what Rock Tops Granite, one the largest granite and marble countertop fabricators and installers in the United States has done to ensure customer satisfaction. Having owned my own home improvement company, I know that when you look at the number of jobs Rock Tops Granite does with little to no complaints, they must be providing a great service. So, I went to their warehouse and showroom looking for Granite Countertops for my own home."

During the tour of Rock Tops Granite's show room in Macomb, Mark observed the people working there. "I visited their show room and asked both owners of this company what their secret for success was. Both told me the same thing with their actions and their words. What I observed was old fashion hard work, listening to the customers needs, and putting systems into place to take care to the customers," said Maupin.

Mark was impressed with their quality control practices and customer communication policies. When asked why he telling a customer in the show room to spend extra time looking over the work at the time of installation to make sure everything was perfect. Bob explained, "The last thing I want is anyone thinking that "Rock Tops Granite countertops are a rip-off, or that the company is unscrupulous. I want to be sure the customer is completely satisfied before they sign off on the job and the installer leaves their home."

Bob also showed Mark their rigid hiring process and the detail that goes into checking future employees' references and conducting background checks. Bob said, "We are proud to be known as one of the best companies to work for. With our management's open-door policy, we encourage our employees to let us know when they have questions, concerns or suggestions that would benefit our company. We pay well, include a nice benefit package, and work to build employee moral and improve their motivation."

Bob proudly showed Mark their state of the art, computer controlled cutting equipment for cutting and shaping the granite countertops. Bob explained, "This system expedites the field measuring process, and it is especially attractive for remodels because the technology allows for detailed measurements to be taken and accurate data to be collected, without having to remove the existing counter tops. Customers don't have to live without use of their kitchen while their replacement counter tops are being fabricated. It also helps to map uneven wall surfaces for an accurate fit and finish."

So if you're ready for the most perfect countertops at the best possible price, or if you simply enjoy looking at beautiful things, stop by Rock Tops brand new showroom and manufacturing facility. Visit their website at http://www.rocktopsgranit.com to find a location near you.

Contact:

Rock Tops Granite
17411 23 Mile Road
Macomb, MI 48042
Toll Free: 1.877.ROCKTOP
Phone: 586.263.6621
Fax: 586.263.7067
Email: info@rocktopsgranite.com

Rock Tops Granite Reports: Undermount Sinks for Hygiene and Appeal

Professionals who specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling recommend installing under-mount sinks. Under mount sinks have become very popular because of their modern, sleek appeal and their clean look. Because they fit under the countertops, one can easily wipe crumbs and debris from the countertop right into the sink, without it becoming caught under the lip of the sink. The older style sink that requires a bead of caulk around it to provide a seal between the sink and countertop accumulates crumbs and debris and just looks bad over time.

The undermount sink does not work with all countertops. The ideal countertop for this type of sink is granite, marble or any other natural stone or solid material. Countertops of laminate or formica can eventually delaminate and bubble up over time, so an under mount sink is not recommended for this type of surface.

There are many styles of kitchen sinks to choose from, including single and double bowl. Bathroom sinks offer many options with a variety of sizes, shapes and colors to choose from. Kitchen and bath remodeling projects are the most expensive to do, so whatever choice you make for your sink and countertop, you will want to be sure it will remain functional and beautiful for many years. The undermount sink is one worth considering.

This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, the leading experts in granite and marble countertops fabrication and installation. With their use of the latest technology for cutting, shaping and finishing the stone to perfection, they produce the highest quality custom countertops at the lowest price of their competitors. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom where you can learn more.

Listening to workers' concerns, ideas and suggestions coupled with an extensive benefit package makes Rock Tops a great place to work

Holly, MI - Rock Tops Granite has been recognized as the fastest growing company in southeast Michigan and one of the leading companies to work for. During a recent interview, president, Charlie Thiede said, "Listening to workers is the key to employee motivation. They are out in the field, talking to customers and making sales. They know what the customer's concerns are and they are the ones who can pass this on to management. Rock Tops has an open-door policy; we encourage employees to share their issues and opinions freely."

Rock Tops has been acknowledged as a company who attracts a skilled, diverse workforce with their extensive benefit package. Charlie said, "We have very rigid policies and we perform detailed background checks before anyone is employed with our company. When we determine that an applicant is right for the job, we give them what they rightfully deserve; good pay and a nice benefit package. Quality employees, such as what we require, are hard to find; we want to give them good incentive to remain with us. High employee turnover can kill the success of a company and cost thousands in hiring and training new help."

Rock Tops employs over 150 people in the state of Michigan alone. They have opened stores in 10 more locations throughout the US and they plan to open several more stores in 2009. Rock Tops has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies, nationwide, and one of the best to be employed by. Charlie said, "We encourage our employees to relay customer feedback to us as well as offer suggestions as to how we can improve. Listening to our employees, with an open mind, and acknowledging them for their ideas and input is great for their morale and motivation. We take pride in paying our employees well, offering a good benefit package, and treating them like the important people that they are."

Rock Tops Granite has 15 locations in 7 states, with showrooms in Saline, Holly, Wixom, Grand Rapids and Macomb, Michigan. They have already installed over 10,000 countertops in 2008 alone, and they plan to open more stores in the next year. This fast growing company, offering hundreds of new jobs, is what our economy needs right now. Visit their website at http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to learn more or to contact them about possible employment.

Contact:

Charlie Thiede

17411 23 Mile Road

Macomb, MI 48042

Phone: 586-263-6621

Toll Free: 1-877-ROCKTOP

info@rocktopsgranite.com

This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC

Are you considering a new granite countertop for your kitchen or bathroom? Here is a fun fact about granite; your brand new countertop will be fabricated from a product that is millions of years old. In fact, the newest piece of granite on the planet is 750 million years old! Granite is a natural stone product that cannot be duplicated by man.

Granite is a gorgeous natural stone product that is a popular material used for countertops and floor tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. Granite has surpassed marble in popularity because is it even more durable and easier to care for. Granite is unmatched by synthetic products for its strength and durability, tolerance to temperature changes and resistance to stains and scratches.

Granite is a naturally formed stone that is quarried from deep in the earth, harvested, cut, polished, sealed and installed in homes to add beauty, elegance and style. Because it is a natural product, no two slabs are exactly alike. Granite is available in many colors from the various minerals that are found in the rock. Since it comes from all over the world, different regions and environmental factors make it unique.

Granite is mainly made up of quartz crystal, but it also contains various amounts of other metals including feldspar, mica, copper and iron. Some granite may contain bits of gold or silver. The amount of each metal depends on the region it comes from. All granite is formed into a hard stone by heat and pressure. Rain adds other minerals as it is forming. It is available all over the world, in every country, and each region will produce a unique variety of granite.

Granite is a completely natural product that cannot be synthetically duplicated. It is very durable and when it becomes a part of your home, you will find that it does not have to be replaced every few years like some synthetic products. It does require some care if it is to last a lifetime.

Granite is stain resistant, but not stain-proof. For optimal resistance, a highly durable seal coating is applied before it is installed in your home. Granite can be porous, so it should be sealed every year. It is also a good idea to wipe all spills right away so that strong chemicals and abrasives are not necessary to clean up messes, as they will damage the seal coating. Dry the countertop with a lint free cloth to reduce water spotting.

Granite is scratch resistant, so it will not show wear and tear like other synthetic products. This doesn't mean your cutting board is obsolete. There is a seal coat on the granite that can be scratched or damaged and allow chemicals to soak in and stain the product.

Granite is heat resistant, but again, the seal coating can be damaged by a hot pan, so be careful. The stress caused by hot objects can cause discoloration over time.

A granite countertop is very durable, but it is also beautiful and elegant, so treat it like you would anything of great beauty. With over 250 varieties of colors and textures, you can be sure your countertop is unique and no one else has one exactly like it. Granite is the most durable, heat, scratch and stain resistant surface you can get, so go ahead and use it for its intended purpose but care for it properly and it will maintain its original, natural beauty for a lifetime.

This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, the leading granite and marble countertop fabricators in the US. Rock Tops technology is what makes them unique from other companies. With computer numerically controlled (CNC) stone processing equipment, they get a perfectly cut and polished edge on every countertop. Artfully merging the latest technology with old world stone craftsmanship, Rock Tops are the experts at creating quality granite and marble countertops which they professionally install. Visit their website at http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a crystallized limestone, composed of quartz which can be polished to a mirror-finish, bringing out depth and color, for an elegant countertop. Marble is an excellent choice for a countertop because it is hard, compact and heat resistant. It comes in a variety of colors and can be finished using different methods for different looks, from a highly polished look to a matt or rough finish. Marble countertops require little maintenance to keep their original fabricated look; however, it is still a good idea to avoid setting hot pots directly on the surface as it could cause the seal coat to become discolored. The natural stone material is also highly resistant to scratches, cracks and breakage.

Two main types of Marble Countertops

The two main types of marble countertops are slab, which is relatively expensive and can last a lifetime, and marble tiles, which are less expensive. The tiles can be damaged if enough stress is placed on them and they can be expensive to repair. Marble countertops are ideal for restaurants because they are non-organic and only slightly porous. They are easily disinfected with store-bought products. They make a great impression on diners and clients. Marble is also very impressive for the home, adding culture and class. Marble withstands frequent use and maintenance is simple. Wipe spills as soon as possible after they occur, to keep your marble countertop clean and glowing.

Granite Countertops

Granite is another natural stone material for countertops that is known for its durability, high-performance and elegant look. It will endure the every day rigors of kitchen activity as it is heat and stain resistant and easy to maintain. Granite is a hard material that will not scratch or crack easily and it is available in hundreds of colors. It is very easy to maintain with sealers and cleaning products available that are specifically designed for use on granite countertops.

Granite can be a relatively expensive material due to the cost of labor as it must be cut and polished with great accuracy, but the expense is easily offset by the beauty and elegance it adds to your kitchen or bathroom. Granite countertops are usually professionally installed because of they require the use of special tools and equipment. This is not a material for the jack-of-all trades to install. The granite slab must be adjusted for thickness variations and leveled perfectly to reduce stress and avoid cracking over time. The precision cuts to allow for wall outlets, switches and faucets are done with a diamond edged saw.

Soapstone

Soapstone is relatively soft and easy to work with, yet durable enough to stand up to some abuse. Soapstone is a form of metamorphic rock containing magnesium, dolomite and talc and is so named because touching its surface produces a sensation similar to that of a bar of soap.

The scientific name for soapstone is steatite; it comes from deep in the earth, like quartz, marble and diamonds. It is geologically related to marble; however, it is less expensive and more stain resistant. It does not react to acidic substances and virtually nothing you spill on it will cause permanent staining. It is very durable, with a matt finish, but the available colors are limited to gray and black.

Corian

Corian is a popular brand of solid surface countertops for people who want something of better quality than a laminate, but cannot justify the expense of granite or marble. Corian is basically plastic, so colors are not as rich in tone as with natural stone, nor is it available in as much variety. It is not heat resistant; a hot pot will melt the surface. Care must also be taken to avoid scratching the surface.

Contemporary, Synthetic Materials

Less expensive materials for contemporary kitchen design include wood, stainless steel, laminates, glass, concrete and ceramic. These materials come in a wide variety of colors and textures but they are outdated and less durable than the natural stone products like granite or marble.

Formica is a laminate material that used to be the first choice for home builders, interior designers and housewives. It is easy to install, comes in a variety of colors and is relatively inexpensive. It is not nearly as durable or elegant as natural stone products and can be easily stained, cut or damaged. Great care must be taken if you have a laminate countertop. Different stains may require different products to remove them. Tough stains may be impossible to remove without doing permanent damage to the surface.

Ceramic tile offers a wide variety of colors and textures but is no longer considered a favorable choice for countertops. This is because the grout joints tend to stain and it can chip and crack easily when used as a countertop.

Stainless steel has its advantages, but offers no choices in color or texture. It is fine for some restaurants, but not very decorative for a home.

Considerations:

There are many things to consider when choosing a countertop, including looks, cost and durability. If your home is in an area of lower class residents and you do not plan to stay it much longer, you may go with something less expensive in order to get a good return on your investment. But, remember, if you are going to be in the home for many years, you will want something durable, so that when it comes time to sell, there is less room for a buyer to negotiate your price down. Buyers look more closely at kitchens and bathrooms because these are the most expensive rooms to remodel. If your home is located in a middle-class or upper-class class area, you should most definitely consider using granite or marble for your countertop as this is most likely the choice of homeowners in the area. You get what you pay for and your kitchen and bathroom are well worth the additional cost of quality materials.

This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, the leading granite and marble countertop fabricators in the US. Rock Tops technology is what makes them unique from other companies. With computer numerically controlled (CNC) stone processing equipment, they get a perfectly cut and polished edge on every countertop. Artfully merging the latest technology with old world stone craftsmanship, Rock Tops are the experts at creating quality granite and marble countertops which they professionally install. Visit their website at http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more.