Kirkwood, MO

Rock Tops Granite has been acknowledged as one of the nation's fastest growing companies, thanks to the latest technology in stone processing equipment

St. Louis, MO - Charlie Thiede, president of Rock Tops Granite, was recently interviewed. When asked about how his company was able to grow so rapidly in today's economy, Charlie explained, "We use the latest in high-tech equipment for cutting and shaping the stone to fabricate a custom kitchen countertop with a perfectly finished edge. Because the equipment is very expensive, other companies are still using hand routers and grinders to work the edge of the stone. This procedure is very slow and even the most experienced, diligent of workers cannot achieve perfection; one is often left with imperfect and wavy edges, bad seams and a poor final finish."

Charlie went on to explain, "The cost of each CNC machine is $200,000 to $350,000; however, the investment pays for itself by eliminating the many hours of labor expended with the use of hand tools. CNC stands for computer numerically controlled. This advanced technology allows us to keep our cost of labor down, a savings we pass on to our customers. We can produce the highest quality custom kitchen countertops for the lowest price of most of our competitors."

Though technology was one of the major contributors to the growing success of Rock Tops, they can also credit their growth to a new marketing plan which was implemented in 2003. Originally a supplier to large home-improvement stores, Rock Tops shifted its focus to the retail market. Robert Gasiorowski joined Rock Tops as a partner in 2002, when he began crafting the plan to shift the marketing focus from retailers to homeowners. In addition to investing in the advanced stone-processing and measuring equipment, referrals to Rock Tops, from over 10,000 customers, have made the company an industry leader in production and quality.

Rock Tops Granite fabricates and professionally installs over 9,000 countertops per year. They recently opened a showroom in Maryland Heights, where people can take a tour to learn more about this natural stone product and how it is harvested, cut, polished and installed to form countertops and tile. Visit their website at http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more.

Contact:

Charlie Thiede

17411 23 Mile Road

Macomb, MI 48042

586-263-6621

Toll Free: 1-877-ROCKTOP

info@rocktopsgranite.com

Don't you just love fresh produce? I do. I am a big fan of fruits and vegetables and I always have been. I love having relationships with local farmers and knowing exactly where my food is coming from. If you're like me check out the farmer's market in Kirkwood, Missouri.

Kirkwood Farmers' Market is conveniently located between Highway 40 and I-44 in St. Louis County at the intersection of E. Argonne Drive and Taylor Avenue at 150 East Argonne Drive. Located in the heart of Downtown Kirkwood, a thriving business district with 300+ local businesses, the market serves as a cornerstone for the community as a place to eat, shop and gather with friends

Kirkwood Farmers' Market
150 E. Argonne
Kirkwood, MO 63122

P: (314) 822-0084

http://www.downtownkirkwood.com/

I will do some investigating and do another blog about all the farmers markets in Missouri! Coming soon...........

YARD SALE

at Mudd's Grove

302 W Argonne (at Harrison)

Kirkwood, MO 63122

Saturday, October 4th, 2008

8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Donations accepted between 1 and 4 P.M. on September 25th and 28th; October 2nd and 3rd

(All donations are tax-deductible)

For more information, please call:

Kirkwood Historical Society (KHS)

at 314-965-5151

Or Ginny at 314-821-5324

Or Carol Ann at 314-821-0184

Brandon Antiques and Collectibles...Home furnishings.

Just off Main street on the main thorughfair of Kirkwood on the same side of the street as Amtrack. Michelle Tribl owner of this unique storefront has been at this location now for 13 years. She has a unique flair for picking up the right stuff so it is obvious that this is her passion. Home Interior Design, full custom draperies, etc. whatever your needs are come look!

Justin her assistant also has a flair for design as he stands studying his display in the front entrance. If you are looking for the special and different piece you'll want to stop by this one of a kind "Antique and Collectible Store". Very appealing art work, pictures if you like the look of Italy, etc.. If you don't want your home to look like all the other homes you've been in stop by. They look forward to greeting you. Where customer service comes first, they are there to please you. Stop by and say Hi! you'll be glad you did.

Brandon Home Furnishings

314-909-8290

211 South Kirkwood Rd

I haven't been on Active Rain for a while. I guess I have been too busy! I thought I better get on here and do some bloggin, I am low on points! I don't know about you, but the real estate market is picking up here is St. Louis. It started right after January 1st. The phone started to ring again. I had to call the phone company to see if I was still connected before that! But, I have been getting a lot of buyer calls. I think People have just been sitting on their hands too long and can not take it anymore! They just want to move! I have sold about 6 homes already this year. Not a bad Jan-Feb! Well, I better get back to work! Peace.