Charlie Thiede

By: R. Marcus Maupin

I love what one the largest granite and marble countertop fabricators and installers in the United States has done to ensure customer satisfaction. Their Company does over 9,000 installations a year. 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. 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. These were just some of things I noticed while I was as their showroom in Macomb Twp, Michigan:

• One of the people they were hiring was being checked out for references in detail

• They were using state of art equipment - they have invested over one million dollars in the most up to date, computer controlled cutting equipment. They deliver a superior polished edge and a perfect cut and outline every time. Their use of computer numerically controlled stone cutting and shaping equipment delivers unmatched accuracy, quality cuts and a superior polished edge - over and over again. This system also 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 your replacement counter tops are being fabricated. It also helps to map uneven wall surfaces for an accurate fit and finish. Again, their skilled stone craftsmen finish the job.

• Communication was key with them

• They take to heart what their customer needs are

• They put checks and double checks into their market delivery system

I asked Bob Gasiorowski 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. He said, "The last thing I want is anyone thinking that "Rock Tops Kitchen and countertops are a rip-off, or unscrupulous".

Bob explained, "Rock Tops Granite's goal is to artfully merge the latest technology and old world stone craftsmanship in creating quality products, professionally installed. At Rock Tops we have a huge selection of full slabs. Many of our customers have described the viewing of the stone in our showroom "like going to a fine art gallery."

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.

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

Marble comes in many varieties which are often named after the location of their quarries. Paros and Penteli from Greece, Carrara from Italy, Proconnesus from Turkey, Macael from Spain, Makrana from India, Danby from Vermont and Yule from Colorado

Marble is a crystallized limestone, essentially composed of quartz and orthoclase or microcline. It used for many applications, including sculpture, buildings and monuments. In ancient history, marbles were used in cathedrals and palaces for a rich look. Marbles are still very popular and are used in modern homes to create a luxurious look. Advanced technology and different finishes make marble an appropriate material for sinks, vanities, window sills, floors and more. A polished finish will bring out depth and color for a sink or vanity top, while a honed finish will provide a non-slippery floor tile.

Faux marbling is a technique of painting which mimics the color and pattern of real marble. Marble dust can be jointed with synthetic resins to create reconstituted or cultured marble.

Though marble is mainly used as a building stone in the construction industry, it also has other uses. Ground marble powder is used as a component in paints, plastics and other industrial trades. Marble is also known for its cultural associations, for example, it was the desired source for Greek and Roman Sculptors and architects as a symbol for tradition and refined taste. Marble is a favorite decorative material and its many varieties are often imitated because of its colorful pattern.

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.

Investors were amazed as they looked at over 400 unique slabs of granite and marble in the 15,000 sq. ft. showroom

Macomb, MI - Mark Maupin of National Real Estate Network recently visited the showroom of Rock Tops Granite, in Macomb, Michigan. He joined several real estate investors who were looking for quality material to remodel the kitchens and bathrooms in high-end homes they had recently acquired. "Investors who purchase property in very desirable, suburban areas know they cannot get away with cheap, inexpensive rehab jobs like they do in urban areas," Mark explained. "I recently met and interviewed Charlie Thiede, of Rock Tops Granite, and I was impressed with the quality of workmanship that goes into the manufacturing of granite and marble countertops. I thought it would be a great idea to take some members of my investment group on a tour of their showroom to learn more about the product and technology they use to measure and cut the granite."

Mark and the group of investors learned a lot when they toured the 15,000 sq. ft showroom containing over 400 unique slabs of granite and marble. "It was amazing!" Mark exclaimed. "No two pieces were the same!"

Charlie Thiede explained, "Unlike Corian or Silestone, Granite and Marble are products of nature, therefore, no two pieces will be the same. Adding a granite or marble countertop to a kitchen is a way to bring Mother Nature's Art Work into your home. Your unique countertop will be the envy of all your friends and neighbors; yours will be impossible for them to duplicate," explained Thiede, proudly.

Charlie also showed the group some of their fabricating equipment, explaining, "We use the latest in computer, numerically, controlled (CNC) technology for a perfect cut with an unmatched polished edge quality. These machines cost between $200,000 and $300,000; therefore, many other fabricators are still using hand routers and grinders to work the edge of the stone. This often takes days, where we can fabricate a countertop within hours. The hand method often creates imperfect and wavy edges, bad seams and a poor finish, where the CNC technology produces a perfect finish every time."

Charlie explained the many advantages of using granite or marble, including strength, durability and the ability to withstand heat if someone places a hot pan directly onto the countertop. "I don't recommend trying this with artificial surfaces such as Corian or Silestone," said Thiede. "It will melt the surface, doing permanent damage. Granite is also resistant to grease or water stains and is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol or wine; all very commonly used items in the kitchen, and often spilled on the countertop."

Marked thanked Charlie Thiede for the tour and educational information as he invited him to speak at a future meeting. Mark's group meets the third Thursday of each month in Belleville. "I'm sure a lot of my members will be interested in hearing about Rock Tops Granit countertops. I look forward to having one of their representatives speak at a future meeting; hopefully very soon, before the end of the year," said Mark.

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 and plan to open more stores in the next couple years. Visit their website at http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to learn more and find a location near you.

Contact:

Charlie Thiede

17411 23 Mile Road

Macomb, MI 48042

586-263-6621

info@rocktopsgranite.com