Charlie Thiede

At a recent tour of Rock Tops Granite showroom consumers see evidence of quality control procedures and their 100% customer satisfaction policy

St. Louis, MO - Bob Gasiorowski, owner of Rock Tops Granite, was recently interviewed by Mark Maupin, a 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. This company has completed over 10,000 installations during 2008 alone; therefore, they must be providing a great service."

Rock Tops Granite has been recognized as one of the nation's fastest growing companies. They began in Southeast Michigan as a supplier to large home improvement stores. Since they shifted their focus to the retail market, they have opened 7 stores in Michigan and 10 more nationwide. St. Louis celebrated their grand opening a few months ago with a store opening in Maryland Heights.

During a recent tour of the new show room, consumers observed the people working there. One person spoke up and said, "What I observed was good old fashioned hard work with focus on customer service. Everyone was being helped and questions were being answered."

Rock Tops Granite is known for their quality control practices and customer communication policies. Customers are encouraged to spend extra time looking over the work at the time of installation to make sure everything is perfect. Bob explained, "The last thing I want is an unhappy customer who feels 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 spoke about Rock Tops' rigid hiring process and the detail that goes into checking future employees' references and background checks.

Bob proudly showed a group of customers their state of the art computer controlled stone processing 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 in Maryland Heights, Missouri, servicing the St. Louis area, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Creve Coeur and neighboring cities and communities. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranit.com to learn more.

Contact:

Jack Feasel, Field Measurer

11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300

Maryland Heights, MO 63146

Phone: 314-993-8300

Email: jackf@rocktopsgranite.com

As reported, the EPA has no substantial evidence of a health threat from granite countertops

St. Louis, MO - Recent reports have been published about granite countertops emitting radioactivity. Some reports have indicated that most granite countertops tested were nothing to be worried about; however, some could have "hot-spots" that emit life threatening levels of radon. Different reports have singled out granite from specific regions or even granite of a certain color. Since recently opening the new store in Missouri, many consumers have asked questions about their risk to radon exposure from a new granite countertop.

During a recent series of interviews, Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite addressed the issue of radon and radiation exposure with granite countertops. He explained, "Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material found in soil, rock and groundwater. When radon escapes from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted to low concentrations and is not a concern; however, in an enclosed space it can accumulate to high levels and break down to form additional radioactive particles called progeny that can contaminate the air you breathe."

Charlie understands why consumers are concerned, so he makes sure to put them at ease as he explains that granite countertops became popular back in the 1990s, so if there were any great concern, steps would have been taken to resolve it by now. Charlie believes some of the reports were generated by companies who sell other synthetic countertop materials. Their intent was to steer consumers away from granite, to give them a competitive marketing edge.

Charlie provided information from the EPA's website that was very helpful. According to the EPA, "There is radiation all around us and we need to be aware of the various sources--when to be concerned and how to protect ourselves from harmful exposure. Radiation has been part of the earth since its beginning. Construction materials such as concrete, cinder blocks, bricks, and granite contain small amounts of radioactive materials that are found naturally in the materials used to make them." These quotes were taken from the EPA web page at http://www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/index.html#construction

Though there have been many reports to generate concern, studies have failed to produce evidence that granite countertops pose a significant health risk. The EPA believes that the main source of radon in homes is soil gas that is drawn indoors through a natural suction process. The EPA has no reliable data to conclude that countertops are increasing indoor radon levels.

So rest assured, your elegant granite countertops do not pose a health threat. Rock Tops Granite fabricates and professionally installs over 9,000 countertops per year. One of their newest stores, just opened in the last few months, services the St. Louis area of Missouri, including Kirkwood, Wildwood, Eureka and neighboring cities and communities. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more about granite kitchen countertops.

Contact:

Jack Feasel, Field Measurer

11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300

Maryland Heights, MO 63146

Phone: 314-993-8300

Email: jackf@rocktopsgranite.com

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

Rock Tops Granite is among the nation's fastest growing companies; one of their newest stores, recently opened in St. Louis County, is doing well

Maryland Heights, MO - Rock Tops Granite, founded in 2000, began as a supplier to large home improvement stores. Now, they are recognized as one of the nations fastest growing companies as they have shifted their focus to the retail market in 2003. One of their most recently opened stores, in Maryland Heights, Missouri, has reported a great start in the business.

President, Robert "Charlie" Thiede, was recently interviewed and he said, "I credit the company's growth to a new marketing plan and the use of new high-tech equipment. Since Robert Gasiorowski joined Rock Tops as a partner in 2002, we have crafted a plan to shift from big-box retailers to homeowners. We have invested in advanced stone-processing equipment and measuring devices to make Rock Tops an industry leader in production and quality."

The advanced technology of the latest stone processing equipment has provided the ability to cut and shape the edge of the stone quickly and accurately, saving time and money on labor hours. Charlie explained, "We can produce custom countertops with a perfectly finished edge quickly and efficiently, saving thousands of dollars on labor; therefore, we are able to pass this savings onto our customers to produce quality products at a lower cost."

Technology is just one reason Rock Tops stands out from other companies. They are also known for being a great company to work for. Rock Tops has been acknowledged as a company who attracts a skilled, diverse workforce with their extensive benefit package and open door policy to address employees' concerns.

The public is invited to tour the new showroom to see hundreds of unique slabs of granite. Customer service representatives are available 7 days a week to show consumers around and answer questions they may have about custom granite countertops.

Rock Tops Granite specializes in fabricating and installing granite and marble countertops. Rock Tops serves the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area including Maryland Heights, Florissant, Ferguson, St. Ann, Overland, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Wildwood, Fenton, Eureka and neighboring cities and communities. 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.

Contact:

Jack Feasel, Field Measurer

11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300

Maryland Heights, MO 63146

Phone: 314-993-8300

Email: jackf@rocktopsgranite.com

If you have fallen in love with the idea of marble countertops in your next kitchen remodeling job, you may be wondering just how you are going to be able to afford the marble you want on a tight budget. Here are a few tips:

Watch for Sales

There are always sales getting underway no matter what type of shopping you are doing. This also holds true in the case of marble countertops. In this case you should visit local stores to find out which pieces are being sold at a discount at this time. There is always something that has been overstocked or is no longer being used that you may be able to get for much less than you expected.

Tile vs. Slab

The next thing to think about when it comes to marble countertops is if you have to have one solid marble slab or if you are willing to go with marble tiles. Marble tile is less expensive than slabs of marble and can be beautiful; however, the grout lines tend to be less hygienic as they accumulate debris.

Be flexible on Your Design

When it comes to marble countertops, the more flexible you are, the more likely you are to get something you can afford. In this case, if you are willing to flex your design or marble preferences, you may be able to knock a lot of money off of the final costs of your project. Just a simple change like a different edge can make a major price difference.

Avoid Rip Offs

The final thing to keep in mind is to keep your eyes open for deals that seem to be too good to be true. They usually are. Unfortunately there are shady people out there that would offer you a great deal on the natural stone countertops you have been dreaming of. They may then take your money and disappear; never delivering the goods you have been promised.

Do plenty of research and make sure you choose a reputable and well established company for your countertops. There are still affordable deals to be had and this way you know you will be getting the marble countertops you wanted instead of a rip off.

This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, the leading experts in granite and marble countertops fabrication and installation. Rock Tops Ganite has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the US, with a new store in Maryland Hgts, MO, servicing the Greater St. Louis area.. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom where you can learn more.

If you are thinking of a kitchen remodeling plan, one of the things on your list is probably looking into marble and granite countertops. Nothing really says kitchen renovation like countertops.

If you have been out shopping for the things you need, you may have noticed that counter tops can be pricey, especially if you have a lot of countertop surfaces in your kitchen.

See What's On Sale

Get to know a local company that specializes in countertops. Communicate your concerns and et them know you are budgeting for a project that you really want to have done. Competing businesses always have sales running. Letting them know you want to buy, but are on a limited budget will help them sort through the sale priced granite and marble and keep you in the loop on what you may be able to afford for your project. A good company should be able to explain all your options and meet your needs.

Be Flexible on Your Selection

If you have something in mind for the exact type of Italian stone or Indian stone you think you need to have in your home, you may need to be flexible on that opinion in order to keep within your budget. There may well be a cheaper Brazilian stone that is just as beautiful but at a better price.

Be Flexible on Your Design

In addition to being flexible on your marble and granite countertops materials, you should also be flexible on your design. While you may have fallen for one particular type of granite edges or granite colors, others that are very similar may be less expensive if you are willing to flex.

Watch for Rip Offs

While you may be looking anywhere for a great deal on your natural stone countertops, you also need to make sure you are getting quality materials. There are plenty of rip-off artists out there that will try to take you for what they can that no one has filed a report on yet. Instead, stick to a reputable, well known company to make sure you really are getting what is best for your home.

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.