Above: G.K. Naquin (on right) and 20 other MIA+BSI members met with members of Congress across the Gulf South. Naquin is pictured here with Alabama Senator Bradley Byrne.

Above: G.K. Naquin in his Loxley, Alabama fabrication shop. “I’m interested not only in the growth of Stone Interiors, but also increasing awareness about the industry’s impact as a whole.”

Building a Future for Natural Stone

Even though the art of shaping natural stone is one of the oldest activities of human society, it’s important to continue promoting the healthy growth of the industry in 2017 and beyond. 

G.K. Naquin, founder of Stone Interiors and boasting over 45 years as an industry leader, has been actively meeting with members of Congress across the Gulf South, in partnership with 20 MIA-BSI members.

Mr. Naquin is leveraging his voice of experience to promote professional excellence in the industry, and to bring attention to the vast number of people employed by, and customers who purchase product from, natural stone companies. 

G.K. and the group of MIA-BSI members spent part of July visiting top government officials’ offices to discuss their vision for the future of the natural stone industry.

G.K. met with Senator Bradley Byrne of Alabama, as well as the staff of U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers and Robert Aderholt (Alabama), and staff of Congressman James Clyburn (South Carolina).

G.K. and other MIA members also visited the staffs of Senators Luther Strange (Alabama), John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), and Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham (South Carolina).

Stone Interiors boasts three locations in these three states, and G.K., as well as the individual co-owners of each location, are deeply invested in promoting the industry’s sustained growth. 

All three Stone Interiors locations are accredited by the MIA, a prestigious achievement that required an extensive application and vetting process. 

As a fully accredited MIA member, G.K. feels he needs to take an active role in the industry and is personally responsible for the health and growth of stone fabrication. 

“I’m interested not only in the growth of Stone Interiors, but also increasing awareness about the industry’s impact as a whole,” notes G.K.

The natural stone industry includes 15,435 companies and 185,966 employees.

Together, natural stone fabricators produce 30 billion dollars’ worth of dimensional stone products each year. “With that kind of impact, leaders in government need to be aware of our needs. I’m grateful that we’ve seen such support from local members of Congress.”

For industry leaders like G.K., this industry represents more than installing countertops. “Stone fabrication reaches back to the beginnings of human civilization. The first tools that were crafted, the first cups that humans drank from, were all carved from stone. It’s a noble endeavor, and I’m excited to help develop the industry’s future.”