FROM MIKE’S DESK

In this edition of A Stone’s Throw, we’re reviewing our first webinar, celebrating our frontline rockstars, and sharing a little patio project from my own backyard. We’re also getting close to releasing Issue No. 3 of Stone Journal, so if you haven’t subscribed yet, now’s a good time to jump in.

First off, I want to thank everyone who joined our first 2026 CEU webinar. The topic—Natural Full & Thin Stone Veneers: Best Practices on Sustainability—received great feedback, with nearly 70 attendees tuning in.

One of the biggest points I like to make in this presentation is that sustainability with natural stone starts long before it reaches the jobsite. It begins at the quarry, where extraction is carefully planned and managed. We also discussed reclamation, which plays an important role in responsible quarrying.

In our next webinar, we will cover Buechel Stone’s Worry-Free Client Experience and how we strive to make working with Buechel Stone fun, exciting, and the best part of your building project selection.

I know it sounds like a tall order, but we have the data to prove it, and the positive feedback to know we are doing things right.

Webinar Schedule: April 2 THE WORRY-FREE STONE EXPERIENCE: FROM SELECTION TO INSTALLATION

STONE JOURNAL – ISSUE NO. 3 COMING SOON

We’re also getting close to releasing Issue No. 3 of Stone Journal, and I’m excited to share it with everyone.

Stone Journal was created as a way to highlight the craft, history, and people behind natural stone. Each issue features projects, industry insights, and stories that showcase the role stone continues to play in architecture and masonry.

If you haven’t subscribed yet, now is a great time to jump in so you don’t miss the next issue.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE STONE

I’m also proud to share some exciting news about our frontline Rockstars at Buechel Stone….

🏆 We were recently named a 2026 Top Workplaces for Frontline Workers by Energage, an award that recognizes companies where frontline employees feel supported, valued, and engaged in the work they do every day. 🏆

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it’s based entirely on employee feedback gathered through the Energage Workplace Survey. In other words, it reflects what our own team members say about working here.

• 🏆 Energage Top Workplaces – Frontline Workers 2026
• #41 National Ranking
• 69 Total Winners in the midsize company category (150–499 employees)
• The Top Workplaces program surveys more than 2 million employees across 8,000+ organizations annually, so the results truly reflect the voice of employees.

I’m incredibly proud of the team and leaders that help make Buechel Stone a desired place to spend your work day. To be included in this group that has a large selection of financial institutes, healthcare, and even the Arizona Diamondbacks, is a testament to why our people are called #rockstars!

SPRING PROJECT ALERT

With the start of Spring is the start of projects around the house, and I’m on the home stretch on a patio. I’m including this because I am doing a rather unique installation – Thin Veneer Castle Rock for a mortared in patio.

I would never consider myself a “good” mason – probably best listed as adequate. I am fortunate to at least know how it should look in the end, and I can handle mortar on a trowel, which is probably the most tricky part.

For the majority of our patio I used Thermalled Bluestone, but in one area I wanted to change it up a little between some knee walls. So far I’m happy with the results. Our saw shop has been really busy so I haven’t had a chance to get some steps cut, but am really looking forward to finally have some real steps after twenty years!

From the quarry to the jobsite, and even my own backyard patio, natural stone continues to prove why it’s one of the most durable and sustainable building materials available.

Thanks for taking a moment to see what’s happening at Buechel Stone. Until next time, keep your mortar workable and your stones set true.