FROM MIKE’S DESK

Over the last few weeks, we wrapped up our quarterly meetings across Wisconsin, North Carolina, Kansas, and virtually with team members spread throughout the country. Those meetings are always a good reminder that the core principles behind good work and a strong workforce really don’t change: Good communication, attention to detail, and people who genuinely care about doing their job right.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening across Buechel Stone recently, and what’s ahead.


MAY WEBINAR FEEDBACK

AIA Webinar slide on using natural stone in landscaping

Our May webinar on Natural Landscape Stone: Retaining Walls & Paving generated some great feedback afterward. One thing that stood out was how interested people were in understanding the full process behind natural stone – from the quarry all the way through installation, performance, and long-term durability.

A few comments I really appreciated:

“There was lots of good information on the quarry process I did not know.”

“Well presented, and very knowledgeable on the topic…but at a level we could all understand.”

“Appreciate you taking time out of busy schedules to talk natural stone.”

“Mike did a fine job, potentially missing his calling as an anchorman.”

I’ll take it as a compliment 😊.

The more people understand how natural stone is quarried, processed, installed, and designed to perform over time, the better the results tend to be for everyone involved.

We appreciate everyone who attended and look forward to seeing you at the next one.


UP NEXT: JUNE 4 WEBINAR

We’re excited to continue the conversation on June 4th with our next webinar inspired by Stone Journal:

Design Conversations from Stone Journal: When Stone Sets the Tone

This session will take a closer look at how natural stone influences the overall feel, character, and direction of a project—from subtle material selections to statement applications that define a space.

This webinar will have a slightly different format, featuring moderator Paul Hagen from Aspire Home and Design and editor-in-chief of Stone Journal. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain better insight into selecting natural stone with confidence.

Paul Hagen – Editor in Chief of Stone Journal

One thing we continue to see across both residential and commercial design is that people are craving materials that feel authentic, timeless, and grounded. Natural stone has a unique ability to do that in a way few materials can.

As always, the goal is to keep these conversations practical, approachable, and useful for everyone involved in the design and building process.

Home from Stone Journal’s second edition designed by Nest Design

Webinar Schedule: June 4 Design Conversations from Stone Journal: WHEN STONE SETS THE TONE

👉 See the Webinar Schedule


THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE STONE

I try to keep the meetings light-hearted and informational

One of the most important parts of our quarterly meetings is making sure everyone understands where we’re headed as a company. A lot of the conversation this quarter focused on long-term thinking. Not just in the products we make, but in the way we operate, communicate, and support each other as a team.

We spent time reviewing our 2026 goals and how the first quarter turned out for the company. More importantly, we recognized the people helping move those efforts forward every day.

A great honor to let everyone know details about the Frontline Worker Award

Our team truly takes pride in their work and the culture they help keep front-of-mind, including recognition with the Frontline Worker Award and our “100% Rock Club,” which highlights team members that complete their quarterly goals to help us get where we need for the year. When everyone is working toward the same goals every day, you build trust – and you get sh!t done. At the end of the day, the stone matters, but the people behind it matter even more.


CLOSING THOUGHT

The older I get, the more I believe the best projects, companies, and rockstars are typically built the same way:

Be consistent, have open and honest communication, hold each other accountable, and continue to find people who care.

Those things tend to last.

—Mike

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