Is Granite Just Granite?
A few weeks ago, I happened to pick up an incoming call from a customer who had some questions in regards to her bid. I listened to the questions and then answered them for her, as well as some others. Feeling confident she was interested in pursuing the order, I asked her about possibly getting her on our measuring schedule. The customer however, mentioned that she was getting a few other bids and was really concerned about price. I replied, “Well–that is fine if you are getting some other bids, but just make sure you are comparing apples to apples.” I explained that we are definitely not the cheapest fabricator, nor do we want to be, but do offer competitive pricing that is a great value for what you get. I also pointed out that if she is just all about price, she should at least do a little investigating in regards to the other companies and also ask some questions about their fabrication processes, etc. She seemed a bit perplexed and responded, “Isn’t granite just granite?
What?!
That is like saying, “Isn’t a car just a car?”…And we all know the answer to that one. You can buy anything from a Geo Metro to a Rolls Royce, plus a bunch of other varieties in between each with their own set of bells and whistles, and pros and cons, not to mention the companies that make them each has their own set of standards and practices.
So technically speaking, if you are just talking about granite as a material, granite is granite. However, if you are talking about installed granite countertops, granite is not just granite! It is the fabricator that makes the difference in the way they distinguish themselves from others by the quality of their work, customer service, etc.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite on June 3rd, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Add Striking Appeal With Onyx Countertops!
While we’ve been working with stone for over thirteen years now, it still amazes me how truly beautiful some stones can be. For example, the other day, I happened to be walking through our shop area and noticed we had a green onyx slab pulled out for some customers to lay out their vanity. While we’ve worked with onyx before, I just had to stop and comment to the customers on how striking it was! The customer went on to mention that they were going to add lights below the vanity top to enhance the stones features even more. What a great way to bring out the depth of the stone!
Whether you are looking for onyx, granite, marble, soapstone, or other product for you countertops, we are here to help. Please make sure you stop by our showroom, or give us a call.
Geno Ricci, PGC Sales Rep. next to green onyx slab
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite on May 12th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
2010 Coverings Show Features Latest Products & Technology For Stone Industry…
Last week, Chris & I had the opportunity to attend Coverings, one of the largest trade shows in America for the stone and tile industry. The event was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida and ran Tuesday, April 27 through Friday, April 30th. The show included more than 1000 exhibit booths from suppliers and distributors from around the world displaying stone, equipment, tile, tooling, etc.
Coverings is always a fun show to attend, since there is so much to take in and see. Whether you are interested in fabrication equipment, sinks, tile, granite slabs, fountains, etc., it is always exciting to see the latest technology and trends.
Following are some pictures to enjoy from the show:
Entrance to Coverings
Chris Rodgers of PGC looking at some cool slabs.
That’s me in front of a cool-looking onyx slab.
Jeff Handley of the MIA, and Barb & Chris Rodgers from PGC at MIA Booth
Granite Fountains
A neat-looking vessel sink
Inside the Coverings show
Inside the Coverings show
Cosmuz granite
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on May 3rd, 2010 by Barb | | 2 Comments
You Can “Ring My Bell!”
Some of you out there may remember the popular 1979 disco song, “Ring My Bell,” by Anita Ward. Well at PGC, “Ring My Bell,” is much more than a popular song with a catchy lyric. In fact, it has become a common phrase, we use everyday.
Let me explain…
In late 2008, when the economy began to turn, and orders began to slow, we wanted to come up with a way to help motivate our employees and help them stay positive.
After a brainstorm session, we decided we needed some way to relay to our fabrication shop when orders came in. What we came up with was a bell. Yes a bell! Well…I don’t know how many of you out there have visited our fabrication shop, but it can at times be very noisy, so this bell would need to be…LOUD! After a moment or two, Chris and I looked at each other, and knew we were thinking the same thing…
A Bowden Bell!
I bought one several years ago for Chris for Father’s Day, which we hung at our cabin. The bell, which is made of old scrap cylinders, can practically be heard across the lake.
Anyway—after installing the bell, the phrase, “Ring The Bell,” was born, and since then, has morphed into a variety of phrases including:
- How many dingers?
- Bada Ding!
- Da-Ding!
- Etc.
The bell is also responsible for a lot of whooping and hollering, a lot of laughs, and positive energy. I am glad to say that, “The Bell,” is ringing a lot more these days!
Following are a few photos I wanted to share:
Here’s Geno Ricci, one of our Sales Reps “Ringing The Bell!”
Bowden Bell at our cabin
Bowden Bell at our cabin
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite, Uncategorized on April 1st, 2010 by Barb | | 2 Comments
2010 Builders Product & Service Show…
The 2010 Builders Product & Service show, although a little smaller than some previous years, didn’t stop PGC from having a booth and participating in the event. Although attendance was down somewhat, we were able to speak with various builders and remodelers and enjoyed the camaraderie.
The event was sponsored through BATC, Builders Association of the Twin Cities, and was held Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The PGC booth was staffed by several of our team members, and included a variety of our product samples, as well as a granite slab, which was a good draw for customers.
Following are some photos I wanted to share:
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite on March 24th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
