Everyone wants that one room in their home that makes a statement to their guests—that one element that people still remember long after their visit. Yet, we also want the room to be a functional and inviting place where family members gather and memories are made every day. Creating a welcoming yet awe-inspiring space is what the team at StoneWorks strives for in every project. Whether it’s the kitchen, dining area or outdoor living space, StoneWorks aims to help customers walk through a new home project or renovation by building a long-term relationship that leads to an outstanding result and complete satisfaction.
For more than three decades, StoneWorks has been known as the region’s leading source for porcelain, quartz, granite, marble, and tile, serving homeowners, builders and designers in the Lowcountry and beyond. The company’s reputation and quality are unmatched locally, and now their craftmanship has been recognized nationally.
In January, StoneWorks received a prestigious national award from the National Stone Institute (NSI). Competing against natural stone professionals all over the world, the company earned a 2022 Pinnacle Award from NSI for a project they completed at a Palmetto Bluff home in the Kitchen/Bath category.
“This highly coveted award is given to projects whose beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and craftsmanship exemplify professional mastery in the use of natural stone in commercial and residential applications,” according to the NSI website.
The project earning the 2022 Pinnacle Award, coordinated by StoneWorks designer Rhonda Schwartz, was for a spectacular Palmetto Bluff home adjacent to the world-renowned Montage Palmetto Bluff Inn. The stunning home, built by Resort Custom Homes, features natural stone throughout its interior. Prioritizing a beautiful aesthetic, the Mont Blanc Quartzite stone was selected for the kitchen, wet bar, pantry, and one of the bathrooms. The result of the project is truly breathtaking. Interior designer Leighann Markalunas helped make the detailed choices that brought this project to life.
The Pinnacle Award presentation was held in Las Vegas in conjunction with StonExpo, a large natural stone industry trade show. Schwarz and sales manager Shannon Baltzegar were honored to be in attendance to personally accept the award.
None of this would have been possible without the extreme dedication of every member of the StoneWorks team that is demonstrated in each job they complete. “From conceptual design and product recommendations to skilled fabrication and installation, each step of the process involves a seamless team of experts at StoneWorks,” Schwarz said.
What makes StoneWorks standout in the competitive marble, tile and stone industry? It is their dedicated team of more than 30 experts in fabrication, sales, and design, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade, upholding the standard of excellence for which the company is known,
Jonathan Whitehead just celebrated 15 years in the fabrication department, and Melidza Cruz, in accounting, has been with the company over 16 years. Jose Domingo will celebrate 20 years at StoneWorks this year. And Barbara Williams, aka the “Tile Queen,” has been a part of the design team for over 23 years. It’s these employees and a team of many more who help make StoneWorks customers become customers for life.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without our people,” said John Baltzegar, III, owner and CEO of StoneWorks. “Our team is our most valuable asset, and each one exemplifies the standard of excellence we pride ourselves in.”
The company has that “family” feeling among all their employees—perhaps because it is a family-run business. Shannon Baltzegar, John’s daughter, is sales manager. John’s son Brian is general manager, and his son John IV is the company’s vice president.
“Coming to work each day and working with your family helps us treat each client with deep respect,” Shannon said. “It’s a constant reminder that this is one reason we do our job—to ultimately bring families together in a beautiful space for a long time.”
In addition to the top-notch customer service StoneWorks provides, the team is always improving by learning the latest in fabrication techniques to deliver the absolute best finished product to their customers. Many people don’t realize that StoneWorks’ customers have the unique ability to connect with one of the leading fabrication facilities on the East Coast as well as one of the leading sources for made-in-America quartz products.
An enduring Lowcountry business, nationally recognized, veteran owned, family-run, with dedicated customer service: If you are looking to make your countertop dreams come true for your home, then look no further than StoneWorks of the Lowcountry.
