NSI Person of the Year: Buddy Ontra

LAS VEGAS — Buddy Ontra of Ontra Stone Concepts in Bridgeport, Conn., is the Person of the Year for the Natural Stone Institute.

Ontra, outgoing president of the institute, was cited for his volunteer work and leadership of the group in the immediate post-COVID era.

Ontra only learned of his selection during the institute’s annual awards ceremony this evening.

 “I’m speechless, for once,” Ontra said as he accepted the award.

In addition to serving as NSI president during 2022, Ontra participated in the new Environmental Product Declaration for natural-stone countertops, sought association involvement with the natural-stone hardscape industry, and guide the relationship between the NSI and its Natural Stone Foundation philanthropic arm.

However, it was what seemed to be tireless efforts to participate with the membership that struck Jim Hieb, NSI CEO.

“Coming out of COVID, Buddy understood how important in-person events were to the industry and that it was vitally important that key volunteers be seen by the membership,” noted Hieb in a video presentation that accompanied the announcement. “Buddy not only attended the events expected of a board president, but so many others as well.

Hieb estimated Ontra attended three times the events expected of him.

The video also featured an then-unsuspecting Ontra reflecting on his year as president.

“I’ve enjoyed giving back to the industry which has put food on my family’s table for so many years,” he said. “The efforts to expand the presence of natural stone at both StonExpo and Hardscape North America trade shows should yield dividends for the future.

“While I’m proud of this and so many other industry initiatives undertaken, the true reward has been the friends you make along the way.”