Follega is 2014 MIA Natural Stone Craftsman

OBERLIN, Ohio – The Marble Institute of America (MIA) recently named Stefano Follega of Grazzini Brothers & Co. in Egan, Minn., as its 2014 recipient of the Natural Stone Craftsman of the Year Award.

Click photo to expandThe MIA notes excellence in craftsmanship with this annual honor. Follega received the award at the MIA’s annual luncheon at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas in Las Vegas.

Follega, a native of Rome, Italy, learned the craft from his father and uncle. He also worked with top architects and designers in Rome, home to some of the world’s most beautiful architecture. He credits his first teachers – his father, uncle and prominent architects – for his work ethic and simple philosophy: ask questions, be respectful and always be ready to do the job.

He also admits he’s a perfectionist with a fervent passion for stone.

“I like seeing a piece of stone, a rock or something change,” he said. “I always envision the finished product before I start.”

When he and his wife, Cara, moved to her native Minnesota to raise their family, Follega brought his old-world artisan craftsmanship with him. In two weeks’ time Follega was working at Grazzini Brothers.

“Stefano walked into our office and spoke about 10 words of English,” recalled Guido Gliori, Grazzini COO.  “He showed up with his interpreter, who happened to be his wife. You knew immediately that he was a good man.

“He had the credentials …the rest is history.”

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