MIA+BSI Member Named Stone World 2015 Fabricator

OBERLIN, Ohio and CHESTERTOWN, N.Y. — Eric Tryon of Premier Surfaces in Alpharetta, Ga., is the 2015 Fabricator of the Year as chosen by Stone World magazine.

200 Tryon Premier SurfacesClick photo to enlargeThe award was presented at TISE 2016 in Las Vegas last week.

Criteria for the award include the following:

  • Cooperation in sharing technology with the industry;
  • Willingness to pioneer in the use of new technology;
  • Fostering educational program for the training of stoneworkers in industry methods; and
  • Promoting technological progress through association work.

Tryon started Premier Surfaces in 2002; since its inception, he has been on the forefront of cutting-edge technology, industry best practices, and an intense focus on providing best in class service. With a customer-centric philosophy that “customers are the center of the universe at Premier Surfaces,” the company has grown and expanded every year.

From how new employees are hired and trained to the documented systems and processes that guide day-to-day operations, Premier Surfaces has successfully expanded into new markets, including Birmingham, Ala., Huntsville, Ala., and Chattanooga, Tenn.

Tryon feels confident knowing the results speak volumes about the strength of his team and company; the employee turnover rate is at a minimum, the customer-satisfaction scores are best-in-class, and the biggest source of new customers is referrals.

Premier Surfaces is the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Atlanta Consumer’s Choice Award (2007 – 2015), Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Best Places to Work, TIE #1 Top Entrepreneur in Atlanta (2015).

Premier Surfaces was one of the first companies to achieve MIA accreditation. Tryon is also actively involved in the MIA+BSI education program and will act as a facilitator for several events through the Stone Industry Education Series in 2016.

“Eric has been an asset to the stone industry for many years,” said Aaron Dahnke, education manager at MIA+BSI. “He is a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and educator. His involvement as Stone Industry Education Series facilitator will provide a new perspective and be invaluable to participants.”

Tryon was quick to shift credit to his coworkers.

“Although I am the one receiving this award, it was a team effort,” he said., “We are honored to receive this distinguished award. It’s the people on our team who deliver the experience for our customers who deserve the recognition—from the leadership team to the front line staff who make it happen day in and day out. I am honored to be to be a part of such an amazing work family. They are truly best in class.”

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