Stone-Ideas.com 
In our NSI-channel, we publish the following information from the Natural Stone Institute:
Susan Moser (Fauske Marble by Moser, Moser & Moser) receives the 2025 Women in Stone Pioneer Award. In a letter nominating her for the award, Mikkel Dohn Moser praises his aunt’s promotion of gender equality as not only exemplary, but also deeply inspirational and deserving of recognition. As a young child, Susan Moser used to play in her grandfather’s factory on the Marble Pier in Copenhagen. When her grandfather later sold the factory to her father, he enlisted Susan as a master apprentice, to ensure she wasn’t just hanging around, but rather learning everything about the business. When he sold the factory in 2004, Susan stayed on to help the new owners and make sure the factory was in good hands. She then moved on to work in an engineering company and later became director at Zurface, another Danish natural stone company, specifying stone.
After a couple of years, Susan launched Danish company Moser & Moser, where she still leads a team of professionals who provide expert consulting services for natural stone projects across the globe. Some of her greatest projects include the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York, and the Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi, among many others. Special to Susan was a stone-sourcing trip to southwest Africa in 1993. She fondly recalls dancing with women of the Himba tribe in Namibia while in search of a Sodalite Blue marble quarry. She managed to find the quarry and learned it was run by Germans.
Today, Susan inspires others through her remarkable leadership of two companies: Moser & Moser, and Fauske Marble by Moser, which operates the historic Norwegian Rose marble quarry in Norway. Under her leadership, the quarry has not only maintained its historical significance but has also expanded its reach by offering not only Norwegian Rose, but various other marbles such as Antique Verdatre and Hermelin Dark and Light.
Susan also has the distinction of being one of the first female consultants in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. If nothing else, this shows a dedication to overcoming barriers and gender prejudice. Through her leadership, she demonstrates that it is possible to achieve excellence and make a meaningful impact in a traditionally male-dominated field. She has emerged as a beacon of change, advocating tirelessly for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women within the stone industry. She demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Her efforts have significantly influenced the landscape of the stone industry, setting a benchmark for others to follow, while inspiring countless other young people to pursue careers they might not have otherwise considered.
With over 40 years of natural stone industry experience, Susan regularly speaks at industry conferences and events, sharing insights and experiences to motivate others. Her commitment to sustainability sets her apart. She is deeply engaged in promoting the use of natural materials in construction, recognizing their environmental benefits and their potential to shape a more sustainable future. Susan’s commitment to re-wild areas no longer in use by the quarry demonstrates her forward-thinking approach to land management that contributes significantly to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Susan is a true pioneer who has dedicated her career to advancing the roles of women. Her relentless advocacy, innovative initiatives, and inspirational leadership will continue to resonate for years to come.
Nominations for the 2026 Women in Stone Pioneer Award are being accepted until May 20. To learn more, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/pioneeraward.
Evan Cohen (Quality Marble & Granite): David Fell Spirit of Service Award.
Evan Cohen (Quality Marble & Granite) has received the 2024 David Fell Spirit of Service Award. He exemplifies a path others aspire to follow. His contagious enthusiasm for the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program has been a major driver for him personally and professionally. It is because of his belief in giving back to others and embodying the spirit of service that he encourages others to get involved and do the same. Evan’s company has contributed natural stone to several home projects and his employees often ask when the next home project will occur. The entire team ensures that each veteran’s stone selection experience is memorable and meaningful during their visit to Evan’s facility.
Jonathan Mitnick of CCS Stone, and Natural Stone Institute 2025 R.I.S.E. committee chair, shared, “Evan has always demonstrated his passion for the R.I.S.E. program in a personal way. Supplying stone wasn’t enough, so he personally attended several home dedications with his wife and children to celebrate and pay tribute to our nation’s severely wounded heroes. Personal engagement symbolizes Evan’s dedication to the program and his desire to give back to others.” Evan’s contributions to R.I.S.E. extend far beyond his business. He volunteers countless hours advocating for the program and sharing its importance with others. Having served on the Natural Stone Institute R.I.S.E. committee for several years and as the committee chair in 2023, Evan has helped expand the program support and made it a priority for our association. Through Evan’s natural leadership abilities and devotion to this worthy cause, the industry has embraced our nation’s heroes and continues doing a little more to make their lives better. Congratulations to Evan Cohen, the 2024 recipient of the David Fell Spirit of Service award.
The David Fell Spirit of Service Award is presented in memory of David Fell, President of BG Hoadley Quarries. David passed away in 2021 and his memory now lives on through this prestigious award. Presented to recognize a company or individual involved with the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program, the award recipient demonstrates the qualities and characteristics of leadership within their organization, the community, and beyond. Learn more about the David Fell Spirit of Service Award at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/spiritofservice. To learn how your company can get involved in future R.I.S.E. projects, please visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/RISE.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 David Fell Spirit of Service Award. To learn more, visit https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/.
Jeff Erickson (Cutting Edge Countertops): Person of the Year
As a dedicated leader and tireless volunteer, Jeff Erickson of Cutting Edge Countertops is recognized as the 2024 Person of the Year. The Person of the Year award is presented annually to an individual who has provided extensive support to the association’s executive team during the year. With over eighteen years of natural stone and countertop experience, all with Cutting Edge Countertops, Jeff’s involvement and dedicated service to the natural stone industry has grown steadily over the past decade. Today he serves on the Natural Stone Institute’s board of directors and executive committee. Jeff is active with the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program and is a generous Natural Stone Foundation donor.
CEO Jim Hieb explains why Jeff was this year’s choice. “Jeff has become a ‘go-to person’ for me to discuss industry strategy and gain perspective. I am most impressed with his ability to ask questions beyond his own industry segment so that all members benefit. Jeff is extremely humble and will often describe himself as a simple ‘operations guy.’ That description couldn’t be farther from the truth – he is a gem!”
Beyond his board service, Jeff’s involvement has been impactful, serving as a champion for employee safety and building relationships with other associations, including the Rockheads Group, Stone Fabricator’s Alliance, and ISFA. He is also serving his last year on NSI’s Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. committee. Jeff is a constant advocate of member needs. He consistently challenges the association to focus on how NSI helps members keep their employees safe, stay informed, utilize NSI programs to strengthen their businesses and employees, and provide networking opportunities to engage with both stone professionals and architects and designers.
Jeff has previously shared why he is so involved: “I wanted to ‘give back’ and be involved in a community outside our company’s environment/locale. NSI represents the ‘soul of the business’ and you are exposed to stone professionals from other industry segments. NSI exposes you to a whole new world where you meet people you would not have met without NSI. You gain perspective on your own business when you learn about other people’s businesses. That is why I especially love NSI’s fall study tour, and the connections made at that event.” Jeff’s passion for NSI also comes out when you hear him tell fellow industry colleagues, “you can’t afford to not be a member.”
To learn more, visit naturalstoneinstitute.org/awards
Scott Lardner (Rocky Mountain Stone): Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement
Scott Lardner (Rocky Mountain Stone) has received the 2024 Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement. Scott Lardner’s father Vince started Rocky Mountain Stone in 1963 as a supplier of building and landscaping stone. It has since expanded into every aspect of the natural stone industry. Vince Lardner was a staunch supporter of the Building Stone Institute, attending many BSI conventions and events, which is where Scott and his siblings first learned the value of a trade association. Scott would later become heavily involved in the Marble Institute of America, while brothers Jim and Tim would become active in the BSI and Allied Stone Industries groups. Scott followed his father into the family business and expanded operations throughout the Southwest.
Rocky Mountain Stone has been recognized as a leading source for natural stone in New Mexico for over 60 years. Broadening their reach, New Mexico Travertine began its quarrying operations in 1985 and then expanded into sandstone and flagstone quarries in Milagro, New Mexico and several limestone quarries in Texas and Kansas. In 1990 Scott assumed the presidency of Rocky Mountain Stone, a position he maintains today. He also has partial ownership in New Mexico Travertine and often collaborates with brother Jim on business operations for both companies.
Scott’s involvement as a businessman is not limited to Rocky Mountain Stone, but extends to local, state, and regional impacts through organizations like Rotary International, Albuquerque Catholic Foundation, New Mexico Amigos promoting New Mexico businesses around the United States, and Counters for a Cause, which donates a percentage of sales to local charities that benefits children, veterans, and the homeless. Scott was also one of the original members and a past board director of the Artisan Group, a pre-eminent buying group sharing best practices and representing the largest markets in the US.
Through his natural stone industry service, Scott has amassed an impressive resume with NSI. He served on the board of directors from 2002-2006 and was board president in 2005. In this time Scott would oversee the hiring of past MIA CEO Gary Distelhorst, guide the sale of StonExpo to Hanley Wood, provide the framework for what are today known as Stone Summits, and strongly advocate for the creation of safety training videos and guidebooks that have been widely expanded upon over the past 20 years.
But perhaps Scott’s most pivotal contribution during his leadership tenure was the conception, development, and implementation of the Accreditation Program. This well-established NSI initiative is the cornerstone of an effort to recognize and distinguish those companies involved in the natural stone industry that have met the highest standards of performance and excellence in fabrication and installation. Today many project specifications require use of an NSI accredited company – a vision Scott laid out.
Like many diligent NSI leaders, Scott remained active after his board service, providing guidance for the radon crisis, serving as a panelist at Stone Summits and trade show sessions, and continues to assist NSI with the creation of many of its annual awards. In 2024, Scott’s support of safety training is as evident as it was 20 years ago as he pledged to serve as a resource to the Spanish translation of the Silica & Slab Safety training certificate.
Family and friendships run deep for Scott. Growing up in the family business, it isn’t surprising that Scott’s son Sean has joined Rocky Mountain Stone as General Manager. Industry colleagues remain cherished close friends with frequent hunting and fishing adventures and even teaming up for displays of support at industry gatherings. Scott’s 40 years of service to the natural stone industry have helped guide NSI into the organization it is today. He frequently shares two valuable lessons of leadership for others to consider. “If you aren’t the lead dog, the view never changes” and “there has never been a wrong time to do the right thing.”
Nominations for the 2025 Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement are being accepted until May 20. To learn more, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/migliore.
Lawrence Voaides: Craftsman of the Year
Exceptional contributions, outstanding skills, and unwavering dedication to the art of stone carving are a few reasons why David Tyrrell, managing director at Traditional Cut Stone, nominated Lawrence Voaides as the 2024 Craftsman of the Year. According to Tyrrell, Lawrence is a true visionary and master craftsman in the field of stone carving. With over 40 years of experience, his expertise and artistic prowess have made a profound impact on the industry. Since 1998, as co-founder of Traditional Cut Stone in Mississauga, Ontario, Lawrence has nurtured the company into a leading force in the field, renowned for its unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship. Originally trained in Romania, Lawrence brought with him a deep-rooted passion for the ancient art of stone carving.
His masterpieces, ranging from renowned historic monuments to stone restoration projects across Europe and North America, stand as testaments to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to excellence. Lawrence’s ability to breathe life into raw stone, transforming it into awe-inspiring works of art, is truly remarkable. Under Lawrence’s artistic direction, Traditional Cut Stone has become home to North America’s largest and most respected art department in the stone carving industry.
His vision and leadership have fostered an environment of innovation and artistic exploration, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with stone as a medium. Lawrence’s guidance and mentorship have inspired countless artisans, ensuring the preservation and advancement of this ancient craft for generations to come.
Beyond his technical mastery, Lawrence possesses a deep understanding of the inherent qualities of stone. His creations reflect a profound appreciation for form, texture, and the timeless beauty found within each unique piece. Lawrence’s works evoke a sense of awe and wonder, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of experiencing them.
A visit to Traditional Cut Stone by the Natural Stone Institute board of directors, past presidents, and staff during the 2022 midyear board meeting showcased Lawrence’s talents to the group. His humble, charming personality intrigued the group as they viewed clay models, prototypes, and museum-like carved relics scattered around the studio spaces. His dedication to his craft, his contributions to the industry, and his positive impact on the community at large make him an exceptionally deserving recipient of this recognition.
Nominations for the 2025 Craftsman of the Year Award are being accepted until May 20. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/craftsman.