Stefano Follega of Grazzini Brothers & Co. in Egan, Minn. was recently named the 2014 Natural Stone Craftsman of the Year. The Marble Institute of America (MIA) award honors excellence in craftsmanship. Follega received the award at the MIA’s annual awards 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 historic 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.”