Slippery Rock Gazette

Greg Osterhout, Northern Stone Supply
Natural Stone Institute 2019 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.  As a dedicated leader and tireless volunteer, Greg Osterhout is a natural choice to be selected as the 2019 Person of the Year. 

Greg served as the association’s board president in 2019, where he has earned accolades from many of his peers. He has been described as a natural leader, a great problem solver, a good listener, and a dedicated advocate. Greg cares about every segment of the industry and constantly looks for ways to bring the industry together for one common goal.

Natural Stone Institute CEO Jim Hieb explains why Greg was this year’s choice. “He is really good at representing our industry, presenting the needs, and always a true advocate. His passion for the industry is second to none.”

His association contributions include much more than serving as board president. Greg has been a tireless advocate of legislation in Washington DC to further advance the checkoff efforts for the industry. He has been outspoken about the need for companies to subscribe to sustainable business practices, including certifying to the natural stone sustainability standard (NSC 373). Greg also donated stone to multiple Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E program homes for severely wounded veterans and attended membership outreach meetings and industry meetings at both domestic and international trade shows.

Yet his industry colleagues believe his greatest attribute is who is he is as an individual. Natural Stone Institute Executive Vice President Jane Bennett said: “His sacrifice in service is admirable – not only to the association and the industry, but to his neighbors and his church. This is who Greg is.” 

Bennett has worked alongside Greg for many years, especially during the joint venture days between BSI and MIA and shares another observation about him. “What has impressed me most about Greg over these past few years is his personal and professional growth.  How he has embraced the merge and eagerly volunteered to learn about the other aspects of this industry that previously weren’t part of his daily vocabulary, and far beyond domestic quarrying. He is now truly a global leader.”  

In his own words, Greg described his past year of leadership. “I think the thing I can take the most pride in as President, and just as my time in a leadership role, is the synthesizing of so many different parts of our industry—the promoted collaboration and having people work together who didn’t work together before.”

When asked about the importance of volunteering, Greg added: “I choose to volunteer with the Natural Stone Institute, and in many other causes, because I believe it’s important that we give back. This industry gives me, my family, and my employees their livelihoods. I believe it’s important to give back for the future of the industry.”

Above, left: The Gary Sinise R.I.S.E. program is one of Osterhout’s big volunteer endeavors. His company (Northern Stone Supply)has donated stone and materials to several R.I.S.E. projects. Above, right: Greg Osterhout, at far right

Above, left: Greg Osterhout and Tony Malisani present Peter de Kok with the 2018 Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement. Above, right: Greg Osterhout, Northern Stone Supply,  is accustomed to keeping things running – from an active quarry standpoint, and at the national organization level.

Greg isn’t done contributing. In 2020, he will lead multiple committees and increase his involvement with the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E Program.

Congratulations to Greg. Osterhout, NSI 2019 Person of the Year.

“Greg cares about every part of the industry and wants to know what it’s about and what he can do to help.”

Marcella Prado 
LATICRETE International

““Greg brought a level of organization to the association that has helped us both bind together the old associations – the MIA and the BSI – healed it together and made one stronger, better, more vibrant and dynamic organization.”

Tony Malisani
Malisani Inc.