Page 18 - March 2024 SRG Flipbook

18 | April 2024
Slippery Rock Gazette
Stairs are definitely more time-consuming and labor intensive. Figure the extra time into your pricing.
Stone Restoration Corner
Continued from page 17
Sam Arcot Named Natural Stone Institute Person of the Year
The Natural Stone Institute’s Person of the Year award is presented annu- ally to an individual who has pro- vided extensive support to the association’s executive team. As a dedicated leader and timeless volunteer, Sam Arcot of Rugo Stone is recognized as the 2023 Person of the Year.
With over twenty years of natural stone experience, fourteen of which have been with Rugo Stone, Sam’s involvement and dedicated service to the natural stone indus- try has grown steadily over the past decade. Today he serves on the Natural Stone Institute board of directors and is a Natural Stone Foundation donor.
CEO Jim Hieb explains why Sam was this year’s choice. “Sam’s involvement the past two years has been incredible, serving as a champion for sustainability, extending the association’s relationships with other
For the day rate charge, I suggest any- where from $1,500 per day to $2,000, and possibly even more per day, based on your region of the country. This would be for a two-person crew and would include travel time, tools, chemicals, and all detailed work. Of course, the trick now is to be able to accurately guesstimate the number of days to complete the project. I think that a half-day charge would be the minimum charge.
Another related topic that comes up is a deposit for the project. On larger projects, especially commercial, a 30% deposit for tooling, chemicals, and other consumables can be requested. You can also request draws for longer projects, with a final pay- ment once completed. This is a fairly com- mon practice in the commercial market.
As always and before beginning any new project, I recommend submitting a test area to confirm the results and the proce- dure, prior to general application of a stone or hard surface restoration or maintenance project. You can charge for going to the project site and doing and submitting a test area and in many cases I think this is a good idea. You can lump the test area fee into the contract if they accept your bid.
Remember, if this trade was easy, any- body could do it. Price out a plumber, HVAC, or similar rate – and there are way more plumbers than restoration profes- sionals. Don’t be shy to charge a premium as you should always plan on unforeseen issues.
Also, the best way to help ensure success is by partnering with a good distributor, like BB Industries, that knows the business. They can help with technical support, prod- uct purchase decisions, logistics, and other pertinent project information.
Bob Murrell has worked in the natural stone industry for over 40 years and is well known for his expertise in natural stone, tile, and decorative concrete restoration and mainte- nance. He helped develop some of the main products and processes which revolutionized the industry, and is currently the Director of Operations for M3 Technologies.
Send your comments and questions to Bob at attn: publisher@slipperyrockgazette.net .
Sam Arcot, Rugo Stone (right) receives the NSI Person of the Year Award.
“The house of representatives... can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as the great mass of society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together.”
– James Madison
countries, and being a model advocate for NSI membership.”
More specifically, Sam has served as a key advocate in the development of the NSI statement on human rights, which states NSI’s position against any form of forced labor, including child labor.
Please turn to page 19