Slippery Rock Gazette

Gaspar “G.K.” Naquin (at right) is presented with the 2016 Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Naquin has traveled widely as a teacher and stone industry educator for the past 12 years.

G.K. Naquin received the 2016 Migliore Lifetime Achievement Award.

On a typically warm Nashville morning in September 2004, G.K. Naquin, then a 30-year veteran of the stone industry, stepped up to the podium in a large meeting room at the sprawling Opryland Hotel and for two days captivated an audience of 110 stone fabricators with the most thorough industry educational program most had ever experienced.

When the seminar was completed and the reviews compiled, it was obvious that Naquin had found a new calling—stone industry education. In the 12 years since that day, Naquin has facilitated 40 events as part of the Stone Industry Education Series and at least 50 other sessions at conventions and trade shows.

Naquin’s career in the stone industry began in 1974, when he joined brother-in-law John Blanda and friend Howard Prestenberg in a startup stone company, Intrepid Enterprises. He served as CFO of Intrepid Enterprises for 25 years, before starting his own company, Stone Interiors, in 1997. The company, based in Loxley, Alabama, began as a predominantly residential countertop business, but has expanded to include products for condominiums and other light commercial buildings. A second location in Gaston, South Carolina was opened in 2002, and a third in New Orleans in 2007.

Duane Naquin, G.K.’s son and CEO of Stone Interiors, says that his father taught him the right way to run a business: “You always tell the truth, you’re always honest about what you do, and everything else takes care of itself.

“He has always been my role model in this business. I look at how he treats people, including his former employees.

“They have spread around the country, founded businesses, and been successful. In working with him myself I see how he helped motivate them and spur their careers.”

Naquin’s passion for bettering the stone industry is well documented. Tony Malisani (Malisani Inc.), who has worked with Naquin on several association initiatives, commented: “I met G.K. for the first time at the first MIA education event in Raleigh, NC. He was then, and is now, a gentleman with a passion for all aspects of the stone industry. G.K. has used all of his energy to better the industry in every way. He has been an advocate for many, a mentor to some, but an inspiration to all.” David Carnevale (Carnevale & Lohr) agrees: “In my first year as a board member, G.K. took the extra effort to take me into his confidence and make me feel like an important member of the organization, motivating me to step forward and volunteer for more responsibilities. He gave me, without condescension, confidence. G.K.’s knowledge, and his willingness to share it with members, makes him a valuable asset to our industry. More than that, I see his unwavering dedication to the betterment of our industry.”

Naquin initially got involved with MIA in 2003. “I said, ‘It’s really time that I start giving back to the industry.’ 

“The number one thing I wanted to get involved with was education. It’s important that we pass on what we know in the industry.” 

According to Naquin, the curriculum for the education program has changed over the years as the countertop business has matured. While initially the program focused on machinery and the basics of fabrication, they now also highlight the matrix of how to run a business. Eric Tryon (Premier Surfaces) commented: “G.K. and his companies have made astounding contributions and advancements to promote the stone industry. However, it is his eagerness and ability to impart his knowledge to others that have been central to his legacy. Throughout the country there have been countless enthusiastic responses to G.K.’s presentations and there are many stories where his presentations have impacted their business in a positive way.”

In addition to his work on the MIA+BSI education program, Naquin served as MIA President in 2011 and was also closely involved with the creation of the Accreditation program. His role on the education committee also generated several programs/services that are enjoyed by members today, including five management toolkits (sample business documents, safety training outlines, human resource forms, employee handbook, and job descriptions). He has also given presentations at KBIS (the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) and was among the first to give continuing education classes developed by the association.

G.K. Naquin presents a talk on safety training at an MIA-sponsored Fabricator Seminar in North Carolina.

His contributions to the industry continue today. MIA+BSI will soon debut a new safety training video that was partially filmed at his facility. He will also lead several Stone Industry Education sessions in 2017.

Naquin reflected on the importance of getting involved in industry associations like MIA+BSI: “If you’re in any industry where you’re making a profit, and you plan on building your life around that business, you should be part  of an association that promotes that industry; that’s responsive to that industry. Why would I be in any industry I didn’t support? I know it’s going to support me.”