Have You Gone Granite?

by Kevan Irsch

The kitchen is the new living room.  Let’s face it - as homeowners become busier than ever, families are spending less time relaxing next to the fireplace.  As a result, the kitchen has become the new family gathering area, and more buyers are seeing additional value in substantial option investments in the kitchen.  Granite countertops are one of most important features a builder can offer consumers, and can even be the selling point of a home.  Via Bertolini has become a leading provider of granite fabrication and installation by placing focus on the customer, pursuing a competitive pricing strategy, and delivering consistency in color and quality.  The company has mastered the supply chain from the quarry in Brazil to home installation, making the granite purchasing process simple. 

Granite has many advantages over man-made material counter tops, such as corian, formica, and cultured  marble - it’s far more durable and can withstand outdoor wear and tear.  Today, you’ll find granite in numerous places throughout the home, such as tub decking, window sills, wet bars, patios, outdoor BBQs, bar tops, and more.  Granite is strong, difficult to scratch, and won’t scar from burn or char marks.  There are hundreds of color choices and patterns, and every slab is different, offering a unique value to homeowners.  “Granite is truly becoming the standard in homes today,” says Via Bertolini Owner/GM Gianfranco Nicolosi. 

Via Bertolini imports most of its granite directly from 3 main quarries in Sao Paulo and Espirito Santo in Brazil.  Brazil is well known for unique colors and high quality, and is the largest exporter of granite in the world.  According to Via Bertolini, there are many benefits to importing granite from Brazil.  Unlike many other granite companies, Via Bertolini has made an early decision not to buy granite from China. "Going to China meant compromising quality and therefore the company's reputation and philosophy," says Nicolosi.  “Many of our friends in the industry had relationships with China at one time, only to find out that though the experience saved them some money, the overall natural quality and craftsmanship of the counter tops was inferior to what Via Bertolini is capable of providing.”  Granite from China rarely matches, and too much transportation can cause corners to crack and crumble.  Thanks to Via Bertolini’s shortened supply chain, less required handling and shipping prevents damage and unnecessary slab reworking. 

Large builders are currently reducing the number of home plans they offer and working to simplify their purchasing processes.  While this cuts down on the ability for consumers to customize their homes, it opens the door for increased price savings both at the purchasing and the buyer levels.  Competitors’ prices are up to 40% higher than Via Bertolini’s because they are unwilling or unable to set up  proper supply chain channels with foreign quarries.  Via Bertolini has not only done this, but taken it one step further, opening an office in Sao Paulo, Brazil to be the primary contact and making material selections before product is sent to the United States.  “By cutting out the middle man, Via Bertolini is able to deliver price savings, quick turnaround time, and guaranteed quality,” says Robyn LaForest, Director of Commercial Sales for Via Bertolini.

After doing business in Kentucky for 5 years, Via Bertolini moved its headquarters to Ocala, FL in January 2004 with the opening of a new 10,000+ square foot fabrication space and 2,000 square foot showroom.  Their market currently extends through most of Florida, and the company ships to states such as Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.  According to Nicolosi, Via Bertolini services any state nationwide.  The company is currently developing the Granite Center for Excellence service for large builders.  With this program, the company hopes to become a builder’s single source for all things granite within the home.  Training will be offered on marketing the benefits of granite, handling and care, and installation best practices.  In addition, Via Bertolini will provide input for a home owner packet on the quality and benefits of granite and how to care for it.  With this program, the company hopes to become the “one stop shop” for all builder needs and answers to questions about granite.   

To contact Via Bertolini and learn more about the advantages their unique market position can provide, please contact Robyn LaForest, Director of Commercial Sales via phone (321) 271-6732 or email rlaforest@vbertolini.com.  For more information visit www.vbertolini.com.    

Comments

[Bill]

Granite definitely helps make the kitchen spectacular as and since a granite counters last so much longer than most other counters they are alss a good long term investment.