Saint Stone founders find success with new business
A new local business called Saint Stone, an offshoot of L.R. Falk Construction, has provided a popular service in customized stone engraving.
rThe idea began when Tim Heeter and Lindsey Falk were working with the Startup Factory, an Iowa State University program designed to help entrepreneurs receive formal training and access to important networks in business.
r“We wanted to find some new avenues in which to use the services we have,” Heeter said.
rHeeter attended the weekly classes and interviewed potential customers to determine which wants and needs he and Falk could satisfy. They settled on carved stones mostly out of practicality and efficiency.
r“Other methods of stone production would take expensive machinery and a long period of time,” Heeter said.
rSaint Stone began in earnest in July of last year and has been quite popular. Their stones have provided a number of different uses, including gifts, family heirlooms, corporate awards, address markers, and more.
r“People like that it’s kind of unique and different,” Heeter said of the business’s popularity. “The biggest thing they like is the ability to make a custom gift.”
rSo far, the most popular product has been the “Family Is Forever” stone, which includes the family name and a symbol meaningful to everyone in the family.
rAccording to Heeter, Saint Stone is open to creative ideas from customers.
r“We would love to visit with anyone to talk about what ideas they have and then make that for them as best we can,” Heeter said.
rAnyone interested can visit www.saintstonecompany.com to product examples and price ranges.
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