By Scott Fitzgerald
A little known company on Enid’s outskirts that will not remain that for long could be a part of a burgeoning industry in Garfield County.
North American Stone Crafters opened shop shortly after Larry Augustus purchased a building and property at 310 S. 42nd in 2003.
“We are a stone fabricator. We cut it, edge it and install it for commercial and residential customers. We are one of the largest fabricators in the state of Oklahoma,” Augustus said.
Within a three-year period, North American has doubled its number of employees from 20 to 40.
The business runs 10 trucks daily, delivering and installing stone.
North American has signed off on $3 million sales in 2005 and is shooting to top that mark this year by another million.
They have become a good neighbor to the community, also.
The stone fabrication company recently joined Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce. An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled this spring.
North American joined Homebuilders Association of Enid, also. Based on what North American has accomplished in such a short time, the home building industry as a whole in Enid looks positive.
“We have gotten a lot of new customers in Enid. Many high-profile homes are being built. Enid’s economy is really taking off. People want to get back to a simplified way of life,” Augustus said.
Building with stone sounds like something akin to a simplified way of life, but it’s far from it.
Using fabricated stone requires some smart decision making, long-term planning and a touch of elegance or sophistication.
“It’s indestructible and a lifetime investment in your house. It never goes out of style,” Augustus said.
North American utilizes a digital photo system that enables crafters to cut and edge stone for any room or area of the house. Cus-tomers are encouraged to handpick their stone slabs that become an interesting and aesthetic challenge in that each stone pattern is inherently different or unique.
“Natural stone is very practical, durable and beautiful. Every piece is unique. For homeowners, it’s a chance to bring the outdoors, indoors. Stone has movement to it that makes each job or application unique,” Augustus said.
What has been a further blessing to North American’s success is its location that includes an office and shop.
Housed in a uniquely constructed concrete building erected originally for an oil servicing company, North America offers comfortable office space and plenty of room to grow on its five-acre property.
It is also located off U.S. 412 for easy and convenient access.
“The building and location has its advantages,” Augustus said.
