McDermott Top Shop recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a two-part celebration that brought together more than 450 guests, including industry leaders, loyal customers, employees, friends and families. The event also established a significant leadership milestone. Travis McDermott was formally introduced as company president, while McDermott Top Shop’s founder, Ron McDermott, remains actively involved as CEO. Travis McDermott recently took some time to discuss with Stone World the evolution of his family’s fabrication business.

SW: Tell us a little about the history of the company.

TM: McDermott Top Shop was founded in 1995 by Ron McDermott in Jefferson, WI. What started as a small operation out of a 1,500-square-foot helicopter hangar was fueled by determination, hard work and a commitment to doing things right. Ron began by fabricating laminate and solid surface countertops with just a few tools, a pickup truck and a lot of grit.

From the beginning, the company was built on strong family values and a belief that relationships and integrity matter just as much as craftsmanship. Those values remain central to who we are today. Over the last 30 years, we have grown steadily — one customer, one relationship and one project at a time — into a trusted fabrication partner for both trade and retail clients across the Midwest.

SW: How has your business evolved in 30 years?

TM: Our business has evolved significantly, both in terms of scale and capability. In the early days, fabrication was hands-on, time-intensive and limited in scope. Over time, we have adopted advanced machinery, expanded our team and transformed our operations into a streamlined technology-driven workflow.

We started with laminate and solid surface, then expanded into quartz, granite, marble and porcelain as customer preferences and project complexity evolved. The growth has been organic but intentional, driven by our desire to offer better solutions, faster turnarounds and unmatched service.

Today, we serve trade customers across five states, operate from a 65,000-square-foot facility and are proud to be recognized for our safety standards, customer-first approach and culture of continuous improvement. We have moved from simply fabricating countertops to helping our clients grow their businesses with tailored scalable solutions.

SW: What would you say is the most significant change in the company from when it was first established until now?

TM: The most significant change has been the professionalization and sophistication of our operations, while still staying true to our roots. We have transitioned from a small family-run job shop into a regional fabrication leader with robust systems, world-class technology and a strong leadership team.

Early on, every cut was made manually, every measurement double-checked by hand. Today, we operate CNC machines, robotic saws and digital templating systems that increase precision, safety and throughput. But more than technology, it is our people that have taken us to the next level — from leadership to installers, everyone plays a role in building something bigger than just countertops.

The way we serve our customers has also evolved. We do not just sell surfaces — we partner with our clients to help them grow. That shift in mindset has been a major driver of our success.

SW: What is your market?

TM: Our market includes both the retail and trade sectors. We serve homeowners through partnerships with major retailers like The Home Depot, as well as independent kitchen and bath dealers, builders, remodelers and multi-family developers. Our service area spans Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan.

SW: Has your market shifted at all through the years?

TM: While our foundation was in residential projects, over time, we have diversified. We have expanded into commercial work, hospitality and multi-unit developments. That diversification has helped us weather market shifts and better serve a broader range of clients.

Today, we operate with more segmentation and specialization, offering custom cut-to-size programs, expanded material options and tailored service models for each customer segment.

SW: What machinery do you have?

TM: We have invested heavily in building one of the most advanced cleanest fabrication facilities in the country. Our lineup includes BACA Systems robotic saws, Park Industries CNCs, Komo routers, LT laser templating systems and now the Fastback II edge polisher.

All of our machinery is integrated into a process that prioritizes precision, safety and throughput. Our facility is climate-controlled and dust-free — an intentional decision to protect our employees and improve the consistency of our finished product.

What sets us apart is not just the equipment itself, but how we have engineered our workflows to maximize what that technology can do. It is about quality at scale, without sacrificing craftsmanship.

SW: What is your most recent investment and how has this helped you?

TM: Our most recent investment is the Fastback II edge polisher from Park Industries. This machine allows us to edge, polish and chamfer in a single pass, delivering clean consistent finishes at up to 65 inches per minute.

This has been a game-changer for us in terms of operational efficiency. It reduces manual labor, speeds up our production times and allows our team to focus on higher-value work. It has also made us more competitive in kitchen and bath programs where turnaround time and consistency are critical.

SW: How many employees do you have?

TM: We currently have over 100 employees across fabrication, templating, installation, customer service, sales and leadership roles. Many of our team members have been with us for 10 to 20+ years, and that loyalty speaks volumes about our culture and how we treat people.

Our team is the backbone of everything we do. We invest in training, safety and recognition because we know our growth depends on the people who show up every day and give their best

SW: What is the size of your facility?

TM: Our current facility is 65,000 square feet, purpose-built for modern fabrication. It is climate-controlled, dust-free and designed with both employee comfort and operational efficiency in mind.

It includes dedicated zones for stone, quartz, solid surface and laminate processing, as well as digital templating, slab staging and quality control. We also have a showroom and office space that supports collaboration and customer engagement.

SW: I understand this is a family business, and recently, you had a change in leadership. Are there any immediate plans in place to do something different or to grow the business further?

TM: Yes. In 2025, I officially stepped into the role of president, with Ron McDermott continuing to serve as CEO. This transition was years in the making and reflects both continuity and growth. I spent the last decade learning every part of the business, and I bring a clear energized vision for the future.

We recently completed a full rebranding that reflects who we are today and where we are going. In terms of growth, we are actively expanding into new product categories, investing in new machinery and exploring untapped market segments. There is also a major focus on culture, leadership development and building scalable systems for long-term success.

SW: In your opinion, what are some key considerations to running a successful fabrication business today?

TM: Three things — people, process and precision. You need a team that believes in what they do, a process that eliminates waste and guesswork, and precision across every step — from templating to installation. Without all three working together, you cannot compete.

Safety and culture are also more important than ever. Employees need to feel respected, trained and part of something they are proud of. Customers want partners, not just providers. And the only way to meet those expectations is to build a business where excellence is the standard, not the exception.

SW: Is there anything else you would like to share?

TM: This milestone gave us a moment to pause and appreciate what 30 years of hard work looks like — but more importantly, it lit a fire for what is next. We are incredibly proud of our legacy, but we are just as focused on building what comes next: stronger partnerships, smarter operations and even better experiences for our team and our customers.

A key factor in our growth has been our commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Our active involvement with industry groups like the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) and The Artisan Group has played a major role in sharpening our knowledge, enhancing our skillsets and elevating our operational and business acumen. These partnerships have allowed us to stay ahead of industry trends and set a higher bar for ourselves and the fabrication community.

Today, I serve as the vice president of the ISFA Board, helping guide initiatives that support fabricators nationwide. That spirit of collaboration and learning has always been a part of who we are, and it will continue to shape where we go next.