GettyImages/Vladyslav Bobuskyi

Vincent: New As Before

THIENE, VI, ITALY – In May of 2021, Vincent has been restored as operative brand of the former Quartz Industries Division of the Tyrolit Group. Vincent is the name of the company founded in Thiene, Italy, in 1974 that was incorporated into the Tyrolit Group in 1994. Since then, Tyrolit and Vincent brands have coexisted, giving life to one of the most important companies in the production and sale of industrial abrasives for the processing of engineered and natural stone, ceramic tiles and glass.

After nearly 30 years, Vincent has left the Tyrolit Group and has revamped its original brand name with a new logo, which is now complemented by the “Tools for Quartz Industries” tag line. This is to emphasize its focus on those industries where quartz, the most abundant mineral in the earth's crust, is an essential component of natural stone, engineered stone, ceramics tiles and glass.

The present North America Vincent team will continue to assist all customers, with the same tools and services, from the existing warehouse in Oswego, IL, while invoicing will be through IGP Tools, a company part of the Surfaces Group, based in North Carolina.

Natural Stone Institute completes 36th home with Gary Sinise Foundation

OBERLIN, OH -- The Natural Stone Institute has provided natural stone and fabrication services for its 36th home with the Gary Sinise Foundation through its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. The Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program builds 100% mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Natural stone and fabrication for U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Kenton Stacy and his family in Poway, CA, were provided by Arizona Tile and Tony Sciarrino Stone.

Kenton and his wife, Lindsey, were high school sweethearts, and soon after they married, Kenton joined the U.S. Navy. Although he initially planned to serve four years before enrolling in college, Kenton loved both the military community and his job as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) technician, so he chose to continue his life in the military. On November 19, 2017, while serving in Syria, Kenton was severely injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). As a result of the blast, Kenton became a quadriplegic and was blinded in his left eye. He also experiences issues with speech. Kenton has undergone extensive rehabilitation in several facilities, including the TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research) Memorial Hermann in Houston, TX. Kenton has received numerous awards for his service, including a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star Medal and three Navy Achievement Medals. He is proud to have been named the 2010 USO Sailor of the Year.

The Stacy’s have four children, Logan, Mason, Annabelle and Sadie. Lindsey serves as the primary caretaker for Logan, who has special needs. A specially adapted smart home will significantly improve Kenton’s quality of life, as well as provide assistance for Lindsey and their family.

Companies interested in getting involved with future projects are encouraged to contact Pam Hammond at pam@naturalstoneinstitute.org. To learn more, and to see a list of all Natural Stone Institute members who have donated their time, products and services to this cause, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/RISE.