When new businesses hang their open sign in the window, communities grow and prosper and quality products are accessible by residents and visitors alike. That is what Stonewall’s newest granite retail showroom, owned by JB Monzon, wants to offer anyone looking for home decor or custom furniture pieces in the Hill Country.
The Granite Craftsman has opened his showroom in Stonewall recently, expanding his business from his location inside Fredericksburg Trade Days and word-of-mouth orders that has increased steadily over time.
Monzon has been working with granite for six years, learning the trade right after high school. His boss, Victor Perez, has a granite shop in Stonewall. Perez is also the pastor for First Baptist Church in Stonewall. It is in the shop where Monzon found his passion.
“It was supposed to be a part-time job that turned into a full-time job. I started doing pieces on my own. I got my tax permit and started doing craft shows. A spot opened for a showroom here in Stonewall, and I took it. I did not expect that to happen for maybe another 5 years.”
The Granite Craftsman showroom features lazy susans, cutting boards, tables, and home decor signs. A popular and affordable gift is the granite cross which comes in a variety of sizes and colors for $15 each. Also in the showroom are wine barrel tables topped with none other than a polished granite slab.
Sitting in the air-conditioned showroom, Monzon recognizes how good it is to have a home base for his business. “I have been set up at the Fredericksburg Trade Days for 4 months, but I was outside, which wasn’t as fun. When a spot opened up inside one of the barns, I was excited and took the offer. Sales and connections increased, and I definitely was able to make my business look more professional in the booth,” Monzon said.
But Monzon wasn’t finished expanding his trade.
“Then one day as I drove by this building on my way from work, I saw a flyer in the window and after a call, I rented this for my showroom. I really did not think this would happen so soon, but I took the opportunity and ran with it. It is a lot of space and I am ready to fill it with inventory.”
The showroom is open on Saturdays for now, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment any day of the week.
The quality of the work speaks for itself. Monzon has also been commissioned to installed barrel tables in homes and businesses and will do on-site estimates and measurements for the best fit for any space.
“I enjoy making something out of scrap pieces that are meant to be thrown away. I started my inventory using pieces that were leftover from projects at the shop, and now they continue to serve a purpose.”
Mixing the natural beauty of granite with other elements like wood and lighting fixtures has also increased the scope of the Craftsman’s work.
“I enjoy doing furniture pieces, working with wood and barrels… When I get an idea I cannot really even sleep until I get that idea out and make something, and sometimes I am at the shop until nine o’clock at night,” Monzon said.
“I did a quartz cube last week, as a nightlight, and it was fun to work on. It has LEDs and all-natural stone that lights up.”
When you visit the showroom, remember that customization is available for almost all the pieces on display.
“The most popular custom piece I make is Lazy Susans with custom engravings. People enjoy having their name or a Bible Scripture on their lazy susan.”
The Granite Craftsman showroom is located at 14802 Hwy 290 East in Stonewall, Texas. You can make an appointment to see the showroom by calling (830) 992-8487. You can also follow the Granite Craftsman on Facebook.
