SPRINGDALE - When the smooth slabs of marble are unloaded, it's still fun for Becky Arterberry, 56, three months after buying Artistic Tile, Marble & Granite.
Of course, even employees who have been with the firm under previous owners like the feel of the stone and the rich gradations of color swirled in the beautiful textures. Many of their shipments have been imported from Italy, Brazil and South Africa, Larry Arterberry said.
The couple bought the business in late June after a business broker friend mentioned the owners were interested in selling. The Arterberrys said they wanted to stay in the region they liked so well and where they have family.
Larry, 57, worked for more than 30 years in the office products and furniture industry. His division president position was eliminated as a "casualty of corporate restructuring," so he was looking for other career opportunities.
At Artistic Tile, Marble & Granite, the Arterberrys have nine employees, including artisans who can custom cut and edge the smooth surfaces around appliances in kitchens, baths or other rooms. They can custom inlay colors to form favorite images such as animals or other graphics cut into the glossy floor or counter surfaces. Other teams install thesurfaces so seams can barely be seen, Larry said.
Retaining those employees has helped them with the business transition, but Larry compares the first weeks of ownership as "drinking out of a fire hose." Artistic Tile, Marble & Granite and their employees are well respected in the homebuilding industry, Larry said.
"If you're going to change, it's going to have to be tweak, tweak, tweak," Larry said of thewell-established business.
The Arterberrys want to expand that awareness of their products and services from home builders to the area's home owners who are planning to remodel. One challenge is that many residents are not aware of the possibilities now available in tiles that are almost like mosaics, Becky said. Many potential customers don't know about the new quartz surfaces, which glimmer with granite,quartz and epoxy.
Homeowners enjoy how easy it is to clean the stain-resistant surfaces, Becky said. Since the granite countertops are sealed before installation, a wipe with a damp towel can be followed with a dry wipe to retain the shine. A gentle solution of Ivory liquid detergent in occasional applications protects, but no ammonia should be used.
Their awareness of and appreciation for home decor hasgrown since buying the company. A small remodeling job a few years ago in their Tulsa home made them appreciate the work involved for home owners. They've found that their exposure to the beauty available from their new business has made their taste a little bolder, Becky said.
The house they are buying already had granite countertops. They can truly appreciate the quality of the work in their new house - it happened to be done by Artistic Tile, Marble & Granite.
If you recently opened a business or know of a new business in the area, please call Sue Morris at (479) 770-8468 or e-mail: smorris@arkansasonline.comDETAILS LOCATION: 1103 Century St., Springdale PHONE: (479) 750-2121 HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday OWNER: Larry and Becky Arterberry PRODUCTS/SERVICES: Tile, marble and granite in countertops, floor tiles, backsplashes, trims and furniture tops to sell, custom design and install TYPE OF BUSINESS: Granite, marble and tile retail PURCHASE DATE: June 2007 START-UP FUNDS: Would not disclose FUNDING: Would not disclose
Business Matters, Pages 83 on 10/28/2007