I've been involved in the high end residential, commercial and ecumenical…read more
construction and remodeling industry for decades. I've personally supplied museum quality, photo replicative, hand painted faux marble and faux exotic hardwood finishes on columns, pilasters, ceilings, balustrades, doors, plaster statuary, etc. both nationally and overseas.
I've visited showrooms and manufacturing facilities aplenty. Yesterday a craftsperson guild I belong to, had the great good fortune to be invited to Mario and Son in Liberty Lake.
We were warmly greeted by a very charming young woman Michaela, and shortly thereafter the owner, Joey presented himself in the most humbly gracious manner I've ever experienced in the CEO of such an impressive facility.
The floors were spotless, and every wall, corner, and display reflected a very high degree of forethought and incredibly accomplished artistic expression.
It usually takes a lot to impress me, but
to call this place a class act, doesn't begin to encompass the depth and breadth of the presentation.
I've worked for and with, what would be considered the captains of industry over the years. Names that would be universally recognized and respected for their wealth and accomplishments.
My experience wasn't always pleasant, and in spite of my many years of artistic experience, dedication and ability to successfully complete monstrous projects with impossible deadlines for very difficult to please clients, at the end of the day, I usually felt somewhat disrespected.
Joey didn't know me from Adam, but we connected immediately, and after I noticed a snare drum near the espresso station, found a mutual interest in membranophones, and playing music.
Soon our group was touring the showroom filled with huge slabs of the most impressive calcium carbonate I've ever seen.
The care with the storage and handling of these massive pieces made the ones I drive by daily displayed in a parking lot,
pale in comparison.
Joey spent over two hours patiently answering a myriad of questions, and showing his incredible talents at imagining, and executing carved art and statuary, both traditional and extremely visionary.
In spite of my typically being the star of the show that usually dominates conversation with my clients, I was brought low in comparison to the awesome accomplishments I witnessed.
I had difficulty speaking at several points during our visit, and had an uncanny sense that this fellow and what his family have built, have renewed my faith that in this country's modern culture of immediate gratification, self absorption, and false recognition for non accomplishments, this experience gives me assurance that true artisanal dedication is not just something only found in the old world.
I will never forget this experience, and feel
extremely grateful to have encountered such a degree of high frequency accomplishment.