LAS VEGAS C Randy Severson, general superintendent of Carrara Marble Co. in City of Industry, Calif., is the first Natural Stone Craftsman of the Year, as awarded by the Marble Institute of America (MIA).

A six-member panel of stone-industry veterans selected Severson to receive the inaugural award from the Cleveland-based trade group. He received the honor, along with a special plaque, at the MIA Awards Luncheon at StonExpo / Marmomacc Americas in Las Vegas on Oct. 23.

Severson joined Carrara Marble Co. as a driver nearly three decades ago, but quickly advanced to serving as an apprentice. Three years after that, he became a journeyman; eventually, he became foreman and primary supervisor of the California Plaza project, a 55-story building in downtown Los Angeles.

Six years later, he was unanimously chosen to succeed Carraras retiring general superintendent, and he has now been involved in major projects in California, Nevada and across the country.

Severson admits he got hooked on the stone business early in his career.

What I liked about it is that, at the end of the day, you can feel like youve put in a hard days work and then you can step back and see what youve actually created, he said.

Severson is also passionate about helping young people in the industry so they have the knowledge and expertise to become the next generation of top craftsmen.

Its very important that my journeymen, foremen, and I take time to teach the young guys the proper way to install material, he said.

Severson, a devoted baseball fan, also sees parallels between the stone trade and the national pastime.

I have coached my sons in baseball since they were Peewee, he said. "I put together my team here at Carrara Marble just like it. I have some utility guys. I have some guys who have some pop. I have some guys who have finesse.

All of those guys are gamers, which is why when I get into a meeting that has an intense schedule, at no time do I think we cant make it happen because Ive got the best team behind me. I have a world -championship team.

Randy Severson epitomizes everything you could ask for in an employee and particularly in the stone business, said Carrara Marble Co. Senior Vice President Jim Hogan, who nominated Severson and for whom the award winner works directly.

The Natural Stone Craftsman of the Year Award will be an annual MIA competition to honor the men and women who reflect the best of the natural-stone industry and bring stone to life through love of the material, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. This year's competition was sponsored by LATICRETE International and Campolonghi Italia.