Venezia Marble & Granite -run by brothers Fabiano and Adriano Lomba- is not your average stone supplier. There is true art and soul behind this special local business. Fabiano shares their inspiring story.
Q: Tell our readers a little about yourself and your connection to the community.
A: I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and faced adversity early in life when my father passed away, leaving my mother to raise four sons on her own. From a young age, we all had to pitch in and work hard to support our family. At 15, I took a leap of faith and moved to Connecticut, alone, to live with my uncle, seeking better opportunities for my future. Shortly after, my older brother Adriano joined me, and together, we embarked on our journey toward the American dream. I am deeply grateful to my resilient mother, who now rests in heaven, for her strength and sacrifices, raising us from afar despite the challenges. My uncle's unwavering support and guidance were instrumental in our transition, and I am forever indebted to him. Most importantly, I owe a debt of gratitude to my brother, who has been my rock, my mentor, and my business partner. His companionship, guidance, and unwavering support have shaped my path in immeasurable ways. I am also thankful to the town of Ridgefield for embracing us, providing support, and fostering lasting friendships. Being part of this community is an honor that I cherish deeply, and the relationships forged here will always hold a special place in my heart.
Q: Describe Venezia Marble and how your family business started.
A: I've worked in sales across different industries, but it was the stone business that captured my heart. When I discovered that many of these beautiful stones came from Brazil, with its rich mineral resources and exotic stones, I felt a deep connection and opened my store to showcase the beauty of these natural wonders. Inspired by the timeless craftsmanship of Italian artisans, I named the store Venezia, envisioning a space where stone could be transformed into breathtaking works of art. At first, Venezia was just a retail shop, and I had to hire others to handle the stonework. But then, I invited my brother Adriano to join me. With his expertise in craftsmanship and construction, together we became known as the Stone Brothers. While I focused on sales and running the office, Adriano handled the making and installing of our products with his talents and meticulous crafting. Now, after 16 years in Ridgefield, Venezia Marble & Granite stands as a testament to our hard work and love for what we do. We're grateful for the chance to share our passion for stone with our community every day.
Q: What is your specialty? What sets you apart?
A: Our specialty is to fabricate and install custom stone surfaces. We deliver premium craftsmanship and personalized service to each client. With a diverse collection of hand-selected stones in stock, we offer options to suit every taste and budget. Clients are encouraged to take home samples and meet with our knowledgeable team to shape their vision and address any inquiries they may have. What sets us apart is our passion for what we do! We put our heart into every job and commit to delivering the best to every client.
Q: Can you explain the process from when a customer comes in to choose stone for their project through the installation?
A: Our process is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable for our customers. It all starts with our initial meeting, where we request a drawing of the project along with measurements. This helps us calculate the total square footage needed. Then comes the exciting part – selecting the material. Once we have all the details and the quote is approved, we schedule a template date. During this step, we visit the client's home to take precise measurements. With the template in hand, we invite our clients to our shop for the slab approval process. Here, they have the opportunity to choose the specific parts of the stone they want to see on their countertops. Once everything is approved, it's time for fabrication! Our expert team gets to work transforming the selected material into a stunning piece of art. When fabrication is complete, it's finally time for installation. Our installation team arrives at the client's house on the scheduled date to complete the job. Additionally, we offer post-care services to ensure continued satisfaction. As part of our commitment to quality, all of our installations include a sealing application for added durability and protection.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Ridgefield whenever you have free time?
A: I really like spending time in Ridgefield. There's so much to do! I enjoy watching shows at the Ridgefield Playhouse and seeing movies at Prospect Theater. I also try to go to business events organized by the Chamber when I can. They're great for learning new things and meeting people. My kids love the summer fest in July and the Christmas stroll in December. It's fun for the whole family!
Q: What do you find most rewarding operating your family business?
A: It feels really good to watch our business grow and change over time, knowing that we're a big part of its success and making a lasting mark for our family. We're happy to run our business in a way that matches with what we believe in and care about. One of the best parts is seeing our team learn new things and become better at what they do. We're grateful for each and every one of them. Working with family and our dedicated coworkers who share our passion for doing great work is really special. We support each other, celebrate our wins, and help each other out when things get tough. Our team is like one big family, and we all feel valued and motivated to do our best. Being able to do what we love with the people we care about most makes every day meaningful and satisfying. Overall, running a family business is rewarding because we get to build something special with the people we love while making a positive difference in our community.
I am also thankful to the town of Ridgefield for embracing us, providing support, and fostering lasting friendships.
Being able to do what we love with the people we care about most makes every day meaningful and satisfying.