Braxton-Bragg Continues Expansion in CNC Market
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Braxton-Bragg continues to heavily invest in CNC tooling and equipment, including the hiring of new sales associates and developing a free shop-analysis program.
“We have hand-picked authority figures in the stone industry to propel our CNC program to industry-leading status,” said Rick Stimac, Braxton-Bragg CEO. “These well-respected experts have grown their respective expanding companies into thriving companies. We have now brought this powerhouse of people under one roof to change the way we attack the CNC category.”
In addition, the Braxton-Bragg team has brought an operations expert on board to manage the company’s new free shop analysis program, helping fabricators streamline operations and inventory for increased profit and efficiency.
“Braxton-Bragg is changing the industry, and I am energized to be a part of that change,” said Peter Hauser, Braxton-Bragg Director of CNC Sales & Technical Advisory. “More than a tool provider, Braxton-Bragg is an educator, aiding customers in building and growing their businesses. We are bringing even more hands-on experience to the market, giving fabricators and production managers resources for tooling and machinery streamlining.”
The new Braxton-Bragg CNC team brings experience from Diamut, Lackmond, GranQuartz, and Granite City Tool, and their experience includes CNC technology, sales, operations, and management.
Randy BrockThe four most-recent hires include Randy Brock, a U.S. Navy veteran who has been in the stone business 40 years. He started with GranQuartz in 1980 as one of the very first employees, when there was not even a countertop segment for stone. After 28 years there, he worked for Granite City Tool for five years, and then Lackmond for the past three years.
“I’ve covered this territory for 20 years,” said Brock. “I love getting to meet the people in this industry and it is different every day. I know this territory like the back of my hand, and I’m excited to get Braxton-Bragg products in the hands of my long-time customers and friends.”
Robert RuizRobert Ruiz brings more than 30 years of sales experience in the stone industry to the Florida market. Ruiz has worked for GranQuartz, Ermator, Stone Essentials and Lackmond. He has worked in all aspects of the stone industry from restoration, sealers, fabrication, installation, and the importing and exporting of natural stone.
He was also the vice president of sales for Stone Brokers of America in Miami for eight years. He headed the GranQuartz restoration division in the Southeast territory, then was promoted to the tooling division. Ruiz went on to be the store manager in charge of Florida.
“Braxton-Bragg has a great reputation in the marketplace and I think we are poised for extreme growth with the backing we need to succeed,” said Ruiz. “The company’s professionalism, leadership, and team-building atmosphere empowers employees to use our talents in the best way possible.”
Jerry HerringJerry Herring started his stone career in a granite/monument shop in 2004;over his career he has run CNCs and managed shops. He then gained experience as a technical salesman, selling CNC tools and teaching fabricators how to run CNC machines. Before joining the Braxton-Bragg team, he worked for seven years at DTS and Lackmond.
“The people in this industry are amazing; most people I meet turn into friends and I can’t wait to share the same experience with Braxton-Bragg,” said Herring.
Brandon CarrierBrandon Carrier has five years of experience in the stone industry. He started in customer service and worked his way up to outside sales. He has been working in Georgia and the South Carolina territory for the past two years with Lackmond.
“I am excited to hit the ground running in a territory I am very familiar with for Braxton-Bragg,” said Carrier.
“These four experienced sales consultants will allow Braxton-Bragg to continue to strengthen partnerships, gain market share and increase our local presence throughout the South and West,” said Jeff Dykstra, Braxton-Bragg vice president of sales and marketing. “Their customer networks, combined with significant stone and CNC experience will bolster our already strong sales force, and elevate our CNC program. We are now positioned to train, educate and install CNC products for our customers.”
“At a time when many are companies are in a holding pattern, Braxton-Bragg is moving full steam ahead with our strategic plan for expanded local coverage and a robust CNC program that rivals any in the industry,” Stimac added. “Our enhanced sales organization will allow us to reach and surpass those goals. We are there for our fabricator partners from the planning stage, to training, education and installation of CNC systems and products to increase their profits and efficiency.”
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