by Shari Held
2020 was an unforgettable year in many ways. For many homeowners, it was the perfect opportunity to upgrade their homes. All that demand meant it was a banner year for Dan Hickey, owner of Franklin-based Natural Stone Creations. Natural Stone Creations fabricates natural stone and quartz for kitchens, baths, fireplace surrounds, and custom tables.
“My entire company didn’t miss a day of work during the pandemic,” Hickey says. “We had our best sales year in 21 years of being in business.”
Hickey, a former fuel systems engineer for Cummins Engine Co., became interested in the stone fabrication business while working on a project for his own home. He jumped on an opportunity to get into the business himself, starting Natural Stone Creations in 2000.
The company began with two employees in a rented space equipped with manual equipment and a bridge saw made by Hickey. He was involved in all facets of the company – the office, the books, and the fabrication process. Under his leadership, the business continued to grow. In 2016 the company went digital, adding high-tech laser templating equipment and new CNC machines that allowed it to keep up with the demand.
Today, Hickey owns the entire building – featuring a modern showroom – and employs a dozen workers. The company can now complete two to three kitchens per day. However, maintaining direct relationships with his customers is still important to Hickey.
“I’m the owner, but I still measure every job,” Hickey says.
Natural Stone Creations serves builders and homeowners in the Greater Indianapolis area, including Greenwood, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, and Avon. To find out more about how Natural Stone Creations can help you, call (317) 736-0021 or email them at nsfabrication@aol.com.
