Raising The Grade
Welcome to a podcast that celebrates the visionaries and trailblazers of the hardscape and landscaping industry in the vibrant Phoenix Metro Valley. Each episode delves into the stories of industry leaders who are redefining landscapes and elevating the standard of excellence in their craft. But we don’t stop there—we also spotlight dynamic businesses and inspiring personalities from diverse fields who are “raising the grade,” offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply someone with a passion for transformation, this podcast promises to inspire, inform, and elevate your vision.
Raising The Grade
From Turkey to Arizona: The Stone That is Revolutionizing the Industry
In this episode of Raising the Grade, I’m joined by CJ and Derin from ANS Mermer, and let me tell you it’s a conversation that goes way beyond stone and pavers. We dive into their fascinating journey of importing Turkish natural stone, a family business that’s not only survived but thrived through economic shifts, personal challenges, and ever-changing industry trends.
Derin shares how his parents’ entrepreneurial leap during the 2008 housing crisis transformed their business, while CJ reflects on his bold move to the U.S., turning what started as a tough, unfamiliar job into a passion for quality craftsmanship. Together, they break down what makes Turkish natural stone unique, from hot and cold travertine to marble innovations that are setting new trends in the hardscaping world.
We also dig into the artistry behind their custom designs, the intricacies of sourcing and quality control, and the unexpected lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re in the industry or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode will leave you inspired—] and maybe even looking at your pool deck in a whole new light.
Key Moments:
0:00 Intro to CJ and Derin from ANS Mermer
2:00 Derin's Backstory and Family Business Journey
6:37 CJ’s Journey to the U.S.
14:10 How Turkish Natural Stone is Sourced and Graded
20:46 Key Tips for Contractors to Avoid Quality Issues
29:17 Explaining Grades and Quality of Natural Stone
43:53 Unique Features of Turkish Travertine
59:30 Advantages of Natural Stone and Its Uniqueness
ANS Mermer info:
Website - https://ansmermer.com/dl/b33482
IG - @ansmermer