Tom Schlough Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

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 Tom Schlough, former President and longtime leader of Park, Tom Schlough, was the recipient of Marble Institute of America’s (MIA) Migliorie Award for his Lifetime Achievement in the stone industry. He received this honor at The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas in January, 2016.

Criteria to be nominated for a Migliorie Award include:

  • Successful and notable accomplishments within the framework of a professional career in natural stone
  • The intensity of involvement and dedication to the activities and objectives of MIA
  • Contributions made to furthering professionals within the natural stone industry
  • National recognition, competence, or contributions to other associations and organizations serving the natural stone industry

  Under Tom’s leadership, Park became a leading pioneer in the development of stone processing solutions. His creativity led the company to many achievements, including introducing the first diamond-tipped disc saw for cutting granite slabs (1979), developing a CNC router for dimensioning, shaping, and cutting marble and granite (1998), and introducing a system to process full dimension stone into thinstone veneer (2003).

  Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit and driving desire to further expand the stone processing industry has also resulted in numerous patents. Although he retired from day-to-day operations in December 2013, he and his wife, Joyce, remain involved in the company as principal owners.

  In a letter nominating Schlough for this award, Joan Schatz, Park Co-Leader, wrote: “For over 48 years, Tom Schlough has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality, ethical business practices, growth, and professional excellence for the stone industry.” Brenda Edwards, owner and general manager at TexaStone Quarries, who has worked with Tom through several stone associations, said: “Tom has benefited the stone industry in so many ways. He is well-respected, not only in the industry, but in his community. He gives of himself to everyone around him. I am very proud to have been a business associate, board member, and friend with Tom during his reign at the helm of Park Industries.”

  When accepting the award, Tom thanked his family, coworkers, and customers, commenting: “Customers first—you are the reason we are here. Everybody has good and bad days—and together, we can get through.” He reflected: “In retrospect, it wasn’t always easy, but if I had known then what I know now, I would have done the same thing. It has been a great ride.”