Featured Teammate: Ernesto, Production Manager

When we think about the natural stone production process at Delgado Stone, it would be impossible to imagine without one of our longest-tenured and most valued team members, Ernesto! He is our Production Manager, responsible for overseeing our manufacturing facility, coordinating communication between teammates, and keeping a variety of machines operating efficiently to cut and shape natural stone and fulfill orders from our Authorized Dealers.

Production Manager Ernesto, featured as our first Teammate of the Month.

Ernesto has been part of the team for 10 years and joined before Delgado Stone was incorporated alongside owner Brendon Southard's first venture company. Ernesto got his start as a metal fabricator, and was introduced to Brendon through a friend. Back then, he recalls, production included a couple of saws and hammers, and the team hand-cut everything. Once hired as a stone fabricator, Ernesto stood out as a natural leader with his knowledge of the stones and machines, as well as his ability to connect with the team. He has been Production Manager for five years, during which he has continued to contribute to the growth of the company. 

Ernesto explains how he has always enjoyed the process. “I loved building things: going to the job and measuring, starting from scratch--and seeing the finished product,” he said. His favorite stone to work with is Greenwich Blue because it’s easy to split, cut, and shape, whether on the machines in our production facility or with a mason hammer. When asked what he wishes more people knew about natural stone, Ernesto said that they don't have to be intimidated by it. “You can create anything you want,” he says. “It’s all about imagination and creativity.”  

Ernesto works a lot but enjoys the flexibility to take care of his family. Outside of work, you can find him spending time with his wife and their two children, who are almost ages 6 and 2. He says he devotes as much time as he can to playing with them when he isn't working. "I try to balance time with family as much as possible; family comes first."

As for the most rewarding part of his work at Delgado Stone, Ernesto says, “The community, and how everyone is willing to help and jump in.” It's clear that his teammates see him the same way--because in addition to his leadership role, Ernesto was also our first "Teammate of the Month" in 2022, kicking off two new initiatives to recognize hard work and dedication among the production team. Ernesto was also among the first to be peer-nominated for the now-weekly "Chain Gang" award, which acknowledges teammates who showcase the company's core values. 

The way Ernesto brings the team of more than 30 together, and aligns multiple processes in a busy manufacturing facility, has earned him the nickname "the Maestro."  Director of Operations, Tyler Czado, adds, "It would look a lot different here without him." We're grateful for Ernesto's leadership and team spirit, and his help creating an atmosphere where people come first. For more information about what we do, and for natural stone inspiration, download our catalog.

About Featured Teammate: We manufacture and distribute natural stone products, but the people behind the scenes are what sets our brand apart. This new feature is an opportunity to highlight the individuals who bring their talents, passion, and dedication to our team and our daily routines.