Featured Teammate: Tyler, Director of Operations

It takes a lot of dedication, organization, and patience to run a natural stone manufacturing facility with a production team of 55. Making sure the team is connected throughout the manufacturing process and everyone's role is defined is hard work, work that the Director of Operations, Tyler, does all while maintaining his characteristic smile and calm.

Tyler with the 914 Loader. 

Tyler said he didn't set out to work with natural stone specifically but learned his way around a job site working with his dad, a self-employed tile contractor. With a business background and a college degree focused on marketing and behavioral economics, Tyler found himself at a crossroads, working odd jobs with his dad and elsewhere. "I wanted my own path," he said. When he didn’t know what to do next, a mutual friend introduced him to Mike--and his career journey aligned with the open position at Delgado Stone.

When Tyler first joined the Delgado Stone team in 2018, he worked alongside owner and founder, Brendon, and now-CEO, Mike, in a small office space in a customer service and marketing role. While learning the natural stone production process with a team of about 35, Tyler was also responsible for entering orders, sending natural stone samples, maintaining and updating the company's website, and answering phones. When the opportunity came to choose his direction with the company, Tyler said he moved toward production, because it challenged him more (and he isn't good at sitting still.) As he is running between machines in production and meeting with teammates, coordinating pickups and deliveries, managing day-to-day operations, as well as planning for future business and personal growth, sitting still is definitely not on the agenda! 

When asked what his favorite part about natural stone is, Tyler answered from two different perspectives: working in the industry and working with the stone itself. As for the work, he said, "There's no monotony; it's a challenge every single day, which  motivates me and drives me." The artistic side of natural stone appeals to him on the production end. He explained he enjoys "...seeing what people do with the stone and finished projects. I learned from seeing the different nuances in color and patterns." Tyler wishes people knew more about the creative ways natural stone can be used, including an expanding range of customized products from the Saw Shop. "As long as you have a mason that’s willing to work to see a vision through, and patience to work with the stone, not against it, you can create some really cool things," he said. 

Tyler also answered about his favorite Delgado Stone collection from different viewpoints. He shares the same favorite as Production Manager, Ernesto, which is Greenwich Blue for production reasons: "We go through a lot of it, and the team is used to it. It splits and cuts nicely, and it's easy to work with," he said. "From an artistic side, the American Mist Collection is my favorite because of how it looks, with the white and green running through it." 

The reason Tyler looks at natural stone from an artistic perspective is a reflection of his interests outside of work. He likes anything art related, prefers ink drawing over any other art forms, and even draws his own holiday cards. He loves reading, which includes a steady stream of business-related books recommended by Mike; other favorites are thriller, suspense, and horror books. "I used to read a book a week, but now it's more like one every two weeks," he said.  He also likes Star Wars, Marvel, and comic collections adding that he enjoys the stories and the lore of it.  Tyler is a fan of anything racing related, including Nascar, Indy car, or as he says, "...anything that's on TV." But on a rare day off, which he most definitely earns, if he isn't relaxing or watching TV, he's most likely to go for a drive with no destination. 
 
Tyler shared that the most rewarding part of his job is being able to help people. "Whether it’s customers in a tight spot, or helping teammates when they have things going on in family life, or helping them grow into the next position, or helping people in general," he said. This is something that his teammates, as well as CEO Mike Wolfe, agree Tyler is a natural at.

Tyler and Mike Serving Food to the Production Team During the Holidays

His leadership and influence in building the company's culture and a supportive atmosphere are visible on a daily basis, as well as when leading the Teammate of the Month presentations. "Tyler truly embraces our Lead by Example motto and core values. A true team player, he is committed not only to achieving his goals but also helping those around him achieve theirs. This has helped him earn the respect of his teammates and grow as a leader," Mike said. 

We are grateful to Tyler for his commitment and dedication, and for everything he does to help our teammates be the best they can be, personally and professionally. For more information on what we do at Delgado Stone, 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.