Granite Transformations Company Profile

ust over 4 years ago, Cynthia Mayo of Granite Transformations in Santa Rosa CA wanted to renovate her old tile countertops, but didn't want to live in a construction zone for weeks on end. One evening, she and her husband saw a new granite product on HGTV. It was engineered granite that was stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, needed no maintenance or sealing and was guaranteed for life. There were also numerous color choices, but more interesting to Cynthia was that the granite was being placed over existing countertop surfaces, with no mess or demolition, no trips to the landfill with all the old materials and no need to cook on a camp stove for days while workers tore up the kitchen.

Cynthia was intrigued, but she told her husband, "There's no way that could go over tile." He quietly did research on the product, and found out that yes, the granite overlay could absolutely be laid over tile. Cynthia found a Bay Area installer, and in just 2 days, her outdated tile countertops were replaced with a gorgeous, maintenance free granite surface with a lifetime guarantee. Cynthia enthuses, "I was cooking by 6 pm the second day; the sink, the stove and the plumbing were all hooked up and ready to go. No mess, no fuss; it was done! I'd never seen anything like it."

A Business is Born
Cynthia Mayo called the installers, Granite Transformations, the very next day and asked if they needed a representative in Sonoma. They did, she started the day after that, and her enthusiasm and belief in the product helped her place the product into 18 homes in her neighborhood alone! And it wasn't just granite countertops; Granite Transformations manufactures granite surfaces, exquisite recycled glass surfaces that are virtually indestructible, and glass mosaic backsplashes in dozens of colors. These surfaces can cover kitchens, baths, showers, shower enclosures and even fireplaces. They're are all non-porous, which makes them virtually maintenance free.

Quick Turnaround and Excellent Results
The speed with which these products can be applied is certainly a boon for busy families, but it is even more vital for businesses. The Lodge at Sonoma Resort and Spa has made great use of Granite Transformations, not just in the countertops at the concierge desk, but on all of the tabletops in the restaurant and bar, and in the shower pans in all 120 guest rooms. Because the Granite Transformations materials can be installed over existing surfaces, there is no need for crowbars, debris, construction noise, or dumpsters to cart away all of the demolished materials. When the shower pans at the Lodge were replaced, there was no loss of occupancy days; guests checked out, Granite Transformations went in and installed the new shower pans, and the rooms were ready for new guests to check in the very next day.

Cynthia has been so impressed by these materials, and so proud of the way her work improves the lives of her customers that she started her own branch in Sonoma County. Granite Transformations of Santa Rosa opened its doors in January of 2008, and Cynthia has gathered an excellent team of installers and salespeople to help her grow the business in Sonoma County. Right now, nearly 75 percent of her business is referrals, but she sees endless opportunity ahead, "I love to educate people and help simplify their lives. These surfaces can make a HUGE change without a huge disruption. And there aren't any limits to this product. It can go into doctor's offices, restaurants, county buildings, hotels, movie theaters [Granite Transformations has already transformed the concession stand at The Roxy on the Square in Santa Rosa] . . . this product goes gangbusters in commercial applications."

Sustainability and Environmental Sensitivity
Cynthia Mayo has been a Marin/Sonoma resident for 25 years, and she's always been active in her community. She loves her work, but she also loves the ethics behind of the concept and the company, "This product makes sense on so many levels, and it's so superior to plain granite. It's not being mined or shipped internationally, and it doesn't require chemical sealants. It's guaranteed for a lifetime, so you don't need to replace it every ten years. You aren't forced to rip out and waste your existing surfaces, it keeps old countertops and shower stalls and shower pans and tiles out of landfills . . . and all of the Granite Transformation surfaces are made here in the U.S. by American workers. There's just no comparison between this product and anything else." This view is clearly shared by the set designers who oversaw the eco-friendly remodel of the set of the Bay Area TV program, View from the Bay. The set designers called Cynthia out of the blue and asked her to transform the existing kitchen counters for the set. Now, the show has beautiful granite countertops that need no maintenance, which is a bonus for everyone.

Cynthia says, "I feel so positive about the future. I've got a great team and everyone is working to their strengths. And people are so happy with the products and our work. It's a good life."

---Karla Rutherford
Staff Writer
The Prime Buyer's Report