The Women in Stone

For years, BDG has showcased some of the best stone distributors, fabricators, showrooms, and restorative services companies in Boston and beyond. Their success stems from a rich family history and/or dedication to their trade. However, the contemporary women in stone – those who are largely responsible for carrying a torch of excellence and fanning its flame - deserve our attention. It is why BDG selected the Boston Women’s Memorial as a backdrop to commemorate seven women who are creating a legacy of their own.

(Photography: Roger Pelissier)

Melissa Bunis - Boston Stone Restoration
www.bostonstonerestoration.com

Co-owned and run by Melissa and Paul Bunis since 2006, Boston Stone Restoration specializes in the maintenance of, care for, and repair of stone in both residential and commercial settings. Great importance is placed on high quality craftsmanship, as well as the education of clients on the material(s) of their choice. Technicians and staff are continuously trained in skills of the trade and current industry standards to ensure fantastic quality of work. Melissa serves as Vice President of Operations at Boston Stone Restoration, using her 25 years of experience in management and sales. She places her focus on high levels of customer support and satisfaction, from a project’s start to its end.

Lea Mallegni - LeaMar Industries
www.leamar.com

As New England’s leading importer and wholesale distributor of hand-selected stone sourced from all around the world, LeaMar Industries can trace its generational roots back to Carrara, Italy, where they also manufacture slabs, tiles and custom designed pieces. A family owned and operated company with a well experienced staff of stone professionals, they provide products fit for any and all projects. Lea Mallegni is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and leader in the stone industry. Having accompanied her father Marcello to stone quarries in Carrara, her knowledge of the industry ensures quality. Dubbed the Marble Queen, Lea strives to select beautiful stones, and educate clients on those stones’ properties as well. She has also been a member of Women of Stone through the Natural Stone Institute of America for many years.

Katie Fichera and Christina Fichera - Colonial Marble Company, Inc.
www.colonialmarble.com

Colonial Marble CO. is currently celebrating their 101st year in business! With a vast portfolio of notable projects, they have a lot of history and achievements to be proud of. While they draw on that history for inspiration, they’re also able to combine it with their strong desire for innovation and skill advancement. Today, they truly revel in the details of the custom project. In 2017, Christina Fichera took over the company, becoming both the owner and president. Christina and her sister, Katie, have achieved WBE (Women Business Enterprise) status together, and are officially recognized as a woman owned business. Christina works collaboratively with Katie and their brother Jonathan, head of operations, to oversee each and every operation within the company.

Angelica Dos Santos - First Class Marble and Granite
www.firstclassmarble.com

First Class Marble & Granite was formed in 2011 and steadily grew into what it is today. Husband and wife duo, Leo and Angelica Dos Santos, founded the company with nothing but basic equipment and a lot of personal sacrifice. With a focus on quality customer service and product, they grew their family business into what it is today. Now, using state of the art technology, First Class is equipped and experienced in delivering high-end stone projects along with excellent customer service. Serving as CEO, Angelica credits God alone in her success, using her faith & self-taught skills to run her company. In regard to the future of the company, she claims her faith and refers to Mark 9:23 - “everything is possible for the one who believes”.

Poliana Moraes - Onyx Marble and Granite
www.onyxgranite.com

Onyx Marble and Granite, co-owned and operated by Poliana Moraes and her husband Jose, has operated for two decades in the New England region’s stonework industry. Having completed many luxurious projects in both residential and commercial settings, the company sets its sights and prides itself on quick project turnaround time and a product collection featuring more than a hundred beautiful stone options. Poliana and the entirety of the Onyx Marble & Granite team are able to provide professional guidance and valuable education to clients on product selections. By instilling her hard-earned knowledge and expertise within the stone industry to the Onyx team, Poliana ensures that clients are aware that they can expect high quality stonework and complete satisfaction from their finished project.

Carlotta Cubi Mandra - Cumar
www.cumar.com

Carlotta Cubi Mandra began her career at Cumar Inc. in 2004 prior to receiving her Business Degree from Northeastern University.  Carlotta knew that success within the sizable shadow cast by the 7 generations of Cubi’s that came before her would require earning her way into the stone business. She worked her way through the various parts of the business, learning, and imposing her vision and business acumen along the way. Today she works side by side with her father Ivo, as the President of the company, to maintain the legacy of the Cubi family whilst ensuring that the future of Cumar is as strong as its past.

Cumar Marble and Granite, founded in 1992, utilizes state-of-the-art computerized equipment, skilled craftsman, and hand-selected stone for completion of both residential and commercial projects. Cumar’s vision, craftsmanship, and design and fabrication capabilities are unmatched in the luxury stone industry.