By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
Two local entrepreneurs have successfully mixed professional and fun when it comes to their new offerings to northern Oakland County.
Located at 33 N Broadway, Motor City Granite opened on March 2 with a simple idea: give customers detailed professional service and make sure those customers enjoy their experience.
Owners Charlie Thiede and Todd Garris have spent their careers specializing in kitchen remodels and general contracting. The two saw the opportunity to outfit the Orion area with something it was lacking ? true specialization in granite counter tops.
‘This is unlike many start-ups because we come in with a wealth of experience,? Thiede said. ‘There’s really no one in this area to service this community and we saw that as a void.?
Both Thiede and Garris have made it a point to craft a showroom that was unique in the home improvement industry. Upon entering, customers hear the sounds of jovial conversation and eclectic music only seconds before being greeted by the staff. The customers have the ability to interact with the professionals and become a vital part of their creation.
‘You’re not replacing a broken furnace. You’re coming in and the people are having fun and they have a smile on their face,? Garris said.
Motor City Granite works to keep costs low by partnering with local manufacturers including one from Oxford. They offer a full line of customizable countertops, sinks, and faucets for all applications. Unlike big box stores, customers will be able to see the raw slabs of stone they select. From there, they are able to see their countertop as it moves through the construction phase.
‘Countertops are the crowned jewel of the kitchen so it’s very important that they’re dealing with knowledgable people to help bring it to reality,? Thiede said.
Their plan is to grow the business but not in a way many would think. They want to focus on the local; local customers and local suppliers. They hope to grow to a maximum of 20 kitchen remodels a week. This decision to be personal and local results in Motor City having the ability to remain focused on quality satisfaction for every customer.
‘If you take on more business than you can professionally handle it’s going to lead to problems,? Thiede said. ‘Without customers we have nothing so we want to have happy customers and we have the ability to do that.?
Motor City is working on getting their business on Angie’s List and looks to hire local professionals as they begin to grow. For more information and a consultation customers can call Motor City Granite at 248-690-9537. Interested potential customers can also visit them on Facebook or come by the new store in downtown Lake Orion, across from The Lake Orion Review office.