L-R: Jacqueline Tabbah and her father Rawi Tabbah

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“In the beginning, we were mostly in the equipment business related to the stone industry,” Tabbah said.  “Within five years, we became a full restoration business of natural stones such as marble, granite, terrazzo, slate, limestone and flagstone.

“I think to stay in business for 28 years, it take flexibility and to realize when you have a door that is closed in front of you, you have two choices - you can break down the door or find a window.  We try to find the window!”

Tabbah’s daughter Jacqueline joined International Stoneworks in Oct. 2009.  She is the public relations manager and handles the marketing at the company.

“I am very glad my daughter works with me today,” he said.  “It is very nice because it gives me a sense of continuity.  If one day I have to retire, Jacqueline has a choice, she can continue here or she can do what ever she wants to do.”

At Christmas time, the company has an annual event at the office.  All the employees and their families are invited to attend.  

  “It is a big celebration, even in lean years,” Tabbah said.  “We never stop having the Christmas party together.

“Everyone cooks and brings in a dish to share.  This year, Jacqueline brought a corn casserole and a turkey to the party.”

Tabbah says his hobbies are listening to music and traveling with his wife.

“Whenever we get a little time off, my wife and I like to explore places that we have never been to before,” he said.  “We recently went to the Middle East and spent time in Alexandria, Egypt, which is where I was born.

“It was a historic trip.  We went to see the Pyramids, saw the ancient buildings in Turkey and visited a place called Petra in Jordan.  We saw some very nice stone! It was extremely impressive to see all the stones in their natural environment.”

In late January, Tabbah says he is looking forward to attending and giving a presentation at the Care, Maintenance and Restoration Forum at the 2011 SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas Education Program at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

International Stoneworks is a natural stone restoration business.  –ab

©2011 Construction News, Ltd.