Marble business sticking to its foundations

Tom Wienckowski launched his countertop business 20 years ago in a 4,000-square-foot building in South Elgin.

Since then, the Schaumburg business owner has grown Marble Works into a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing company with a showroom at 1601 N. LaFox in South Elgin.

His primary customers over the years have been residential homebuilders.

"New construction is our main business," said Wienckowski, 51.

The slump in the housing market has been tough for Marble Works, "but there's no doubt we're going forward," he added.

Wienckowski saw sales peak in 2004 and 2005. Today, the company's 35 employees are doing about half the business they did at that time.

The retail aspect of the business, focusing on individual homeowners, is growing, Wienckowski said. Homeowners are able to visit the showroom for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities.

However, Wienckowski maintains his business plan has remained the same.

"We're sticking to our strength and that's with the builders. That's what we do best," he said.

A focus of the business during the slower times has been to maintain previous relationships with vendors, builders, the bank and employees, the entrepreneur said.

"Everyone is affected by this. As long as everyone stays positive, it'll work out OK," Wienckowski said.

He sees some signs of improvement.

"While people are still cautions, builders say that more people are out looking at model homes. Things are starting to improve," Wienckowski said.

And when they do, he says he'll be ready.

Wienckowski said he started from scratch and is now a leader in the countertop business.

About half the business is devoted to manufacturing custom marble bathroom counters. The other half is custom kitchen counters.

Along with cultured marble, the business also carries cultured onyx, granite, natural stone, Stonite solid surfacing, Corian and laminates.

Before launching the business, Wienckowski was in the wholesale meat business. He and his wife, Margie, wanted to start their own company and found the countertops through an ad in the newspaper.

The Schaumburg couple is raising two sons, Tommy, 17 and Kenny, 16, who attend St. Viator High School.