WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN. WELCOME TO WESTERN HOME JOURNAL’S SHOPTALK

Admit it, you have an inquiring mind, and you want to know about the team building your dream home. We understand the inclination. So we decided to bring you ShopTalk, conversations with the talented pros designing, building, and outfitting your homes.

BILL CARTER
MONTANA ROCKWORKS

Montana Rockworks, the Northwest’s largest supplier of architectural and landscape stone, is located in Kalispell, Montana, and they quarry their stone in the Montana Rockies. Working with homeowners, architects, and contractors to bring the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains into homes, designs, and building projects, Montana Rockworks adds character to any project.

Making a lasting impression with landscape and architectural rock in every element of a home or office is their forte and owner Bill Carter says that every Montana Rockworks employee is dedicated to making a project stand out with superior stone quality.

What services do you offer?
Montana Rockworks supplies masonry and landscape stone.
What geographic area(s) do you serve? North America, with a heavy emphasis in the Rocky Mountain region to the West Coast.

What is your professional background?
I was involved with real estate sales and development from 1990 to 1997 and I’ve been with Montana Rockworks since 1997.

When did you know that you wanted to go into construction and what motivated you?
After college, I immediately went into real estate development. In 1997 there was a rising demand and
a lack of supply for natural stone. Since it was still involved in construction, I was immediately attracted to it. We jumped into the supply side and began working with architects and contractors to help satisfy their natural stone needs.

“I ALWAYS LOVE GETTING INVOLVED
IN PROJECTS DURING THE PLANNING STAGES WHEN WE CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE CREATIVE PART OF THE PROJECT AND UTILIZE THE UNIQUE RESOURCES WE HAVE AT OUR SHOWROOM TO CREATE A PROJECT THAT PLEASES EVERYONE INVOLVED.”
-Bill Carter, Montana Rockworks

How do you see construction changing in the next five to ten years?
Construction continues to move towards green and sustainable materials. Montana Rockworks is following that same path with our line of Thin Veneer. Thin Veneer enables us to utilize less of the natural resource as well as reducing the weight by 70% per square foot, thereby reducing shipping costs by 70% per square foot. In addition, there are many other factors where the use of Thin Veneer reduces costs of the project.

Describe your process—how do you work with clients, designers, and architects?
We consult with clients, designers, and architects for not only color and style, but for making recommendations for the right product. Our showroom in Kalispell—the largest of its kind in Montana—is a huge benefit. Whether it is the owner or the professional, our showroom is used on a regular basis for making selections.

What project(s) are you most proud of?
After 18 years of doing this work, it’s difficult to single out a particular project. What I am most proud of is that we have continued to provide the quality and reliability that keeps architects and contractors using Montana Rockworks for their natural stone needs.

What makes the difference between good construction and great construction?
The biggest difference between good and great construction
is when the people planning a project take into consideration the use of green and sustainable materials. Then through the building process, there is a strict effort to minimize the environmental impact around the building envelope.

What is the most exciting new product or development in your field?
Thin Veneer and Dimensional Cut Ashlar. Prior to 2005, Montana Rockworks didn’t provide cut stone. Since then, we have grown to be one of the largest U.S. producers of cut Thin Veneer.
What do you enjoy most about your work? There are two things: 1. I always love getting involved in projects during the planning stages when we can participate in the creative part of the project and utilize the unique resources we have at our showroom to create a project that pleases everyone involved. 2. At Montana Rockworks, we built a company from the ground up. Today we employee 85 people and we offer health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses. Through all of this, we have created a company where people can enjoy their work and build a life for themselves in Montana. That is very gratifying.

Favorite season? Why?
Summer. I love to spend time on the water—boating, rafting, fishing and camping.

Most embarrassing moment?
That’s too embarrassing to publicize! I can’t go through it again.