Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin DelRio.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Fabiola and I quit our jobs and decided to start selling stone on facebook marketplace. We met each other when I was a vendor for National Pool Tile and she was an office manager at a stone yard and my customer whom i regularly dropped donuts off to. What I thought was going to be just a new friend and workout partner, turned into my wife and woman (superwoman) of my dreams. We rented a small space from a customer for $500/month and he let us use his forklift. We both had a small and different client base. Over a few months we had 14 truckloads of stone stocking. The city of Grand Prairie told us there was no outside storage and we got kicked out.
We then moved into another customers yard that was much, much smaller in Irving, TX. That honeymoon stage ended after a few months. After looking for a property for 8 months, we found a property that was vacant in Frisco for six years. After a long 5 months to get our CO, we eventually opened in March of 2023. Our sales revenue has grown by 50% YOY.
After being in business for 3 years, we are moving into a second property 5 acres with a warehouse in 10615 Fishtrap Rd. Aubrey, TX 76227.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A smooth, long, curvy road with potholes everywhere. lol
Our biggest struggles have been:
Not negotiating our first lease contract (had no experience or knowledge) extending too much credit, finding great employees with the same vision as us, outgrowing our 1.5 acre property, work-life balance while raising our now 2 years and 8 months baby boy JJ, drive time 2 hours a day at minimum until we move closer to properties next year, training new employees while scaling the business, very competitive mark and a lot of customers shop on price alone, our suppliers selling direct, cash flow from time to time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Kingstone Supply ?
We are a natural stone supplier. Family owned and open to the public. Sell to masons, contractors, swimming pool companies, home builders, homeowners, etc.
We are known for excellent customer service and supply premium stone for all exterior projects.
Taking care of our clients, and putting ourselves in their shoes is what separates us from competitors. Quick and knowledgeable follow up.
I’m proud to continuously adding new product lines to give customers a lot of options for their construction products. We get a lot of compliments about our showroom, which always brings a smile to our faces.
We are open to the public, offer free samples, and many customers to refer if they need an installer.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I joined my first business group called Gathering the Kings. I was listening to their podcasts for two years before joining. I’ve had a few mentors along the way, but i’ve learned the stone industry the most from my wife Fabiola. She’s very big on self improvement and constantly helps me impove as well.
We joined the Chamber of Commerce for Frisco and Aubrey. Joining FB groups and business networking events have helped.
Pricing:
- Competitive Pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kingstone-supply.com
