Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Bish.
Hi Joanne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Joanne Kohlhepp Bish returned to her hometown, DuBois, PA, after an exciting New York City-based culinary career. Drawing on the skill set developed throughout her career in hospitality and entrepreneurship, Joanne stepped into the role of an effective marketing director at DuBois Granite & Quartz and is now the owner and General Manager of DuBois Granite and Quartz, a stone fabrication company. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is sourcing beautiful stones from around the world and transforming them into custom pieces that become the centerpiece of homes and businesses throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania. She enjoys being part of Pennsylvania’s robust manufacturing industry and raising her family in the place where she grew up.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone who owns a business would honestly say it’s been a completely smooth road. Every stage of growth brings a new set of challenges, and ours has been no different. The stone industry itself comes with challenges that have existed for centuries. It’s one of the world’s oldest trades, and despite advances in technology, many of its fundamentals remain the same. No two slabs of natural stone are identical, which is part of what makes every project so beautiful, but it also means every project is unique. Stone is incredibly durable once installed, yet unforgiving during fabrication. A measurement that’s off by even a fraction of an inch or a small mistake in the cutting process can result in a crack that can’t simply be repaired. There are no shortcuts, and there’s very little room for error. That level of precision is something our team respects every single day.
At the same time, one of the biggest challenges facing our industry today is keeping pace with technology. Customer expectations continue to evolve, and the tools available to fabricators are advancing just as quickly. Rather than seeing that as an obstacle, we’ve chosen to make it a priority. We’ve invested heavily in templating technology, advanced fabrication equipment, precision software, and ongoing training for our team. Those investments allow us to produce more accurate work, improve efficiency, and deliver a better overall experience for our customers while still honoring the craftsmanship that has always defined this industry.
The difficult moments have forced us to become more resilient, more innovative, and more intentional about the kind of company we want to build. Every obstacle has reinforced our commitment to continuous improvement, and I believe our customers ultimately benefit from that mindset.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When people hear “countertop company,” they often think we’re simply cutting stone to size. In reality, we’re helping people make one of the biggest design and financial decisions they will make in their home. At DuBois Granite & Quartz, we specialize in custom fabrication and installation of granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, porcelain, and other premium surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms, commercial spaces, fireplaces, and more. Every project is digitally templated, fabricated, and installed by our team right here in DuBois, Pennsylvania, allowing us to maintain exceptional quality control from the first conversation through the final installation.
Our business prides itself on helping people make the right long-term decision. We spend a great deal of time educating customers about the differences between materials, durability, maintenance, design, and overall value. Rather than steering someone toward the most expensive option, we focus on finding the surface that best fits their lifestyle, budget, and how they actually live. We believe an informed customer is a confident customer, and that’s become a defining part of our brand.
We’re also proud to be a locally owned manufacturer. In an industry where many companies outsource fabrication hundreds of miles away, every countertop we produce is crafted in-house by our team using advanced digital technology and precision equipment. That means better communication, faster turnaround times, greater customization, and accountability that simply can’t be outsourced. Our customers know exactly who is building their project because we’re their neighbors, and our reputation is built one kitchen at a time.
From a brand perspective, I’m most proud of how much we’ve evolved since opening in February 2020. What began as a new fabrication shop has grown into a trusted regional resource for homeowners, builders, designers, and businesses throughout Central and Western Pennsylvania. Beyond fabrication, we’ve invested heavily in customer education through our website, blog, and showroom to raise the standard of what customers should expect from a countertop company. Whether someone visits us in person or works with us virtually, our goal is the same: to make the entire process approachable, transparent, and enjoyable.
I want readers to know that we’re passionate about craftsmanship, but we’re equally passionate about relationships. Countertops become part of the moments like family dinners, holiday gatherings, homework around the island, and conversations over morning coffee. It’s incredibly rewarding knowing that something our team created will become part of those everyday memories for decades. Our focus has never been simply on selling stone but on helping people create homes they genuinely love.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that meaningful growth requires thoughtful risks. In business, every major decision comes down to asking: “Does this align with our strategic plan? Will this make us better for our customers, our employees, and our community five or ten years from now?” If the answer is yes, it’s usually worth pursuing, even if it’s uncomfortable or uncharted.
The biggest risk we ever took was opening DuBois Granite & Quartz in February 2020. Six weeks later, the world shut down because of the pandemic. Like so many small business owners, we suddenly found ourselves navigating uncertainty that no one could have predicted. We had to adapt quickly, finding ways to continue serving customers safely while protecting our employees and keeping the business moving forward. Looking back, that experience shaped who we are as a company. It reinforced the importance of resilience, creativity, and staying focused on the people who depend on you.
Since then, we’ve continued to make investments that, on paper, might seem risky. We’ve expanded our capabilities with advanced fabrication technology, continually improved our facility and showroom, added new product offerings, and invested in our team through training and professional development. Those decisions require significant resources, but we’ve always believed that standing still is often the greater risk. Our customers deserve a company that continues to improve, not one that’s satisfied with doing things the way they’ve always been done.
I don’t believe failure and mistakes are something to avoid at all costs. If you’re paying attention, every setback teaches you something that helps you make better decisions the next time. At the end of the day, our philosophy is simple: take calculated risks that align with your values and invest in people. For us, that has always been about building a business that our employees are proud to work for, our customers trust, and our community is proud to support. When those priorities guide your decisions, taking the occasional leap becomes a little less intimidating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DuBoisGranite.com
- Instagram: dubois_granite_quartz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuBoisGranite
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dubois-granite-quartz
- Youtube: @DuBoisGranite
