Chris Garten and his team pride themselves on being a company that puts their clients’ needs first.
Garten is president of Signature Countertops, which has a showroom in Jeffersonville on Fabricon Blvd. Their manufacturing facility is in Scottsburg. Garten, who served as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps reserves for 14 years and just recently transferred to the inactive ready reserve, said his philosophy stems from something a commanding officer taught him. “One of the best commanding officers I ever served for gave me this advice, he said ‘It doesn’t matter what industry or business you are in, it’s all about people. Always serve other first first and the rest takes care of itself.”
Signature Countertops, Inc. celebrated its 10-year anniversary on March 1. The company is a natural stone manufacturing and installing company. “Our core products are countertops, shower surrounds, and vanities,” Garten said. In addition to granite, they also specialize in Marble, Quartzites, Soapstone, and many brands of quartz including LG Viatera, Silestone, Caesarstone, Colorquartz, and Hanstone just to name a few.
“We import directly from granite quarries in Brazil, Italy, and China,” he added. He added that there are two things that set them apart from their competitors: “The first is our unwavering commitment to our clients. If you choose to do business with us, we take that very seriously and we are committed to the relationship long term. The other is our team. Our team has been through some of the industry’s most high level training thanks in part to a few industry associations: the Marble Institute of American and the Stone Fabricators Alliance.”
Signature’s showroom has as shock and awe effect that will stun the senses and encourage the most creative design ideas. It also has a kid’s play area with artificial turf and a slide. “It has to do with taking care of families and our clients. We want them to feel comfortable bringing their kids while they look around the showroom,” he explained. “It is about serving and focusing on the needs of the family right from the very start of the process.”
Garten said there is about 6,000 square feet, including inventory. “We probably warehouse about 500 more slabs at any given time.”
Signature Countertops has completed projects in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky.
The company currently employees 22 people. “We call them team members at Signature. We don’t use the word employee at our company. They are either team members or family members and that is it. It is all about putting people first,” he said. “We believe in growing our team through accountability, extensive training, and leadership by example.”
Garten also said his company gives back to the community through
organizations such as the Kiwanis program and United Way. Signature Countertops also is a member of the Greater Scott County Chamber of Commerce, where Garten serves as vice president; as well as a member of One Southern Indiana.
Garten also is a board member for the Building and Development Association of Southern Indiana (BDASI), and his team recently participated in the BDASI’s Habitat for Humanity Build Day in March.
In addition, Garten has declared his candidacy for Indiana State Senate District 45, which represents Switzerland, Scott and Jefferson counties in Indiana, as well as a portion of Jackson and the northern half of Clark county. “God has blessed me with a very unique set of life experiences that I believe will serve Hoosiers well. From growing up in a broken home and being adopted, to 2 combat tours in Iraq, to starting a small business in my 1-car garage over10 years ago, I can relate to most people and fully understand the true meaning of commitment.”
Above all else, Garten takes great pride in his family. He will have been married to his wife, Beth, for 13 years this October. They have three sons ages 11, 9 and 4. Having the boys adds “all the chaos you love. We have Nerf wars, wrestle, shoot guns and they play every sport known to man. I would not have it any other way.”
Garten said they have a fully-digital manufacturing facility. “”From templating, to our digital dual table sawjet cutting solution, to our automated CNC routers, Everything we do is fully automated,” he said.
Prospective clients can take advantage of Signature’s cutting edge and interactive design tools on their website – www. signaturecountertops.com – Clients can engage in their Kitchen design tools which allows prospective clients to select details like different types of flooring, cabinets, countertops, and even wall colors to ensure the best design possible. The website also allows browsing customers to make simple sketches and submit them for a hassle free estimate.
Garten served in Iraq in 2003 and back again in 2005-2006. After being home for almost a year he birthed Signature Countertops, Inc. on March 1, 2007. “Frankly, I just saw needs in this industry and in our market that weren’t being met and felt like I could contribute in a positive way.”
Garten says although the products he uses may look that same as a lot of companies, there can be vast differences in stone quality. “Most consumes have no idea that all granites are not created equal. Some of our competitors push commercial grade slabs in hopes they can make higher margins. We warranty everything we do and only source the highest quality stones.”
SIGNATURE COUNTERTOPS SHOWROOM
1611 Fabricon Blvd. | Jeffersonville
812.913.1214
www.signaturecountertops.com
info@signaturecountertops.com
HOURS
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays
CLOSED SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
