Eric Tryon named 2015 Fabricator of the Year Words: Terri BernerThe nominating committee for Stone World magazine has selected Eric Tryon of Premier Surfaces (Alpharetta, Ga.) as 2015 Fabricator of the Year. The award was presented at TISE 2016 in Las Vegas, Nev. Criteria for the award include the following: Cooperation in sharing technology with the industry. Willingness to pioneer in the use of new technology. Fostering educational programs for the training of stoneworkers in industry methods. Promoting technological progress through association work. Tryon started Premier Surfaces in 2002, and since its inception, the company has grown and expanded every year. From how new employees are hired and trained to the documented systems and processes that guide day-to-day operations, Premier Surfaces has successfully expanded into new markets, including Birmingham, Ala.; Huntsville, Ala.; and Chattanooga, Tenn. Premier Surfaces is the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Atlanta Consumer’s Choice Award (2007—2015), Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Best Places to Work, and TIE #1 Top Entrepreneur in Atlanta (2015). Premier Surfaces was one of the first companies to achieve MIA accreditation. Tryon is also actively involved in the MIA+BSI education program and will act as a facilitator for several events through the Stone Industry Education Series in 2016. Tryon was quick to shift credit to his coworkers: “Although I am the one receiving this award, it was a team effort. We are honored to receive this distinguished award. It’s the people on our team who deliver the experience for our customers who deserve the recognition – from the leadership team to the frontline staff who make it happen day in and day out. I am honored to be to be a part of such an amazing work family. They are truly best in class.”