When Emre Basman established Armina Stone in Pittsburgh in 2015, he aimed to solve a common frustration in the stone industry: customers being forced to purchase entire slabs when they only needed portions. Now, with two new Miami locations, that customer-first philosophy is set to transform the South Florida market.
"Everywhere else you have to buy the whole entire slab," explained Julie Handler, spokesperson for Armina Stone. "Here, you just pay for what you use. It's unheard of in the industry."
This innovative approach is just one aspect of Armina's comprehensive service model. Unlike traditional stone suppliers that often require customers to coordinate with multiple vendors, Armina Stone handles everything in-house—from selection and fabrication to installation.
"When you go to a stone gallery, that's one company, and then they refer you to a fabricator, and then you're dealing with them, and then they sub out to another company for the installation," Basman explained. "We handle it all, which cuts down on time and complications."
The company's Miami expansion began this summer with the opening of its 35,000-square-foot gallery and fabrication facility in Hialeah, Florida. The state-of-the-art facility showcases the company’s comprehensive service model, handling everything in-house - from selection and fabrication to installation. Later this year, the company will debut Armina Luxe, a 3,250-square-foot luxury showroom in the prestigious Miami Design District, offering bespoke kitchen, bath, and closet solutions alongside its extensive stone collection.
To enhance the customer experience, Armina will provide complimentary car service between their two South Florida locations, embodying their commitment to seamless service.
The company's success stems from its diversified business strategy, serving four distinct market segments: big box retailers (including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Costco), home builders, general contractors, and luxury clients. Each segment represents approximately 25% of their business, creating a balanced portfolio that has enabled steady growth.
Securing their Miami Design District location required eight months of rigorous vetting. "They examine your company from head to toe," Basman explained. "They want to work with someone who's going to bring quality to that neighborhood."
The Miami showroom will feature distinct "neighborhoods" showcasing different regional styles—from Coral Gables' Mediterranean influence to Miami Beach's contemporary aesthetic. This localized approach, combined with Italian craftsmanship, aims to create a unique blend of European luxury and South Florida style.
Technology plays a crucial role in their operation. The company employs 12K scanners for stone visualization and robotic technology for fabrication, setting new standards for precision in the industry. Their inventory includes 500-600 different colors with 10,000-15,000 slabs in stock, sourced from global locations including Italy, Brazil, Spain, Turkey, India, and Africa.
Looking ahead, Basman sees significant growth potential in the construction industry. The company has already secured partnerships with the Miami Heat and various sports teams in Pittsburgh, using these collaborations to build relationships with clients through luxury suite experiences.
As Armina Stone prepares to make its mark in Miami, Basman emphasizes the importance of understanding local culture and design preferences. "Culture is everything," he said. "You need to touch that culture to make people feel comfortable first."
This cultural awareness, combined with the company’s unique business model and comprehensive service approach, positions Armina Stone to become a significant player in South Florida's luxury stone market while maintaining their commitment to serving a diverse customer base.
