Michael Reis

[Curtis R. Marburger]

as a Charter Member of the SFA I remember Mike backing the SFA from the beginning and using the SFA forum as a wealth of information and He was always encouraging.

[Matt Lansing]

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike quite a bit over the years but one of my fondest memories will always be during our SFA Italy tour a few years back. I had spent a few hours scouring the city of Intra trying to find a cigar store and once located I selected two wonderful Cuban Cohiba cigars. It was later that night as we all gathered around the patio at the hotel overlooking Lago Maggiore, Mike and I enjoyed those as the sun set, talking about all things stone, the stone industry, and in the company of a ton great people.

Rest well Mike. You made a profound impact in this world.

[ronald hannah]

Several years ago, while sitting as members of the StonExpo Educational Committee, Michael and I found ourselves in a hotel bar after the first day of meetings in Dallas, Texas. While I personally had never been in a bar Michael assured me all would be fine.

He ordered a "Shiner Bock" and instructed me to do the same. "We are in Texas and in Texas you order Shiner Bock" he proclaimed.

I tried it. Not bad, but Michael insisted that, in order to conduct a proper, controlled environment test, you must consume fifteen.

I still, to this day, cannot fathom how we managed to carry out our duties the following day in a responsible and somewhat articulate fashion.

[Jim Hieb]

Michael was the very best! He made everyone feel like they were important. As many have already said, he made you feel like a friend even after your first meeting with him. It didn't matter if you were a member of the SFA, MIA, BSI, ILI, EGA, etc OR not a part of an industry association. Michael brought people together. He advocated working together.

And...........he was just fun to be around.

After I learned the news from Alex, I shared with him the following:
- Find comfort in prayer.
- Find comfort by hugging your wife and kids.
- Find comfort in friends.
- Find comfort by crying.
- Find comfort by taking a long walk.
- Find comfort by reading some of Michael's best articles.
- Find comfort in spending time with your StoneWorld staff and raising a glass in honor of Michael.

Michael can not be replaced, but I also know that Alex will find a qualified person who will build his/her own legacy. After all, Michael would have wanted that.

For now: Stay strong Alex! Stay strong Stone World team! Stay strong stone industry! And for any in the Reis family that may read these posts, please know that Michael made an impression on thousands. He was a dear friend. His memory will live in our hearts forever.

Sincerely,
James A. (Jim) Hieb
Executive Vice President/CEO
Marble Institute of America

[Dan R.]

I recall a small group, including Michael, strolling an Italian village until the wee hours, entertainining ourselves like school boys. We all had a blast that night, followed by a busy day (and an early morn). Michael always was fun to have around.

Many people have fond memories of Michael and having a cocktail with him after some industry event or another. For Michael, it was business during the day with a smile and handshake, constantly hustling from one chore to another. At these events, during the evenings, friends tend to congregate and talk shop over dinner and drinks. Everyone always wanted to know Michael's thoughts on the industry. His insights and knowledge were valued by everyone.

During the economic downturn, it was obvious that the hardship of the fabricator and the industry as a whole, weighed heavily on Michael. His attitude was to always help the industry. He was constantly looking for input and bouncing ideas off many of us. He helped many more people than anyone will ever know.

Michael was so instrumental with his early support for, and the subsequent growth of, the SFA. He heralded our cause hand in hand with those of the industry, for the betterment of all. He gave a voice to the small guy. For this, our organization will be forever indebted to Michael Reis for his unwavering support and advice.

It will never be the same to walk a Stone Show and not see Michael or hear his voice. Certainly, life will go on, but it will not have the same feel without Michael with us. Someone will do some of the things that Michael did, but they will never do all that he did. He was absolutely one of a kind, the great kind. Michael will find a way to help guide us, he always found a way.

Cheers, Michael!

[Rick George]

I was honored to spend a couple days in Italy with Michael and it was very evident his passion for our industry and his passion for life! My most sincere condolences for Michael's family and friends for this tragic loss.

[agilmore]

I've known Mike for almost 15 years. His contribution into the stone industry is huge. There was never an industry event that Mike wasn't attending or covering, he was a true professional with enormous knowledge of the industry and all of those who were involved in it. He was willing and able to help with any question or project, big or small, at any given moment.

Mike worked hard but loved to have fun and always had a smile on his face. I am proud to call Mike a great friend, and will miss him.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Amie Gilmore
StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas

[Antonio Almonte]

I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike for a number of years now and am extremely saddened by his passing. Like the others had said, he was a genuine, friendly, classy, professional and an all around good guy. I had just spoken to him at stonexpo and had introduced him to the newest member of my company and he greeted and treated her like he always did, with his infectious smile and made her feel very welcome to the industry.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Reis family and all of his friends.

Rest in Peace Mike.

[Todd Luster]

I had the opportunity to see Michael several times a year, as well the unforgettable time in Italy.
It was always funny because he had hit me up a few times to do a fabricator story in StoneWorld as he has done so many of.
While in Italy I finally told him and kidded with him, I may be superstitious, but was afraid to do a story, as it seemed all the fabricators he did stories about ended up with bad luck in the biz and was afraid he was the "kiss of death"! We laughed about it, and every time I'd see him after that, and just recently at StoneExpo, he'd say "How's that superstition deal working out?" in his Jersey accent.
Michael will truly be a missed friend in the industry we will never be able to replace.
Rest in peace Michael.

[politefab]

A loss of any one in a tight nit group such as this is always somber for every one but it is that much more magnified when it is some one so instrumental in the betterment of the industry...

my heart go's out to the family

[dustinbraudway]

I have had the privilege in my life to get to know Mike over the past 6 years. We have hung out and kicked around the stone industry as well as traveled across the globe together. He was always a stand up guy who was the most pleasant to talk with and hang out with. We always got together at our annual trade shows and workshops. Worked during the day and played at night! He will truly be missed by so many and the stone industry will not be the same with out him.

[Carmine Pantano]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. It was an honor knowing him. Spent some time with him in Italy and he came to our shop a few times over the years. His passion for this industry was amazing. He will be missed.

[tenaxusa]

Michael was a true friend. i cannot believe i will not see him any longer around the world during the trade shows...our conversation was always centered about the Jets, the Panthers, his beautiful hikes, about how old and ugly was Alex compared to us(just kidding alex...) and what to do at night following the show...at the last second he never forgot asking me ...oh btw what 's new for this show...and after 3 minutes the "work" part was done. i was always in awe when the next number of stone world would come in the mail, to read how flawless and complete his article was based on those 2 minutes scribbled on the yellow pad.
he was a true gentleman (never heard him saying a bad word about anything or anybody) and always smiling.
i miss you, my friend.

[ontrastone]

I'm sitting at my desk with tears in my eyes. Mike gave more to us and our industry than most of us combined. While we were grinding away and getting our socks soaked, he was the one who gathered new techniques, products and information for all of to make our work better. Not to mention the ever present smile at our trade shoes and education events. Prayers, thoughts and (((hugs))) to his family and the Stoneworld family...He will be missed.
Buddy Ontra

[signaturecountertops]

Hate to hear this. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but have read some of his articles. Sad day for our industry. God Bless Brother, prayers for his family and friends.

[ronald hannah]

Life is so unpredictable. I have know Michael many years, though not much personally, but more through his monthly article in the Stone World. We have met all over the world, but never in New Jersey, where he and I stay.

But it seems that I knew him very well. His articles were so well written, simple and direct, as if talking to you. There was something really down to earth about his writing, straight to the point. His analysis was never too far from the actual truth. I say this for a lot of people – he shall be sorely missed.

Regards,

Saket Hans | OHM International, Inc.

[Miles]

I don't think I ever actually struck a conversation with Michael, but I ran into him at several industry events. He came to the workshop we hosted here several years ago. One year I saw him at a sidewalk restaurant in Vitoria Brazil where he was in town for the Stone Fair. And I remember thinking how amazing it was that he and Alex were the two guys responsible for Stone World Magazine.

I always thought of Stone World Magazine as a large operation. But it basically boiled down to these two guys that had so much passion for our industry. They were everywhere and knew everything.

Think about what our industry would really be like if it were not for Michael and Stone World. I've been able to learn what people are doing in other states and other countries where I would never have the opportunity to go. I've been able to plan my business around industry trends that I only knew about because of Stone World.

I'm sad for the loss of our friend. I'm sad for our industry. But we should all celebrate Michaels life. He accomplished so much, went to so many places, met so many people, and seemed to have so much passion for it. He lived an amazing life.

[ronald hannah]

Michael Reis didn’t just report on the industry; he worked in the stone trade, gaining the trust, respect and friendship of many, many people throughout the world. He provided stalwart service for two decades, equally in the down days of recession as in the years of growth. He’ll be missed by all of us.

Emerson Schwartzkopf
Editor/Publisher, Stone Update
760-48-STONE

[Darryl Miller]

Michael was a true friend to the SFA and the industry. I always enjoyed the opportunity to sit and talk with him. One meeting and you felt like you had known him for years. His passion for his work and what we do was evident in every conversation or article that he wrote. I believe this is why he was so connected to the SFA and our pursuit of advancement in the industry. Rest in peace brother, you will be sorely missed.

Our prayers go out to his family and the staff of Stone World. It won't be the same not reading his enlightening and educational articles each month.

God bless

[John Colton]

Michale Reis will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him. Words just can’t describe such a tragic and unexpected loss. There wasn't any part of the Stone Industry that Michael did not touch. He was such a fantastic person and extremely talented in his craft.

Please pass on our most heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.

Sincerely,

The team at Regent Stone Prodcuts.

[kevinp]

I did not know Michael well. We only spoke briefly a few times but the impact he had on the stone industry and the people involved is well known to me.

He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

[Tafwharton]

Tragic news.
Ive been going around this morning trying to work out what to say and how to say it.
Ive read the other posts here a few times through now, and Im struggling to come up with something that hasnt already been said here - and by so many people.
What Michael contributed to our industry was un paralled, but what I now find my self realising is not just what he did, but the way he went about doing it. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Reis family, Alex, and all Michaels colleagues and friends on this sad day.

[Carmine Pantano]

This is a picture of Mike in Italy when we were at Ghines. He was always right there learning everything the same way we were.

DSCN1253 (Large).JPG (420.6KiB)Viewed 1039 times

[phil]

Never had the pleasure of meeting Michael. From these posts it is evident that he was a great person and industry contributor. Also evident is that he leaves a legacy for any person to aspire to.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[Drew Proliner]

So sad, I am totally in shock. Mike was a friend and a great person to work with on all our ads. He will be truly missed.