There’s something to be said for working your way up the chain into management, as second-generation stone craftsman Christopher Ribeiro can attest. The current Chief Operating Officer of Glen Allen, VA-based Absolute Stone Design has spent nine years learning all aspects of his father, Valdeci’s business—warehouse cleaning, inventory management, templating, installing and sales—and since graduating from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL in 2021 with a degree in International Business with a concentration in Finance, the numbers tell the story: Absolute has generated the highest sales in the company’s history, enjoyed a 30 percent reduction in remakes and undergone a complete corporate rebrand with a redesigned showroom and sales process. Absolute also became the first fabricator to create its own app, downloadable via Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

“Some clients save up their whole lives for a single renovation, and it is my mission that we provide the easiest and least stressful renovation they will ever experience.”

Christopher, who describes himself as “unique,” has worked in the family business since he was 14 and chalks up his accomplishments to a combination of education and integrity. His most memorable project was an exterior wall cladding job for a local sportsplex covering 20,000 square feet that tested Absolute’s ability to complete a job with those specifications. His favorite work-related  moments? “Seeing how happy clients are when the job is finished, because a renovation is not something that you do every day,” he says. “Some clients save up their whole lives for a single renovation, and it is my mission that we provide the easiest and least stressful renovation they will ever experience.”

Besides the family business, sports have been a constant throughout Christopher’s life with lacrosse, which he played for many years, helping him formulate team strategy. His other passions are his three dogs, Thomas, Luna and Bella, and travel. “My favorite city in the world is Nice in the South of France,” he says. “I love the architectural style, fashion and food the city and people have to offer.” More international adventure definitely lies ahead. “On my life’s must-do list is exploring as many countries as I possibly can and learning about their culture and food!” he says.