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