By LESLIE STEIN
Flagstone Pavers is a local large, manufacturing company based in Brooksville that is committed to regional economic development and employment opportunities in our community. They are a subsidiary of Quikrete Companies out of Georgia.
They have established strong working partnerships with county agencies and are committed to being involved in the community. Last year they donated pavers to the 9-11 memorial at the Brooksville Fire Department (85 Veterans Avenue). The memorial is dedicated to honoring the firefighters, police, and other first responders. The memorial is surrounded by Flagstone pavers and consists of a portion of a steel beam from the World Trade Center supported by two pairs of hands sculpted from steel.
Flagstone’s focus is manufacturing quality pavers. They sell a variety of thick and thin pavers, permeable pavers, turf block, coping, retaining walls, sealers, and accessory products. They do not install but work primarily with installers, builders, and construction companies. The company will sell retail but this consists of only about 10% of the company’s sales.
The facility has 3 production plants and employs about 130 people including the plants, the office, and outside sales consultants. The company does manufacture 24 hours a day but at this point is only operating approximately 5 ½ days of continuous work. Due to COVID 19, there has been a shortage of workers. They are currently hiring forklift operators and yard workers. Flagstone prides itself on its hiring practices. You will be contacted after you apply even if you are not hired.
Over the last two years, the company has been under new management and the mission has been to focus on quality and not quantity. As a result, the company is very busy handling anywhere from 150 to 200 orders a day. This is an increase from last year at this time. Due to COVID, people are traveling less, spending more time at home working, and looking at projects around the home which need renovation.
When purchasing pavers it is important to buy from a reputable and quality company. Flagstone compacts the color throughout the paver. Poorer quality pavers may have the color only compacted through the first ¼ inch which would result in color fading over time. It is important to ask what the manufacturing process is to ensure a quality product. One must also consider where the paver will be placed and what base will be used. Some installers will use a limestone base. This base is not the best as it may trap water that could cause the failure of the pavers. Also, limestone can oxidize over time and discolor the paver. Recommendations are for a crushed stone base specially designed for use as a base material.
Flagstone is committed to serving the local and regional community with quality pavers. If you are interested in viewing their products, Flagstone will be glad to assist you in selecting the best products for your application and can recommend a qualified installation company, if you do not already know one. You can contact Tara Disotelle, inside sales consultant at 352-799-7933- Ext. 232 or visit by appointment only at 9070 Old Cobb Rd. Brooksville, FL 34601.
