Krebs Takes Helm As MIA Prexy

LAS VEGAS – Ken Krebs of OHM International in Nashville is the 2006 president of the Marble Institute of America.
Krebs, an MIA board member for several years, served as vice president of the stone-industry group this year. His election in October came during the annual MIA meeting held in conjuction with StonExpo.
“I look forward to serving in this important new role and working with MIA’s board and members to continue to build MIA’s leadership in the areas of education, technical advice and promotion of the natural stone industry,” Krebs said.
Krebs is vice president at OHM, a major distributor of natural stone in the eastern United States. He has also owned a stone fabrication and installation company; during his several years as a fabricator/installer, he worked on the restoration of the Cheekwood Mansion project in Nashville, as well as several new hotel and high-rise office buildings. As a stone distributor, he is currently concentrating on the burgeoning residential and light commercial market.
Krebs plans to focus on two areas that he believes are, “absolutely required within our industry” – fabricator accreditation and industry promotion of the value of natural stone to various users.
“Promoting proper fabrication and installation practices through an accreditation program will do more for the long-term growth of both our association and the overall industry than any other program we might develop,” he noted. “In addition, the need to tell the story of natural stone in an environment where others are confusing users is overdue.”
Krebs also praised the efforts of the outgoing 2005 president, Scott Lardner of Rocky Mountain Stone.
“Under Scott Lardner’s excellent leadership, MIA has grown into a much more visible and effective organization with over 1,400 members around the world, and I look forward to continuing the good work,” Krebs said.
Krebs resides in Nashville with his wife Paulette and their son. His one-year term will expire at next year’s annual meeting in October.