Today we’d like to introduce you to Stanley Malek.
Hi Stanley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I first began to learn about the monument industry when I was 16 years old. My grandmother and a close family friend founded Blue Ridge Monument Inc., in 1992. Throughout my teenage years, I began to learn the processes of stencil making and the installation of basic memorials. Several years later I began to learn the engraving process along with the process of installing more elaborate monuments. I always enjoyed the monument work as I found it amazing that something I created may be viewed by others for eternity. The thought of trying to capture someone’s legacy in a single piece of stone is something that I feel honored to be able to do.
Although I very much enjoyed learning about the monument industry, I always felt a call to serve, so at 18 years old, I began a full-time career in law enforcement where I served as a Deputy in the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office and then became a Police Officer for the City of Salem Police Department. I continued serving in a law enforcement capacity for the next 17 years of my life.
Throughout my tenure as a law enforcement officer, I still continued to learn more about the monument industry. Working shift work at the police department, offered me many days off throughout the week. Much of those days off were spent working at Blue Ridge Monument Inc. Although I was only working part time at Blue Ridge Monument, I had a great mentor in Kenny Reid. Kenny was the other founder of the company, along with my grandmother. Kenny has over 40 years of experience in the monument industry and took the time to teach me everything he knows.
The initial spark in my mind to start transitioning from law enforcement to memorial creation began in 2017. While serving as a School Resource Officer, I unfortunately experienced the loss of a student who passed at their home. This student was a great young lady and her death had a significant impact on myself and the entire school. Thankfully, with my connection to the monument industry, I was honored to have been able to create a unique memorial and donate it to the family. Seeing first hand the closure it provided to both myself and the family helped me to realize the importance and meaning behind every memorial. It was in that moment a transitional shift in my career path seemed to begin.
In 2023, I made the full shift and began focusing all my time and energy in the monument industry. I tried working and learning at Blue Ridge Monument Inc., most any chance I could. I began doing much more work on my own and really expanding the uniqueness in the design elements, as compared to the traditional memorials the company was accustomed to making. My passion for memorial creation continued to grow, so in 2024, I traveled to Elberton, GA to take additional courses related to the monument industry. While there, I was able to see and learn about all phases of memorial production to include quarrying, rough cutting, precision cutting and sandblasting.
In 2025, I became co-owner of Blue Ridge Monument Inc. and now work alongside Kenny Reid on a daily basis. I take great pride in being able to provide customers with an everlasting tribute for their loved one. I am progressively learning new techniques and sometimes pushing the envelope on what can be done with a granite memorial. I find this profession to be very rewarding, and I value each and every customer that I am able to work with. Their trust in me handling their loved one’s memorial, is something I never take for granted.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with any journey, there’s been a few hurdles and bumps in the road. The business itself has maintained well due to our reputation that has been established within the communities we serve.
Since becoming part owner of the company, I have progressed into a greater number of custom memorials, statues and civic memorial pieces. These memorials come with great risk as there are so many custom elements to them and one that is generally going to be viewed by an entire community. With so moving parts in these projects, there are always curve balls. Thankfully, we’re always able to find a way to make it work and produce a beautiful final product.
My personal biggest hurdle has been learning the actual business management side of things. It’s easy to get drawn into the creation of a stunning and unique memorial, but there’s still essential business functions that need to be managed as well. Learning and managing daily operations of a business was initially overwhelming and stressful. Thankfully with the guidance of my mother who handled much of that prior to her retirement, I was able to learn quickly and continue to grow in that aspect.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Blue Ridge Monument Inc., we strive to provide a beautiful memorial for a loved one that will last a lifetime. A memorial is a lasting tribute for your loved one and something that shouldn’t be rushed. It is for these reasons that we never pressure a customer into a sale, nor do we ever operate on a commission based sales model.
We do our best to treat customers as if they’re our own family and want them to be comfortable throughout the entire process. We offer granite and bronze memorials to meet all budgets and will work with a customer as best we can to make their vision come true. In general, if you can think of it, we will do our best to make it happen.
Customers should realize there’s a lot more that goes into a memorial than just the creation of it. The installation is probably even more important as it’s essentially the foundation for the whole structure. Without a proper foundation or installation, your memorial is likely to have serious problems in the future. Every memorial we install receives a concrete foundation and the installation is guaranteed to last. Unfortunately, repairing memorials installed by other companies has become quite the regular occurrence.
We are a local, family owned company that is proud to be part of the communities we serve. We are very active in the community, sponsoring several annual events and investing our personal time as coaches and mentors in various sports and organizations as well.
We are forever grateful for all the families who have entrusted us with their loved one’s memorials throughout the years. Thanks to our loyal customers, we have continued to be a leading memorial producer throughout the Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, Central and Southwest Virginia since 1992.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was probably the compilation of memories I had with my Papaw Jack. He was such a great man who displayed regularly how one should carry themselves. He was a great joy in my life and helped to mold me into much of who I have become. I strive to be just as humble and great of a man as he was. He is greatly missed and I think of him often.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blueridgemonument.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueridgemonument?igsh=aGVmNGw5OXl5MWtw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DRA2ExEXK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
