Testimonials

We value the thoughts and experiences of our clients.

I have had the pleasure of working with Kate Tonkin and the team at Stone Initiatives on several occasions. Kate consistently went above and beyond to ensure the success of our project, providing expert advice and troubleshooting solutions during some challenging moments. Her professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail stood out, and she made the entire process seamless and stress free.

Leeann Ksiezak, Centre Manager, The Parks Recreation & Sports Centre

Working with Stone Initiatives has been an exceptional experience. Stone Initiatives is highly regarded for its credibility and expertise in stone testing, offering precise and reliable services. Kate Tonkin, Head of the Surface Finishes Department, is deeply committed to her work, always ensuring the highest quality results for her clients. She is incredibly efficient in responding to inquiries and addressing any concerns, all while maintaining a pleasant, professional attitude. I highly recommend Stone Initiatives for anyone in need of expert stone testing and consultation.

Kate Ragotero, Project Manager, Saba Bros Group

I have had many dealings with Stone Initiatives over the years and in all cases, Mark Milevski has taken time to guide me through the various forms of materials analysis that are performed on the sample we sent for testing. He explains the process and results sought for accurate findings on the material, so we can deliver a report to our client which I can confidently discuss with them. Mark has taken the time to assist in each case to suggest best locations for sample extraction and quantity or volume required on projects on which we are working, always heritage buildings. The reports delivered are detailed and comprehensive but done in a way that I and my clients can easily understand – layman’s language. These days it is almost a refreshing change to engage with someone in a highly specialized field who will provide the time and easy conversation.

Kent Roxborough, Director, Stone Australia Pty Ltd

I’ve had the privilege of working with Tom Baggs from Stone Initiatives, and his professionalism and expertise in the stone industry are truly outstanding. Tom combines a deep understanding of his field with the ability to simplify complex technical details, ensuring that clients always feel well-informed and confident … He consistently goes above and beyond to support every client. I highly recommend Tom, along with Jim and the entire Stone Initiatives team, for their expertise, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Daniel Redhead, Managing Director, StoneClip

We’ve worked with Stone Initiatives on numerous heritage projects, and their expertise in salt testing and masonry analysis has been invaluable. Mark Milevski’s knowledge and professionalism are outstanding, ensuring that each project is handled with care and precision. Stone Initiatives’ thorough reporting and commitment to heritage conservation make them our go-to partner for preserving South Australia’s historic buildings.

Neil Williams, General Manager, Tech Dry SA

I can’t recommend Mark Milevski at Stone Initiatives enough! He’s a genuinely reliable bloke with extensive knowledge in his field. His thoroughness and attention to detail make every interaction smooth and stress-free.

Sam Whitcher, Project Manager, Corporate Design Floors

As a client of Stone Initiatives, I want to emphasise the invaluable support they’ve offered our business over the years. Their expertise in testing, analysis and overall guidance has been crucial for our projects and product development. The team consistently goes above and beyond, making it a pleasure to collaborate with a company that shares our commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

Gary Isherwood, CEO, Stone Ambassador

We have been working with Stone Initiatives for many years, during which time they have consistently tested our stone products and provided detailed reports for specific tasks on various projects. I have worked with Tom Baggs on many occasions, and his knowledge and expertise have been crucial in ensuring we meet our project requirements. His professionalism and attention to details are why we continue to trust Stone Initiatives as a reliable partner. I highly recommend them.

Felipe Bronzon, Project Manager, Sam The Paving Man

Jim always takes a helpful, pragmatic and creative approach to problem-solving. The quality and presentation of the reports by Stone Initiatives have always been to a very high standard. I have recommended Jim’s services to many people over the years – to other stone suppliers, but more often to government council engineers and builder/designer clients.

Wayne Blakeney, Director, Sales, Absolute Stone

I have worked with Mark Milevski at Stone Initiatives for approximately ten years on numerous state heritage-listed projects. He has always been extremely professional, thorough, reliable and interested in his work. The reports I receive have a very high level of detail and are easy to interpret and apply to real-world situations. I have recommended Mark and the team at Stone initiatives to colleagues and architects across Australia and will continue to do so.

James Biven, Senior Project Manager, Duratec Limited

I can honestly say that in the past 15 years of working with Jim and the team at Stone Initiatives, I have never had a bad experience. I have always found them good to work with, and their technical experience and advice have really helped with many projects we have completed in the past. We have more trust in the results we receive from Stone Initiatives [compared to other labs], as Jim and the team tend to have a deeper understanding of what we are trying to achieve or want to get out of the testing or analysis. We have recommended Stone Initiatives’ services to both clients and builders.

Dan Blake, Conservation Architect, Conservation Studio

Stone Initiatives is the best when it comes to testing and review of materials. Jim and his team are very professional and accurate. As a supplier and installer we work very closely with Stone Initiatives to give our clients the best support and feedback when it comes to stone selection for their project. They provide top-quality work that is always delivered on time. I highly recommend them as they are a very professional service and always keen to provide feedback and assistance.

Matteo Gotti, Project Director, Versatile

I have worked with Jim for many years (should I say, a few decades) and more recently with Mark, and have always found them to be knowledgeable with regard to all aspects of the materials and properties relating to the dimension stone industry. They are always considered and open with their response. Gosford Quarries has used the services of Stone Initiatives since the company was first founded and they are always prompt with their estimate of procedures. I recommend them without reservation because of their expertise and service.

Gary Hargreaves, Specification Manager, Gosford Quarries

I can’t stress how important practical advice and detailed descriptions of results are. Many organisations complete the test, hand over your results and leave you to it … they are practically impossible to interpret. This is where Jim and his team excel. I’m never been left scratching my head or feeling stupid for asking even the most elementary question. Jim and his team are always willing to spend significant time giving practical advice. It gives us real confidence in our stone collection and the ability to convey accurate information to our customer base. If maintaining timeframes, accuracy, transparency, positive communication and sound professionalism are important to you, Stone Initiatives is our only recommendation.

James McCarthy, Co-founder, Gather Co.

My experience working with Stone Initiatives has been excellent. The work is of a high standard and is always provided in a timely manner. I often recommend Stone Initiatives to others as the service provided is always professional and their advice is backed up by extensive experience.

Ian Lamble, Managing Director, Melocco Stone

Working with Stone Initiatives has been a very positive experience – all queries are dealt with professionally and promptly, the quality of the work is 10/10 and the timeliness is spot-on. The principal, Jim, is one of the most experienced – if not the most experienced – dimension stone experts I have dealt with. Having worked around the world, he is up there at the top. I have no hesitation in recommending Stone Initiatives for any project that is considering stone as a cladding material.

Peter Bouras, Principal, BG&E Facades

I consider Stone Initiatives to be respected industry leaders in their field. My experience working with them has been personal, efficient and informative. The quality and detail of their technical reports are excellent and the turnaround response timeframes are prompt. On occasion we have asked for industry-specific advice regarding our marble products, particularly when working on large commercial projects, and Stone Initiatives is always willingly share their knowledge. The technical articles on the website are informative and useful resources, too.

Carolyn Spralja, Contractor/Developer, Cairns Marble

In a compliant world, Stone Initiatives is your partner to success. Working with them means we ensure the outcomes we produce are proven, and this gives us an edge over our competition. I strongly recommend Stone Initiatives as they bring a high level of technical knowledge in their field, have detailed understanding of relevant standards and are able to assist with advice to ensure projects can meet the desired outcome and reduce the risks of non-compliance. The team has a broad range of backgrounds and they bring a high level of both technical and practical knowledge.