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From Zimbabwe to the US: Couple builds business success with Alpha Granite
AUSTIN: After immigrating to the United States from Zimbabwe on the Fourth of July, husband-and-wife duo Denis and Sonia Phocas founded their own American dream.
The couple opened Alpha Granite, located at 915 W. Howard Lane, Austin, in 2003 and have become a staple of the community ever since. The business focuses on countertop installation and fabrication, and makes sure to keep safety, sustainability and quality at its forefront.
“We started as this tiny little shop with two other employees and since then have outgrown three shops,” Sonia said. “We have been in our location now since 2009. We employ just over 40 people, and we have five install crews.”
The business makes the process of designing and installing beautiful countertops, fireplaces and custom pieces easy for the consumer.
“We’re a turnkey fabrication and installation company,” Denis said. “We offer countertops, fireplaces, wall facades, shower enclosures, outdoor kitchens, and the list is endless. We pride ourselves in that. We are a very custom shop. We are able to tackle any project. We can do all that.”
The Phocases have seen tremendous growth over the last 21 years that they’ve been in business. They have attributed this to providing customers with exquisite products through their responsive, dependable and highly skilled team. If a client finds problems with the finished project, Alpha Granite will fix the problem to ensure client full satisfaction.
The business also established a relationship with local homebuilders early on, which helped contribute to the business getting more customers.
“As Austin grew, we grew,” Sonia said. “I think what kept us in the game is our integrity and honesty. If we make a mistake, we fix it. We make sure that our customers have their warranty, and we fulfill the warranty.
“We’ve told our clients when you pick up the phone in five years time, we’ll still be here. A lot of homeowners that we deal with tend to replace the countertops every five to 10 years. We’re always making sure that we leave our customers satisfied.”
Not only does customer satisfaction show how successful the business has become, but the business has many accreditations, including being members of the Austin Home Builders Association, Hill Country Home Builders Association, Austin National Association of Remodelers and being an Accredited Fabricator of Natural Stone Institute.
“People in Austin are open, and they are open to offering opportunities,” Denis said. “Austin has enabled us and small-business people to prosper, and to be able to make a good living and be able to enjoy the energy of the city.”