Each month, we take a moment to recognize the people who make Quarra Stone Company what it is. This month, we are proud to celebrate the work anniversaries of Ben Pagel, America Cely, Tim Broge, and Romualdo “Roma” Alcantara — four team members whose dedication, expertise, and character continue to shape our culture and our craft. Behind every project and every milestone are the people who show up, day after day, and make it all possible.
Ben Pagel | Maintenance Technician
For the past seven years, Ben has been a key part of Quarra’s team as a Maintenance Technician, helping keep the equipment and operations that power our shop running at their best.
Colleagues describe Ben as a “nuts and bolts guy”—someone who is practical, dependable, and always focused on finding the right solution. His knowledge of Quarra’s machinery is exceptional, and when something needs attention, he’s someone the team trusts.
One of Ben’s biggest accomplishments came during Quarra’s move from our longtime Madison headquarters to our new facility in Sun Prairie. Working alongside Peter Vaughan, Ben helped relocate and recommission the shop’s valuable equipment—a massive undertaking that required careful planning, technical expertise, and countless hours of work. Thanks to their efforts, Quarra was able to make the transition successfully and continue delivering the quality our clients expect.
When he’s away from the shop, Ben enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and taking on complex building projects of his own. Whether he’s at work or at home, he enjoys keeping his mind busy—a mindset that reflects both his curiosity and his hands-on approach to solving problems.
Ben sums up his outlook on life in his own words: “Live your day like it’s your last. When you wake up, you gotta look around and see what kind of trouble you can get yourself into that’s going to be productive. You will find your integrity. Rinse and repeat.”
Cheers to seven years, Ben — thank you for the practical mindset, technical expertise, and unmistakable sense of humor you bring to Quarra every day.
America Cely | Project Manager
For the past eight years, America Cely, Project Manager, has helped guide some of Quarra’s most complex and meaningful projects from concept to completion. With a deep appreciation for natural stone, a passion for learning, and an unmatched enthusiasm for work, America brings energy and dedication to every challenge she takes on.
She’s especially drawn to fine art, public works, and memorial projects—work that combines technical complexity with lasting meaning. Projects including A Parallel Nature by Maya Lin, A Monument to Listening by Theaster Gates, Lifting the Veil by Sanford Biggers, and the Emanuel Nine Memorial by Michael Arad have been especially rewarding. She’s also had the opportunity to work with extraordinary materials from around the world, including Blue Lemur granite from Madagascar, Italian marble, Brazilian quartzite, and Dempsey Gray granite from the United States.
For America, the work is meaningful because she knows what Quarra creates becomes part of the places and stories people carry with them. She loves that every project brings something new to learn and appreciates being part of a team that continues the enduring tradition of working with natural stone.
That enthusiasm extends well beyond the shop. America enjoys spending time with family and friends, performing with her band, Son Del Atlántico, singing, dancing, biking, hiking, working out, and making every opportunity count—especially when there’s a beach nearby. Those who work alongside her know that America never does anything halfway. She brings incredible energy, genuine joy, and a willingness to support the people around her. As one teammate shared, “When America joins a conversation, builds a team, or starts a task, everyone involved is glad she’s there.”
Cheers to eight years, America — thank you for the dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm you bring to everyone around you.
Tim Broge | Machine Operator
For the past 34 years, Tim Broge has been an integral part of Quarra, bringing decades of experience, dedication, and expertise to some of the company’s most significant projects. As a Machine Operator, Tim has spent much of his career working with one machine in particular: the Carl Meyer saw.
For 29 years, Tim operated the Carl Meyer at Quarra’s Madison location, where the saw was a mainstay of the company’s rip and joint fabrication. It played a major role in some of Quarra’s most significant projects, cutting much of the stone for the United States Capitol project and countless others along the way. Tim especially enjoys the challenge of large-scale work, finding smarter and more efficient ways to keep production moving.
The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center stands out as one of those projects. With countless loads leaving the shop, Tim found different strategies to make each shipment faster and more streamlined. It’s that kind of problem-solving that has always drawn him to Quarra’s larger projects. When it comes to materials, Virginia Mist remains his favorite stone to work with.
Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding his Harley and side-by-side, tackling home improvement projects, playing pool and euchre, and catching live music whenever he gets the chance. He’s also a devoted dad, described by his coworkers as supportive and dependable—the kind of person you know will be there when you need him.
Cheers to 34 years, Tim — your knowledge, consistency, and dedication have made you someone your teammates know they can always count on.
Romualdo “Roma” Alcantara | Handworker
For the past 26 years, Roma Alcantara has been an important part of Quarra’s Handwork team, bringing experience, dedication, and a steady approach to the work. Over the years, he has worked on projects of all kinds, but one that stands out is the Kansas State Capitol, where he carved limestone. It’s one of the projects that has stayed with him over the years and is a memorable part of his time at Quarra.
Around the shop, Roma has earned a reputation for being a “machine”—consistently putting out an impressive amount of stone. He’s almost always working on something, focused on the task in front of him and getting the job done. His productivity is matched by the way he works with the people around him. Coworkers describe him as humble and patient, and someone who is genuinely great to work with.
Outside of work, Roma enjoys staying active and exploring Wisconsin. He plays soccer, visits different places around the state where he can hike, and makes time to read. Whether he’s on the field, out on a trail, or enjoying a good book, he keeps busy in plenty of ways outside the shop.
For Roma, one of the best parts of being at Quarra is working alongside the Handwork team. After 26 years, that sense of teamwork remains an important part of what he enjoys most about being here.
Cheers to 26 years, Roma — thank you for the dedication and teamwork you bring to the Handwork team every day.
A Culture Built on People
While Quarra Stone Company is known for its craftsmanship and capability, it’s the people behind the work who truly set it apart. From the shop floor to the field, each individual contributes to a culture built on trust, skill, and shared purpose.
We’ll be back next month to celebrate the next group of anniversaries — because at Quarra, recognizing the people who show up is something we do all year long. These stories are a reminder that great work doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built over time by people who care. And at Quarra, that’s what makes all the difference.
