Classic Monuments on North Main Street has been carving a niche for itself since opening two years ago, while carving monuments for others.
By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
The family-owned business operated by Frank and Ruth Bielanski was launched after Mr. Bielanski, who had been working for another monument dealer, decided to launch his own business in Manville.
"I like Manville. I chose Main Street because of the visibility and an easy location next to Quick-Chek," he said.
Since opening the store, the business has become a family operation, with Mr. and Ms. Bielanski’s son Keith working also, and two employees.
Mr. Bielanski stresses the store’s customer-friendly approach, noting he often sits with his customers and designs a monument with the customer’s input.
"I enjoy making a product that people like." Mr. Bielanski said. "It makes you feel good."
And sometimes "sitting with a customer" means going to a place convenient for the customer.
"If senior citizens can’t come down here, I will go meet them at the cemetery or their home," he said. "Whenever they want to meet me, I will meet them."
So far, the business has filled orders from as far away as Pennsylvania, but Mr. Bielanski notes Classic Monuments can "sell, install and guarantee monuments in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania."
"We … have the knowledge of local cemetery regulations," he said.
It takes about four to six weeks for a finished monument to be created. As the orders are placed, Mr. Bielanski sends the orders to a firm in Vermont, which carves the stone.
When the monument comes in, Mr. Bielanksi then places the monument.
Mr. Bielanski said some people design and order their own monuments instead of burdening their family after a death. They will buy the stone with everything that they want on it — except for the year of their death.
"They will do that ahead of time so that when they die, the stone is already there," he said. "I will just sandblast the year on it."
If the stone is ordered ahead of time and they already have a plot, Mr. Bielanski can even install it at the cemetery.
"Because you may only purchase a memorial once in your lifetime, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible and feel at ease with your decision," Mr. Bielanski said. "We want to offer a place with a comforting atmosphere rather than a business transaction. We feel that it is important to have a trusting relationship with the customer and assist them in giving them the dignity and respect they deserve."
Classic Monuments offer a variety of color granites for monuments from the top quarries and customize the monuments to your specifications. The dedicated markers, bronze plaques and cornerstones can be custom made and installed.
They also offer memorial lights in several colors, candles, and flower filled vases.
"As a member of the Manville Professional Business Association, we ensure our customers of ethical, honest and affordable choices," Mr. Bielanski said.
Classic Monuments is located at 223 N. Main St. next to Quik-Chek convenience store; the phone number is 722-8501. Their hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, or by appointments. The company has a Web site at www.classicmonumentsnj.com.
Know a business you’d like to see in the spotlight? E-mail Special Writer Mary Ellen Zangara at [email protected]