Written by Mark Hostutler - Editor, American Community Journals

A Bucks County Business Built on Craftsmanship and Growth

For Steve and Kristi Ferrari, the owners of Bucks County-based Works in Stone, growth didn’t arrive all at once. It built gradually, project by project, stone by stone. Then, it suddenly accelerated.

From Traditional Stonework to a Growing Commercial Operation

Works in Stone began as a small, highly specialized masonry operation but has since evolved into handling complex historic restoration, custom stone fabrication, and large-scale commercial work across the Northeast. In recent years, the company tripled in size. As the work expanded, its team grew and the space the business once relied on in Upper Black Eddy no longer fit the operation it had become.

That moment — when a business outgrows its physical footprint — is often where ambition collides with reality.

For the Ferraris, the solution came through a new relationship with Firstrust Bank and a financing path they hadn’t initially considered: an SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) loan. The Ferraris are writing the next chapter of their company’s story at a fitting time. Each year, May is recognized as National Small Business Month to celebrate the entrepreneus and support systems that help businesses grow and take their next step.

Works in Stone traces its roots back more than three decades, with Steve Ferrari building a reputation as a mason focused on historic restoration. His early work centered on stone houses, barns, and churches.

Over time, the work became more intricate.

Projects expanded into urban environments — cities like New York, where historic facades, decorative cornices, and architectural sculpture demand a high level of craftsmanship. The company’s capabilities evolved alongside that demand, blending traditional masonry with artistic stone carving and modern fabrication techniques.

“There’s a standard you have to meet,” said Steve, who began his career as an apprentice to fourth- and fifth-generation masons from Scotland. “When you’re restoring something historic, it has to match exactly. When it’s done, it should look like nothing was ever touched.”

That level of detail became a defining feature of the business. It also fueled its growth.

When Growth Outpaced the Company's Physical Space

With a team that has expanded to nearly 20 employees, Works in Stone now operates at a scale far beyond its early days, handling everything from restoration to custom stone manufacturing.

And that created a new challenge. For years, the company operated out of a rented facility in Upper Black Eddy. It worked … until it didn’t.

The Ferraris knew they needed more space. Not just incrementally more, but significantly more. They were looking for a property that could support fabrication, storage, and logistics tied to large-scale projects, while still remaining close to home and accessible for their workforce.

They found it nearby in Ottsville: a property with approximately 20,000 square feet and several acres of land.  It checked every box. But there was a problem.

“We were looking at the building and thinking, ‘How are we going to do this?’” said Kristi, who handles the operational side of the business. “It was perfect for us, but we didn’t know if we could swing it.”

Why Traditional Business Financing Wasn't the Right Fit

Like many small business owners, the Ferraris initially viewed traditional financing as the only path forward. And under those terms, the numbers didn’t quite work.

The down-payment requirements alone posed a significant hurdle, especially for a company that had grown rapidly and was actively reinvesting in its operations. That’s where the Ferraris’ story shifted.

How Firstrust Bank Helped Secure SBA Financing

The introduction came through their realtor, Andy Pancoast from The Flynn Company. Pancoast suggested exploring SBA financing through Firstrust Bank and connected them with Firstrust’s Paul Avery, Senior Vice President and Director of SBA Lending, and Jason Showmaker, Vice President and SBA Loan Officer.

Until then, the couple hadn’t considered SBA loans. “We didn’t even really know about that option,” Kristi said. “It just wasn’t something we were familiar with.” That lack of awareness is common among small business owners. SBA loans are specifically designed to support businesses that may not meet conventional lending thresholds, particularly when it comes to down payments and capital reserves. For Works in Stone, those differences proved decisive.

“Every business has a different story,” said Showmaker. “Our job is to understand where they’re trying to go and structure something that actually supports that — not just what fits inside a box.”

Compared to traditional commercial loans, SBA financing offered several advantages that aligned with the Ferraris’ situation.

Lower down payment requirements, preserving cash flow. More flexible underwriting, tailored to small business realities. Access to capital without overextending resources, allowing continued investment in operations.

“We spent time walking through different scenarios,” Showmaker said. “Not just what would work today, but what would still make sense three to five years from now.”

“SBA loans are a good opportunity for small businesses that are looking to grow but might not have all the capital yet,” Kristi said. “It gives you that stepping stone.”

Turning SBA Financing Into Real Business Expansion

In practical terms, it meant the Ferraris could move forward with acquiring the Ottsville property — something they believe would not have been possible through conventional financing. “We wouldn’t have been able to take on this property without it,” Steve said.

That’s the core promise of SBA lending, and it’s why programs like them are often highlighted during National Small Business Month: they open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Just as important as the financing structure was the experience itself.

“At Firstrust, we don’t start with the product — we start with the business,” said Avery. “When you take the time to truly understand a client’s goals, you can structure solutions that not only solve immediate needs but position them for long-term success.”

For first-time borrowers navigating a commercial real estate purchase, the process could’ve felt overwhelming, with layers of documentation, multiple stakeholders, and unfamiliar terminology.

The Ferraris, however, described their experience with Firstrust as the opposite. “Everyone was really accommodating,” Kristi said. “They explained things well and made what is a complicated process simpler to understand.”

From initial conversations through closing, the process involved coordination among multiple parties. That collaboration proved essential. Everyone worked well together,” Kristi said. “It felt like a team.”

Works in Stone’s expanded space allows for increased fabrication capacity, improved logistics for shipping and receiving materials, and room to continue growing the business. It also supports the company’s workforce.

Many employees have been with Works in Stone for years, and maintaining a location that’s accessible to them was a priority throughout the search process. “This gives us room to grow,” Steve said.

Learn more about how Firstrust Bank is helping people and businesses achieve success in the very region it calls home.