Inside Stone Connection: The Global Stone Powerhouse with a Personal Touch

Jaraad Hassim

As one of the leading names in the global stone industry, Stone Connection has built a reputation for excellence, quality, and unmatched customer service since its establishment in 2010. Operating under the esteemed Finstone Group, the company has steadily expanded its reach with 11 branches across South Africa and 8 international locations, including the United States and the Czech Republic. Known for offering an exclusive range of over 80 types of natural and engineered stone, Stone Connection combines global sourcing power with personalised, expert guidance.

In this spotlight, we sit down with from Jaraad Hassim General Manager at Stone Connection, to learn more about the company’s journey, passion, and what truly sets it apart in the ever evolving stone industry.

What’s the story behind the founding of Stone Connection?

Thank you for having us. Stone Connection was established in 2010 as part of the Finstone Group’s broader global vision to bring high quality stone directly to the market. From the beginning, our goal has been clear. We aim to offer premium natural and engineered stone products, supported by hands on service and expert product knowledge. Whether the client is a fabricator, an architect, or a homeowner, we are here to help them bring their vision to life.

You’ve certainly grown. How extensive is your reach today?

We currently operate 11 branches across South Africa in cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. In addition to our national presence, we have 8 international locations, which allow us to move stone quickly and efficiently across the globe. Wherever your project is located, we can support you with material and advice.

What sets Stone Connection apart from other players in the stone industry?

What makes us different is that we are not just distributors. We are directly involved in the stone mining industry. As part of the Finstone Group, we are connected to the source and understand the product from extraction to final application. While many in the industry act as middlemen, we often source directly from our own or partner quarries. This includes materials like Zimbabwe Black and Virginia Mist from the United States. Our ability to control quality and supply gives us a distinct advantage.

Your passion for stone seems deeply rooted. How does that passion translate into the products you provide?

Natural stone has an unmatched character. Every slab has a story. The grain pattern, the veining, the natural imperfections, these are not flaws but features that make each piece one of a kind. Formed over millions of years, that type of history is what drives my passion. When someone chooses stone, they are not just selecting a material. They are selecting something that will become part of their space for years, even decades. We honor that by treating every slab with care and respect.

Let’s talk about Nero Impala®. It’s a name we often hear associated with Stone Connection. Why is that?

Nero Impala® is our registered name for the Rustenburg material we supply. Not every Rustenburg slab qualifies. Only the ones that meet our strict quality criteria earn the Nero Impala® name. We assess each piece for consistent grain and specific color characteristics before we label it. That commitment to consistency and excellence is what gives the name its value.

With such a strong portfolio, how do you ensure each customer still feels valued?

Customer service is at the core of everything we do. We treat every project with the same level of attention and care, no matter the size. Our team is trained not just to sell, but to guide and inform. We take the time to understand what each customer needs, and if we do not have it on hand, we use our global network to try and source it. That level of service is what keeps our clients coming back.

Finally, what can customers expect when working with Stone Connection?

They can expect a partner. We are here to help make your dream project happen. If you need something unique or hard to find, we will do everything we can to locate it through our branches and contacts worldwide. We bring passion, product knowledge, and global reach to the table so your project can move forward with confidence and ease.