OUR TEAM
FRANK LOCONTE
President & CEO
Frank began his career in the construction industry as an apprentice cement mason in 1982, after completing four years as a non-commissioned officer in the US Air Force. From there, Frank soon became a journeyman and, eventually, a foreman. Working in these capacities allowed him to learn all aspects of the business from the ground up.
In 1984, Frank started a small masonry restoration company and quickly became the preferred subcontractor for NER Construction. In 1989, NER Construction acquired Frank’s company and he joined Richard Sylvester, NER’s co-founder, full-time. During his first few years at NER, Frank attended Northeastern University where he studied Construction Management. Today, with 40 years of experience and knowledge, Frank now leads FINA Stoneworks, LLC. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf in Naples, Florida or at his home in Rangeley, Maine.
GUY FODERA
Senior VP and General Manager
Bringing extensive experience with him, Guy Fodera joined FINA in June of 2014. In charge of Business Development, he is also tasked with Purchasing, Project Management, Estimating, Office Management, IT, and Marketing.
Guy owned and operated his own business right out of high school and broadened his knowledge base with hands-on experience working in stone fabrication and slab distribution. In his spare time, he loves cooking, boating, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He likes to travel to Italy as often as possible for business and pleasure.
RANDY CONAWAY
Business Development Manager
Randy Conaway has worked as FINA’s Business Development Manager since 2019. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the lightweight natural stone industry as well as commercial construction. In his current role, Randy works directly with architects, designers, building owners, contractors, and installers on a wide range of projects that utilize FINA’s natural stone panels.
Randy began his career in structural engineering at VSL Corporation, a global leader in engineering and construction of post- and pre-tension systems. After more than nine years at VSL, Randy took on a new role at Stone Panels, Inc., a manufacturer of natural stone panel systems. While at Stone Panels, he quickly recognized the versatility and benefits of using lightweight stone panel systems in many different applications. His previous experience also includes business development roles at Bellcomb Technologies, Inc. and Panel Installers LTD.
A resident of Minneapolis, Randy enjoys spending time with family and friends, and he is an avid golfer and cyclist.
LAVERN CHAMNESS
Sales Manager
Lavern Chamness has worked in the natural stone industry for more than 30 years. In his current role as a Sales Manager for FINA, Lavern works directly with designers and contractors in the elevator industry to provide them with lightweight natural stone panels for elevator cab interiors. Prior to joining the FINA team, he held sales management and account executive positions at Stone Panels International, Bellcomb Technologies, and Stone Panels, Inc. Lavern holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from Southern Illinois University.
LEANDRO JORGE
Estimator
Leandro Jorge has over 20 years’ experience in the natural stone industry, and has worked as an Estimator at FINA since 2016. In his current role, Leandro’s responsibilities include project coordination, creating shop drawings for approval and construction, pricing and production, as well as customer and supplier relations. His prior experience includes CAD drawings, estimate calculation, project coordination, production management, and template production. Leandro holds a degree in accounting from the State University of Maringa in Brazil.
When he’s not working, Leandro likes to spend time with family, especially his three children. He also enjoys visiting restaurants and staying with friends. A sports enthusiast, he loves watching soccer. During summertime, Leandro spends nearly every weekend at a beach.
DEBORAH NICHOLS
Purchasing Assistant
Debbie Nichols has worked as FINA’s Purchasing and Project Management Assistant since 2017. She was hired originally to assist the facilities manager with the ordering of consumables for the field as well as handle the department’s paperwork. Now serving as FINA’s Purchasing and Project Management Assistant, she works closely with outside vendors in the purchasing of consumables and approved products, as well as assisting Project Managers with project submittals.
Debbie’s previous ten years of experience with a granite company prepared her for close work with outside vendors and the other responsibilities of her position at FINA. In her spare time, she loves going to the beach, car races, and going on motorcycle rides.