Julie Rizzo

As a granite countertop consultant, Julie would regularly walk past the shop dumpster and notice all of the incredibly beautiful granite and marble that was being thrown away. Unfortunately, up to 30% of granite slabs are disposed of because they are not large enough to create a countertop. So she started to dumpster dive and pick out various granite scraps to create mosaic projects. Bound and determined, she knew there was a better way to make use of those millions of pounds of granite scraps that are thrown away every day by granite fabricators.

In 2009, Recycled Granite was born! After years of research, she established methods, machinery, and markets to recycle scrap granite. Her drive, determination and diligence have taken her across the globe.

Recycled Granite been recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record twice. Julie sits on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Green Building Council (NWI) and the Midwest Ecological Landscape Alliance. She is honored as a Fellow in the prestigious Society of Innovators and has won many awards including: Most Influential Woman, Working Woman of the Year, Indiana Torchbearer, Green Light Hall of Fame, and many more.

Julie has also established the Green Abilities program. Individuals with disabilities (mental and physical) go through a Recycled Granite Artisan apprentice certification. The program brings out their inner abilities and teaches them how to specifically work with recycled granite waste. To date, she has certified over 75 individuals and has made ground-breaking discoveries.