This special section highlights the inspiring women shaping the future of business in Jefferson City. From innovators to industry leaders, we showcase their journeys, challenges, and successes — showing that ambition and impact go hand in hand.
Diane and Katie | Martellaro Marble & Granite, Inc.
Custom Countertop Fabrication and Installation
What inspired you both to pursue a career in your industry, and how has that passion influenced your journey as women in business?
“Both of us could say our husbands. Jack started MMG with the help of some family members, but neither of us had ‘run a company’ on our life bingo cards. Both of us have genuine passions for the rocks and different materials that come across our paths, but ultimately, our passion lies with our families that got us started.”
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly impacted your perspective or direction?
“I think there was more of a pivotal point when we were working in healthcare (we come from similar backgrounds in the healthcare field. I was in physical therapy, and Diane was in music therapy) that led to the lens of compassion that we strive to maintain with our customers and our employees.”
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as women in business, and how have you worked to overcome them?
“Honestly, I think the biggest challenge for us is that construction is a male-dominated industry in the first place. That’s been the most frustrating hurdle we’ve come across. As far as overcoming this hurdle, we don’t think we’ve quite made it there yet. Our main goal when we are faced with adversity is to maintain kindness and compassion.”
What strategies or habits have been most effective in helping you achieve your business goals?
“We work extremely hard to ensure the absolute highest customer satisfaction. We work in a rather niche part of the construction industry that not a lot of people put much thought into until the time comes. We know it can be hard to navigate these waters, so we do our best to make it as simple and enjoyable as possible.”
If you could compare your leadership styles to any fictional character, celebrity, or TV show, who or what would it be and why?
“It probably would be Lucille Ball from ‘I Love Lucy.’ The episode always starts out with an unanticipated issue; Lucy devises an unorthodox way to solve the problem, and chaos ensues, but at the end of the day, all’s well, and we (eventually) get a good laugh from our dilemmas.”
What role has mentorship played in your careers, and how do you support and uplift the next generation of women in business?
“Diane has been an absolute treasure when it comes to teaching me how to manage this company. She’s shown so much patience and grace when it comes to getting my knowledge base established to help our company grow.”
How do you stay innovative and adaptable in a constantly changing business environment?
“Honestly, our industry is also ever-changing, so you have to keep up. With every home we do a project in is custom, we have to adapt to each one individually. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all.”
What advice would you give to women starting a business or stepping into leadership roles?
“Get it, girl! If it’s your passion, don’t hesitate. It’s going to be nerve-racking, and you’re going to constantly question your sanity, but when you put in the work and look back at how far you’ve come, it is exhilarating and humbling to know what you’re capable of.”
How do you define success in your career, and how has that definition evolved over time?
Owning and running the business makes the job bleed over into family and home life more than we would like it. We’ve always struggled to maintain a healthy work-life balance, even when we were working in healthcare. So, over the years, making sure we maintain a healthy boundary line for work and family has become the pinnacle to being successful. We run a family-owned business, but family is what makes it all worthwhile in the first place.”
573) 395-0141 | martellarorocks.com | 10011 Marina Rd., JCMO