No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. This week’s neighbor is a true local talent, known for being good with his hands. Emilio Marin went from playing football at Marathon High School to opening his own business at just 19. About three years ago, he opened Stone Specialist LCC, located behind the Marathon airport. He’s always been a hard worker with a passion for his craft. His mom, Sayeeda, says he loves his work so much that he can’t pass a stone without touching it. “It’s in his blood,” she said. For him, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of seeing a finished project. A Marathon local through and through, he loves his family and takes pride in his community.
EMILIO MARIN
Owner, Stone Specialists LLC
How did you end up in the Keys? I was born and raised here. My brother and I are actually first-generation.
What can people find you doing when you aren’t working? I just hang around with family … and eat!
What is one tool you couldn’t live without? A tape measure. I use that more than anything. Without it, I can’t do anything.
Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on? We worked on a kitchen floor-to-ceiling with calacatta stone in Big Pine about a year and a half ago. There was stone all the way up to the ceiling — you don’t see that very often. It was kind of difficult, but it was fun, too. It gave us something new to do.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I guess that I am 23 years old. Everyone thinks that I am older.
What is the best and worst part of the Keys? The worst part is the expense to live. All the locals that have been here forever have to move. The best thing is it’s so safe down here, quiet, everybody knows each other and the water, of course.
What’s one important lesson you’ve learned from your mom? To be patient and keep working hard. And your word is your word. If you say you’re going to do something, do it.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I want to get a 1969 C10 truck.
If you could have lunch with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be, and what would you eat? I would want to have lunch with my grandpa definitely, because he was a real funny guy. Tear up some crab legs.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Hypnotize” by Notorious B.I.G.
