Fernando Mammoliti knows something about sourcing natural stone. As Chief Business Development Officer at Ciot, he is an expert in the field – quite literally. Since 1988, he’s travelled the world in search of exceptional quarries and materials for Ciot’s clients.
“You need to travel the world,” says Mammoliti of the work he loves. “When I began, I attended shows in China, Italy, Portugal and Spain – fairs where many companies were gathered under one roof. I would search every aisle and look in every corner of every booth.”
In the process, he forged lasting relationships with leading suppliers while continuing to discover new sources and materials. This global network helps Ciot remain a step ahead while introducing distinctive products to homeowners, designers, architects and developers.
“Being ahead of the curve before anyone else is a competitive advantage,” he explains.
“Getting to the quarries is a difficult process, and once you arrive, you need to understand the material,” says Mammoliti. “When you’re buying a raw block, you need to be able to recognize what may be inside. When you can do that, you have the advantage of getting ahead of the competition.”
For Ciot, relationships are everything. The company regularly guides architects, designers and developers through the sourcing process, whether the material is being selected for a private residence or a multimillion-dollar commercial development.
“It’s not uncommon for us to travel with clients to Italy, meet the quarry owners, visit the quarry and identify the right material,” Mammoliti explains. “We then select the actual blocks that will be used. It gives the client a deeper connection to the material and ensures the selection is right for the project.”
Natural stone or advanced surfaces?
At Ciot, quality is non-negotiable. However, the right surface is not necessarily the same for every client or every project. Lifestyle, application, design preferences and maintenance expectations are all considered.
Natural stone is extracted from the earth in blocks and cut into slabs. Marble, travertine, quartzite and granite are valued for their beauty, character and longevity. No two slabs are exactly alike, and each one carries a geological history formed over thousands – or even millions – of years.
The care required varies according to the type of stone, its finish and where it is installed. Some natural stones may require periodic sealing to help protect its beauty from daily routines, while others are well suited to more demanding applications.
Ciot’s extensive knowledge of natural stone has also helped the company develop, influence and curate a broad range of advanced products, including quartz, porcelain, sintered stone and mineral surfaces.
Depending on its composition, these materials offer benefits such as visual consistency, durability and easy maintenance. They are available in a wide selection of patterns, thicknesses, colours and textures, providing options for countertops, backsplashes, fireplaces, furniture, walls and a variety of interior and exterior surfaces.
The Ciot Slab Galleria experience
Walking into a Ciot Slab Galleria, visitors are surrounded by an extraordinary selection of natural stone and advanced surfaces sourced from around the world. Choosing a slab can initially feel overwhelming. That is where Ciot’s experienced product specialists come in.
The process begins with questions. Where will the material be installed? How will the room be used? Will the surface be exposed to heavy traffic, heat or frequent spills? What colours and finishes already exist within the home? How much maintenance is the client comfortable with?
The answers help the team narrow the possibilities and guide the client toward the most appropriate material. The objective is not simply to sell a slab; it’s to help the client make an informed decision that balances performance, beauty and lifestyle.
What’s new at Ciot
Innovation has always been central to Ciot’s approach. Its latest surface collections expand the possibilities available to homeowners and design professionals. Among the newest surface offerings is FAB, a collection that includes two distinct material categories.
The FAB Quartz Collection is available in super-jumbo formats, making it possible to accommodate expansive applications with fewer seams. Its new Concrete Dual Finish collection features a polished finish on one side and a honed finish on the other, providing greater flexibility within a single slab.
Also part of the FAB family is FABLuxe Mineral Stone, featuring a zero-silica core and is available in jumbo formats. The collection includes a range of contemporary colours and natural-stone-inspired designs.
From one-of-a-kind natural stone to innovative surface technology, Ciot continues to combine global expertise, thoughtful guidance and an exceptional selection of materials. With locations across Canada and the United States, it is a comprehensive destination for tile and slab solutions.