For five generations and over a century of business, the Braen Family has been involved in the construction materials industry.  From producing hot mix asphalt and ready-mix concrete to operating quarries and sand pits, there are very few facets of the industry that the Braen Family has not been involved with at some time or another.

The history of the family business began in the late 1800’s.  Samuel Braen started his first enterprise in the area known as the “Valley of the Rocks,” located near the Paterson/Totowa, New Jersey border.  Soon thereafter, Braen established quarry locations in Paterson; Hawthorne; Suffern, New York; and Riverdale.  In 1904, the company was incorporated, beginning decades of growth and expansion.

From Samuel Braen, the business passed to his son, Abram and then to Abram’s two sons, Samuel Sr. and John.  For many years the two worked side-by-side, accumulating quarries, sand & gravel pits, hot mix asphalt plants, and ready-mix concrete sites throughout Northern New Jersey and Lower New York State.  Both Samuel Sr. and John remained actively involved in the industry, each developing their own business empires.

Samuel Braen, Jr. entered the business, under the tutelage of his father, Samuel Braen, Sr.  For years Samuel Jr. worked with Sr. learning the nuances of the industry.  Later Samuel Jr. assumed the helm of the Braen business interests.  

With his mother, Frances and wife, Janet, Samuel Jr. established Stone Industries, Inc. in 1977.  Stone Industries, Inc. produces a wide range of aggregates from its trap rock quarry, operates two hot mix asphalt plants, and as a New Jersey “Class B” permit holder, processes recycled block, brick, concrete, and asphalt.  

Samuel Jr.’s vision and perseverance enabled Stone Industries, Inc. to grow and prosper through difficult times and business climates.  He built the Company through dedication and hard work, even with chronic medical conditions.  His passion and attention to detail was legendary, for it was Samuel Jr. that branded Stone Industries, Inc. with that infamous green shade it is known for.  Like his father before him, Samuel Jr. also introduced the two eldest of his four sons, Samuel III and Scott, to the family business in the mid 1980’s.  

In 1990, Samuel Jr. and Janet purchased Van Orden Sand & Gravel in Ringwood, New Jersey to meet a growing demand from the existing customer base.  This location produces granite gneiss aggregates and manufactured sand products that are excellent for masonry and concrete applications.

Samuel Jr. faithfully served as chairman/chief executive officer until his untimely death on December 27, 1999.  At that time, Janet assumed the position of chairwoman/chief executive officer relying on stepsons Scott and Samuel III for their knowledge of operations and of the industry. Scott and Samuel III are president/chief operating officer and production supervisor, respectively.  

Janet and Samuel Jr’s three children have also become involved in the family business. Daughter Samantha joined the Company in 2001. Currently, she serves as the Director of Human Resources.  Joshua followed suit, entering the business in 2005.  He is actively involved with Braen Supply, Inc.  Dirk joined the company in 2006, at the present time he is learning the fundamentals of production.

There is one remaining Braen child who is not currently involved in the business; Kathleen.  She and her family reside in  Southern New Jersey, where she is a schoolteacher.

Braen Supply, Inc. was formed in 2000, as a subsidiary of Stone Industries, Inc., to meet the needs of a growing customer base.  Rather than send customers elsewhere for landscape, masonry and hardware building supplies, we diversified by becoming a “one-stop” shop.  This division grew tremendously over a relatively short amount time, so much so that in 2005 we began looking for another outpost for Braen Supply, Inc.  Fortunately, we found an existing retail business with an excellent location.  Braen Supply, Inc. acquired Wanaque Supply, Inc. in May 2006 enabling us to continue to serve our valued wholesale customers at our Haledon location while providing a new retail and wholesale site in Haskell.

2006 proved to be an exciting year for the company as we formed another corporation, Braen Aggregates, LLC, to purchase a limestone quarry in Franklin, New Jersey.  Production commenced at the Franklin quarry in early 2007.  

Stone Industries, Inc., as the main business entity for many years, has won a series of awards and commendations.  In 2000, the company was honored with the “New Jersey Family Business Award” from New Jersey Monthly magazine.  The following year, Stone Industries, Inc. was recognized as one of “New Jersey’s Finest Businesses” from Business News New Jersey.  We have won numerous Rutgers Asphalt Conference Paving awards as well as honors from the National Asphalt Pavement Association.  In 2002 and 2003, Stone Industries, Inc. was the recipient of the prestigious “Diamond Achievement Award” from the National Asphalt Pavement Association.  In 2007, the Braen Family and the Braen Family of Companies was awarded the Construction/Real Estate Good Scout Award from the Northern New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America.