Acclaim Renovations & Design has joined with Guru Granite to dramatically alter the home renovation landscape

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Bob Potocar founded Guru Granite over a decade ago. As of today, his fabrication shop has a robust selection of more than 100 stunning stone slabs from Brazil, Italy and the U.S.

By Patricia Nugent

A recently formed strategic partnership between Acclaim Renovations & Design of Mentor and Guru Granite of Euclid expands the operations of both these successful family-owned firms, while also opening up a world of possibilities for home renovation.

“From a remodeling perspective, the integration of our expertise makes great sense,” says Bob Potocar, of Guru Granite. “As a natural stone fabricator that stocks a huge array of slabs onsite, we will be able to pass savings along to the customer and ensure fast turnaround time and quality control. Our source of strength is that Bob Gallese and I share the vision of providing the highest caliber of workmanship on every job.”

Acclaim Renovations & Design has partnered with Guru Granite CHV | $3.95 to bring customers an even better home remodeling experience. Find out how industry pros Bob Gallese (left) and Bob Potocar can spectacularly transform your space,


Blending a Richer Talent Pool
Over the decades, these companies have experienced tremendous growth on their own, adding seasoned tradesman to their staffs while welcoming younger crews, too.

Bringing Potocar on as operations manager at Acclaim Renovations is the next step. With his knowledge of granite, quartz and the industry, it’s a perfect partnership.

“We have a beneficial synergy and energy that’s exciting,” says Gallese “Our talents and disciplines overlap on many levels. Together we can close the gap between when a job begins and the countertops are delivered, which can often be a ‘pain point’ for renovations. Homeowners will see the finish line faster on our jobs than they would with other companies. They can also expect less downtime, as we don’t start a job until all the pieces and parts, from cabinetry to counters, have come in. Our combined operation will be nimble.”

Potocar founded Guru Granite over a decade ago. As of today, his fabrication shop has a robust selection of more than 100 stunning stone slabs from Brazil, Italy and the U.S.

“People like to come to our Euclid showroom to shop from the actual slabs we will use in their home,” says Potocar. “Since we buy our own inventory of slabs, unlike other places that work as consignment partners, we can offer much lower price points.”

It’s a huge win for Acclaim customers because now they not only enjoy the benefit of years of trusted craftsmanship, they also get the added bonus of exceptional granite pricing.

BEFORE:If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the island is certainly the heart of the kitchen. It checks off all the boxes for everything a dream kitchen should and could be, adding loads of counter space and storage for cooking and social time, whether entertaining crowds or creating cozy family time. Built in 1958, this gracious Mentor home’s kitchen was in dire need of an update. The client wanted to open up the room and build an island to take up major real estate. At nine feet long, it comfortably seats four, with room for many more people around it, and provides lots of workspace.
AFTER: “To make room, we extended the cabinetry and new island into the former eat-in area,” says Bob Gallese, of Acclaim Renovations & Design. “Clean lines and a modern esthetic were design inspirations for this homeowner, so we chose white-on-white cabinetry and sleek quartz countertops in Carrara Morro by MSI. For a luxurious and dramatic effect, we took the stonework down the sides to the floor in a waterfall edge.”


What’s Trending in Countertops?
The real estate market is very strong in Northeast Ohio, and that confidence lends itself to people investing in their homes.

“Homeowners are looking for durability and gorgeous looks with natural stone,” says Potocar. “Quartz has edged out granite a bit in popularity. Made from ground quartz, thanks to technological advancements, we are seeing more patterns and colors coming out all the time to appeal to a wider audience. People like that they don’t have to seal it and also don’t have to worry about stains or scratches.”

He says they don’t really have a number one seller, per se, because there are so many individual choices.

“Countertop selection is very personal,” he says. “Overall, in terms of kitchen colors, whites are still the most popular. People are also taking their islands darker with cabinetry and countertops and leaving the perimeter cabinetry white. We are seeing lots of complementary colors in grays and blues.”

Bob Gallese of Acclaim Renovations has joined forces with Bob Potocar of Guru Granite to provide a one-stop home remodeling experience.


Getting Your Nest Ready for Winter
With the streamlined partnership between Acclaim and Guru Granite, if you’re thinking about pulling the trigger now on a kitchen or bath renovation, you can have your dream home ready for spending lots of time indoors this winter.

According to Gallese, 2021 has been one of their busiest on record. And, after more than 40 years in business, he should know.

“People are taking stock of their home more than ever and are willing to invest in it with remodeling,” he says. “I would say functionality is key. People are simply expecting more from every room. Spaces are being repurposed to fit the owner’s unique lifestyle. We’re refashioning workspaces in unexpected areas of homes, since people are going into the office less frequently.”

Acclaim Renovations & Design is located at 8550 East Avenue in Mentor. The design-build firm has won numerous industry awards. Call 440-974-8082 or visit AcclaimReno.com.

Categories: Eastside Home & Garden