When you talk to Ed Rothstein, one thing becomes clear right away: for him, this is more than just a job.
As part of the production team at Sunburst Memorials, part of Scipi Companies, Ed plays a hands-on role in preparing memorials as they move through production. From patching stone after stencil work, to preparing pieces for pre-frost and sandblasting, to helping mentor newer team members on the line, his work helps ensure every memorial reflects the care and craftsmanship families deserve.
But what has kept Ed at Sunburst for years goes far beyond the work itself.
After spending 13 years in the granite industry, Ed knew the work well. What he was still searching for was the right culture. When he found Sunburst, he quickly realized something felt different.
“This place just felt right,” Ed shared. “You’re treated like family. We laugh together, cry together, and celebrate together.”
That sense of family became especially meaningful during one of the most difficult moments in his life. When Ed’s son, Curtis, passed away, the Sunburst team showed up — not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Production paused, and coworkers came simply to support him and his family.
“That meant everything,” Ed said.
Moments like that are what define employee ownership at Scipi Companies. It’s not just something on paper. It’s reflected in how people care for one another.
Over time, Ed has also come to deeply understand the impact of being part of an ESOP. As he became fully vested, he began to see both the financial value and the larger purpose behind employee ownership — how it connects to company performance, daily accountability, and long-term growth.
“You start to see your piece of the pie grow,” he said. “You realize you truly have a stake in this.”
For Ed, though, ownership is about more than financials.
“Being appreciated is huge,” he shared. “It’s not always about things — it’s about being personally appreciated. A ‘great job’ or acknowledgment means a lot.”
That culture of recognition — celebrating wins, affirming one another, and valuing every person’s contribution — is part of what makes ownership feel real day-to-day.
One of the most rewarding parts of Ed’s journey has been mentoring others. Over the years, he has helped train team members who have since grown into experienced leaders themselves — and are now passing that knowledge on to the next generation.
Watching that ripple effect happen is something he takes a great deal of pride in. To Ed, it is a reminder that ownership is not just about individual success. It is about building something lasting together.
The ESOP has also changed how he thinks about the future. It has provided confidence and peace of mind as he looks ahead to retirement — something he knows would look very different without employee ownership.
“It allows us to enjoy life more — travel, spend time together. It takes away a lot of stress.”
For newer employee owners, Ed offers simple but meaningful advice — wisdom originally passed down from his father: “Think about your work as a privilege. They didn’t have to hire you — they chose you. Show up, work hard, and take pride in what you do. They believed in you, so prove them right.”
Outside of work, Ed enjoys gardening, spending time with his wife Sharon, and sharing a few memorable stories — including a Wendy’s Frosty run that ended with a car in the ditch and a very green front hood.
At the end of the day, Ed’s story reflects what makes Sunburst special: people who show up for one another, take pride in their work, and genuinely share in something bigger than themselves. Because at Scipi Companies, ownership is not just a benefit. It’s personal.
