BEFORE + AFTER : in his element
Let’s get to know Michael Zimber: Company founder, outdoor enthusiast, globetrotter, nature-addict, and the captain of the Stone Forest ship–always navigating forward as the waves of the world ebb and flow. And as the story goes: he gave up his time on the water as a river guide soon after his mom asked, “when are you gonna get a real job?” He recalls that her timing couldn’t have been better, and thought, “if I could somehow bring what I loved about being in the wilderness into people’s homes and gardens, it might turn into a rewarding new direction. Today, over 25 years later, I have stayed true to this original concept.” Indeed. Stone Forest designs celebrate the simple beauty of natural materials.
He’s also known as “MZ”, although there’s no zzzzzz’s about this guy. He’s always a step ahead and his goal is to release six new designs every year. Surf’s up!
What’s your position at Stone Forest, and when did you start working here? OMG, since 1989.
Which Stone Forest Kitchen & Bath product gets you really jazzed up, and why? SYNC is still one of the coolest designs we’ve come up with. It’s hand-carved, modular, and works in a variety of applications.
And your favorite Garden product? Mizubachi fountains still do it for me. We created the design in 1991, and continue to make it today.
Hometown: Manhasset, NY
Alma mater: Prescott College in Arizona
Childhood hero: Tarzan
Favorite activities: Kayaking, backcountry skiing, and climbing.
Song that gets me dancing: “Roam” by the B-52’s
Signature cocktail: A cold IPA
Last meal on earth: A plate of Pad Thai at a street stall in Bangkok.
If you could have dinner with one person from history, it would be: Sir Richard Francis Burton: explorer, linguist and orientalist.
Favorite place you’ve traveled or vacationed: Burma
If you could travel anywhere in the world, you would choose to explore: Chile is perhaps next on my list.
Why Santa Fe? It attracts other weirdos like me + arts and culture + access to the outdoors.
Why is working at Stone Forest so awesome? Being around stone, water and cool, creative people.
