MEDIA CONTACT:
Esther Perman/Eva Baran
E-mail:
esther@veederperman.com /
eva@veederperman.com
Voice: 212.966.3759 ext.207; 212.966.3759 ext.251
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DIY NETWORK’S “ROCK SOLID” EXPERTS TO APPEAR AT COVERINGS 2007
Chicago, IL, Monday, March 19th 2007 - DIY Network’s popular home improvement series Rock Solid is coming to Coverings 2007.
Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns, DIY’s stone and mason craftsmen, will be trolling the aisles at McCormick Place Convention Center, from the moment the doors of the Coverings tile and stone exposition open on Tuesday, April 17 until closing on Friday, April 20, looking for new products, design inspiration and installation ideas to share with their viewers on an upcoming episode airing later this year.
The duo—stone masons, cousins, and something of a comedic team who’ve endeared themselves to a growing national audience—will be filming with a crew throughout the four-day conference and trade show. They also will take time out to greet fans for an informal meet and greet session, and will take part, as well, in Coverings’ opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., on Tuesday, April 17, presenting the annual Spectrum and Prism Awards, and total prize money of $36,000, for outstanding use of tile and stone in architectural and design projects.
Rock Solid is not the average do-it-yourself show. The program offers homeowners advice on how to use tile and stone in their building and renovation projects, as well as shows viewers each week how to build sturdy stone top tables, sensational outdoor showers, fabulous fire pits, rare rock gardens, and more! Rock Solid airs Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET on DIY Network.
For more information on DIY Network’s prime time and home improvement programming, experts, tips and cable channel designations, visit the network’s companion Web site at
DIY Network : Home Building, Home Improvement, Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening & Woodworking Projects and Videos : DIY Network. DIY Network is available in Chicago on Comcast, Ch. 121 and Wide Open West, Ch. 300; and nationwide on DISH Network Ch. 111 and DIRECTV Ch. 230.
About The Rock Solid Host Personalities…
Cousins and former comedians, Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns are stone craftsmen from the greater Boston area. It was Derek’s dad and Dean’s uncle Arthur Stearns, a master in the stone trade, who influenced the duo. As youngsters both developed strong work ethics, which set the stage for the stonework they've completed and fine-tuned over the last 25 years in the masonry business. They offer a variety of options to their clients including brick work, stucco, cultured stone, concrete and the specialized art of hand-cut stone.
In addition to their business, they hold training workshops at the Plymouth Quarries in Hingham, MA, where they teach homeowners how to create quality stonescapes and other projects to beautify their homes. Marsico and Stearns believe that everyone has the ability to do tile and stonework, and their goal is to equip people with the knowledge and confidence to tackle all levels of the trade. Even though a great deal of time and effort is spent on the job, Marsico and Stearns greatly value the time spent with their families and enjoy hobbies such as Italian cooking.
Although they have faced many difficult tasks and assignments throughout their career, both still consider having children their “greatest project yet.” Proud fathers of two children each, Marsico and Stearns place a strong emphasis on family values and traditions.
These cousins also share a love for acting and comedy. They lived in New York City together in their early 20s while acting in commercials, plays and film projects. In 2000, they moved back to Massachusetts to begin their individual families, as well as start their business together. Four years later, they began shooting Rock Solid, which continues to be a popular show on DIY Network. Although these partners may banter and kid each other on the job, make no mistake that their relationship and masonry skills are Rock Solid.
About DIY Network…
From the makers of HGTV and Food Network, DIY Network is the television source for the best know-how and how-to when it comes to any type of do-it-yourself project and is one of the fastest growing digital networks. Currently in more than 42 million homes, DIY’s programming covers a broad range of categories including home improvement, crafts and hobbies. DIY’s programs and experts answer the most sought-after questions and offer creative projects for do-it-yourself enthusiasts. DIY’s companion Web site,
DIY Network : Home Building, Home Improvement, Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening & Woodworking Projects and Videos : DIY Network, features step-by-step instructions totaling more than 15,000 projects online and averages over 2.5 million unique visitors per month.
About Coverings…
Coverings, the premier international trade show and conference dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone, has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind. Coverings features 1,200 exhibitors from more than 65 countries and attracts more than 33,000 distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and growing industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative products in the world related to tile and stone. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days. For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit
Coverings or contact NTP, Coverings Show Management, at 703.683.8500.
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