Discover Surfaces: A Lasting Partnership Built on Trust and Innovation
Written by: Eloise Goldman | Photographed by: Dablion Agency
Cambria design shown: Portrush®
Fabrication and installation company Discover Surfaces opened outside Boston 24 years ago. It has been a Cambria partner for 22 of those years. What began as a business connection has become a trusted collaboration shaped by shared values, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence.
Early Days
Cristina and Victor DeOliveira came to the United States from Brazil with their families and were high school sweethearts before marrying. By 2001, Victor had achieved his dream of becoming a pilot—until 9/11 changed everything. With the aviation industry in flux, he pivoted to fabrication, a field he had briefly worked in before.
On December 4, 2001, he and Cristina, along with his sister Laury and brother-in-law Joao, launched a small stone-cutting business. What began as a short-term solution turned into a lasting success.
Today, Discover Surfaces operates in Millbury, MA; Fort Myers, FL; and Wallingford, CT—with 180 employees serving a growing network of residential and commercial design and construction professionals.
A Natural Fit
In 2002, a Cambria sales representative left a box of quartz samples on Victor’s desk. At the time, Discover Surfaces wasn’t yet fabricating quartz, but Victor was intrigued. A visit to a Baltimore trade show and a first shipment that quickly sold out sealed the connection.
Encouragement to Expand
At Cambria’s suggestion, Victor began considering expansion into Florida just months after opening the business, quickly recognizing the market’s strong growth opportunities. Victor’s sister Laury and brother-in-law Joao soon moved to Fort Myers to open a second location, now celebrating 20 years of operation.
Right Time, Right Market
Cristina recalls that quartz was still new to most homeowners when Discover Surfaces launched. Their company name reflected the exciting new possibilities in stone and natural quartz surfaces.
“Back then, using stone in kitchens and baths was still rare except at the ultra-luxury level,” says Victor. “But Cambria’s innovation and quality helped us grow quickly.”
First-Hand Experience
Victor has attended Cambria University™ several times and sees it as a significant advantage. “It’s an amazing program that has shaped how we operate,” he says. The company sends its managers and supervisors to the Minnesota slab manufacturing facility twice a year.
Accelerating Growth
By 2007, designers were increasingly aware of quartz, and Cambria was a standout in the market. “They positioned themselves as a luxury brand from the start,” says Victor. “They made early investments in design and technology—alloy veining, textures, and finishes no one else offered. While others diversified, Cambria focused on quartz, and that paid off.”
Staying Power
Cristina estimates that 80% of Discover Surfaces’ sales today are quartz surfaces, with Cambria leading the way. “They continue to stay ahead of trends, bringing new designs to market quickly,” she says. Among her current favorites: Remington Brass™ and Remington Steel™.
Creating a Generational Business
Victor and Cristina have long admired Cambria’s family-owned and American-made model. On one visit to the manufacturing facility, they brought eight business-owner friends who hope to build generational companies. “We got to meet with [Cambria CEO] Marty Davis and his children to discuss legacy and values,” says Victor. “That really resonated with us,” adds Cristina. “We have two children, and we share the same values around working hard and staying humble.”
Projects Close to the Heart
Among Discover Surfaces’ extensive portfolio of expertly executed commercial and residential projects, two recent endeavors resonated on a personal level.
On the commercial side: the Signature Aviation facility at Boston’s Hanscom Field Corporate Terminal, which echoed Victor’s early career as a pilot. “The project was also a testament to our long-standing partnership with Cambria,” adds Victor. “We were honored to bring it to completion.” The facility features the bold and luxurious Nadenbrook™ on vertical applications, check-in desks, and an expansive bar with a waterfall edge—all executed with precision.
On the residential side: Victor and Cristina’s Miami penthouse condo, an elegant example of nature-inspired design. The couple selected Cambria’s Portrush® for the kitchen countertops and full-height backsplash. “The moment we saw it, Portrush reminded us of the views from our condo, the serene blue ocean waves we wake up to,” says Cristina. “It felt like bringing the outside in.”
Cambria design shown: Portrush
They chose the Polished finish to highlight the kitchen’s natural light. They also opted for a 6cm mitered edge on the countertops for a bold, seamless look and a clean waterfall mitered panel on the island. Completed in early 2023, the Discover Surfaces team ensured flawless fabrication and installation using precision CNC equipment. The kitchen has since become a cherished gathering spot for quiet breakfasts and entertaining.
Envisioning the Future
Now in its third decade, Discover Surfaces remains focused on growth.
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