Hess Pumice Products: Putting People First for Nearly 70 Years

Courtesy of Hess Pumice Products

In the 1950s, a farmer in southeastern Idaho noticed that whenever he tilled his ground, a small amount of white soil would surface. So he had a newly graduated civil engineer named Marvin Hess test the substance, and it was discovered that the land was rich with high-grade pumice. Similar to the black gold of oil, pumice is a valuable natural resource that can be used in the creation of a variety of products, including cinderblocks, television screens, soap and skin care. 

Marvin Hess’ father, Marion, owned a local construction business and had the equipment needed for excavating the pumice. A partnership was established with the farmer, and in 1958, Hess Pumice Products was formed in Malad City, ID. 

Nearly 70 years later, the company continues to operate as a family-owned business, providing pumice to customers throughout the world and a steady source of employment to workers throughout southeastern Idaho. 

aristotoo

“Pumice is kind of a niche market, and nature has blessed us with this resource right here in our community,” says current CEO Mike Hess Sr., son of Marvin Hess. “Mining and milling work takes a pretty strong work ethic, and we have so many hard-working folks who live in these communities and want to stay here where their family is from.” 

Hess Pumice Products is now a well-established part of that community. Mike Hess Sr. has five children (including two who work for the company) and 23 grandchildren, and they all continue to call southeastern Idaho their home. 

“This business gives us an opportunity to stay in a place that we love and build something we can continue to grow and pass along to the next generation,” Hess says. “And our community benefits from it. We live and rub shoulders with everyone in the community, so the first people we want to see succeed is our community. 

“It’s just a great opportunity to have a business in a small community like this, where the people really count,” Hess says. “As long as our first concern is about the people, then everything is going to turn out right. Because it’s the people who make it work.” 

For more information about Hess Pumice Products, visit hesspumice.com.