The Geode Guys is a family business steeped in a love for rocks, minerals and the magic they hold. Dusty, son of Leo and Lynn, embodies the spirit of The Geode Guys and Stone Art Studios. Growing up surrounded by passionate parents who ran their own ventures, Dusty naturally veered away from the traditional eight-to-five grind. His journey, however, wasn’t simply about rejecting the corporate world; it was about embracing a legacy of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Sharing a Passion
Dusty’s story began when his father, Leo, a natural-born salesman, fell in love with rocks and Lynn, a woman with an infectious enthusiasm for sharing her passion. Together, they transformed a local lapidary into a haven for “Dragon Eggs” – unopened geodes – which they cracked open at their local Renaissance Festival with their three children employed as junior salesmen (Ryan, Dusty and Siara). Witnessing the joy customers experienced when cracking open these geological treasures, Lynn and Leo knew they had something special.
Fast forward 25 years and the “Dragon Eggs” had taken on a life of their own with the family featuring them in most of the major Renaissance festivals across the country (Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Ohio, Georgia and Minnesota). Dusty, now back from college with a business degree, envisioned a platform where people across the country could experience the thrill of geode cracking, bypassing the limitations of seasonal festivals. The Geode Guys online store was born, offering the widest selection of geodes and thundereggs, catering to both rockhounds and curious newcomers.
Quality & Personalization
What sets The Geode Guys apart is the dedication to quality and personalization. They handpick each geode, ensuring uniqueness and excitement in every crack/cut. They ensure this by including a guarantee that no one will get a Dud (solid geode). This is important because buying whole geodes online can be tricky given that there is no way to gauge the hollowness by simply looking at a picture online.
“You’re at the mercy of the integrity of whoever you’re buying from.” The Geode Guys caters to different experience levels, offering untouched specimens for the adventurous, pre-scored options for controlled openings, and even polished halves for those seeking immediate beauty. And if you simply can’t get enough of these geologic mysteries, you can even select to have them sent to you on a bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly subscription basis.
Dusty and Leo’s passion extends beyond the online realm. They dearly cherish the experiences offered through in-person shows and especially the private Lapidary Tours in Steamboat Springs. These tours allow customers to witness the magic firsthand, selecting their own geodes and learning the art of lapidary from the experts themselves.
Stone Art Studios
In contrast to The Geode Guys, their other passion, Stone Art Studios, caters to a different clientele. Leo and Dusty’s one-of-a-kind sculptures, crafted from exotic fossils and minerals, are works of art, each piece imbued with a story and a unique “aura.” These are not impulse purchases; they are sought after by discerning collectors who appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision.
Quality Over Quantity
While the internet has changed the landscape for both businesses, Dusty remains skeptical of unchecked growth. He prioritizes quality over quantity, preferring the personal touch and creative freedom that come with a smaller, more manageable operation. Father and son alike find joy in the hand-picking, the meticulous scoring/cutting, and the personal interactions that make The Geode Guys more than just a business; it’s a community of shared passion.
Looking ahead, the Duo envisions a future where The Geode Guys and Stone Art Studios continue to thrive, not by chasing profits, but by staying true to their core values. They want to expand the Lapidary Tours, offering even more people the opportunity to connect with the wonders of lapidary. And, they aim to be on the road less with Stone Art Studios to spend more time doing what they love most, which is being in the lapidary creating one-of-a-kind creations the world has never seen.
Ultimately, Dusty and Leo’s story is not just about geodes and sculptures; it’s about the power of passion, the importance of family legacy, and the joy of creating something truly special. In a world obsessed with growth and efficiency, they remind us that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found in the intimacy of a shared passion, the thrill of a well-cracked geode, and the enduring legacy of a family united by a love for rocks.
This story about the Geode Guys previously appeared in Rock & Gem magazine. Click here to subscribe. Story sponsored by The Geode Guys.
