History

Sherman Cochran founded Cochran’s Inc., a wholesale granite brokerage company, in 1976.  In 1984, Cochran's moved to our current location on Blackwell Street in Barre, Vermont.

In 1987, Cochran's began marketing computerized CAD systems for cutting sandblast stencil and then opened a fully-automated sandblast in 1989. We can now easily shape-carve over 100 monuments a week with only a few sandblast workers. 

We were the first to introduce laser etchings to the monument industry in 1995. As the demand for laser-etchings increased, there was a need for large quantities of quality black granite, and we began importing granite colors from India and China.  Cochran's acquired a second warehouse to inventory over 2,000 imported monuments in the most popular shapes and sizes.

Sherm and Diane have since retired (mostly!) and the next generation is working hard to continue the family business. Their daughter, Shelley Cochran, is now the company's Vice-President. In 2018 she lead to company toward branching out in new directions, providing education for the industry and selling monuments retail. 

CAD SOFTWARE

Software has come a long way since our founding! In 1987 - Cochran's Quick Cut software was a DOS based system, which has evolved to Cochran's Monumental Designer CAD 2019.

Sandblast

1989 - Automated & streamlined sandblast operation opened. Our operation now includes 2 computerized Cochran's Sandman sandblast curtains.

LASER ETCHING

In 1995 Cochran's was first to introduce laser etching to the monument industry. We now etch approximately 700 monuments per year with our 12 foot Cochran's Laser Etching System.

Our stone

We began as a domestic brokerage, and in 1995 expanded to import as well. We now offer over 100 granite colors for your monument needs.