Markus is the Director and Founder of the Balke & Partners network, which he established in August 2010. Today, this network comprises over 200 experts specializing in the stone industry and related fields. As a sought-after speaker, Markus has presented at major global events, including the World-Stone Congresses and international conventions and fairs in Xiamen, China; Middle East Big 5 in Dubai, UAE; Verona, Italy; and many more. He is a member of the IMC Institute of Management Consultants USA, the APC Association of Professional Consultants, and the National Stone Association NSI, reflecting his active involvement and recognition in prestigious industry organizations. Additionally, Markus is the creator of the Quarry Portal, the world’s only dedicated marketplace for buying and selling quarries and natural resources. Launched in May 2010, this platform operates under quarryforsale.com and steinbruchverkauf.de, offering an invaluable resource to industry professionals worldwide.

Joseph is a seasoned management professional and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in mining, building materials, consumer goods, services, and manufacturing. His expertise includes strategy, business planning, investment management, negotiation, and business development. He is an engineer with three postgraduate degrees in environmental law, marketing, and manufacturing. He holds advanced certifications in investment law, business valuation, change and conflict management, and entrepreneurship. He is a certified corporate director from the Institute of Directors, with hands-on experience in building mining businesses, establishing marketing networks, and working with a wide range of investors in incubating, building, and scaling businesses in the mining, minerals, and metals sectors. He also holds a diploma in PR and advertising and has worked extensively in branding and marketing commodities. He was motivated to join Balke & Partners and lead their Asia operations due to Markus’ values, collaborative approach, and visionary commitment to leveraging their combined expertise in the sustainable monetization of natural resources.

Marilena has been an active lawyer in Greece since 2011, holding degrees in Economics and a Master’s in Commercial and Business Law. She possesses extensive legal experience across civil, commercial, business, administrative, and criminal law, and provides a range of legal advisory and compliance services. As a certified Data Protection Officer (DPO), Marilena has significant experience in GDPR and privacy consulting, having managed numerous GDPR compliance projects. She also holds certifications in internal audit, internal controls, and risk management (COSO IC, COSO ERM), and has successfully led both national and international projects focused on the implementation of internal control systems. Her expertise spans compliance, risk management, contract law, legal documentation, and investment law related to natural resources. Marilena was drawn to Balke & Partners due to its ability to tailor diverse solutions to clients’ needs, its methodical approach, and its deep expertise in the natural stone industry. She sees this alignment as an ideal opportunity to contribute her skills effectively to the firm’s projects and initiatives.

James is an expert in mineral processing, with extensive knowledge of both physical and chemical processes, including crushing, screening, washing, grinding, separation, flotation, and high-temperature treatments. With over 20 years of experience working in both Brazilian and German companies, he has developed a solid foundation in the field. Throughout his career, James has gained extensive experience in research, operations, project management, strategic planning, and sales, particularly in middle to large multinational corporations. He specializes in managing international turn-key projects (EPC contracts), where he expertly oversees technical specifications, conducts cost comparisons, designs logistics solutions, and performs thorough risk assessments. In his previous role as a project and sales manager for New Equipment and Industrial Plant Business, he focused on the service aspects for the mining, mineral processing, and cement industries. With a particular focus on South America and Lusophone countries, he brings a unique multicultural perspective to his work. He holds a doctorate in the calcination of limestone, further establishing his expertise in mineral processing.

With 25 years of executive management experience in multinational companies within the cement, concrete, and industrial minerals sectors, Henning has held significant roles, including CEO of SMA Magnesia AS and production and market responsibilities for SMA Mineral AB in Europe. In these positions, he partnered with industry leaders such as Omya, Heidelberg Cement, and Carmeuse. As an international entrepreneur with a deep passion for industrial minerals, Henning has successfully initiated and led large-scale mineral and industrial projects across Scandinavia, West Africa, and the West Indies. He recently completed a COO mandate for Heidelberg Cement AG in Ghana, further extending his impact in the industry. Henning holds an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management as well as a degree in Geology, and he is recognized for his expertise in concrete technology and mineral processing. He has joined Balke & Partners’ Stone Expert Alliance with enthusiasm, looking forward to sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with the team.

Francis is a dedicated professional with deep expertise in the transaction of quarries, pits, and mining-related properties, bringing a unique combination of real estate acumen and valuation skills to the mining and stone industries. He has extensive experience in real estate management, specializing in property acquisitions, asset dispositions, and the valuation of quarries and mining sites, all while maintaining a strong understanding of regulatory and environmental factors. Previously, Francis worked in the Real Estate Management Division of a municipal government body, where he managed complex assets and infrastructure. He also served as a Marketing Director at a digital marketing agency, a role that broadened his skill set and enhanced his versatility. Currently, he is pursuing the P. App., AACI designation through the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia, further solidifying his qualifications in real estate appraisal and valuation. Fluent in both English and Korean, he offers a multicultural perspective that helps clients navigate the intricacies of the mining and stone industries. He was motivated to join Balke & Partners to leverage his expertise in real estate and valuation, supporting clients in making well-informed decisions about investments in quarry and mining properties.

Eduardo graduated in Business Administration from the prestigious National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and is a seasoned expert in Sales and Marketing, with additional studies abroad that have enriched his skill set. Passionate about inspiring and motivating others, Eduardo is one of Mexico’s most recognized speakers and trainers in the fields of Productivity and Personal Improvement. He is the author of the bestselling books “SI SE PUEDE” and “RELÁCIONATE Y VENDE,” which have sold over 150,000 copies and served as an inspiration to countless readers. As the founder of a movement dedicated to empowering sales professionals, Eduardo created the “Relate and Sell” model, which focuses on guiding salespeople to effectively counsel their clients. Through his nationwide workshops, seminars, and training programs, he has helped countless entrepreneurs and sales professionals achieve their goals. He was also a part of the founding group of the Century 21 Real Estate Network in Mexico, where he recognized real estate as one of the top investment opportunities. His decision to join Balke & Partners stems from his belief in the wealth-generating potential of natural stone and quarry investments, seeing them as a powerful resource grounded in the Earth’s natural abundance.

Jorge is a seasoned mining professional with decades of experience, particularly in management, advisory, and operational roles, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the industry. Currently, he serves as an operational advisor for MGA Mining Contractor in Durango, a role he has held since January 2021, and is an entrepreneur and advisor to several mining companies, including a project in Pinos Zac. In his past experience, he was the General Manager for Farallón Minera Mexicana S.A. de C.V., where he managed a $200 million underground mining operation with a capacity of 2,500 tons per day. He has also consulted for major mining projects, including Teckcominco and National Gold, and oversaw negotiations and project sales, such as the successful $94 million sale of the Peñasquito project in Zacatecas. He has led numerous international mining projects across Latin America, providing consulting expertise to companies like Nyrstar N.V. and Baramin S.A. de C.V. With extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, he has played a key role in evaluating and performing due diligence on major mining companies, including Hecla Mining, Coeur d’Alene, and Viceroy. As a passionate advocate for community relations and sustainable development, Jorge focuses on fostering positive relationships with local communities in mining areas. Known for his operational excellence, he has led both open-pit and underground mining operations with a strong commitment to productivity and safety standards.