Meet the Team
Sean Manning, a well-known local artist and the owner and founder of Buffalo Stadium Stones, purchased giant circular rocks excavated from beneath the new Buffalo Football Stadium for a waterfall exhibit at his WNY art studios.
When a small piece broke off, he carried it in his pocket and noticed after a few days that it had turned from grey to jet black from the oil on his hands. His wife and co-founder,
Laura Jean, researched the rock and discovered a public engineering report detailing the stadium bedrock’s geology and history, revealing an amazing story behind it.
They realized these rocks belonged in the hands of Buffalo Football Fans. They gathered together an amazing team of professionals, and by crushing the Rocks into smaller pieces, a collection of Rub Rocks, Jewelry & Collectibles was crafted...Straight from the Pit!!!
Buffalo Stadium Stones was born in 2024 to help raise funds for worthy causes through Community Partners.
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Owners & Philanthropists
Sean & Laura Jean Manning
Sean & Laura Jean Manning are owners of Freedom Run Winery. Sean is a well known artist, with substantial art in the 9/11 Memorial
Museum in NYC. They co-founded Buffalo Stadium Stones to put Rock into the hands of Buffalo football fans and to help raise funds for worthy causes.
Production Lead & Rock Specialist
Rich Hahn
Rich Hahn, owner of Hahn’s Ponds, used his creativity and innovation to develop a system to refine, polish, and sort the stadium rock, transforming it into Rub Rocks, Jewelry & Collectibles for Buffalo fans.
Production & Fulfilment Manager
Jennifer Ziemendorf
Jennifer Ziemendorf helped to develop the hand crafted Rub Rocks, Jewelry & Collectibles and oversees production and fulfillment at Buffalo Stadium Stones, while also working at Hahn’s Ponds.
Director of Public Relations
Robin Shipman
Robin Shipman leads public relations and community outreach at Buffalo Stadium Stones. She helps build strong relationships with media, local organizations, charities, partners and the Buffalo community by helping to share the story and grow Buffalo Stadium Stones.
Marketing & Social Media
Hannah LaVigne
Hannah LaVigne, owner and head designer of Sage James Creative, brings her passion for small businesses, creativity, community, and storytelling to Buffalo Stadium Stones, leading the brand’s marketing, social media, and design efforts. #GOBILLS!
Marketing & Philanthropy Advisor
Del Reid
Del Reid, co-founder of the #BillsMafia movement and co-owner of 26 Shirts, brings his marketing expertise and passion for giving back to Buffalo Stadium Stones. He helps guide marketing efforts and will expand the brand’s apparel and lifestyle offerings to raise funds for charitable causes.
Legal Advisor
Terry C. Burton
Terry C. Burton brings over 40 years of legal experience, specializing in corporate and commercial transactions. With a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from SUNY Buffalo, he provides guidance to support Buffalo Rock Pile’s growth and operations.