S2RC Featured in Phoenix Business Journal for Bringing Defense-Grade Training to Arizona’s Semiconductor Sector

Stone Solutions and Research Collective, LLC (S2RC), a Phoenix-based Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and SBA 8(a) certified firm, was recently featured in the Phoenix Business Journal for its work bringing training practices developed in high-stakes defense environments into Arizona’s growing semiconductor sector.

In defense, training is never a checkbox. People perform the way they train, and the cost of getting it wrong is measured in mission failure. S2RC applies that same standard to advanced manufacturing, where workforce readiness increasingly determines production quality, safety, and throughput.

For semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers, S2RC’s capabilities support workforce onboarding, task-specific training, equipment and maintenance procedures, technical documentation, and point-of-need access to approved information.

“The semiconductor industry is scaling faster than its training pipeline,” said Rick Stone, Founder and CEO of S2RC. “Our team has spent decades preparing people to perform under conditions where failure is not an option. That discipline translates directly to the fab floor, the supply chain, and every technical role in between.” 

S2RC’s recent selection for the PropelAZ Semiconductor Supplier Program provides the company a focused avenue to understand the sector’s requirements firsthand and prepare to meet future supplier needs.

The tools behind this work are already proven. S2RC’s MATRIX training platform, developed under an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award, is now being recommended for the Department of War (DoW) Accelerated Research for Transition (ART) program. Alongside the company’s Skill Point System, these platforms deliver training that gets workers proficient faster and safer, with skills that transfer to the floor on day one.

The full Phoenix Business Journal article is available at https://bizj.us/1qql1o

About S2RC

At Stone Solutions + Research Collective (S2RC), our essence lies in pioneering innovation within emerging and disruptive technologies. As a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and 8(a) firm, we are dedicated to delivering bespoke, cutting-edge solutions that give our clients a competitive edge. Our elite team of Subject Matter Experts spearheads this mission, merging in-depth research, advanced engineering, and comprehensive training into a unified strategy. This approach equips our clients with the foresight and skills necessary to lead and thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. At S2RC, we don’t just adapt to the future; we shape it.

Anthony Lavazza

VP, Operations

Anthony Lavazza serves as Vice President of Operations at S2RC, bringing over 20 years of expertise in military safety, federal regulatory compliance, and industrial training. He leads S2RC’s operational strategy for its growing Industrial Solutions division, overseeing the delivery of risk-mitigating safety programs, deployment of digital training platforms, and implementation of compliance systems across critical infrastructure and manufacturing environments.

Before joining S2RC, Anthony founded National Safety Group, where he directed high-impact safety engagements for semiconductor and infrastructure clients. His public sector experience includes serving as a Compliance Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA), where he was responsible for the enforcement of federal safety regulations across construction, energy, and logistics sectors.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Anthony served more than a decade as a Ground Safety Manager and Bulk Fuel Specialist. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and OSHA Outreach Instructor. His academic background includes a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Arizona State University.

Anthony’s appointment reinforces S2RC’s commitment to modernizing workplace safety systems through AI-enabled training platforms and ergonomic human-machine interface development. His leadership supports safer, smarter, and more efficient industrial operations across the logistics, manufacturing, and infrastructure domains

Rick Stone

CEO & Founder, S2RC

Rick Stone leads S2RC with over 22 years of experience across government, military, and aerospace sectors. A proven executive and human systems engineer, Rick shapes S2RC’s strategic vision, fosters leadership and team building, and drives innovation and growth.

In addition to his role at S2RC, Rick continues to serve as an Air Force Special Warfare Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). He has also held leadership roles as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Black Diamond Advanced Technology and Director of Business Development at Pison Technologies. Beyond these responsibilities, Rick sits on the boards of several startups, providing strategic guidance and leveraging his extensive operational experience.

Rick holds a Master of Science in Human Systems Engineering from Arizona State University, a BA in Psychology from American Military University, and an associate degree in information technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He maintains a TS/SCI Clearance, FAA Part 107 License, SAFe Agilist Certification, and is a native Spanish speaker. Reflecting his passion for service and community impact, Rick supports veterans’ and children’s charities.