Harry Burgos, Owner of CNB Renovations in Ladson, S.C., has been in the tile industry for about four years. But already, he is staking a claim to excellence through education, choosing to be a humble leader for fellow tradespeople, a source of reliable information for consumers and contractors, and helping to forge a clearer path for Spanish-speaking contractors through initiatives underway at NTCA.
Operating boom trucks led to work as a handyman and remodeler for Burgos. The latter introduced him to tile, where he became “fascinated with the combination of craftsmanship, precision, creativity, and technical knowledge involved,” he shared.
Hungry for knowledge, Burgos has taken a deep dive into learning. “One thing this industry has taught me is how much more there always is to learn,” he said. That mindset is part of what separates CNB Renovations. “I don’t ever want to reach a point where I think I know everything. We invest heavily in education, training, industry standards, and improving our installation methods,” he said, adding, “The more I learn, the more I realize how deep this trade really goes.”
And he is willing to share this information, “using social media to educate homeowners and other contractors about proper installation methods and the reasoning behind them,” he noted.
CNB Renovations
Today, CNB Renovations specializes in residential remodeling throughout the Charleston, S.C., area, with a primary focus on bathroom remodels and custom showers, plus flooring, kitchen renovations, and other residential remodeling projects.
“Tile has become a major specialty for us, particularly shower systems, waterproofing, large-format tile, and technical installations where proper preparation and attention to detail really matter,” he explained.
Burgos balances being a business owner with being a craftsperson. He’s transitioned from “wearing every hat” as a small-business owner to creating systems, delegating and stepping into the role of an owner, while continuing to grow as an installer.
He tackles rising material costs, scheduling challenges, and customer expectations through communication, education, and constantly improving processes.
“2026 has been a year of growth for me personally and professionally,” he said. “I’m trying to become a better contractor while also building CNB Renovations into a stronger company.”
Why NTCA?
Burgos joined NTCA last year to capitalize on the education that NTCA offers.
“I wanted to surround myself with people who had more experience than me and learn from contractors who take the craft seriously,” he said. “The NTCA gave me access not only to technical information and training, but to people who have spent decades in this industry.”
Burgos said this “helps accelerate growth while also giving me opportunities to share what I’ve learned with others coming up behind me.”
Though he considers himself a student of the trade, and is deeply grateful for all he can learn, he also has information to share.
“You don’t need 20 or 30 years in the industry before you have something valuable to contribute,” he said. “Sometimes newer contractors bring a different perspective, different ways of communicating, and different ideas about how we can reach the next generation of installers.”
He’s putting that principle into practice by becoming an NTCA Regional Director for Region 3 (NC, SC, and GA) next month at Tile Solutions Plus. He sees it as an opportunity to learn and contribute at the same time.
Reaching Spanish-speaking contractors
As a Hispanic contractor himself, one of the things Burgos is passionate about is reaching Spanish-speaking installers to build relationships, create education that feels accessible for this population, and show Spanish-speaking contractors they have a place in organizations like NTCA.
“There are incredibly talented installers throughout this country who may not have the same access to technical education, business resources, training, or industry relationships simply because much of that information has historically been presented in English,” he said. He’d like to see education, mentorship, representation and, ultimately, pathways created for more of those contractors to become educators and leaders themselves.
This exciting and important process is already underway. Burgos is working with the NTCA on several efforts aimed at better connecting with and supporting Spanish-speaking contractors. (See this month’s Comunidad Latino Business story.)
Making the vision concrete
Burgos finds tremendous satisfaction when he stands back at the end of a project and looks at something that started as an idea, a drawing—or sometimes just an empty room—and realizes he built it with his hands.
“Tile is unforgiving. Details matter. A decision you make early in an installation can affect something several steps later, so when everything finally comes together, there’s a real sense of accomplishment,” he said.
Satisfaction doesn’t end with what he creates with tile, but encompasses how he helps others learn.
“Four years ago, I was the guy searching for answers and trying to figure out the right way to do things,” he said. “I still am, in many ways. The difference now is that sometimes I’m also the person someone else reaches out to with a question.
“Being able to continue learning while passing along what I’ve already learned is probably one of the things I enjoy most about where this career is taking me,” he concluded.
Lesley Goddin has been writing and journaling since her first diary at age 11. Her journey has taken her through a career in publishing and publicity, landing her the editor position of TileLetter and its special publications in 2006. Her goal is to educate, inspire, recognize and encourage those in the tile industry -- especially the tile and stone contractor.
