For our business section this month, we present three facets of The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) – the past, the future, and deepening engagement with our contractor community. This article was penned, respectively, by NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga, Deputy Director Jeremy Sax, and Assistant Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Elena Grant. Take a look at what NTCA has accomplished in 2024, where we are headed, and how we are interacting with our members. – Lesley Goddin
Celebrating our past and planning for our future – Bart Bettiga
2024 blended transition, celebration and remembrance
In January 2024, we hired Elena Grant as our Assistant Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. And as TileLetter Publisher, she oversees our print and digital publications and our public relations department as well.
A few months later, we added professionals to our training team, and in September, Jeremy Sax officially became our Deputy Director. Elena and Jeremy are the foundation of our transition planning, as we look to grow our membership and our programming. Angie Weber joined in October to support print and digital advertising, membership, and Hispanic translations and marketing efforts.
At our annual meeting last October, we announced the retirements of Mary Shaw-Olson, Sandy Bartl-Bettiga and Mark Heinlein, with gratitude for their years of service. Mark Heinlein will be honored with our prestigious Tile Person of The Year in April at Coverings for his work in developing the NTCA training program. We also awarded NTCA Assistant Executive Director of Training, Education and Membership Jim Olson with our Ring of Honor for his many years of service to NTCA.
Transition planning for the future is underway, with arrangements being made for the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) to relocate its home office from Clemson, S.C., to the Nashville area. NTCA itself will relocate over the next few years to Nashville from Jackson, Miss., and we will plan for a new facility that will include CTEF in this long-term strategy.
As we remember the road we have taken to get where we are today, I would be remiss to not recognize the loss of Paul Dinkel, the founder of WonderBoard and a former NTCA Ring of Honor recipient. We celebrate his life and contributions to our industry.
This year, I will celebrate 23 years with NTCA, and I am proud of the legacy our staff has developed, with the incredible support of a large number of volunteer members who serve us in so many ways. We are thriving thanks to their tireless contributions and guidance.
Strategic planning and future growth for the NTCA – Jeremy Sax
The NTCA Mission Statement declares: “To offer unparalleled installation training and education to the tile industry, while fostering a supportive community for our members.”
NTCA has long been a leader in promoting professionalism, offering education, and upholding high standards for tile contracting. The association’s strategic plan will drive sustainable growth, industry innovation, and member engagement in an evolving marketplace.
NTCA commits to fostering growth and success at every stage of members’ careers with a dual focus on industry advancement and member well-being.
The strategic planning process involves input from industry stakeholders, member contractors and organizational leaders, with a goal of promoting qualified labor, improving training programs to emphasize ANSI and TCNA methods, and advocating for industry interests. At the heart of these efforts lies a commitment to create a cohesive community and deliver practical resources that truly support contractors.
NTCA’s vision for growth hinges on enhanced training and certification, elevating the vital role skilled labor plays in the tile industry. NTCA will integrate more advanced hands-on workshops and certification opportunities in its educational programs, NTCA continues its close collaboration with the CTEF, to keep members at the forefront of industry techniques and knowledge, and solidify NTCA’s role as a premier educational resource for tile contractors.
NTCA is intent on broadening its industry presence by strengthening partnerships with manufacturers, distributors, and other trade organizations to support growth of qualified labor across the tile industry. A key element of this is our nationally-recognized Five-Star Accreditation Program: inquiries for this elite contractor program have increased 33% in the last few months as NTCA is driving more ROI to it than ever before. Find out more here: https://www.tile-assn.com/page/ntca-five-star-accredited-program
Underpinning this strategic plan is our deep appreciation for our hardworking team dedicated to our contractor members, associate members (sponsors), and the industry in general. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of the NTCA, the world’s largest tile trade organization. NTCA’s strategic planning efforts reflect a clear vision: to build a stronger, more resilient industry while uplifting its members and shaping a sustainable path forward.
The Tile Pro Network Community: empowering tile professionals in a secure environment – Elena Grant
In today’s competitive world, community support is crucial – especially in technically-oriented and specialized industries like tile installation. For professionals who strive to stay ahead, master new techniques, and adapt to changing demands, a strong network of support can make all the difference.
That’s why we created the Tile Pro Network Community: an inclusive, secure platform designed to foster connection, collaboration, and growth among tile installation professionals.
This trusted space avoids the concerns over privacy, unsolicited advertising, or irrelevant content that come with regular social media platforms. Instead, the Tile Pro Network Community connects tile pros across the country in a secure, supportive environment that is focused exclusively on NTCA Members and their needs.
This environment provides opportunities for learning and skill enhancement. Members have access to a wealth of shared knowledge from the NTCA, seasoned industry veterans, and new installers bringing fresh perspectives. This support helps everyone grow both in the technical and operational aspects of their businesses.
The Tile Pro Network Community also fosters a sense of belonging. The chance to connect with others who understand the highs and lows of the job can be both inspiring and motivating. Whether it’s celebrating a job well done, overcoming challenges, or finding encouragement, having a community that “gets it” can positively impact both morale and productivity.
The Tile Pro Network Community is a secure space for tile professionals to connect, learn, and grow. Through shared experiences, valuable insights, and a supportive network, members gain more than just a place to chat – they gain a community that champions their success and fosters a culture of mutual support. The Tile Pro Network Community is here to help you succeed. Check it out now – scan the QR code or go to https://nationaltilecontractors.connectedcommunity.org/ and use your NTCA credentials to log in.
Bart Bettiga is the Executive Director of the National Tile Contractors Association. Bettiga is a member of the Board of Governors of Coverings, one the largest tradeshows in North America. He has over 30 years of experience in the tile and stone industry and has served as the NTCA Executive Director since 2002. He is a well known speaker and author on ceramic tile and natural stone distribution and installation. He oversees the financial operations of the NTCA, TileLetter and the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.
Elena Grant
Elena Grant is the Assistant Executive Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations for the National Tile Contractors Association and Publisher of its publication TileLetter. Grant has over 20 years of experience leading marketing initiatives, programs, and operational enhancement strategies. As Publisher of TileLetter, she oversees all print and digital communications for the publication.
Jeremy Sax
Jeremy Sax started his career in the tile industry, back in 1998, as the Director of Domestic Sales for Tamiami Tile in Miami, Florida. An accomplished leader with over 26 years of experience in strategic management, scaling businesses and servant leadership, Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise to NTCA. His previous roles have included significant leadership positions where he demonstrated exceptional skills in organizational growth, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement ranging from roles within Manufacturing, Distribution and most recently Private Equity.
As Deputy Director, Sax will be instrumental in supporting NTCA’s objectives to enhance industry standards, foster professional growth, and advocate for the tile contracting community. His proven track record in managing complex projects and driving strategic initiatives aligns perfectly with NTCA’s goals of innovation and excellence in the tile industry.
Sax holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Management from St. Louis University. He is known for his strategic vision, dedication to excellence, and his ability to cultivate strong relationships within the industry. Sax’s commitment to advancing professional standards and his deep understanding of market dynamics is invaluable in his role as NTCA Deputy Director.
