Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
Before talking about the useful content in this issue, I want to share my impressions of two recent training programs that the NTCA Training Team brought to my town. The Substrate Preparation and Industry Standards for LFT Regional Training Program was hosted by Floor & Decor in June and the NTCA Workshop on Tile Technology: Membranes was held at Daltile in July.
I was IMPRESSED. I am regularly informed about the training events through biweekly meetings that include Amber Fox and Matt Welner, who head up the programs. But experiencing them in person was spectacular.
Both of these programs expertly imparted an immense amount of information. At the regional program, Anthony Oliver and Chad Jones conducted the classroom piece and guided the hands-on sessions, with demo assistance from MAPEI and LATICRETE. Engagement among the attendees was intense.
Oliver ran the workshop on Tile Technology: Membranes solo, teaching about installation scenarios with ease and the familiarity of personal experience, adding essential information about industry publications and how to use them. Reps from MAPEI, Proflex, Schluter, and wedi helped conduct the hands-on membrane segment, providing expert, real-world information.
Part of the classroom presentations touched on classes CTEF offers, the benefits of certification through the Certified Tile Installer exam and, of course, the advantages of being an NTCA member. To serve the third of the contractor community that are native Spanish speakers, classroom dialogue is translated in real time to Spanish on the PowerPoint.
The programs conclude with a raffle, which awards some attendees with great prizes—tile cutters, coolers, a karaoke system, setting materials—much to their delight!
We promote program schedules in every TileLetter and through our eNews and ProAngle e-newsletters. Find out more about the training events and where they are scheduled near you at www.NTCAtraining.com. Take this opportunity to expand your education.
That said, our content this month launches you into the fall season with inspiration and knowledge, starting with the cover feature on the exquisite Ismali Center. The project used MAPEI products to ensure enduring performance in this stunning space.
In our Technical section, CTEF’s Scott Carothers guides you through specific sections of the NTCA Reference Manual’s “Chapter 9: Specialized Installation Procedures.” Our Ask the Experts story explores the details of installing porcelain tile on a concrete slab deck.
The one-two punch in our Business section features Joe Lundgren’s perspective on the strength of domestic tile production and supply, and NTCA Deputy Director Jeremy Sax’s recap of his two Coverings panels that revealed the importance of communication and collaboration in commercial and residential projects. Learn more about the growing business of Portland tile contractor Erik Trexel with Level Plane Tile and Stone in our Members story, and about the growth of Florim USA in NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga’s One-to-One interview with Rodolfo Panisi.
In his letter this month, NTCA President Rod Owen underscores the importance of continual learning in our trade, and the role the NTCA Reference Manual plays in that pursuit. And that brings us back to the beginning of this letter:
NTCA provides a variety of learning, education, and training opportunities. (Don’t forget our NTCA Webinars, which you can watch at your convenience, or the classes at NTCA University, which you can take at your leisure!) Make the most of them and supercharge your craft and your success.
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.
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