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Stoneman Construction LLC

Stoneman Construction LLC 
Portland, Oregon

www.stonemanconstructionllc.com

 

Jason McDaniel, owner of Stoneman Construction, LLC in Portland, Ore., was recently recognized as an emerging young leader in the tile industry by his inclusion in the Coverings Rock Star Awards. Here, in his own words, he tells the story of his company and his passion for the industry. – Ed.


I am a custom residential tile contractor, with a background in granite and quartz fabrication. I love creating beautiful spaces that I know will stand the test of time and be something my customers will love.

I started setting tile 11 years ago to keep busy when I didn’t have kitchen countertops to install. Eleven years later I have found that my fabrication ability makes being creative with tile fun and easy. Stoneman Construction is known for templating backsplashes, floors and walls, making it easier to lay out and install complicated projects. We have done many projects incorporating scribe work into the design and we also specialize in self-leveling underlayments. 

My brother, Shawn McDaniel, was a painting contractor for 20 years and came to work with me two years ago. He has become extremely efficient at shower prep and applying liquid anti-fracture membranes. Coming from a trade that required a high level of cleanliness and detail made it a seamless transition for him. I feel very fortunate to have such qualified people working with me on a daily basis. Jeremy Bickett, CTI #1353, moved to Portland a year ago and now works full time with us. His background in self-leveling underlayments (SLU) has made it possible for us to fix and level almost any floor in our market, setting us apart from the competition. Together with Jeremy, Shawn and myself, Robert Brazington rounds out the crew. 

I am a two-year member of the NTCA and a NTCA State Ambassador. Years back, when I started setting tile, I was taught incorrect ways of doing things and had no knowledge of any associations or certification programs in the industry. Since I discovered these organizations existed I have done everything I can to get involved. 

Through the NTCA I discovered the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program, a certification exam administered by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF). Being a Certified Tile Installer and a NTCA State Ambassador has given me credentials I didn’t have previously. I am taken much more seriously in meetings with architects, general contractors and homeowners, and the amount of knowledge I have gained gives me more value when bidding projects. Being able to answer a wide variety of questions in regards to my profession gives the end user confidence in our company.

In our company of four, three of us – Jeremy, Robert Brazington and myself – are Certified Tile Installers. My brother Shawn aims to take the exam when he is ready. 

The CTEF Regional Evaluator Program has given my evaluator partner and one of my closest friends, Shon Parker of Hawthorne Tile, and me an opportunity to be on the front lines of training and testing installers of all ages who are new to the trade, or veterans wanting to expand their skills and knowledge. (Regional Evaluators administer the CTI exam, and their growing numbers mean that more people across the country have the opportunity to take the exam. – Ed.). In my opinion, getting more people involved and ensuring they have the proper skills going forward is the most important thing any of us can do for our industry. With the help of people like Dirk Sullivan of Hawthorne Tile, Heidi Cronin of The Cronin Company, industry representatives, and Global Tile Posse – the industry-related page I created on Facebook – we are having great success here in the Pacific Northwest.

In fact, creating the Global Tile Posse on Facebook has been a huge help to bring recognition to this amazing family of people and to the NTCA, who are out there working hard to help us as tile setters and business owners. One of the greatest joys I get from being a tile contractor is hearing from people all over the country who are positive and energized about learning and growing and sharing their experiences. In Global Tile Posse we have created a family environment where anyone can come in and talk about their experiences and growing pains in this industry. 

The other great joy I get is creating art. The people in the tile industry are getting more and more requests to create really beautiful and unique spaces for our customers. Being able to help design and execute a truly artistic space is very satisfying. 

Some of the excellent craftsmanship from Stoneman Construction LLC:

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Editorial Director and Senior Writer for TileLetter and TileLetter ARTISAN

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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