I recently talked with Tim Abbott, CEO of PROFLEX Products, Inc., while he was at the International Builder Show in Orlando. We discussed how a small sound-control product company has evolved into a comprehensive flooring solutions provider with approximately 7,000 SKUs.
From three products to a complete ecosystem
In 2003, an owner of 50-year-old Florida distribution company Shoreline Flooring Supplies identified a market need for sound-control products. That initial vision launched PROFLEX Products, Inc. with just three peel-and-stick membranes—40 mil, 70 mil, and 90 mil—along with a couple of primers.
When Tim Abbott joined the company in 2008 as National Sales Manager, the company had only seven SKUs. Those SKUs have since multiplied a thousand times over, with PROFLEX® now offering approximately 7,000 products and solutions across multiple categories.
“We just kept building,” Abbott explained, noting that the growth reflects a strategic vision to become a true one-stop shop for distributors and contractors.
A comprehensive product portfolio
The expansion from sound-control underlayments to a full-service provider happened systematically. Abbott brought adhesives, thinsets, and liquid waterproofing into the product line, improved existing primers, and added rubber products for sound control. The company now serves multiple divisions:
- Sound Control Division: The original focus that built the company’s reputation.
- Surface Preparation Products: Self-leveling compounds, moisture mitigation, and waterproofing solutions.
- Tile and Stone: Complete thinsets, self-leveling products, floor-prep solutions, grouts, and caulking.
- Wood Products: Wood adhesives and repair kits.
- Luxury Vinyl and Carpet: Pressure-sensitive adhesives and carpet adhesives.
- Tools and Accessories: Tack strip, clips, wedges, seam tape, tile saws, blades, and more.
This comprehensive approach allows distributors to order everything they need from a single source.
“If you’re doing a hotel and they have glue-down commercial carpet, luxury vinyl, tile, and hardwood, we have answers and solutions for all of that,” Abbott said. “You have one phone call, and we can give you system warranties up to a lifetime for that project.”
Manufacturing excellence in Florida
PROFLEX operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Haines City, Fla., with four powder production lines and two liquid lines. The company has invested in automation and innovation, including a brand-new automated line, set to be completed within a year, to handle S-type mortars, M-type mortars, and floor mud. Additionally, PROFLEX operates a facility in Texas for wood adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives, with plans to eventually establish powder plants in Texas and the Phoenix area to better serve Western markets.
“We’re very strong from New York to Ohio and then straight down and over into Texas,” Abbott explained. The company’s geographic expansion strategy focuses on building demand before investing in new facilities, a measured approach that reflects both ambition and financial prudence.
Strategic partnerships and distribution
Rather than competing with home centers, PROFLEX works through established distribution channels. The company supplies products to Lowe’s, a relationship that began nine years ago, and sells through QEP direct to The Home Depot. PROFLEX is also the only approved vendor for all sundry items for the Abbey Carpet and Floors to Go buying groups, and maintains partnerships with American Home Surfaces Group for markets without established distribution.
This distribution-first approach protects relationships while allowing flexibility. Regarding direct sales to contractors, Abbott explained, “If they’re buying full pallets, I can sell them a full pallet of material. But if you have a distributor relationship, you’re going to protect the distributor in that market, absolutely.”
Building a sales force on relationships and expertise
All of PROFLEX’s sales representatives are employees—many of whom were hired from the flooring trades.
Abbott deliberately seeks people with deep industry relationships and expertise. One representative came from Tampa Tile before it closed, bringing established connections and credibility. The national accounts manager came from Florida Tile.
Abbott’s preference is clear: “My love has always been with the hard surface tile world.” This focus shapes hiring decisions. While the company manufactures some luxury vinyl and carpet adhesives, Abbott has prioritized hiring hard surface and tile specialists, believing that tile and hardwood remain the best investments for home value.
Innovation driven by market needs
Research and development is led by Alan Kin, an industry veteran whom Abbott met at an NTCA event. The R&D team includes three additional staff members focused on quality control, product development, and compatibility testing.
Distributor feedback and market demands drive product development. When Florida’s moisture issues became a concern, PROFLEX developed a two-part epoxy for unlimited moisture mitigation. Another innovation was a rain-safe waterproofing product that can be applied over wet substrates.
“With all the rain that we have in Florida, if you need to tile a balcony, you can squeegee that water off and then put the waterproofing and crack isolation down,” he said. “It’s rain-safe in 45 minutes, and then you can start tiling.”
The Liberty series, packaged in plastic bags onsite, offers a two-year shelf life compared to one year for paper-bagged products. Even more notably, a portion of proceeds from every Liberty series bag sold goes to three charities: the Gary Sinise Foundation, Children of Fallen Heroes, and Valerie’s House, a local Florida organization supporting children who’ve lost parents.
Market focus: residential and commercial balance
PROFLEX’s market is about 50% residential new construction and 50% commercial. The company works extensively with major builders like Lennar and dominates the multifamily condo market, where sound-control specifications often lead to sales of the company’s complete product systems.
Top sellers in the tile and stone division include liquid waterproofing products, particularly the Hydrosil line with NOA approval for Miami-Dade standards—crucial for hurricane-prone Florida. Thinsets ranging from entry-level to premium drive consistent sales, as do self-leveling products. A single St. Petersburg project consumed approximately 60,000 bags of self-leveling compound per floor.
Competitive differentiation through service
In an industry with many competitors, PROFLEX differentiates through comprehensive solutions and exceptional service. “The thing that makes us different from every single one of them is the fact that we have solutions for any type of floor covering,” Abbott said. “There’s no one that can really out-service us.”
Orders placed before noon are shipped before noon the next day—a 24-hour turnaround compared to the industry standard of three to five days. Jobsite deliveries are available, and technical support is readily accessible.
Abbott personally sits on the NTCA Technical Committee and remains involved in customer support.
Expanding into exterior applications
Recognizing market trends, PROFLEX is expanding into exterior applications with the company’s rain-safe waterproofing. A pedestal system launch is anticipated in Q3 or Q4 of 2026, addressing the growing market for large-format and thick tile installations.
Supporting the Industry
PROFLEX actively supports industry training and standards through participation in NTCA Technical Committees and programs. The company provides onsite technical assistance to prevent installation failures, recognizing that floor preparation remains the most common issue affecting product performance.
Working with PROFLEX
Distributors and contractors can reach PROFLEX by calling 1-877-577-6353. Abbott himself can be reached at [email protected] via email. A national accounts manager travels the country to meet with potential partners and facilitate onboarding. Or contact PROFLEX through the company website’s dealer network. In an industry where relationships matter, PROFLEX is proving that growth and values can go hand in hand.
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.
