To commemorate Hispanic Heritage month, we present this story from NTCA’s Advertising Sales and Membership rep Angie Weber. She moderated a pair of panels and a contractor tour – all in Spanish – to the Coverings educational program to celebrate and support the Latino community within the tile industry, and to offer a chance for shared wisdom. – Editor
This year at Coverings, I had the incredible opportunity to lead something close to my heart — the show’s first Spanish-language panel discussions and a dedicated contractor tour in Spanish. As a first-generation American and a proud member of the tile industry, it was a moment that blended personal passion with professional purpose. What followed was more powerful than I ever imagined — and a reminder of how much representation, language, and community truly matter.
As I stood on stage during the first-ever Spanish-language panel discussions at Coverings, a sense of pride, purpose, and profound responsibility filled me. For the first time in this setting, we weren’t just speaking about Latinos in the tile industry — we were speaking as Latinos, in Spanish, in front of a crowd that reflected the heart of our workforce and our culture.
U.S. Latinos: 30% of U.S. construction; fifth-largest economy in the world
I had the honor of moderating a series of Spanish panels that featured some of the most passionate, forward-thinking professionals I’ve ever met. These panelists are not just making noise; they are truly moving the industry forward through their Spanish content, mentorship, and leadership. Their stories were more impactful than any statistic I could share — though there are plenty worth noting. Latinos make up over 30% of the U.S. construction industry. If we were a stand-alone economy, the U.S. Latino population would rank as the fifth largest in the world. In 2021 alone, Latinos contributed an astounding $3.6 trillion to the U.S. economy.
But what hit hardest wasn’t the numbers — it was the lived experiences of our panelists and attendees. We live in uncertain times. For many Hispanic contractors, especially those who are undocumented or from mixed-status families, even attending a public event like Coverings can feel risky. Several attendees confided in me that they were initially afraid to come. That’s why this opportunity meant so much. We were able to show that Latinos are more than their legal status — we are business owners, installers, artists, designers, and leaders. We are essential. And we belong here.
There was something truly magical about being on stage, speaking in Spanish, and watching people physically stop in their tracks, amazed and drawn in by a language they don’t often hear amplified in these spaces. Each panel saw fantastic turnout, with many standing in the aisles or sitting on the floor just to be part of the conversation. The engagement was phenomenal. The questions were deep, the comments heartfelt. Some attendees shared stories of hardship, others of triumph, and nearly all expressed gratitude for simply being seen.
In a world where speaking Spanish in public is too often met with side-eyes or silence, we were given the microphone — literally and figuratively — to raise our voices proudly in the middle of the show floor. And we weren’t just heard. We were celebrated.
Opportunity and community
One of the panelists, Harry Burgos of CNB Renovations in Charleston, S.C., commented. “As a Puerto Rican raised in Connecticut, I didn’t see many guys like me running remodeling companies. I spent years working W2 jobs, clocking in and out, building someone else’s dream.
“Starting CNB Renovations changed that”, he added. “Now I set tile and an example—for my kids, my community, and anyone who thinks they need permission to start. I carry my culture with me on every job, and it shows in the pride I take in the work. This trade gave me purpose—and I give it everything I’ve got in return.”
Alongside the panels, I also had the privilege of leading the Spanish Contractor Tour — a beautifully curated experience that took our group to 10 exhibitor booths across the show. At each stop, a Spanish-speaking representative from the company welcomed us and shared their insights, product information, and perspectives on Latinos in the tile industry. These weren’t just surface-level greetings — they were thoughtful, informed conversations tailored for our audience. The participants felt seen, valued, and included, and many walked away with new connections and a deeper understanding of their role in the industry’s future.
What struck me most throughout both the panels and the tour was the sense of community. People who had never met before were exchanging contact information, offering encouragement, and even making plans to collaborate on future projects. It reminded me why I do what I do. This wasn’t just about translation — it was about transformation. About inclusion. About justice.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the panelists who shared their time, knowledge, and heart: Alejandro Ponte, Juan Carlos Castro, Harry Burgos, Rudy Llerena, Joseph Mattice, Ivan Herrera, Mauricio Rapalo, and John McIntyre. These are not just colleagues — they are dear friends. I am truly honored to call them my support system. Each one brings unique wisdom and insight, and the bond we’ve formed goes far beyond tile. We share life as Latinos in this industry — with all its challenges, beauty, and triumphs — and that connection is something I treasure deeply.
It’s time we recognize that the future of the tile industry is bilingual, multicultural, and rich with untapped talent. Events like this show what’s possible when we invest in representation and give space for every voice at the table — or in this case, on the stage and show floor.
To those who stopped to listen, who asked questions, who bravely attended their first trade show in a language that feels like home — thank you. Your presence was the most powerful statement of all.
Let’s keep building — not just better buildings, but a better industry. One where everyone, no matter the language they speak, has the chance to be seen, heard, and valued.
Ed. note: please see the story in Spanish in TileLetter print and in English on TileLetter.com. Nota del editor: consulte la historia en español en la edición impresa de TileLetter y en inglés en TileLetter.com.
