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HomeContentWhat NTCA Members learn from NTCA Training Events – and you can too!

What NTCA Members learn from NTCA Training Events – and you can too!

You have experienced the extensive array of information and education that NTCA provides through its training programs.

However, how does this translate into value for tile contractors?

Three NTCA members share their experiences in the training programs and highlighted their key takeaways.

Training reinforces the importance of A&D professionals learning more about layout and installation

Gianna Vallefuoco, Co-Owner of NTCA Five-Star Accredited Contractor Vallefuoco Contractors LLC in Rockville, Md., has attended numerous trainings in her region. Recently, she caught one of NTCA’s newest Technical Trainers, Alex Smith, leading an NTCA Workshop on layout at The Tile Shop in her hometown. 

NTCA Technical Trainer Alex Smith (right) with NTCA Ambassador and ARDEX rep Nick Roth at an NTCA Workshop held early this year.

Smith demonstrated how to map out two different options for diagonal herringbone layout, plus another two for herringbone at 90 degrees. He showed how slightly different size tiles can greatly affect layout decisions. 

“Often our bidding documents only take into account nominal sizes and don’t consider grout joints,” Vallefuoco said. “Alex’s demo emphasized how important it is for specifiers, designers, and decision makers to understand that a simple description like ‘herringbone’ can render multiple layout options.” 

Since the NTCA event, Vallefuoco said, “I’ve started pushing harder for designers to provide more layout details or to allow our installers more artistic license and input when details are not provided. It also made me realize how important it is to get the tile specifiers to attend the NTCA events!

“Another important part of these events is that they include time for questions,” she added. “Even if you attend multiple events covering the same topic with the same trainers, new wisdom always emerges as questions arise. This means even seasoned tradespeople are bound to learn something new!” 

Hands-on practice time with a knowledgeable guide

Chris Woelfel of NTCA Five-Star Accredited Contractor Artcraft Marble, Granite and Tile Co., in Mesa, Ariz., has attended a panoply of NTCA training events in her region touching on a range of topics like large format/GPTP, glass panels and mud beds, as well as shorter presentations offered at Coverings over the years. 

NTCA Trainers at Coverings give short, concise demonstrations and sessions that offer tips and techniques for successful installations.

“I’ve always found the trainers to be engaging and informative, sharing not just methods and standards, but also their personal experiences, which I’ve reflected on when faced with similar situations in the field or when writing reports,” Woelfel said. “Workshops provide hands-on ‘practice time’ with a knowledgeable guide over your shoulder. Making mistakes in a training environment has proven to be just as meaningful as doing something right.” 

She noted that the NTCA Technical Trainers she’s observed have shared both their expertise and patience with attendees. “There’s also a camaraderie that is formed with the trainers and other installers when we’re all in that workshop environment together,” she added. “The way I look at it, even if the training is focusing on a specific topic I’m already familiar with, there’s always something more to be learned.”

Gaining confidence

Melissa Swan, Co-Owner of Tilevita, and a former NTCA Technical Trainer, learned right along with those in a workshop program about how to work with epoxy grout.

NTCA Member Melissa Swan, Co-Owner with wife Lilah of Tilevita LLC in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., is a Certified Tile Installer – CTI#1670 – one of only five in Brevard County, Fla. She was also the very first female Technical Trainer for NTCA. 

After a two year stint as a trainer, she returned to full-time work with Tilevita. But even as an NTCA Technical Trainer, she was open to learning more, perfecting her craft and expanding her skills. 

One of the things she was reluctant to wrangle with was epoxy grout. “I was so nervous to use epoxy grout,” she said. “Mark Heinlein (former NTCA Training Director), launched his adhesives class while I was training. It was great because I learned right along with everyone else straight from the LATICRETE rep. I’ve been using it ever since. I just needed the real-time guidance in a training situation, and I’ve felt confident about using it ever since.” 

There are over 300 opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals-turned NTCA Technical Trainers in 2025. Visit NTCATraining.com to see when trainers will be in your area, and take advantage of the illuminating and enlightening information they offer!

Editorial Director and Senior Writer | [email protected] |  + posts

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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