Rod Owen,
NTCA President
Dear Members,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is gearing up for the Christmas and winter holidays. As we reflect on the past year, we acknowledge the strategic growth that has been exhibited within our association under the leadership of Sam Bruce. I would like to thank him for his time served within our industry association as President. He has done a fabulous job.
ADVERTISEMENT
As your newly-elected President, I am excited to share my vision for the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). I’m committed to fostering a culture of education, innovation, and growth within our industry. My unique perspective as a third-generation tile contractor – having worked both in the field and in an office setting – provides me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our members. To me, a tile setter – or tile mechanic, as they used to be called – is a skilled professional who understands the intricate components of their craft and how they interconnect to create a three-dimensional reality. This is why I find it incredibly frustrating when someone uses the term, “lick ‘em and stick ‘em.”
I firmly believe that investing in education and training is essential to strengthening our businesses, enhancing our skills, and elevating the overall quality of our work. Through the NTCA we offer a diverse range of training options, including hands-on workshops, online courses, and training programs. The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is our main provider of industry certifications like Certified Tile Installer (CTI) and Advanced Certification for Tile Installers (ACT). One of my key priorities is to expand our partnership with CTEF and promote the relocation of both organizations to the Nashville, Tenn., area. This strategic move will position us closer to domestic manufacturing hubs, allowing for stronger partnerships and greater support for our training, certification, and education programs. Nashville’s central location and easy accessibility with a major airport will also benefit us tremendously.
I encourage all of you to take advantage of the many opportunities available through the NTCA to enhance your knowledge and skills, whether it’s participating in our training programs (over 300 will be offered in 2025) joining a committee, or attending industry events. Networking within our industry certainly offers a unique opportunity for informal mentorship. Building strong relationships with other contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and help you stay informed about industry trends. Our diverse membership allows us to connect with a wide range of experienced professionals who can offer guidance and support no matter the level you are at personally or professionally.
As we come upon the New Year, there is no better time to make that resolution to get more involved within your industry. Remember the wisdom of Proverbs 13:20, “He who walks with the wise becomes wise; associate with fools and get into trouble.” Therefore, get involved and walk with the wise.
As we close out another year let us commit to continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. Together we can build a strong industry even stronger, and more prosperous for the future of the tile industry. Let’s educate for excellence!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!