NTCA member Spotlight
SERVAIS TILE & STONE INC.
celebrates its 50th anniversary as a second-generation tile contractor
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Second-generation tile contractor Servais Tile & Stone of Rushford, Minn., is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company was originally founded in 1974 by Dennis Servais under the name Servais Tile Company in La Crosse, Wis. Servais “established many lasting relationships with local architects and general contractors that continue today,” said Troy Servais, Dennis’ son and the current head of the company.
Troy began working under his father when he was a teenager. He absorbed everything his father had to teach him and his passion bloomed. Troy respected the hard work that came from the trade and, after graduating college, he started his career in the tile industry. When Dennis retired, Troy took over and continued work in the La Crosse area, eventually renaming the company and moving it to Rushford. Today the company works on both commercial and residential projects, including remodels and new construction. Servais is experienced in working with gauged porcelain tile panels and this sets the company apart from other contractors in their area. In addition, Servais is a stone fabricator, which allows the company to customize granite, quartz and marble pieces for countertops, backsplashes and more.
The contractor has developed a solid reputation over the past 50 years and has continued to flourish due to its professional team, quality results and foundational relationships with contractors and architects in their area. One of the company’s specialties is large commercial jobs, including those in healthcare, food service and education. In addition, Servais relishes their unique residential opportunities such as fireplaces, kitchens, walk-in showers, and more.
Troy Servais
Servais Tile & Stone Inc.
Rushford, Minn.
Dennis Servais (l.) started the family business in La Crosse, Wis., in 1974. Today, his son Troy (r.) runs the company, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
“Servais Tile & Stone is a proud member of the National Tile Contractors Association, abiding by the most current and accurate tile installation standards and methods available,” Troy Servais said. A member for five year, Servais was introduced to NTCA by NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga.
NTCA’s greatest value, to Troy Servais, is the networking and educational opportunities NTCA has to offer. He is also appreciative of programs such as Emerging Leaders, “…which one of our employees participated in the first year it was offered,” he said. Troy also anticipates some of his installers will gain their Certified Tile Installer credentials in the near future.
Two of the biggest challenges for Troy are scheduling and manpower. He said, “Scheduling is a constant battle, but being upfront with contractors and customers about the timeframe for their projects is helpful. Everyone appreciates open and honest communication.” Fortunately, the Servais team is full of “incredible tile installers that have been with us for many years.” And to help fortify their team, the company is always on the lookout for additional experienced contractors to help manage their workload, especially since 2024 and 2025 are shaping up to be busy up until the first half of next year.
One of Troy’s greatest joys is the continuing relationships and compliments from customers to contractors. “Of course, seeing the quality work that our installers do is the best part,” he said.
The Servais team is proud of its trade and has taken thoughtful measures to educate the youth in their area about the tile trade and being a tradesperson in general.
“Knowing that there is going to be a continued shortage of tradesmen in our country’s future, we have gone into our area’s classrooms to expose our youth to the tile industry through classroom demonstrations and job fairs,” Troy said. “We also contribute annually to a trade scholarship at our local high school, hoping to encourage graduates to go into a trade of any kind.
“Being part of the NTCA, and attending trade conferences where we have learned so much, has made us aware of the importance of recruiting for our industry for the long-term,” Servais concluded.
An impressive bathroom model on the second floor of a residence using large, thin porcelain tile offered some challenges. Advance planning and great care was necessary for successfully transporting the panels up the stairs. “We are firm believers in continued training and education through the NTCA and knowledge of GPTP obtained from advanced training was a necessity for this project,” Troy said. “Another must was the use of proper equipment for handling the panels in a safe and efficient manner.”
This project at a local college started off with floor flatness on an elevated slab that was far from acceptable. Servais used a flowable hydraulic cement underlayment, and full-coverage crack-isolation membrane for possible in-plane cracking. “Since floor flatness is a continuing battle, we try to overcome this challenge by discussing expectations and solutions in advance with the contractors,” Troy said.