Delaware Retailer Wins Small Business Award

Dover, DL, May 30, 2006--Dmitar Sijan is living the American dream. The 42-year-old Yugoslavia native came to the United States in 1991 to escape the war in his home country, according to the Delaware State News. He is now a highly successful businessman, with one of Delaware's top home supply stores--Custom Tiling Solutions Inc. Mr. Sijan opened the business five years ago in Dover to accommodate the growing number of construction projects in central Delaware. he business offers a variety of tiles, countertops, cabinets, hardwood floors, carpets and other home improvement materials. "I thought it was the right time for a business like this in Dover," Mr. Sijan said. It turned out that he was right. Custom Tiling Solutions enjoyed immediate and sustained success, prompting Mr. Sijan to open a second showroom in Middletown last year. On Wednesday, he was honored for his hard work and innovation at the 2006 Delaware Small Business Week awards gala at Dover Downs. The U.S. Small Business Administration's Delaware office named Mr. Sijan its 2006 Small Business Person of the Year in April. Although he knew he'd been nominated, Mr. Sijan said he was shocked to receive the award. "There are so many great business people who do a lot for their community," he said. "It was tough competition." Last month, Mr. Sijan and other winners from throughout the country attended a two-day conference in Washington that which focused on small-business accomplishments. He enjoyed meeting other small-business owners and learning about their achievements. "It was about appreciating how other people do things -- people from all different trade professions," he said. "The common denominator was that everyone works really hard and has a lot of responsibility." Mr. Sijan said running a business is daunting, yet rewarding. Before opening Custom Tiling Solutions, he spent 19 years working as a registered nurse. The idea of opening a business had always been in the back of his mind and a home supply store sounded especially appealing. "I love the creativity and freedom of design," he said. "The opportunities are endless." Mr. Sijan has remained at the head of his field by staying on top of the latest home design trends. His showrooms are filled with an array of colors and textures, ensuring that there's something to fit nearly everyone's style. Products are available in ceramic, porcelain, glass mosaic, natural stone, wood, stainless steel and more. "The range is really wide," he said. "We want to satisfy everybody's budget and taste." His customer base includes architects, designers, builders, contractors and homeowners. Sales at Custom Tiling Solutions have increased by 300 percent in the past two years. In 2004, Mr. Sijan decided to build on his success by establishing a second business, Custom Concrete & Masonry LLC, which specializes in glass block walls, brick, stone, pavers, outdoor kitchens, patios, driveways, swimming pool surrounds and fireplaces. The business operates out of the Custom Tiling Solutions showrooms. Jayne Armstrong, a spokeswoman for the Small Business Association's Delaware district office, said Mr. Sijan seemed like the ideal choice for small business person of the year. "To immigrate to the U.S. and in 15 years time do what he's done is amazing," she said. "This is the most prestigious award a small business person can receive. It speaks volumes about his work ethic and his passion for what he's doing." Wednesday's awards gala also honored Dover Main Street for being named small business community of the year and Sandra Winfrey, owner of Cajun Queens Cuisine in Felton, for being named home-based business champion of the year.