International Wholesale Tile Adds Sales Muscle

Palm City, FL, Aug. 15--International Wholesale Tile (IWT), a leading tile distributor, announced today the appointment of several sales executives who have joined the team to answer the demand for customers' interest in Tesoro, the company's collection of premium porcelain tiles and natural stone products from around the world. With seven years of tile industry experience, Fred Kendall joins IWT as national sales manager and will spearhead the factory-direct and truckload sales of exclusive IWT items. In addition to being involved in the selection of these items, Kendall will be responsible for setting up territories and building a national sales force. Most recently, Kendall was with Creative Tile Marketing since 1998. Previously with Megatrade Corporation since 1996, Steve R. McCann has joined IWT as a regional manager focusing on the southeast region's factory-direct and truckload sales. McCann brings his experience with large ceramic distributors, flooring retailers and mass merchants to IWT. In addition to an Associate's of Arts degree from St. Petersburg Junior College, McCann is currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Arts degree at University of South Florida. Hired to create and manage a customized builder program for dealers catering to residential contractors, initially in the Southeast and eventually nationwide, Jamann L. Stepp joins IWT as director of sales for IWT's buying group and builder program divisions. Stepp's responsibilities include selecting the material for these programs as well as hiring a sales force to service both these divisions. A graduate of University of Alabama, Stepp worked for Shaw Industries for 11 years prior to joining IWT, and was the hard surface brand manager. With more than 16 years of business in the floor covering industry, M. Todd Walton joins IWT as a territory manager covering western Tenn., Miss., Ark., Southern Mo. and Eastern Okla. Walton was most recently with Atlanta-based Zumpano, a tile distributor. Walton's expertise in sales territory growth and container/truckload sales will be an asset to IWT, as the company launches several builder-specific programs and continue to grow its factory-direct and truckload sales. "IWT is continuing to attract top industry talent who maintain a sharp focus on excellent customer service and value the company's unique proposition of being a quality supplier that never sells direct to the end user," said Forrest Jordan, senior vice president of sales. "Its more important than ever to hire seasoned representatives with high standards for themselves and their customers. We are pleased to have these professionals join our growing organization," said Jordan. "Our year-to-date sales are up. Looking forward, we need to maintain a strong sales force," said Jordan. "These strategic hiring decisions prepare IWT for the launch of several new programs and product lines," said Jordan. International Wholesale Tile is a Palm City, FL-based supplier of the finest quality tile materials available direct to allied distributors. Founded in 1994, IWT has grown to employ 100 people and maintain more than nine million square feet of inventory in its new, four-building facility. In 2002, the company launched Tesoro, a collection of premium porcelain tiles, borders and accents and is constantly expanding the Tesoro line through the support of its allied retailers.

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