NTCA Names '21 Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year Award Winners

Flowood, MS, October 5, 2021-The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) has announced its 2021 Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year Award in both the residential and commercial categories. 

On the commercial side, the winner is Gary Fox of Fox Ceramic Tile in St. Marys, Kansas, while the recipient in the residential category is Jay Cerda of Cox Tile in San Antonio, Texas. 

Winners receive round-trip airfare for two to Coverings 2022, scheduled to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada next April 5 to 8, as well as hotel accommodations for a three-night stay. They will be recognized during the NTCA Annual Meeting at Total Solutions Plus, in Jacksonville, running from October 24 to 26, 2021. 

Judges who scored nominees in the competition included residential judges Matt Blood of Paragon Tile and Shannon Huffstickler of Schluter Systems and commercial judges Adam Abell of Bostik and Kent Klaser of Klaser Consulting. 

Judging criteria for the awards included the following factors: 

• 15 years or more setting tile, and continuing to set tile as part of job today 

• Technical correctness of tile installations 

• Craftsmanship/artistry 

• Ability to resolve tile installation problems 

• Self-improvement/continuing education 

• Mentoring/leading others 

Gary Fox was nominated for the award by Kevin Fox, owner and president, Fox Ceramic Tile, while Cerda was nominated by John Cox, owner, Cox Tile. Both winners hailed from NTCA Five-Star contractor member companies. 

Related Topics:Schluter®-Systems, Coverings, Bostik