Embracing Tradition, Building the Future: A Message from the New TCAA President
Brian Castro, TCAA President
Wow, it’s hard to believe that six years have passed since I was last elected as TCAA President. I still find myself wondering why I followed in the footsteps of "Mr. TCAA," John Trendell, who was the first to take on this role for a second term. Perhaps it's because when you're around the people belonging to this fine, long-standing organization, everyone makes you feel like you're part of one big, happy family.
Like John, I too am an Elder Statesman who grew up in this industry—an industry continually changing due to the technological advancements in the products we work with every day. Changes that once took many years now seem to occur monthly. Continuous product enhancements require constant installation reviews, modifications, and training—a process that has become a significant focus for everyone in the industry. This is especially true for John, who, even after retiring not once, but twice, is back as our biggest industry advocate. Go, John!
Every year, many of those involved in this process eagerly anticipate our annual industry conference at Total Solutions Plus (TSP), where they catch up on the latest news, events, and trends. TCAA kicks off this event with an all-inclusive member dinner reception, fostering connections with old friends and meeting new people. It quickly becomes apparent that there are very few happenings that are truly "local." It's where the sense of being one big, happy family truly begins. This year's event will take place in Boston on October 27-29, 2024. Both my wife and I are eagerly anticipating this year's event as it will be our first trip to Beantown.
Speaking of family, I'm feeling very fortunate this time around. Our wonderful Executive Director, Lucinda Noel, is sticking around (hopefully for longer than she knows) to help with the transition of her role to what I'm calling the 3-M's: Maggie, Molly, and Marta, all born with the same last name as Mr. TCAA, "Trendell." These three sisters are enthusiastic about growing this 100+ year-old organization and embracing the future. They were raised on tile, mortar, and grout throughout their childhood and are now back to assist the next generation of tile installers and subcontractors in advancing our industry. If these fine young women are anything like their dad—and many of us know that to be true—failure is not an option.
I know John is very proud and excited to see his girls step into what has been such a significant part of both his and Lucinda's lives. No one is more excited than I am, especially since Marta has already offered to "Ghost" write this new President's welcome article for me. While there's no need for ghostwriting this one, I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing how she and her sisters can support this old-timer over the next two years as the president of TCAA. The TCAA appears to be in good hands, and the future looks bright.
