TCAA Tile Talk Monthly

December 2025

A Letter from the President

Wow, it’s hard to believe but my 2^nd term as President of the TCAA is almost over and I haven’t written a single “Letter from the President”.  However, having just returned from the New and Improved TILE Solutions Plus in Phoenix, I have to say the “vibe” (a word I’m not real comfortable with) for tile is still very strong.  Strong definitely describes our new management team that has taken over the administration of our nearly 125-year-old organization.  The 3-M’s as I like to refer to them, Maggie, Marta and Molly (all with the same last name as their father John Trendell-Mr. TCAA to me), have injected their youthful and energetic oversight into our long-standing tradition of excellence managing the TCAA with new ideas and fresh insights.  Fortunately, like most of their younger generation, they have brought with them “AI” or what I like to call “The Robot”. 

Having hit the “original” retirement age this year, I’m not one to get excited about the AI movement.  However, while fulfilling some of my duties at the recent TSP in Phoenix, I saw “The Robot” at work.  Moments before an educational and very inspirational presentation about the Tile Heritage Foundation by Eric Astracan, I was asked for a few remarks on TCAA’s financial commitment to the THF (a group dedicated to the preservation of the art of our industry).   This unexpected, unscripted request is something that is not in my wheelhouse.  Maggie and Marta looked at me and knew I needed help and quickly! They tasked “The Robot” to write something and within seconds I was staring at a couple of paragraphs and with a handful of quick edits, it was done and I was ready. I was saved by “The Robot” and grateful for the quick help from Maggie and Marta.  Score 1 for the for “The Robot”.

But I would like to say a few words about the Tile Heritage Foundation.  It is committed to documenting our past with examples of our craftmanship. This is the very thing that is showcased in the book, Ceramic Tile in the 20^th Century, published by TCAA’s own “Official Historian” John Secora.  The book is a wonderful look back at the history of tile with many beautiful pictures and illustrations of how our industry has evolved.  (Copies of which are still available through TCAA).  The Tile Heritage Foundation needs our support, and I support TCAA’s continued financial contributions for these worthwhile efforts, and I encourage everyone in our industry to do the same.

Now, back to AI. There’s been talk about artificial intelligence forever.  Heck, more than 25 years ago, on a factory tour of Summitville Tile in Ohio, I watched robot cars move newly produced quarry tiles off production lines to storage areas awaiting purchase and shipment without any human interaction.  Almost 20 years ago, our union trained tile installers were given an opportunity to work on opposite sides of a large, new car dealership in competition with a 2-man and 1-machine (Robot) non-union crew.  Each crew was tasked with installing “klinker” tiles.  I watched as our 6 union trained installers couldn’t match the production of the 2-men and 1-machine robot.  So, while it’s certainly hard to imagine how a robot might be able to replace a human when it comes to installing tiles in a 3’x3’ shower stall, our industry must continue to embrace the continuing advances in technology that are constantly changing.  From my perspective, the tile business hasn’t gotten any easier. Some things like take-offs and estimation have been made easier by “The Robot”, but it’s the coordination of the work that has become so much harder.  Time will tell how well AI can replicate the skills, talents and most importantly passions of those who move our industry forward. 

Lastly, I’d like to address another topic that has made its way to the breakout sessions of every TSP conference and will continue to do so moving forward, Succession!  It’s a topic very close to my own heart as I’m a 2^nd generation contributor and now my son is having his go of it as a 3^rd generation participant.  Fortunately, through our association with the TCAA, I’ve had the luxury of meeting some great people in our industry, people who have been generous with their experience to help a younger group avoid pitfalls and find success.  Examples include Jerry Leva of E.G. Sackett who encouraged me to join the board of the TCAA way back in the 1990’s.  Jerry’s company is technically a 2nd generation company which is now run by his kids Brian, Pat and Chris, and they still have 3^rd generation employees on staff that followed Jerry when he bought the company.  You probably know about the Trendell family and their connection to the TCAA.  John Trendell was a mentor to Lucinda Noel, who spent time with him while they both worked at Cleveland Marble.  After leaving Cleveland Marble, John started a new tile company and took Lucinda with him.  After some years working with John, while watching the 3M’s grow up, Lucinda bought the company from John.  Not quite your normal succession, but succession, nonetheless.  Upon retiring her company, Lucinda found a new role by accepting the Executive Directors position at TCAA.   Now that same position has now been taken over by the 3M’s she watched grow up. 

Back in 2002, I met the incredibly sharp 2^nd generation owner of Lippert tile, Les Lippert. Les is now watching their company transition to a 3^rd generation team.  I can surely bet it’s going to be a smooth transition since Les put aside his Law Degree years ago to run the family business.  Surely that helped make it a less costly transition.  In New York, Scott Erath is watching as his company is transitioning to a 4^th generation.  Approximately 90 miles west of Chicago in Rockford, Lou D’Agnolo Jr. is watching as Northern Illinois Tile & Terrazzo transitions to the 4^th generation. Presently, closer to Chicago, we’re all watching the succession of one of the area’s longest generational, and respected family-owned companies. Trostrud Mosaic Tile, was founded many years ago by the father of my long-time mentor, 90-year-old Earl Trostrud.  His son, and my good friend, Brad Trostrud wanted to retire but Brad had no relatives wanting to step forward.  Fortunately for the Trostrud’s, a long-time employee, Todd Tollakson, which Brad described as the closest thing to another son, and Todd’s son Zach, have stepped up and bought the company from Brad.  Again, another form of succession.  One that did not go the way of Private Equity or a Venture Capitalist.  One that remained true to the nature of the “family business” nature that TCAA is so proudly built upon. 

There are many other companies like those presented here that have found a way to survive and thrive for generations.  It’s well known that it’s becoming increasingly harder each and every day for generational businesses to survive the corporate world.  The TCAA remains a stronghold in that endeavor and a beacon for those who want to learn from those who’ve been there.  With younger future TCAA Presidents like Andy Korkowski, a former installer now the general superintendent of Artisan Tile in Detroit, and 4^th generation Kevin Trevisan, who’s Philadelphia based Roman Mosaic Company will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2027, combined with the 3M’s drive and determination to jump forward, the TCAA is in a good place for another 125 years of successions.

-Brian Castro

Build Skills. Lead Safely. Advance Your Craft: IMTEF Winter/Spring 2026 Training Opportunities

The IMTEF Winter/Spring 2026 Training Calendar is now available, offering a robust lineup of instructor-led, continuing education, and certification courses designed to strengthen skills across the construction industry. This season includes highly sought-after OSHA 500, 502, and 510 courses; Foreman and Mentorship Matters training; Historic Masonry Preservation; and multiple Train-the-Trainer opportunities. Classes are held at the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, Maryland, with both in-person and online options available. Class sizes are limited to ensure high-quality, hands-on learning, and many courses have prerequisites or required orientations, so early planning is encouraged.

In addition, the calendar features specialized continuing education and certification programs such as ABAA Air Barrier Certification, IMI Concrete Repair, Welding certifications, MSHA training, refractory courses, and advanced masonry systems including adhered veneer and rainscreen installation. Registration is available online and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend signing up as soon as possible to secure your spot. For questions or guidance on course selection, contact Serenia Holland, Director of Education Operations, at 301-291-2105 or sholland@imtef.org.

AI: FEAR or FASCINATION/CURIOSITY?

I serve as a board member of the International Council of Employers (ICE), (and yes, I know it certainly is an acronym that might be questionable in today’s world).  But the work we do in conjunction with the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC) is important.  We sit and work on a number of labor/management boards at the national level.

I attended the annual ICE meeting in Atlantic City this Fall.  I feel it was probably the most informative and educational event I have attended in quite some time.  Information concerning labor/management programs including the International Pension Fund (IPF), the International Health Fund (IHF) and the International Masonry Institute (IMI) Industry Development and Technical Services were brought up to date.

The good news for IPF is that the fund should be in the green category by some time in 2026, several years ahead of schedule. IHF has provided a strong record of providing high quality care for our employees, who are covered by the fund, and accomplishing this  with financial responsibility.

IMI gave their report regarding programming and the services they offer.  I can’t emphasis enough that the work they do on behalf of us as union contractors is second to none.  They work hand in hand with local contractor associations and unions to provide the most up to date training, education, and marketing to promote the high quality of craftsmanship we all expect and receive from our craftworkers.

The second portion of the meeting started with a presentation on the state of the construction industry, nationally. The good news for the ceramic tile industry is that, overall,  the economic outlook is positive.

Then the real meat of what the future might hold for all of us began. Wow!  Did the world of AI come alive for me!  The 5 speakers that presented gave a primer on AI, real case studies on the use of AI, and how it might be used in our own businesses.

The overall theme was Fear or Fascination/Curiosity?  Some important points for us; it will help us do our jobs more efficiently, it will not replace us.  And rest easy, all of us with too many years already gone by, AI needs us.  What we have over the 20 and 30 somethings is knowledge and experience to ask the right questions and put them in the right context to use AI.

The biggest take away regarding AI is Do Not Sit Tight! Engage, Observe and Act!

-John Trendell, TCAA Labor Chair