TCAA Tile Talk Monthly

February 2026

A Message from the President

Dear TCAA Members and Industry Partners,

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I write to you as the newly elected President of the Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA). I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me, and I look forward to serving this incredible organization.

With 24 years in the tile and terrazzo industry including 21 years with Artisan Tile I have had the privilege of watching this trade grow, evolve, and rise to meet countless challenges. That experience has given me a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship, dedication, and professionalism that define our membership, and it fuels my commitment to giving back to the industry that has given so much to me.

As your president, one of my key priorities will be exploring how artificial intelligence can be thoughtfully incorporated into our trade. From project estimating and scheduling to design visualization and business operations, AI presents exciting opportunities to help our companies work smarter and more efficiently. However, let me be clear no technology will ever replace the skilled hands and expertise of our BAC members. The craftsmanship that goes into every installation is irreplaceable, and supporting our skilled labor workforce remains at the heart of everything we do. My goal is to ensure that AI serves as a tool that empowers our contractors and craftworkers, not one that competes with them.

I also believe strongly in the power of this association to advocate for our members, elevate industry standards, and create meaningful opportunities for education, networking, recruitment, and growth. I am excited about what we can accomplish together and want every member new and longtime alike (SEASONED)  to know that I am always available. This association is strongest when we are united, and I am committed to making sure every voice is heard.

On a personal note, when I can step away from the job site and office, you will likely find me enjoying summer events with family and friends, spending time out on the lake with my wife Sandy and our dogs or escaping to warmer destinations whenever the opportunity arises. I believe that balance and enjoyment outside of work make us better leaders and better people, and I look forward to hearing about the passions and pursuits that drive each of you as well.  

Thank you for this opportunity to serve. I look forward to connecting with each of you in the months ahead.

With appreciation,

Andy Kornoski 

President, TCAA

As you may know, Coverings is happening March 30-April 2, 2026 in Las Vegas. This year they will be charging a $49 registration fee to attend. The good news is BAC local tile representatives, TCAA and BAC signatory tile & stone contractors, and staff of IUBAC/IMI/IMTEF should be able to avoid the fee by clicking the button below to register. Use the promo code IMI26 at checkout. Feel free to forward this shortcut and promo code to anyone you know who is thinking of attending.

TCAA’s 2026 Scholarships Now Accepting Applications

The Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) has opened applications for its 2026 Architecture/Interior Design Scholarships and TCAA Family Scholarships. Established in 2001, this merit-based program supports students pursuing professional degrees in Architecture or Interior Design, as well as immediate family members of employees of TCAA contractor member companies. Thanks to continued generous donations in memory of Emily Williams, two $5,000 Family Scholarships will again be awarded this year, in addition to a $5,000 Architecture/Interior Design Scholarship.

Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program (for Architecture/Interior Design) or be a qualifying family member of a TCAA contractor member employee. Applications are due April 7, 2026, with award notifications issued in July 2026. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, personal statements, and letters of recommendation, with final decisions made by the TCAA Scholarship Committee. For more information, visit tcaainc.org/scholarships or contact info@tcaainc.org.

The Next Great “ACT” To Follow…..

ACT or the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers represents the highest industry standard for specialized tile installation, focusing on 9 critical and complex areas of expertise.  These tests are meant for seasoned and well experienced journeyperson tilesetters and are not meant for the faint of heart.  The tests include a 1 to 2 day orientation and a written online examination, specifically designed to show a thorough understanding of the Tile Council of North America handbook (TCNA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for ceramic tile installations.  With completion of the written test comes the hands-on work of completing the specialized installation in any one of the nine categories.  These tests are timed and can be a length of anywhere from 4 to 8 hours each.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, TCAA in conjunction with the International Masonry Institute (IMI) sponsored an ACT orientation program in Seattle, Washington with members of BAC Local 1 WA/AK.  There were 15 tilesetters, along with several local contractors, and union officials.  The orientation was conducted by Lupe Ortiz, West Regional Training Director for IMI.  Lupe literally helped write the book for the ACT tests along with industry experts from across the country.

Lupe starts by asking the participants why they were there, their work experiences, and why they were proud members of the local union. Of course, gaining recognition of their skills was a strong reason. My favorite and most inspiring story was from a 10-year member. Originally, he joined the union because he had a three-year-old son with leukemia. He knew his present employment with a non-union tile contractor did not provide health benefits, especially for the seriousness of his son’s sickness. His son is now 13 and is doing very well.

The first half of the day is understanding the TCNA and ANSI standards books. While the tilesetters certainly know how to install ceramic tile most of them really had no idea that there were standards books which we as contractors, architects, and designers use to specify and install ceramic tile. The second half of the day included working in the training center with the mockups that would be used for the hands-on testing. At this point, the tilesetters we’re in their realm of expertise and really understood what the test would entail. By the end of the day, the tile setters seemed to really know and understand what the tests would include. In fact, I found out just this week that several of them have already taken and passed the written test. This written test has always been more of a stumbling block than the hands-on tests themselves. So, it was very encouraging to hear that several have already passed the test.

Two things, Lupe Ortiz is a magician with these students.  He gives his students a thorough understanding and confidence that they can pass both the written and hands on tests.  And speaking of confidence, the second and most important outcome of taking  and passing these ACT tests is the confidence these craftspeople gain.  They can talk to superintendents, architects, and contractors with an expertise that adds great value to their TCAA employers.  Jobs go smoother and the work is of the highest quality.

We at TCAA and IMI want everyone to know that this program can be held anywhere in the country at local IUBAC training centers.  Pease contact us at TCAA, or IMI, or your local IUBAC union.  We want your company to be the Next Great ACT to Follow!

John Trendell

TCAA Labor Committee Chair