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28|December 2021
Slippery rock Gazette
NTCA Names 2021 Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year Winners
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 win- ner is Gary Fox, of Fox Ceramic Tile in St. Marys, Kansas, while the recipient in the residential cat- egory is Jay Cerda of Cox Tile in San Antonio, Texas.
Winners receive round-trip air- fare for two to Coverings 2022, scheduled to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada next April 5-8, as well as hotel accommo- dations for a three-night stay. They were recognized during the NTCA Annual Meeting at Total Solutions Plus, in Jacksonville, Florida in October, 2021.
Judges who scored nominees in the competition included residen- tial judges Matt Blood, Paragon Tile and Shannon Huffstickler, Schluter Systems, and com- mercial judges Adam Abell, Bostik, and Kent Klaser, 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.
Gary Fox, Fox Ceramic Tile
Gary Fox is more than an out- standing craftsman, industry vet- eran, and friend to Kevin Fox
Gary Fox, Fox Ceramic Tile
Jay Cerda, Cox Tile
– he is also his highly-respected uncle. He entered the trade at 14, launched his career after grad- uation and was already running his own commercial projects in his early 20s, wowing super- intendents with his skill and savvy. Though Gary now works on Kevin’s team today, he calls Gary his mentor “and a true leader within our company and industry.”
Kevin credits all of the most profitableandmajorFoxCeramic Tile accounts to Gary’s efforts over the years; and is in awe of his outstanding mentoring, con- tribution to the company culture of demanding outstanding instal- lations from everyone in the com- pany, and the way he has led by example over 45 years. Kevin says Gary excels not only in the challenging technical work and situations, but also when dealing with “challenging personalities.”
A senior foreman since 1992, he acted as foreman for the com- pany’s several award winning projects and his work was once featured on the cover of the American Olean Ceramic Tile Trim catalog.
Fox earned his CTI (#649) in 2011, prompting everyone else in the company to follow his lead. “He sets the example for all by the way he conducts himself, both personally and professionally,” said Kevin, never considering any task too small, and giving all on the job in an organized way. The number of his enduring proj- ects as an elite craftsman is only matched by his “ability to teach, nurture and grow other excep- tional craftsmen to make our industry better and better, year after year,” Kevin said.
Jay Cerda, Cox Tile
Cerda got his start in the tile industry right out of high school with Cox Tile, transitioning from helper to apprentice to setter to his current title of Master Tile Setter. He is also distinguished by as Certified Tile Installer (CTI) #719.
As lead tile setter, Cerda has been instrumental in training many Cox Tile setters and sup- porting and facilitating their edu- cation as they worked with him as helpers. Many have gone on attain their CTI credentials as well. “All our employees look to Jay not only for his positive lead- ership but for his expertise when it comes to challenging and unique issues,” John Cox commented.
Cerda’s passion for perfec- tion makes him an essential lead in the company’s most complex jobs, and he excels in mudwork for both walls and floors. He has helped the company achieve rec- ognition for several awards. He also worked on the challeng- ing Installation Showcase at Coverings in 2010, pitting his knowledge and skills against a tight time frame and limited resources.
He’s known for his pursuit of education, attending local sem- inars and events by suppliers to learn about new products and installation techniques. Not only does he attend every NTCA Workshop and training in San Antonio, he also helps NTCA staff with setup and tear down.
Gary Fox’s work was featured on the American Olean Ceramic Tile Trim catalog cover in the early 1990s.
This marble master bath project reflects the excellence of Jay Cerda’s work.
At home, Cerda enjoys time For more information, visit the with wife Krista and daughters NTCA website, www.tile-assn. Stacie and Jordan, fishing and com.
visiting the beach.