Part 2 of our interview with Mary Yocum, Western Regional Sales Manager for Crossville and one of the key voices in the North American tile market.

Q: What is the most common mistake people make when using tile in their home?

A: One  mistake is not doing as much research about the quality and ability of the tile installer as you do in selecting your tile.  This is the person who will work with you to take boxes of loose tile and decorative pieces and create the artwork in your house.  The skill of that installer is a critical part of the completed project.   A good installer will support the design ideas and suggestions that you showroom salesperson or designer has helped you to create on paper.  CTEF has a wonderful certification program.  You can check their website www.tilecareer.com for a list of certified installers in your area.

Q: What changes do you see coming in the next few years that have the potential to significantly change the tile industry?

    A: The fashion side of the business will continue to grow. The various sizes, styles, textures and design capabilities will continue to expand.  I think we will be challenged to have enough well qualified, creative tile installers to help us continue to grow the business and grow the industry.   We need to continue to bring people into this part of our industry to grow to our true potential.

    Technology is going to allow for the  manufacturing of sizes, textures, patterns and styles beyond anything we have  typically been using.  The design community using technology,  and the demand from clients requiring their own signature look or style,  is going to encourage our industry to get more custom oriented.  It will no longer be about offering three sizes in six colors.  It will be about mixing and matching styles, colors and sizes…. And getting it to market quickly.

    Q: And, of course, we should mention Crossville, an exemplary US manufacturer of ceramic tiles. Is there a Crossville product that you would highlight as a bestseller or particularly unique?

      A: It is amazing how my 11 years at Crossville have just flown by.  To work for a company that values family and integrity is a special thing these days.  Several months ago we introduced our ULTIMETAL product. While this took much longer on the  R & D and manufacturing side than us sales folks wanted, what we got was a product unlike other metallic products in the market.  The ULTIMETAL collection was the GOLD winner at Neo Con last year and also Best of Year winner by Interior Design Magazine.  With its combination of fabric like look and metallic finish as well as being suitable for high traffic applications, it has been an exciting to bring  to market.

      Our deepest gratitude for Mary for taking the time to answer our questions. You can find her on LinkedIn, at Crossville, or at any of the big tile shows.