Q: Tell us about your first job in the tile business.

A: My first job right out of college was with Facings of America in Phoenix.  I was so lucky to work for two owners who I think are still the smartest tile people I have ever met in my 33 years.   It was truly an entry level job… “typing” invoices, keeping track of inventory manually on index cards and answering the phones.  This was back when 8” x 8” tile was considered a very LARGE tile!

Q: Did you have a mentor, and if so, what was the most important lesson he/she taught you?

A: I have been so lucky to have worked with some wonderful people. My first two bosses at Facings of America, Dick vanGilse and Henry Croom got me started in this industry.  Their passion and love of the industry has stayed with me all these years.  Dick taught me that if I never made a mistake, I was not working hard enough.   Henry introduced me to the CTDA and taught me to participate and get involved with our industry.

At my next company, Del Piso, I worked for a wonderful man, Jim Palm.  Jim built a fabulous business that was the most successful independent distribution company on the West Coast. Every person who worked for JP wanted to work hard for him… you knew that no matter how hard you worked, he was always working harder.  JP spent his time with the front line folks; the truck drivers, the warehouse guys, contractors drinking coffee waiting for their order.  He would rather spend time with the front line people then in some corporate meeting.  We trusted him and knew he understood our job.

At my current job I worked under Svend Hovmand for the first 8 years I was at Crossville.  Svend also spends time with the front line people.  He is always asking questions of people – from the forklift driver to the company president.   I am compelled to keep reading, keep asking questions and keep learning – what a great gift he has shared with so many.

Q: Sounds like you have had a range of experiences in the industry. What is the biggest change you’ve seen in the tile business in the last thirty years?

A: When I started in the tile industry, tile was was used primarily for its function.  What is so exciting now is that tile is truly a fashion item as well as functional.  It’s the fashion part of the industry that has helped it grow and what makes it such a fun industry to work in.  The combination of construction and fashion and seeing how designers use styles, sizes and color to create has been very exciting.

Q: What kind of tile do you have in your home?

A: Crossville Porcelain Stone of course!!  I have Antico Fresco in the entire downstairs and Empire in the upstairs.  Unpolished in the guest bath and Polished in mine.  I love it!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone remodeling their home with tile, what would it be?

A: Don’t wait until the last minute!  I am so amazed at the number of people who come into showrooms and say “my tile guy is coming on Friday so what tile do I have to choose from?”  There are so many exciting things people can do with tile. I think its better to let your imagination have some fun rather than let time force your selection.

Next Monday in Part 2 of the interview, Mary discusses the biggest mistake people make when working with tile and forecasts the big changes coming in our industry. You can reach Mary at myocum@crossvilleinc.com

If there is a tie that binds their buildings, it must be the white or clear exteriors, as evidenced by an altogether different building to the New Museum, the Rolex Learning Center.