message from a guy in Detroit who wanted to get some experience in setting tile. He said he loves the tile business and hopes to become cer- tified but needs an opportunity to learn more. The guy asked Mark if he knew of anyone who might help him. I thought that was a pretty big request, that perhaps Mark would diplomatically give the guy some direction toward training materials or an on-line program. I admit now that I underestimated my husband. He spent quite a lot of time with the guy – I now know his name is Alaa Waleed – and discovered what he was looking for and got a sense of his seriousness about learning. Mark told Alaa that he would think on it, and see if he could come up with someone who might be inter- ested in taking him on. Some time passed. We went on a couple more trips. I forgot about Alaa Waleed. Mark did not. He had contacted his friend Phil Kozey about Al. Phil is a great guy, an excellent tile contractor, an NTCA State Ambassador, and fel- low Michigander. Phil lives down- state. Mark and I live in the Upper Peninsula. We refer to any part BUSINESS TIP –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mark and Connie Heinlein take a pit stop at the Summit Diner in Somerset, Pa., on their way from Mechanicsburg to Pittsburgh. 28 TileLetter | March 2017