For specialty projects that need a “wow factor,” Custom® Building Products offers the Fusion Pro® Designer Series, a line of eight specialty reflective color accents that extend the creative value of this popular single-component grout. The Fusion Pro Designer Series is ideal for kitchen backsplashes and showers when paired with dynamic mosaic glass, porcelain, ceramic or other tiles that could benefit from a special effect. Use it to enhance the decorative beauty of both horizontal and vertical, interior or exterior, commercial or residential tile projects. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of Fusion Pro Designer Series, the ready-to- use, professional-grade grout is guaranteed to be stain proof and color perfect without the use of a sealer. The Fusion Pro Designer Series colors include natural and mineral inspired colorations like Smoked Quartz, Starlight, Moonshadow, Ice Crystal, Glitter, Raw Sugar, Starry Night and Gold. www.custombuildingproducts.com. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ed my services to a pilot that con- tracted me to tile a second story shower within an aircraft hangar in Saginaw, Texas.” Lofthouse didn’t have a sophis- ticated truck to start – just a 1982 El Camino, which he said was very easy to load but not so fuel effi- cient. The downturn of the build- ing industry in 2007/2008 brought difficult years. But over time, work picked back up, with Lofthouse considering each project more exciting than the previous. Joining NTCA After struggling in the develop- ment of his trade, witnessing the failed installations that are so prev- alent, and learning to become a much better negotiator, Lofthouse decided to join the NTCA two years ago. “I’ve always felt strongly about strengthening the industry,” he said. “Even among other tile setters, my question has always been: ‘What are you doing to make conditions better?’ I’ve learned to use the word ‘NO’ whenever necessary. This means turning down projects with insufficient budgets or expec- tations. With the support of NTCA knowledge and networking, com- bined with my solid reputation, homeowners recommend my busi- ness naturally.” This approach has worked out well for Lofthouse. “With my expe- rience and confidence, I offer a level of service few are willing 50 TileLetter | April 2017