–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MEMBER SPOTLIGHT discovered a community of like- minded professionals that actually care about the installation, and this is something I plan on being a part of for as long as I am in the tile industry,” he said. Stuart Tile has recently been awarded and now recognized as a NTCA Five Star Contractor. “It is a great honor to recognized by an organization that has such high standards,” he added. The company has two Certified Tile Installers, but aims to have all its setters be certified. “I can see that our Certified Tile Installers are proud of their certification, and they should be – it’s an accom- plishment,” he said. Not immune to occupational hazards of working in the industry, late in 2015, Phil started having respiratory issues and was diag- nosed with a form of COPD. “I believe this is from all the sili- ca/cement dust I was breathing through all the years of mixing, grinding without proper dust mask protection,” he said. “This is why I feel so strongly about proper dust containment/equipment. I will not even prep a floor without a mask now.” Phil considers it an honor to represent NTCA as a Michigan State Ambassador since 2015. “It has been because of the NTCA I have formed lifelong relationships and friendships with individuals at some of our top suppliers,” he said. “I am very grateful to the NTCA for the different educational and social events I have been able to attend all over the nation.” Work done at Elevation Burger restaurant. Phil Kozey preps the floor at the Palace of Auburn Hills. TileLetter | May 2017 53