QUALIFIED LABOR –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– standards. Through taking the test, I learned standards and practices in our industry.” Kaiser is a convert to the idea that everyone should be certified. “I’m preaching education to everyone,” Kaiser said. “I had no idea about the CTI test. There are a lot of people that don’t know about the CTI test. Everyone I come in contact with, I talk to about CTEF and what it has done for the industry. I try to get more people involved.” Kaiser gets a lot of calls from cus- tomers who have had bad tile instal- lations. “The hack jobs that are going on right now are out of control,” he said. “Within the last two months, I’ve looked at so many projects that people have done that were not tile installers and did not know what they’re doing,” Kaiser said. Kaiser tries to get these customers to look at the CTEF website and educate themselves. “There are a lot of guys out there that are doing it the wrong way and need to learn how to do it to industry standards,” Kaiser said, adding the importance of certifica- tion cannot be overstated. “To have the CTI is amazing. It sets you apart from so many people,” he said. Kaiser has his eyes on the next goal of gaining the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT). There are seven ACT certifi- cations in grouts, large-format tile and substrate preparation, mem- branes, mortar (mud) floors, mortar (mud) walls, shower receptors, and gauged porcelain tile. “Within the next two years,” Kaiser said, “I’d like to take all of them.” High Quality Metal Trims and Pre-Molded Expansion Joints for all of Your Flooring Needs Call or click today! 800.236.5230 www.ceramictool.com Carpet/Vinyl Trim Reducers Reverse Trim Ceramic Tool MADE IN USA 68 TileLetter | August 2017