a profit (who would have thought it?!). I became associated with success- ful people in the business but more importantly, I made many friends and acquaintances. Even some of my Memphis competitors became some of my best friends. We came to con- ventions to have fun and gain knowl- edge as the Memphis delegation. Now 70 years later, the small STTMCA from the Southeast has become a national organization with over 1,000 members, and continues to thrive and prosper under the leader- ship of Bart and his crew. Go NTCA!!! Guy Renkert President and CEO, Ironrock I greatly value NTCA’s work and the assistance it has provided to Ironrock over the year when it comes to working with talented, respon- sible, quality install- ers. I also have a great respect for Bart and Jim who I got to know back in the ‘90s when I was just getting started in the tile indus- try selling hand-painted art tiles in Minnesota. We’ve all come a long way and the industry is better and stronger for the leadership and vision Bart and his team have delivered. Cheers and congratulations for 70 great years. David M. Gobis CTC, LLC Ceramic Tile Consultant I’m celebrating my 39th year with STTMCA – oh, that’s right, we changed the name to NTCA in 1988. It has been fun to grow in my career with NTCA. I can assure you I would never have reached my current level if I had not participated in the many train- ing and networking opportunities NTCA provided. You could not buy the access provided to the top levels of management in the tile industry made available by membership. I strongly encourage those who want to pros- per in the industry to either join or continue your participation; there are many dividends and they keep coming year after year. Tave Baker Holmes Tile & Marble Co. My grandfather, James O. Holmes, founded Holmes Tile & Marble Co. in Jonesboro, Ark., in 1952 – the first tile company in the region Dave Gobis in his element, set- ting tile at Uke’s. This was the first waterjet cut ceramic Harley logo; it used Crossville tile. Dave Gobis (r.) was named Tile Person of the Year by the TCNA in 2015. TCNA’s Eric Astrachan made the presentation. Dave Gobis and wife Mary having a little R&R with their Hogs at Uke’s, a Harley dealer in Kenosha, Wis. Celebrating 70 years 96 TileLetter | September 2017