NTCA NEWS 128 TileLetter | January 2018 and operates. I hope to one day be much more involved with them in that aspect.” He praised the networking avail- able at the show, meeting others in the industry – and keynote speaker Thom Singer’s tips for network- ing. “The most valuable takeaway was simply listening to others talk about where they started from, and how they got to where they are today. I found those conversations inspiring, because many of them started out the same as me. They gave me much hope for what the future brings.” During the Table Top part of the event, Habelt got to meet “all the folks from LATICRETE, the people behind the products that I use daily,” he said. “They truly do make you feel like family. I was really excited to learn about their new heat mat system. I can’t wait to start using it in clients’ homes!” Another TSP trip winner was Matthew Byars, of Tiling Solutions LLC in Gaffney, S.C. Like Habelt, he found Singer to be the most inspiring speaker at TSP, which he called “an amazing experience!” Byars had a specific purpose for attending – “to network with fellow contractors, learn a few things, and dig a little deeper into the tile realm.” The classes helped him achieve his goal, and he found some great tips in the Art of Negotiation sessions. In addition to the education, Byars said, “I finally got to talk to an ARDEX rep face to face and learn about their products, especially Liquid BackerBoard® .” He also valued getting to talk to Ron Nash and Greg Braswell from LATICRETE. And TSP gave him the opportunity to meet with Best Tile, a new supplier he plans to start using which will offer him “more of what I need with better service.” Interested in enhancing your business? Plan to attend Total Solutions Plus at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, October 27-30, 2018. NTCA is planning an even bigger and better TSP giveaway for 2018, so stay tuned for details! There was ample opportunity to network during TSP 2017. Matthew Byars of Tiling Solutions also won a trip to TSP.