How often it seems that I am on the cusp of leaving for an industry show while I am writing my editor letter. In fact, today, I have my trip to TISE West/Surfaces on the other side of the upcoming weekend, where I’ll see many of you at the NTCA booth, live installation dem- onstrations, company booths or just walking the floor. And I’ll be within walking distance of the dra- matic makeover at the Flamingo, addressed in our Bostik cover story. In this month’s issue, we con- tinue our content designed to bring technical and informative reading to you. In Hot Topics, we take a look at the problem of substandard tile, what a hassle this is – espe- cially for small contractors – and what to do about it. Got an opin- ion? Give it a read and then email me with your thoughts. We meet our 50th Five Star Contractor in our Member Spotlight – Trostrud Mosaic & Tile Company -- and then in our technical fea- ture, trace the progress of updat- ing one of the world’s highest indoor swimming pools at the John Hancock Tower in Chicago, with the Trostrud crew. NTCA Trainer/Presenter Robb Roderick answers both a question about stress cracks in tile floors that telegraphed up from a ply- wood subfloor in Ask the Experts, and gives advice for those wanting to move from tile installation to training or teaching tile installation in our business feature. Steve Coates of Welch Tile & Marble shares his experiences in working together with industry associations, government sources and within his own company to address the lack of labor issues rife in the industry. Tom Lynch, CSI presents an illu- minating analysis of the issue of 80% mortar coverage and failures. And in our Stone section, we explore stone selection, prepa- ration installation and care with experts from Daltile, as well as present 2018 schedule of educa- tional seminars developed by the Natural Stone Institute. Don’t miss Martin Howard’s detailed President Letter which is really a primer in estimating and best practices, including how to price your work to maintain a healthy profit margin. I’ve had the pleasure in the past month to break bread with Trainer/ EDITOR’S LETTER Lesley A. Goddin “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac 10 TileLetter | February 2018