with all trade-specific tasks bro- ken out and identified with start and finish dates, and any float days. Doing this will provide the best chance to stage and staff the project in the most efficient manner possible. It will also identify any potential manpower issues. • Identify any expected obstacles and concerns, mapping out a plan to mitigate them as much as possible. This meeting can usually be completed in an hour or less, but it can save you many hours of frustration and most if not all of your profit margin. When the phone never stops ringing – and it seems like the team on the job needs information before they can make the next move – you’re oper- ating in what I like to call “Fire Drill mode.” When this happens, no one is efficient, and profit is being wasted. That’s why Best in Class Contractors avoid this scenario by properly pre-planning every project and executing a turn-over meeting with their field team. I’d like to hear how you handle this aspect of your projects, so send me ideas and help me dis- cover what I’m missing out on. Keep on tiling! Martin Howard NTCA President Committee member, ANSI A108 mhoward@davidallen.com PRESIDENT'S LETTER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 20 TileLetter | May 2018