learned prior to 2008 unfortunately did not pass the test of prosperity in the time leading up to 2008. You see, prosperity can be an adversary to all the discipline and hard-learned lessons and battles won during times of adversity. Prosperity can make us lazy, unfo- cused and carelessly forgetful of our best practices and core values. When times are good, and busi- ness is easy, the temptation is to take our eye off the goal and allow mediocrity and the tyranny of the urgent to creep in. It’s easy to con- vince ourselves that we are too busy to stick to our proven best practices and we allow little slips here and there. The monthly P&L statements look strong and profit is coming in on every job. We are failing the test of prosperity. Once this happens, the chance that we will awaken in time to save our business in the next downturn is less likely. I urge all of us to keep our eye on the goal. Use the lessons that helped us survive and pass the test of adversity to now thrive and become “Best in Class” contractors during times of prosperity. Don’t settle for simply gliding along on the crest of a big wave thinking we have conquered the world, when the real- ity of the shore is approaching fast. Success to you all! Keep on tiling, Martin Howard, NTCA President Committee Member ANSI A108 mhoward@davidallen.com PRESIDENT'S LETTER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Make it Easy! u Waterproof wall inserts, for use with any installation method! u Surface mount design, easy to install without precise framing. u Available in 4 modular, practical sizes for more design options. u Nail it on and tile it in with modi- fied thinset mortar. u 9x13, 13x13, 13x20, 13x13 arch top The Original Recessed Niche for Tile and Stone Ready to tile ! Professional results every time ! Wheeler Tile & Company 800.965.9501 QuickShelf.net 18 TileLetter | October 2018