across the country, which positive- ly impacts his business and work relationships. “Since becoming a member of the NTCA, I have seen that I am taken more seriously at all meet- ings with my clients, general con- tractors and architects,” he said. “I have seen that being a member gives new clients confidence in my abilities. “From a client’s view, a compa- ny being an NTCA member and also a CTI/Certified Tile Installer (Maris is CTI #1309) lets them know how serious the company is and that they are in good and professional hands,” he said. “This makes them feel better to hire me to complete their pre- cious projects.” As the only CTI in his company, Maris installs most of the jobs himself. His staff keeps current by regularly attending manufactur- er training classes and available education opportunities. And he is focused on being as knowl- edgeable about tile systems and “eager to learn more. “Being up-to-date with every- thing and being able to answer all my client’s and general contrac- tor’s questions in regards to any kind of tile installation lets them feel better with me and my com- pany,” he explained. “My clients know they are in good hands see- ing I am a Certified Tile Installer and an NTCA member. My CTI and all other certifications I have from manufacturers separate me from other installers. I am proud of all the certifications I have. It is the greatest feeling which moti- vates me to perform my skills at the highest standards.” Peer and technical support: icing on the NTCA cake Support from other NTCA mem- bers is invaluable to Maris. “I gained a lot of knowledge, expe- rience and professional friends who are some of the best tile installers in the country,” he said of his experience with NTCA. “I have learned so much from the NTCA community, which has helped me improve my skills greatly. Support from a commu- nity of tile installers is priceless. This would not have been pos- sible without NTCA. I can also call some members and ask for help and even answer questions when they call me about certain installations. ” Maris – who is also a NTCA State Ambassador for the state of New York – also values the 24/7 NTCA technical support available to members. “I know they will be there if I ever need help answer- ing questions while working on a complicated project,” he said. And the relationship that NTCA fosters between installer and manufacturer members is beyond measure. “From my viewpoint, NTCA is the ‘bridge’ between us as installers and member manu- MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 64 TileLetter | November 2018