ing their expertise to make better business decisions, touching base once or twice a week. “Between the two of us, 150 people are at stake,” Kemna said. The NTCA Five-Star connection The NTCA and caliber of the NTCA Five-Star Contractor com- munity laid the groundwork for this relationship to blos- som. “We come together at meetings as part of a bigger group, and there’s an opportunity to have growth,” said Amber Fox, NTCA Five-Star Contractor Program Director. “The NTCA Five- Star Program is the catalyst of bring- ing people together and providing opportunities.” “NTCA Five-Star is an opportu- nity to start relationships so things can happen in the future,” Welch said. “If you are going to take on that big a risk, you need someone you can trust. Without NTCA or NTCA Five-Star – or both – we would never have gotten to that level to take on that risk.” Plus, Welch added, “If you enjoy each other, it makes it easier to do.” “NTCA Five-Star has allowed us to make our businesses stronger,” Kemna added. At the upcoming NTCA Five- Star Summer Meeting July 16-19 in Montreal, Fox will offer non- competing contractors who are interested in exploring joint ven- ture possibilities the opportu- nity to process issues together to open the door for reciprocal communication and relationship building. Depending on feed- back, follow-up opportunities will be planned. “Due to relationship with Dan, it’s given more opportunity,” Kemna said, pointing out that the synergy between the two compa- nies has provided a buffer against competition. “We are NTCA Five-Star contrac- tors that do tile, but businesses have grown and incorporate other things,” Kemna added. “Carpet contractors started taking work away from us by being able to do carpet and adding tile. Now I see because we are doing terrazzo, polished concrete, stone panels, thin panels and tile, we are the big- gest piece to put under contract. If we ONLY did tile, it would be easy for carpet guys to take it over.” Welch said that his partnership with Kemna helps manage sched- ules and the fluctuations of the economy. “You surround yourself with people who have strengths where you are weak,” he said. “Change is inevitable – managing it is everything.” –––––––––– For more information on becom- ing a NTCA Five-Star Contractor, contact Amber Fox at 858-674- 6908 or at amber@tile-assn.com. BUSINESS TIP ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Amber Fox, NTCA Five- Star Program Director 34 TileLetter | June 2019