for the company I work for. “A few years ago, the company I work for was in financial trouble,” he said. “I thought about what would happen if they went out of business. The next day 20 tile installers would be going out to nearby tile contrac- tors looking for a job. What would make me different? How would any- one know that I was a good installer? Wouldn’t all 20 say that they were good and fast? “I knew that certification would set me apart,” he added. “That’s why people should come out to their near- by NTCA workshops, to see if their installation techniques meet industry standards, see if there are any new ways to improve their quality and avoid potential financially devastat- ing consequences.” The Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) exam allowed Fleming to obtain additional certi- fications. When he was evaluated at 2015 TISE, he passed four out of the five tests scheduled. “I’m not embarrassed by this,” he said. “They are difficult tests; it’s not a show-up- for-a-seminar-and-get-a-certificate. I simply ran out of time and had to hurry my large-format installation, so my tile didn’t have the required 80% coverage for thin-set mortar.” The good news is that Fleming realized what went wrong, changed his approach and passed it with time to spare a few months later. “I think that I’m able to help the NTCA train- ing team because of my background in union apprenticeship, commercial work, and having five out of seven ACT certifications,” he explained. TRAINING & EDUCATION –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 56 TileLetter | June 2019