tile setter relationships I’ve gained, I’ve also gained clients through the website. I love when I get a call, and they say they found me on the NTCA website (www.tile- assn.com) because, I know these homeowners are educated enough to find a professional tile installer. Typically those homeowners aren’t looking for the cheapest price; they’re looking for the best install- er, no matter the price. They care about how their remodel is going to look and want it done right from the prep to finished product. These clients alone have paid for my membership and even the mem- bership costs in the years to come. “The biggest benefit I have gained since joining would be how detail oriented I’ve become,” she remarked. “I often hear that ‘women are probably more detailed than men.’ I don’t know about that because – before I found my men- tors and inspiration through the NTCA members – I was sloppy. Perhaps that’s me being very critical of myself, but I am my biggest crit- ic. After seeing the amazing work some of the members produce, I asked myself, ‘Is this the best you can do?’ Every day I try to improve in some way but, at the end of each day I still ask ‘Was that your best?’ “This community has pushed me to create a finished product that helps me stand out from the com- petition in my area,” she concluded. “It has let my work speak for itself and become a mostly referral-based business, and it’s opened a lot of doors for me. Thank you to every one of you that’s helped me to where I am today. I love this industry!” Jacob and Ilisha Harris, Coastal Custom Tile & Design, Swansboro, N.C. Jacob Harris was honored at this year’s Coverings Rock Stars Award lun- cheon. Both he and his wife Ilisha run Coastal Custom Tile & Design in Swansboro, N.C. Here’s what they have to say about the NTCA: “This organization com- pletely changed our business! The National Tile Contractors Association gave us guidelines. It allows you to stay up to date on methods and standards, along with opening up a world of like- minded people who share the same interest and concerns as us. We take full advantage of other members and the knowledge they are willing to share. We have been able to reach out to others with years of experience, sometimes knowledge you just cannot read 84 TileLetter | June 2019