NTCA FIVE-STAR MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– tion offered in Nashville during the 2018 NTCA Five-Star Contractor Summit provided a big boon to business. “The class ‘How to Put Yourself in a Better Position Contractually’ opened my eyes to how we were leaving beneficial items on the table and not pushing risk off our plate,” Leasure said. “Prior to this class I was resigned to the fact I should just blanket sign every con- tract a general contractor gave me, and if we performed fast and clean, they would treat us fairly. Since the class I have developed a list of 35 items and clarifications on our pro- posal that gets incorporated into our contracts as an attachment. We have had great success in crafting beneficial deals, which can take months of negotiation. Although it’s sometimes tough and conten- tious work, it gives us leverage on the critical items that come up on all jobs like labor rates, change order processing, reasonable bill- ing times on change orders, pay- ment terms, and jobsite schedul- ing/coordination.” Leasure added, “It’s easy to get caught up working IN your com- pany instead of ON your company and the time with the NTCA Five- Star team and other business own- ers allows you to work ON your business. It’s also easy to think you have it all figured out…and that the way you manage your logistics, prep and plan your projects, or even float your decks is the only way. When you talk to other busi- ness owners and if you have an open mind you will find they have some slick ideas and tools that you never thought of.” Increasing excellence NCTS employs CTEF Certified Installers (CTI) with a goal of iden- tifying 5-10 installers annually, and encouraging them to get certified. “We started the process a few years ago and we believe that this is a critical part of any tile company that wants to consider themselves as quality,” Leasure said. “This pro- cess has benefited our company by setting an example to other install- ers of what it means to be quality. It sets a standard that others want to aspire to, as long as you focus on weeding out the low perform- ers and adding new blood to the ranks on a yearly basis. Our clients see the quality of expertise and knowledge of the installers. When The recently – completed renovation of the Cache Creek Spa saw the space expand from 5,000 sq. ft. to over 12,000 sq. ft. 52 TileLetter | 2019