November 2020 President's Letter

Who’s next?

Do you remember the title of the December 2018 President’s Letter? There is no reason you would but it was also titled “Who’s next”? That was my first letter, this is my last. Next month, Mr. Martin Brookes of Heritage Marble & Tile Company in California will be entrusted to get these letters to Lesley Goddin on time. That my friends, is not as easy as it sounds. Thank you Lesley, for your patience and guidance along the way!

It is quite incredible to me that two years have passed. I am as optimistic now as I have ever been about the success of the association. That is because if I have learned anything, it is how blessed we are to have extremely caring and capable people in our association’s staff and leadership. The Executive Committee; 2nd Vice-President, 1st Vice-President, President, Chairman and Board Advisors (2) are not staff, simply stewards passing through while the hard work of maintaining, selling, growing, promoting, and training all appear to happen seamlessly from the outside in because of the NTCA staff. The details of making the sausage are actually quite complex. Too much so to spend time in detail here. Please, take the time when you can to personally thank each of the staff you may come in contact with and tell them how appreciated they are for their work and commitment to keep NTCA recognizable and strong.

You may not be aware that NTCA is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the strongest, most successful training and trade associations of its type. That does not occur by accident. I won’t name any one person because I have seen that it truly is a great team with a committed Executive Director.

Over the last two years, it has been my intention to focus on presenting issues or stories that are relatable to the professional craftsperson and installation professional, whether that was a single person, a member of a large team or big company or allied product or tile manufacturer. I presume that’s who would take the time to read the TileLetter or heed NTCA. A narrower slice still would be folks taking time from their day to read the President’s Letter. Thank you for the many kind words from people I know – and many I did not – who commented or indicated that they connected with something in those letters.

The themes have been simple. Continue to grow, continue to learn. Keep an open mind and do not presume that you know the best way to do anything. There is always a new and better mouse trap. Always do the best installation you can. Trust yourself once you know your strengths. Most importantly – YOU SHOULD GET PAID FOR THAT! You have hard-won knowledge and expertise that came at a price or perhaps from a painful sacrifice or mistake. You need to place high value on your expertise because no one knows you, your company, your staff, and your strengths better than you do. You must be your own best advocate. Sell your hard-won knowledge. Use all the tools available to you – the NTCA for starters, and industry installation and reference manuals. Develop relationships with good tile distributors and manufacturers’ representatives. Make sure they know your passion for the industry. Share your commitment to the craft and your specialty and strengths. This makes them your best advocate, and they may be an important reference or provide a recommendation for your next big opportunity.

I am looking forward to Martin Brookes’ President’s Letters. I have great respect for him and admire his thoughtful approach when presenting his point of view. I know him to be passionate, compassionate, and committed to his people and to the trade. His enthusiasm for the industry takes second place only to the caring he shows when talking about his family. He speaks with great enthusiasm about the opportunities in our industry and association. I am betting he will not be a passive NTCA President. Good luck Martin.

God bless all of you. May you and your families stay safe.

Chris Walker
NTCA President
Vice President, David Allen Company
Chairman, ANSI A-108
Chairman, US TAG ISO TC-189
Board of Directors ABC-VA
Voting Member TCNA Handbook
Voting Member 
NTCA Reference Manual
chriswalker@davidallen.com