As we move into February, the holidays feel far behind us, job sites are in full swing again, and we’re settling into the rhythm of a new year.

January is always a month of planning and alignment for the NTCA, and this year was no different. Your Executive Committee met in early January to review our progress and fine-tune the strategic priorities that will guide the association over the next several years. The future is bright, and I’m proud of the direction in which we’re heading.

This month in our Business Acumen Series, we turn our focus to People Management Acumen, a skill that sits at the very heart of every successful contractor’s business. No matter how much equipment, technology, or experience we bring to a project, our people remain the difference-makers. They are the ones solving problems, serving clients, maintaining quality, and representing your name on every single job.

People Management Acumen is more than scheduling crews or assigning tasks. It’s the ability to develop talent, communicate clearly, set expectations, and build a culture where people can do their best work. In today’s environment where labor is tight, expectations are high, and projects move fast, strong people management is a priority.

Great people managers do three things well:

• They listen. They make it safe for their teams to speak up, ask questions, and point out issues before they become problems.

• They invest. Training, mentorship, and hands-on guidance don’t just build skills, they build loyalty, confidence, and pride in the craft.

• They set clarity. Clear instructions, clear standards, and clear accountability help crews perform at a high level without confusion or guesswork.

All this ties directly into this month’s TileLetter theme: Training. Training is one of the most powerful tools we have for developing our people and strengthening our industry. NTCA is well aware of the value of training—2026 marks the 40th anniversary of NTCA’s training programs.

Whether it’s manufacturer training, NTCA Workshops or Regional Training Programs, online resources, or in-house coaching, every hour spent training your team pays dividends in quality, safety, and professionalism.

No one in our trade succeeds alone, and no one learns alone. We learn best when we learn together.

And speaking of learning together, Coverings 2026 is right around the corner, March 30–April 2. If you haven’t already, start planning your trip. Coverings brings the entire tile and stone community under one roof, and it’s one of the most impactful events you can attend for education, networking, and exposure to innovation. Stop by the NTCA Booth #4070, introduce yourself, and get connected with all the resources we offer.

As you push through the busy weeks ahead, take time to invest in your people, sharpen your leadership, and build the kind of culture that elevates everyone around you.

Next month, we’ll close out our Business Acumen Series with Ethical Acumen, understanding and upholding the principles and standards that define trustworthy, professional business practices.

Until then, stay focused, keep developing your teams, and as always, Educate for Excellence

Sincerely,

Rod Owen
President, NTCA
Rod.Owen@ccowen.us