NTCA Names 2021 Tile Setter Craftspersons
JACKSON, Miss. — Gary Fox and Jay Cerda are the winners of the 2021 Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year Awards from the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).
Fox, of Fox Ceramic Tile in St. Marys, Kan., is being honored for his commercial work, while Cerda of Cox Tile in San Antonio gets the award for residential. Both winners arefrom NTCA Five-Star contractor member companies.
The two will be recognized during the NTCA Annual Meeting at Total Solutions Plus in Jacksonville, Fla., later this month.
Winners receive round-trip airfare for two to Coverings 2022, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on April 5-8, along with hotel accommodations for a three-night stay. They will be recognized during the NTCA Annual Meeting at this year’s Total Solutions Plus in Jacksonville on Oct. 24-26.
Award criteria included 15 years or more setting tile, continuing to set tile today, technical correctness of installations, craftsmanship/artistry, resolving tile installation problems, self-improvement/continuing education, and mentoring/leading others.
Gary FoxFox entered the trade at 14, launched his career after graduation and was already running his own commercial projects in his early 20s, wowing superintendents with his skill and savvy. Though Gary now works on Kevin’s team today, he calls Gary his mentor “and a true leader within our company and industry.”
A senior foreman since 1992, he acted as foreman for the company’s several award winning projects and his work was once featured on the cover of the American Olean Ceramic Tile Trim catalog.
He earned his CTI (#649) in 2011, prompting everyone else in the company to follow his lead.
“He sets the example for all by the way he conducts himself, both personally and professionally,” said Kevin Fox, owner of Fox Ceramic Tile, adding that Gary’s number of enduring projects as an elite craftsman is only matched by his “ability to teach, nurture and grow other exceptional craftsmen to make our industry better and better, year after year.”
Though Gary now works on Kevin’s team today, he calls Gary his mentor “and a true leader within our company and industry.”
Jay CerdaCerda got his start in the tile industry right out of high school with Cox Tile, transitioning from helper to apprentice to setter to his current title of Master Tile Setter. He is also distinguished as Certified Tile Installer (CTI) #719.
As lead tile setter, Cerda has been instrumental in training many Cox Tile setters and supporting and facilitating their education as they worked with him as helpers. Many have gone on attain their CTI credentials as well.
Cerda’s passion for perfection makes him an essential lead in the company’s most complex jobs, and he excels in mudwork for both walls and floors. He has helped the company achieve recognition for several awards. He also worked on the challenging Installation Showcase at Coverings in 2010, pitting his knowledge and skills against a tight time frame and limited resources.
Cerda is known for his pursuit of education, attending local seminars and events by suppliers to learn about new products and installation techniques. Not only does he attend every NTCA Workshop and training in San Antonio, he also helps NTCA staff with setup and tear down.
“All our employees look to Jay not only for his positive leadership but for his expertise when it comes to challenging and unique issues,” said John Cox, owner of Cox Tile.
Judges who scored nominees in the competition included residential judges Matt Blood of Paragon Tile and Shannon Huffstickler of Schluter Systems, and commercial judges Adam Abell of Bostik, and Kent Klaser of Klaser Consulting.
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