NTCA Presents 2023 Industry Honors
JACKSON, Miss. – The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) utilized this year’s Coverings show to recognize three individuals for their roles in the industry.
Joe and Wendi Kerber of Kerber Tile, Marble and Stone in Shakopee, Minn., jointly received the Tile Person of the Year Award, while Real Bourdage, strategic marketing director for MAPEI Corp., earned the 2023 Joe A. Tarver Award in recognition of his service to the tile-and-stone industry.
Joe Kerber served as a member of the NTCA Technical Committee and Methods and Standards Committee for many years, along with two terms on the NTCA board of directors. He’s also currently an ambassador for the association, and a certified tile installer and evaluator for the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.
Wendi Kerber is a CPA who manages financial and tax planning for Kerber Tile.
“Tile contracting companies are often family-owned businesses, and Joe and Wendi Kerber have successfully managed Kerber Tile and Marble & Stone together for many years,” said NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga. “They are the second husband and wife team to be honored by NTCA in our 76-year history, and they are truly deserving of this recognition.”
Bourdage, in the tile industry since 1988, worked with HB Fuller for 21 years, including as president at TEC Specialty Products, an HB Fuller subsidiary. Bourdage also served as vice president of international business development at Custom Building Products prior to joining MAPEI. in 2010.
“Real is a key member of our team. His knowledge of and enthusiasm for the industry drive us to reach further and achieve more,”, said Luigi Di Geso, MAPEI North America president/CEO. “With this well-deserved honor, Real joins a long list of outstanding Tarver award recipients, including MAPEI’s Craig Hamilton and Dr. Giorgio Squinzi, who were honored in 2006 and 2010.”
“I am honored to receive this award from NTCA,” commented Bourdage. “I love this industry and the individuals who I have met and developed friendships with over the years.
“I’ve always believed in improving education and professionalism in the industry. Furthering connections between manufacturers and associations, distributors and contractors: my goal in this has always been to help the industry, to help contractors further their careers, deepen their training, and establish professional reputations.
“I believe that improving the tile and stone industry as a whole begins at the individual level, with that personal connection. This industry is unlike any other and I’m proud to play a part in it. This award is an unexpected, but deeply appreciated, honor.”
NTCA is a trade association representing contracting and installation companies and associate supporters of ceramic tile, natural stone, tile and stone installation materials and other tile-stone related products.
