Tile America is a retailer of tile and stone for the individual and commercial markets.
We’ve heavily invested in our people, our facilities, and our logistics over the last five years. We’ve purchased our real estate, installed three solar arrays, improved landscaping and building facades, bought new trucks and equipment, implemented a new ERP system, and beautified our interiors.
How do you remain competitive?
An aggressive digital marketing campaign combined with innovations like a room visualizer and in-home consultation program has set us apart. We have remained dedicated to high quality and high service and bucked the trend of discounting and cost cutting.
To remain competitive we have also renovated our seven Connecticut locations and built the most comfortable and beautiful showrooms in our market. We have remained the specialists in our field by focusing solely on ceramic tile and stone. We like to say we are a ‘Jack of one trade and master of it.’ From providing cutting-edge design service in our showroom to educating our contractor customers in the latest installation techniques, we continue to be Connecticut’s tile experts.
How do you instill your family values in your employees?
Our average employee tenure is 12 years and that is due to our heavy focus on a healthy culture. Using our employee-recognition program, experiential-training events, corporate-responsibility initiative, open-door policy and a yearly company-wide meeting, we’ve been able to attract and keep the best in the business.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Trying to grow in a state with no population growth, little new construction, and high taxes that limit disposable income is not easy. Add to that the Amazon effect on brick-and-mortar stores, but I’m glad to say growth is still possible.
Headquarters: New Haven
Industry: Ceramic, Tile & Stone
Year Founded: 1964
Founder: Jack Knies
Generation Currently Running Company: 2nd
No. of Full-Time Employees: 59
No. of Part-Time Employees: 7
Family Members Currently Employed at Company: Brian Knies, President/Owner, Husband; Louise Knies, Financial Officer, Wife
Company Website: www.tileamerica.com
Read the full feature: https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/tile-america
