Tile America's Supplier of the Year
June 11th, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Connecticut-based tile retailer recognizes Portobello for product innovation, service excellence, availability, and outstanding partnership.
Baxter, TN – [Insert Date] – Tile America has named Portobello its 2025 Supplier of the Year, recognizing the company for its exceptional product design, responsive support, customer service, and continued commitment to helping Tile America serve its customers and trade partners across Connecticut.
The award was presented by Brian Knies, President of Tile America, to Mike Ward, Vice President of Sales at Portobello, during a visit to Portobello’s U.S. headquarters and primary manufacturing facility in Baxter, Tennessee.
Each year, Tile America employees vote for Supplier of the Year based on key criteria that directly impact the company’s ability to support homeowners, design professionals, builders, contractors, and tile installers. These criteria include high-quality and innovative products, responsive field support and product training, exceptional customer service, effective sales promotions and marketing, strong product availability, and on-time delivery.
“Portobello has been an exceptional partner to Tile America, distinguished by innovative product design, outstanding service, and a true commitment to our mutual success,” said Brian Knies, President of Tile America. “From their field representatives to their customer-focused team at the Tennessee factory, every level of the organization has demonstrated responsiveness, professionalism, and a dedication to supporting our business.”
Tile America has been particularly impressed with Portobello’s product design, which has resonated strongly with customers and proven highly successful in the Connecticut market. The recognition reflects Portobello’s commitment to excellence and the strong partnership the company has built with Tile America.
“Great supplier partnerships make a meaningful difference in how we serve our customers,” added Knies. “Portobello continues to deliver beautiful, innovative tile collections backed by the service, training, and availability our teams rely on.”
From left to right: Mike Ward, Vice President of Sales at Portobello; César Gomes Júnior, CEO of Portobello Gruppo; John DeBaun, Regional Sales Manager at Portobello; Brian Knies, President of Tile America; Louise Knies, Financial Officer at Tile America; and João Oliveira, CEO of Portobello America.
Media Contact:
Jill Querker
Marketing Manager
Tile America
[email protected]
About Tile America
Founded in 1963, Tile America is a Connecticut-based, family-owned tile retailer and direct importer with seven showroom locations throughout the state. Known for curated product collections, experienced Design Consultants, inspiring showroom environments, and knowledgeable trade support, Tile America serves homeowners, tile contractors, builders, remodelers, architects, and designers across Connecticut and nearby markets. Tile America is committed to helping customers make confident tile selections through better products, better guidance, and a better showroom experience. Where Inspiration Surfaces.
About Portobello
Portobello is a leading tile manufacturer known for innovative design, high-quality ceramic and porcelain tile products, and a commitment to serving residential and commercial markets. With U.S. operations based in Baxter, Tennessee, Portobello America supports customers with domestic manufacturing capabilities, product innovation, and a customer-focused approach to service and partnership.