7/10/2008
2:08:02 AM 

I had a call inquiring about ceramic tile inspections
certifications, and I am sure Linda can confirm this, or Ray, but
the ceramic tile industry, by the ceramic tile industry, does have
ceramic tile inspection classes but they do not certify ceramic
tile inspectors.

There are reasons for it, and maybe past "events" that caused
this policy by the the ceramic tile industry but that does not
need to be repeated here and there is no need to do it.

However, seems every few years, someone decides to put
together a ceramic tile class and "give" a certification.

Now, what some people do, and Linda did arrange this years
ago, is to get a group together to take a class from Dave Gobis,
a very fine gruff true gentleman, plain spoken but without intent
to hurt or cause harm, who will teach a great ceramic tile
inspection class. Mr. Gobis is a third generation tile setter and
contractor who founded CTEF.

Starting this Saturday, Henry Carr, FCITS instructor, has arranged
for a ceramic tile class at CTEF. CTEF is supported by the entire
ceramic tile industry from unions, installers associations,
sundries manufacturers and distributors, tile distributors, tile
manufacturers, anything to do with ceramic tile, the entire
ceramic tile industry supports it. CTEF is the educational "arm"
of the Tile Council of America, where the only certified ceramic
tile laboratory is located. All tiles and materials related to tiles
are first tested at that laboratory.

I salute Mr. Carr for recognizing where his could take his
students for the best training for ceramic tile and arranging the
class.

Any time I needed help, Dave was always there for me, any installer no matter who, and never asked for anything in return. To post what I saw about a man who only contributed positively to his trade and gave of his time to help by educating people, at low pay I might add, well, I will stop now.

7/10/2008
11:03:18 PM 

Thank you,
Dave and CTEF have been a blessing to this industry.
I have learned so much there that in my limited installation tile
experience I did not know or learn....it was an honor.

I know Stephen has called upon him many times for
help....Stephen also does great tile work, maybe he will show us
some before, during and after photos of one of his jobs?

time for my glass of wine and a movie! I am done for the week
except for writing two reports,,,,

life is good, go enjoy it!