John's Trip to Coverings 2003 in Orlando
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For the past few years a number of prominent people in the tile industry have encouraged me to become more involved with goings-on in my trade. This is all part of my "rehabilitation." I am being steadily dragged from my cave man methodology into modern trends and techniques, those which have evolved since the Stone Age. I tend to like processes which have withstood the test of time. And I have indeed become a sort of Renaissance man when it comes to tile and the masonry trade, that ancient art of placing one unit on top of another and expecting it to remain there by some crafty means kept secret from the masses down through the ages.
My latest bid for credentials in this highly technical field (tile setting) entailed a trip to Coverings 2003, the world's largest and most inclusive ceramic and stone tile show and convention. It has been held annually at Orlando, Florida for the past several years. I must admit Coverings is one of those few fabulous events that one experiences during his or her trek through mortality. In plain fact, it's simply a great event. I had the pleasure of meeting some important people in the industry there, but moreover, I met some folks with whom I'll be friends from here on. I'd like to share some of that with you, and I took some pictures. Here are some of them.
My home base at Coverings was Dave Gobis' Ceramic Tile Education Foundation booth. Dave put in a couple couches, one for himself and one for me. Many of the photos were taken there on my couch. Here is a picture of Cal Dimmick (Dave's assistant), Dave, Michael McIntyre of JB Forums fame, aka, "Dog Paws," and yours truly. Click on the small pic to see a bigger one. I apologize for my lack of skill in the field of photography. ( http://www.tileschool.org )
While we're on the couch, let's have a look at Ron Holten (Toronto Tile Guy). The guy on the right wishes to remain anonymous so I can only give you his initials -- Kurt Weber, aka, KW. (Laticrete and Aquamix independent rep.) I also got a shot of Dave G. and Ron seated on my couch. Dave seems to be talking with his hands. ( http://www.laticrete.com ) ( http://www.aquamix.com )
Old timers on the JB Forums will know who "Chip" is. For the rest of you he is Art Phenis, independent rep for Bonsal and for Felker. The couch is getting its use. Art invited "Dog Paws" and me to the Bonsal reception held at their hotel. Excellent little party. The beer was of good quality. They wouldn't let Art serve any of his Keystone Light. ( http://www.bonsal.com ) ( http://www.felkersaws.com )
Andy Lundberg, products manager of Felker/Target, has been a friend of ours here on the forums for a while, and I had the pleasure of meeting him and his staff in Orlando. I have a couple of pictures taken at the Felker booth. The first is of Andy and me. I had set my camera for a time delay shot, and at the precise moment we put on our best pose, Jo Ann walked through talking on her cell phone. She is completely oblivious to the fact we are taking a picture, so involved is she in her cell phone conversation. It turned out to be a very nice shot of Jo Ann, and I want to tell you she is a great sport. In the second shot we included Sonja Bennett, another member of Andy's team and another great sport. I feel obligated to point out that although I'm quite a bit older than Andy, I'm the one with the hair. ( http://www.felkersaws.com )
I spent some time getting to better know Eric Edelmayer of the Noble Company who goes by E3 on the JB Forums. Also present representing Noble was Richard Maurer, who is the head products guy for that company. Eric and Richard were kind enough to invite me to the party they give at Coverings which has become somewhat of a tradition.
You know the good looking guy in the middle. Richard is left and Eric is on the right. In the second shot we included Dale Watnee, whom many here know as an inventor of innovative tile-related products. Dale is the creator of the Pro-Form line of pre-formed curbs, niches and shower floors. I have shifted to the right with Eric in the middle. Dale would be the other not-quite-so-good-looking-as-me guy to the left. ( http://www.noblecompany.com ) ( http://www.ceramictilespecialties.com )
I was honored by being asked to attend the Coverings awards ceremony by Eric Rattan. Eric, as many of the regulars on the forums are aware, is the creator of some very fine mosaic artwork. He bills himself as an "architectural artist." Eric received a merit award for his fireplace mural, "Crane Dreams." I will include a link to a picture of the piece here. It is breathtaking. ( http://www.santafedesignstudio.com )
Andy Lundberg, who also attended the ceremony, graciously invited Eric and me to join him for dinner. The picture below is not our best pose, but it was our only pose. You can see the camera caught Eric off guard.
Upon leaving for Coverings, several friends on the JB Forums told me to make sure I got a picture of my friend Michael Byrne and myself together. At first, Michael declined, thinking I had some commercial purpose in mind. He finally agreed but insisted that Dave Gobis stand between us. I'm certain this was because Michael likes me so much he was afraid he might lose control and hug me during the pose.
In the end, he would only pose for the one shot, and I'm afraid it's not the best, but since there won't be an opportunity for another pose until next year, if then, I offer it to you here as my best effort. I took another pic of MB when he wasn't looking. He is working on a concrete bench that will benefit charity.
There could have been more pictures, and there were, but they didn't come out well enough to include. I missed some opportunities as well. I'll try to do better next time, which will be at Surfaces in 2004.
(I will be making a new Schluter page in the not-too-distant future.)
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