Classes

[dougbs]

Hi all, its been a while since i've been here. I did a couple of searches to no avail, and was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. I've had a tile installation business in E. TX. for a few years and was thinking about adding cleaning and restoration, but I want to do it right. I looked at CTEF for classes and didn't find any. So I was wondering if anyone could point me to someone who offers classes (preferabily semi close -- or not) in cleaning and restoration. any leads would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug

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[Tom McNall]

I know of several worth their money and several that are not worth the free price that they charge. You can contact me direct if you wish, or with permission from the moderators, I can list them.

[doitright]

Hi Tom :)

Feel free to list the classes. We even list brand names here, with no restrictions.

[Tom McNall]

For actual restoration hands on courses, Maurizio Bertoli from MB Stone is by far the best. They are held in Philly and are way better than those offered by the NTC (I have been to both and I know others that would back that up). go to www.mbstone.com for details on his next course.

As far as natural stone cleaning or restoration theory classes, well here I am very biased. #1, up until now, I have not known of an actual hands on, non product specific care and cleaning course of natural stone until I started one. Many chemical companies will offer them but remember, those are biased toward their products, some of which are not that good or really have no history dealing with stone, only chemicals. I show people how to apply impregnators (anyones, not one brand), poultices, polishes, even how to properly mop a floor. We discuss why certain maintenance procedures are actually harmful and time and resource consuming. Details are at this link: http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=281431&messageid=1105743534&lp=1105743534


And for restoration, the MIA (Marble Institute of America) has asked me to develop some day long seminars to deliver around the USA, in different cities and states. Why not call them and ask if we will be coming to your area soon (440-250-9222). Also, in October in Las Vegas will be Stonexpo, where there will be plenty of seminars and networking oportunities for your future ventures

If you have more questions feel free to ask. I can also refer you to people who have been to Maurizio's course and others and could 2nd my opinions.

[doitright]

Other classes (product specific) are offered by:

Stone Care International
Stone Tech
Vic International

I have not participated in Maurizio's class, but I have been to Freds.

Thusfar, my best classes have been the "School of Hard Knocks" and "OJT". :)

[JTG]

Aqua Mix offers a class a few times per year in
Southern California.

[Tom McNall]

Aquamix is a good company, I know Fred Jackson, Rod Sigman and Christine.

I also know Claudia and Michael from Stonetech.

Miracle Sealants also offers a good course. Joe Salvo and Rob Kostman are good guys.

For product specific courses I would not have a problem sending anyone to either of those. I have only attended Miracle's out of the 3, but I have attended seminars by all of them at various Stonexpos. I also know Bob Murrell from Vic, but I am not sure if they are still doing courses, they sold out the Restoration line to Ecolab.

[claycarson]

Maurizio's class on stone refinishing was excellent!

If you also want a class on ceramic cleaning and sealing, the IICRC offers a certification 2 day class that is pretty non brand specific.

Web address is www.iicrc.org (http://www.iicrc.org)

[Tom McNall]

Doug,

It was just made official today. The MIA (Marble Institute of America) has asked me to give day long natural stone restoration seminars in regional areas. I will be in Tampa on March 29 th and in Ohio on April 12 or 14. You can call the MIA office to ask if one will be closer to you soon or for information for the Tampa one if you are interested (440-250-9222 ask for Jim Hieb).