2020, what a year. As we start 2021 there is an excitement of leaving 2020 behind and starting a fresh new year. Before we begin a new year of new projects, events, and memories it is important to share with you one of the most important years for United Tile.
At the end of the first quarter in 2020 quarantines had begun and businesses were trying to figure out our new normal. On top of changing the customer experience and keeping everyone safe, United Tile was faced with quite the predicament – relocating. Where do we go? What about our other companies and locations? With all these hurdles ahead, the only option was to achieve the impossible – find a new home by the beginning of October. Four months to dream, create, and execute. Before we began our search, we realized that this move was bigger than just moving United Tile. This was an opportunity to merge all our businesses and locations into one spot; creating a location that would create a one stop shop for customers and bringing our employees together to create a better team.
Once the search began, and as we viewed multiple locations, we realized that with each space one department or another would be making a sacrifice; the idea of bringing everyone together seemed less of a possibility with each property viewing. We had hit a lull in our search but if anyone knows United tile owner, Sid Menard, he does not settle and he does not give up. In mid-April we visited Slack Industrial Park and found the new home for United Tile. People often say, “I’ll know it when I see it” and when I walked into the space at Slack Industrial Park, I knew this was it. Soon after we hit the ground running with Prevot Design and they helped us see our new space for its true potential. They were able to give us perspective and guidance that we would not have been able to achieve on our own.
July was already here, and it was time to begin construction – three months till the move in date. After accepting that the construction site was my new home (honorable mention to my roomies Chelsy, John Michael, and countless others), I had the opportunity to witness so many local businesses rally around us and help us achieve the impossible. We had people stay late, people that went the extra mile and helped when they didn’t have to, and people that continued to cheer us on when their part was done. I had the privilege to work alongside all these people and they quickly went from strangers to friends. To all the subcontractors it was more than a job, they were helping us build something for the community, and it showed through all their hard work.
With everyone’s help, United Tile moved in by the beginning of October. The last two weeks until our move in date went by quickly, but something that I will never forget is everyone’s help. I had the chance to see everyone at United Tile show up and give it their all. It did not matter the task or the department, everyone lent a helping hand. Every part of this move made us a better team than before. By November, Farley’s Glass had settled into their new home. The rest of our expansion plan includes Classic Stone moving in by Spring 2021. We are excited to have everyone together soon!
I look back on United Tile’s 2020 with a grateful heart. Thank you will never be enough to everyone that helped make this possible. It is truly amazing what we were able to accomplish in a few short months. And thank you to our fearless leader, Sid, for pushing us to be our best all the time. We have created a place where people are able to make their house a home, and that is something really special.
2021, we are ready for you!
-Emily Kinel, Showroom Manager
