What Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA) does

Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA) is a 501(c)-style non-profit trade association founded in 1903 and headquartered in Strongsville, Ohio (with a Washington, D.C. office), serving as the only industry body specifically representing International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC/BAC) signatory union tile and stone installation contractors in the United States. The organization operates a membership-based services platform centered on a $950 annual dues structure, delivering technical assistance, labor guidance, certification administration (Trowel of Excellence™ for contractors and ACT for installers), standards representation (ANSI A108, TCNA Handbook), apprenticeship support via IMI/IMTEF, and an online member directory of qualified union contractors.

TCAA's product surface comprises the Trowel of Excellence™ contractor certification mark (3-year validity, recognized in MasterSpec and BSD SpecLink), the multi-organization ACT tile installer certification, the Tile Solutions Plus (TSP) annual conference (formerly Total Solutions Plus), the TCAA Tile Talk Monthly digital newsletter (3,500+ subscribers), a merit-based scholarship program, and an awards program including the Carl V. Cesery Award and Giacomo DeLazzero Lifetime Achievement Award. The association is governed by an elected Board of Directors drawn from member companies and operated by a lean staff of approximately six employees. There is no proprietary software or technology platform; the business is fundamentally a representational, certification, and convening organization.

The revenue model is subscription-recurring via annual membership dues, supplemented by manufacturer sponsorship through the Trowel of Excellence program (with ~13 sponsors including ARDEX, MAPEI, TEC, LATICRETE, Schluter, Daltile, Custom Building Products, and others) and conference programming. TCAA is privately member-owned with no outside equity, no funding rounds, and no public financials. Recent strategic activity has been incremental, including the 2024 retirement of Executive Director Lucinda Noel, the 2025 conference rebrand, leadership refresh for 2025–2026, and content expansion into sustainability topics.

Name

Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA)

Legal name

Tile Contractors' Association of America

Website

https://tcaainc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1903

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TCAA is the sole U.S. trade association serving IUBAC signatory union tile and stone contractors, founded in 1903, offering membership dues ($950/year), Trowel of Excellence certification, ACT installer certification, Tile Solutions Plus conference, IMI/IMTEF training access, and standards representation on ANSI A108 and the TCNA Handbook.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Membership Dues: TCAA generates revenue through annual membership dues of $950 per year. Membership is available to BAC-signatory tile/stone contractors and affiliated suppliers/manufacturers. Invoice is sent annually to the designated bundle administrator and payment must be initiated manually (no automatic recurring charge).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

TCAA is a U.S. trade association providing membership services, certifications (Trowel of Excellence and ACT), industry representation, technical assistance, training programs, scholarships, and an annual conference exclusively for IUBAC/BAC signatory union tile and stone contractors and affiliated suppliers. Membership is sold at $950 per year and grants access to certification eligibility, ACT testing support, member directory listing, IMI/IMTEF training, the TCAA Tile Talk Monthly newsletter, and a collective voice on ANSI A108 and TCNA Handbook committees.

Product overview

Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA) is a trade association serving IUBAC signatory union tile/stone contractors and affiliated suppliers. The organization operates as a unified membership services platform offering multiple interconnected programs: certification programs (Trowel of Excellence for contractors and ACT for installers), educational programming (IMI webinars and Tile Solutions Plus conference), publications (TCAA Tile Talk Monthly newsletter), scholarships, technical resources, industry awards (Carl V. Cesery Award and Lifetime Achievement Award), and an online member directory. The association also advocates for qualified labor standards through participation in ANSI and TCNA standards committees. The primary value proposition is ensuring quality installations, professional development, and industry leadership for union tile contractors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Trowel of Excellence: A TCAA contractor certification program that verifies a tile/stone installation contractor consistently performs the highest level of quality installations, demonstrates integrity and superior business practices, and is committed to the betterment of the ceramic tile industry.
• ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers)
• TCAA Tile Talk Monthly
• 093000 Contractor

Products and services

• Trowel of Excellence™ Contractor Certification Proprietary TCAA certification program verifying that tile and stone installation contractors consistently perform the highest level of quality installations, demonstrate integrity and superior business practices, and are committed to the ceramic tile industry. Certification is valid for 3 years, is recognized in MasterSpec and BSD SpecLink, and is referenced in the TCNA Handbook.
• Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) Tile installer certification program created jointly by CTEF, IMI, IUBAC, NTCA, TCAA, and TCNA. ACT evaluates installer skills and knowledge through written tests and field tests by trained third-party evaluators, offering certifications in seven specific areas of tile installation.
• TCAA Scholarship Program Merit-based scholarship program established in 2001 offering a $5,000 scholarship to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in Architecture or Interior Design, plus two $5,000 scholarships to family members of TCAA contractor member employees.
• IMI Continuing Education / Webinars Educational webinars and learning opportunities for BAC signatory contractors registered with AIA for 1.0 Learning Units (LUs), with some qualifying for HSW and/or IDCEC CEUs. Programs count toward IMI Contractor College and TCAA Trowel of Excellence continuing education requirements.
• Tile Solutions Plus (TSP) Annual Conference Annual industry conference (formerly Total Solutions Plus, rebranded to Tile Solutions Plus in 2025) bringing together tile professionals including contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and educators. Features educational sessions on installation standards, business seminars, networking, and workforce development. TCAA serves as a planning partner.
• TCAA Tile Talk Monthly Newsletter Free digital monthly publication reaching over 3,500 subscribers, highlighting industry trends, regional programming and training, and upcoming events. Members have the opportunity to guest author articles.
• Technical Committee Resources TCAA's Technical Committee available to answer questions and offer advice to members on technical tile installation matters. Includes links to the TCNA Handbook, ANSI publications, and IMI technical guidance.
• TCAA Member Directory Online directory listing TCAA member contractors, with capacity for up to 15 company representatives per member. Used by specifiers, general contractors, and owners to find qualified union tile contractors.
• Carl V. Cesery Award Program Annual TCAA award honoring individuals who have served the ceramic tile industry with great distinction. The award is a bronze medallion created by Gilroy Roberts, creator of the Kennedy half dollar.
• Giacomo DeLazzero Lifetime Achievement Award Prestigious lifetime achievement award given to individuals whose contributions to TCAA and the ceramic tile industry have been extraordinary and represent a lifetime commitment.
• BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest Biennial competition hosted by the International Masonry Institute (IMI) bringing together top apprentices from IUBAC training programs across the United States and Canada. The largest event of its kind for tile and masonry crafts.

Quantifiable outcome

• TCAA membership enables contractors to become Trowel of Excellence certified, complying with qualified contractor language in MasterSpec and BSD SpecLink
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Masonry Institute (IMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCAA partners with IMI for technical education, workforce development, and apprenticeship support. IMI provides training programs, Rainscreen Certificate Program, and continuing education registered for AIA Learning Units. TCAA and IMI co-host commercial construction forums in Chicago, Michigan, and other locations. IMI hosts the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest where TCAA members' apprentices compete. IMI also provides Trowel of Excellence rebate and voucher program coordination.
• International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC/BAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCAA is the only association specifically serving the needs of IUBAC signatory union contractors. TCAA members must be BAC signatory and in good standing. TCAA has seats on the IUBAC TMT Craft Committee and represents union contractors in standards-setting. IUBAC training programs produce apprentices (top 1%) who compete in the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest, where TCAA members' apprentices have won top honors.
• Tile Council of North America (TCNA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCAA is represented on the TCNA Handbook Committee and the ANSI ASC A108 Committee through which national tile installation standards are developed and maintained. TCAA's input ensures standards reflect best practices and are aligned with how union contractors perform work in the field. TCAA's Trowel of Excellence certification is referenced in the TCNA Handbook.
• International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCAA partners with IMTEF for workforce training and education. TCAA members participate in IMTEF Regional Seminars for technical and management training. IMTEF is one of six organizations that collaborated to create the ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers) program.
• ARDEX AmericasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor. ARDEX supports TCAA's certification program by offering product vouchers and rebates worth thousands of dollars annually to Trowel of Excellence certified contractors.
• MAPEI CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor. MAPEI supports TCAA's certification program by offering product vouchers and rebates to Trowel of Excellence certified contractors.
• TEC (TECSPECIALTY)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor. TEC supports TCAA's certification program through product vouchers and rebates for certified contractors.
• Noble CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• NAC ProductsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• Florida TileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• DaltileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• Custom Building ProductsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• Schluter SystemsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• LATICRETEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• BOE CompaniesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• AHF ProductsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrowel of Excellence sponsor offering product vouchers and rebates to certified contractors.
• Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTEF is one of six organizations that combined efforts to create the ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers) program. ACT evaluates skills and knowledge of tile installers across seven specific installation areas through written tests and field evaluations by trained third-party evaluators.
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNTCA is one of six organizations that combined efforts to create the ACT (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers) program alongside TCAA, CTEF, IMI, IUBAC, and TCNA.
• Tile Solutions Plus (TSP) — Industry Planning PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCAA serves as a planning partner for the annual Tile Solutions Plus (TSP) conference (formerly Total Solutions Plus) along with three other industry leaders. TSP brings together contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and educators to advance craftsmanship, elevate business practices, and strengthen industry relationships. TCAA joined the TSP conference in 2013.
• International Pension FundcoreOthersTCAA holds seats on the International Pension Fund, representing the interests of signatory contractors and their craftworkers.
• New York/New Jersey Ceramic Tile Promotion FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizes 'A Celebration of Tile, Marble & Terrazzo' event at New York Hilton Midtown, bringing together architects, developers, contractors, and design enthusiasts. TCAA promotes this event to its members.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• American Subcontractors Association (ASA): ASA is a national trade association for subcontractors across trades, with a comparable advocacy, education, and member-benefit structure. It is comparable as a peer for trade-association operating model rather than tile-industry specificity.
• Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA): MCAA is a national union-signatory construction trade association analogous to TCAA in structure (membership dues, technical education, standards advocacy) but for mechanical contractors. It is comparable as a peer in the union construction trade-association category, not as a tile-industry competitor.
• Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI): AWCI represents wall and ceiling contractors and runs parallel technical-education, certification, and standards-influence programs. It is a peer in the union-affiliated construction trade-association space, sharing comparable member-benefit models (technical resources, conventions, certification).
• National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC): NAPHCC is a long-standing union-friendly construction trade association (founded 1883) with parallel convention, training, and apprenticeship programs. It is comparable as a peer for the union construction trade-association business model.

Direct peers

• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA): NTCA is the leading US tile contractors association, covering both union and open-shop installers. It co-created ACT with TCAA and represents overlapping contractor segments in installation standards and education, making it the closest direct peer despite its open-shop orientation.
• Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF): CTEF administers the ACT certification program jointly created with TCAA, NTCA, IMI, IUBAC, and TCNA. It focuses on installer education and Certified Tile Installer credentials, directly overlapping with TCAA's training and certification offerings.
• International Masonry Institute (IMI): IMI is TCAA's closest operational partner, co-hosting training, apprenticeship contests, and continuing-education webinars for BAC tile contractors. While a strategic partner, IMI's workforce-development mandate and AIA-registered continuing education make it functionally comparable to TCAA on training delivery.
• Tile Council of North America (TCNA): TCNA is the manufacturer-led standards body that publishes the TCNA Handbook, on whose committee TCAA holds a voting seat. Both organizations shape ANSI A108 installation standards and reference Trowel of Excellence in TCNA literature, making TCNA a tightly coupled peer in industry governance.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights1 record

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tile-contractors'-association-of-america

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA)