Mike Sima CTI #1254 Holds Himself to Higher Tile Installation Standards

For Mike Sima CTI #1254, that's what it's all about and why he became a Certified Tile Installer. 

Mike is next in the CTEF Blog series about Qualified Labor based on articles in TileLetter.com published in June 2017 titled Certification: education and credentials add value to services offered by Mike Sima, Midtown Tile.

Meet Mike Sima CTI #1254

As the owner of Midtown Tile in Omaha, Nebraska, Mike Sima has been providing quality tile installations in Omaha since 2012. He specializes in residential remodeling and new construction.

As you can see from the installation images available on the MIdtown Tile website (and in this article), Mike knows how to create the most professional and attractive kitchen, bathroom and other home remodel designs in a variety of tile and stone materials: Ceramic, Porcelain, Limestone, Travertine, Faux Wood, Metal, Mosaics, Slate, Glass & more!

The Highest Tile Installation Standard Ever 

What do you consider the highest tile installation accolade or standard available to you? Early on in his career, Mike Sima received hometown advice that has stuck with him. As he explains,

“Never present anything to your customer that you wouldn’t present to your mother."

This advice has served him well over the years. In fact, Sima credits it for his success as a one-man operation.

From what we've observed, that kind of an intensely high standard is what sets Certified Tile Installers apart!

>> See The Certified Tile Installers Credo

Set Yourself Apart as a Certified Tile Installer

For those like Mike with high standards for himself, becoming a Certified Tile Installer is a natural next step. Why? Because it's part of educating oneself to be prepared for any situation on a job site.  He says,

“I feel like [certification] sets me apart from the trowel-and-bucket guys. I went out to prove to myself (and to my clients) that I have the knowledge and skillset to do my job right. I hold myself to a higher standard.”

>> By the way, read Dan Hecox Inspires Designers, Tile Installers to Aspire to Higher Standards to learn more about the CTI hands-on testing event Mike attended.

Increase Your Bottom Line with Certification and Education

As a reminder, the CTEF certification programs provide tile installers with the opportunity to prove their skill and knowledge of tile installation. Not only does becoming a CTI increase one’s level of professionalism, it also means that you get to offer your clients further proof of your dedication and expertise in the field.

“I wanted to test myself and my abilities. I also use [certification] as a marketing and educational tool. I try to educate every customer about certification and why it is important.”

The benefits for Mike Sima have been real by increasing his bottom line:

“I find that the knowledge I have learned, the fact that I am certified, and naturally being a people person has helped me gain the trust of clients."

>> See 5 Benefits of Being a Certified Tile Installer

Be Involved with the Tile Industry

Are you involved in the tile industry? Mike Sima is. He's a proud member of the Tile Geeks Facebook group.

In fact, that's where he learned about the Certified Tile Installer program and the importance of tile installation methods and standards.

>> See The Top Tile Associations and Organizations

By getting involved in the industry, you not only learn more and meet similarly motivated installers, but you also benefit by marketing those associations. Mike uses the NTCA and CTEF logos in his correspondence and has added them to his business cards and other promotional material.

Being an NTCA member and a CTI gives Sima a leg up in the industry.

“With anything I learn, I feel my work should be valued more. This is just one more reason to feel more confident with my bids for jobs.”

Become Certified to Push Yourself

So why should others become certified?

Mike Sima tells tile installers to test themselves.

“Get in there and push yourself. It is rewarding. It is a marketing tool. It is a brotherhood.”