Workforce Development: The Future of Labor in the Tennessee Tile Valley

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM PDT

Location: Booth 6014

This session highlights a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative created specifically for the tile industry in the Tennessee Tile Valley. It will explore an industry-driven curriculum aligned with today's required skills and acumen, developed in partnership with the Tennessee Board of Regents for implementation within TCAT schools. Built on a value-proposition approach, the program positions tile careers as skilled, viable, and long-term opportunities, acting as a culture building platform for the area. Attendees will also gain insight into a marketing program being developed to promote these career pathways and strengthen workforce recruitment across Tennessee.

Moderator(s)

Michael S. Kephart

President
US Tile Collaborative
Franklin, Tennessee, United States

Slides

Panelist(s)

Bill Griese

Deputy Executive Director
Tile Council of North America, United States
Ryann Coyle

Manager of Technical Marketing and Sustainability Initiatives
Tile Council of North America
FS

Filippo Sgarbi

CEO
Landmark USA Porcelain
JD

James Durbin

Vice President
Portobello USA Porcelain
RS

Renato Silvo Neto

Director of Transformation and Marketing
Portobello America