Flowood, Miss.—The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), the world’s largest tile contractor association, recognized Mary Yocum of Schluter Systems as the recipient of the 2020 Joe A. Tarver Service to the Industry Award.
Named after NTCA executive director emeritus, Joe Tarver, who served the industry throughout his career in both manufacturing and association management, this award is given to individuals who have dedicated their careers to improving the tile and stone industry in the United States.
Yocum is only the second woman to receive this prestigious award. According to the group, the well-deserved recognition is derived from Yocum’s active participation and support of leading trade associations such as the NTCA and the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), where she was a two-time president.
“Mary has devoted her time and energy to the entire tile industry and is highly deserving of this recognition,” said Bart Bettiga, executive director of the NTCA. “As both a distribution and manufacturing representative, Mary has worked closely with the tile contracting community and has helped communicate the need for hiring qualified and trained installers to the design, building, specification and architectural community. Mary has actively promoted qualified labor language in the specifications and has supported the importance of industry certification offered by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.”
While accepting the award, Yocum added, “I am beyond humbled. Firstly, it’s the Joe Tarver Award! I worked with Joe and have a great deal of respect for him and all he did for the tile industry. All the people who have received this award prior to me have committed themselves generously to the industry. I am so grateful and extremely humbled to be in their company.”
Marco Ludwig, president and CEO of Schluter-Systems North America, congratulated Mary on receiving the award. “Over the years Mary has formed countless deep and meaningful relationships and it doesn’t take long to realize just how well respected she is in the tile industry. Her dedication and commitment to improving the industry makes her an excellent choice for the Joe Tarver Award. We, at Schluter Systems are fortunate to benefit from Mary’s knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.”
The NTCA produced a video of highlights from Yocum’s impressive career in the tile industry and provides insight into her life and character: