Meet Jason Schmitz, Assistant Store Manager, Tile Outlets Fort Myers

{Updated 4/17/15 - You'll still find Jason Schmitz frequenting Tile Outlets Fort Myers, no longer as assistant store manager, but rather as a full-time General Contractor.}

What makes Tile Outlets of America different (we think unique, too) is the tile and stone expertise our store managers have. This, in turn, means that customers can trust what they hear in response to their questions. When it comes to tile installation, Jason Schmitz, Assistant Store Manager in Fort Myers, redefines technical expertise.

Jason is next In this blog series where we introduce you to the leadership team for each Tile Outlets store.

So far, you've met:

Chris Martin, Tampa Tile Outlets Store Manager

Michele Hoover, Vice President of Store Operations, Tile Outlets Fort Myers FL

Bill Granger, Assistant Store Manager, Tile Outlets of America, Tampa

Meet Fort Myers Assistant Manager, Jason Schmitz

TOA: Jason, tell us about yourself and your background.

Jason: I was born in Ohio and moved to Florida when I was ten years old.

I've been in the industry for 20 years setting and installing tile for people at the retail level at Tile Outlets of America and at big box stores. I have extensive flooring and general construction background and have also managed 14 stores.

TOA: What is your role at Tile Outlets?

Jason: I was hired as assistant manager for the Fort Myers store 11 years ago this December. It's amazing seeing where we were and where we are now!

I handle many roles: I purchase items for the store, provide leadership to our associates. I manage inventory and make sure that customers are always taken care of.

I'm the go-to guy for construction questions. The contractors who shop Tile Outlets all know me. I regularly consult with them about tile installation and technical questions and provide additional clarification about the products we sell. I take certification very seriously and have been to every vendor training program possible so I can better help our customers with questions about Schluter Systems, underlayment, thinsets -- anything related to tile and stone installation. For example, I've helped prevent grout issues from mixing it too thin...

TOA: Jason, how did you get started with tile?

Jason: I got started when I was 18 years old with a friend who installed tile and needed help. So I started installing tile. From there, I went to Home Depot and then to Tile Outlets of America.

TOA: What do you love most about tile and stone?

Jason: I love what you can do with tile and stone. You can use it on the floor, on a façade, and in an intricate design of a shower stall. You are only limited by your imagination in terms of what you can do and how you can combine colors and sizes to create a masterpiece. So many people feel bound by basic installation. A masterpiece design may take more planning, and more work, but it's possible and makes tile and stone come to life.

Tile is changing. Some of what is trending now are products I remember seeing 20 years ago and they're coming back. For example, look at Hexagon Tile Trends from Coverings 2014. The new interpretations are fresh and exciting. The trends take an old style and add a new twist.

Mosaics are huge now. I remember chicklet tiles in showers – that's what we called mosaics. Now, they're not only iridescent, but also available in new vibrant colors for stunning backsplashes.

The wood look tiles are exciting. With new inkjet technology printing methods, it's really hard to tell the difference between wood look tile and real wood.

Prevent failures by properly installing the shower system.

TOA: Which is your favorite product and why?

Jason: My favorite products are the setting materials. What's behind the tile or stone installation matters to me vs. the final product.

Lots of people can make something pretty on the outside, but is it right on the inside so the beauty lasts over time and in use?

So the technical side is what I care intensely about. I want to know the specs and what's needed to install specific products. I like putting it all together - for example, how to waterproof a shower and do it right from the beginning so it's beautiful all around. I want to prevent failures.

Oftentimes, Tile Outlets sales associates will involve me in these type questions because homeowners may want to install a shower on their own and they get confused with all that’s available. I will spend time with them clarifying how to do it correctly. I'll also do trouble-shooting with our contractors.

TOA: What product or installation trends are most interesting for the Fort Myers market?

Jason: In Fort Myers, we tend to pick up product ideas that show up in Miami first.

The wood look tile I mentioned above is huge. We have a lot of people from northern states come to Fort Myers. They have wood floors at home and want it in Florida, but don’t want any problems from moisture, etc. Tile is a perfect solution!

Schluter shower systems are taking off. HGTV uses them in many installations so we have many customers come in asking about the orange shower waterproof system. It's a technical type product that I train and teach on. It's well worth the price.

TOA: What tips do you have for someone getting ready for a tile or stone project? Where should they go for ideas and advice?

Jason: It's really important to have good information.

Contractors use the John Bridge Ceramic Tile Forum for valuable information, tips and advice. If you're an installation nerd, like me, you can do research and listen to what others say. You'll find licensed contractors participating in the conversation along with factory representatives answering questions.

You can also check out YouTube where many manufacturers have installation videos available.

TOA: What’s the best way to prepare for a visit to the store?

Jason: Get together as much information about your project areas so we can help you - the size of the installation area, floor plans, blueprints, and pictures. Getting to see pictures of the floor plan helps us come up with ideas for creating a porcelain or ceramic tile design for you beyond using a same straight tile installation. With a picture of your bathroom as it is now, we can suggest ideas for jazzing it up, for example with wood plank tile accents on the wall to create a beachy feel, and then adding wainscoting all around.

It can get overwhelming because at the store you'll have a lot more tile selections to explore than finished installation in the Inspiration Area. It's a good idea to flip through Houzz to see what kinds of designs you like, then look for the right tile at Tile Outlets.

TOA: Jason, what do you do when you’re not immersed in tile?

Jason: I spend time with my family.

My boat is hooked to the back of my truck so I can take off today for the Keys – in Marathon - with my family for four days. We go to the beach, spend time fishing and hunting for lobster. I have a 19 year old son and a six year old daughter.

TOA: Jason, any parting words of advice?

Jason: Do your research whether you are installing tile yourself or hiring someone to do so. Do the research on the products being used as well as the person being used for the project. When you do, you discovers lots of differences in the underlayment and the thin sets being used. That can affect price and quality.

TOA: Thanks, Jason! Hope you have a great time in Marathon.

If you haven't yet visited Tile Outlets of America in Fort Myers, we hope you'll come visit soon. When you do, be sure to say hi to Jason Schmitz and let all of us know how to help make your dream home become a reality!