Meet Josh Morrison, Assistant Store Manager in Tile Outlets Sarasota
Posted by TOA's Blog Team on Sep 10th 2015
Next in the Tile Outlets of America store manager series is Josh Morrison from the Fort Myers store.
Update: effective January 1, 2017, Josh is assistant store manager at the Sarasota store.
In this series, we introduce you to the leadership team for each Tile Outlets store. That way, you have a face and a story to go with the name. You also get a feel for what makes our store management teams so committed to helping you transform your home from dream to reality as you explore the beautiful tile and stone possibilities available at our stores.
So far, you have met:
From the Tile Outlets Fort Myers Store:
From the Tampa Store:
From the Sarasota Store:
Meet Joshua E. Morrison, Assistant Manager in the Tile Outlets Fort Myers Store
TOA: Josh, tell us about yourself and your background. Have you been in Southwest Florida long?
JM: I was born and raised in Vermont. I pretty much moved more North all of my life in hopes of going to Canada. So of course I make it halfway up the state, and then decided to move to Florida. I moved to Southwest Florida in 2011 for a change of scenery. As much as I love Florida, I miss my seasons. Especially Autumn. We had real Pumpkin Spice. And cider donuts...
TOA: What is your role/history at Tile Outlets of America?
JM: I started this past February as an assistant manager here in the Fort Myers store. Before that, I worked for a big box company for 11 years in management, and have enjoyed every minute of it so far.
My role is to make sure that customers come in happy, and leave happy. And leave with a little more knowledge than they came in with.
TOA: How did you get started with tile? Any surprises since you’ve been at Tile Outlets?
JM: I literally got started the first day I worked here, although I do have experience in construction. My father was a carpenter, so I know my way around a hammer and nail.
The biggest surprise to me is the artistry that goes into tile. It’s more than slapping it on the floor and giving it a thumbs up. The world of tile is like the game of golf. It may be easy to learn, but takes a lifetime to master. But that’s where the classes we hold come in handy. Right now, large scale tiles are a big trend. And we had a class on the installation, the dos and don’ts, etc. It was a great learning experience, and I left feeling like I could provide some great knowledge to our customers.
>> See How To Set Large Format Wall and Floor Tile: Merkrete Demonstration
TOA: What do you love most about tile and stone?
JM: What I find is that I enjoy the versatility and selection of tile. Before I started here, I thought tile came in a very small selection - that square 12x12 in every apartment, and Travertine. Boy, was I wrong.
>> See what's included in Kate's Corner!
Plus how low maintenance it is. I lived most of my life with hardwood floors. So taking care of your floors was a huge priority. With tile, it’s much less maintenance than what I grew up with. Plus if you have animals, the “accidents” are much easier to clean up than they are with hardwood or carpet.
TOA: Which are your favorite products and why?
JM: I love the wood plank tile. Especially the Castle series. It reminds me of home. Most of the places I lived in when I resided in Vermont had hardwood floors. So seeing the “barn board” looking tiles made me smile. In my eyes, the more dinged up hardwood was, the more character it had. And the Castle series had me fooled the first time I saw it.
>> See Plank Tile that looks like Barn Wood: Castle Series from Spain
TOA: What product or installation trends are most interesting for the Fort Myers market?
JM: I’ve noticed a lot of the wood plank tiles being big sellers. Since we have a lot of people relocating from up North, they have been buying the wood planks. Probably for the same reason I would buy it. Because it reminds them of home.
TOA: What tips do you have for someone getting ready for a tile or stone project?
JM: Always have a backup plan. Sometimes what we set out for isn’t what we really want in the long run. So don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
TOA: Where should people go for ideas and advice?
JM: When it comes to tips for ideas, pick up a few magazines, and have an HGTV marathon.
Or hit open houses on a weekend. And take lots of pictures with your cell phones if you’re out and about and see something you like.
TOA: What’s the best way to prepare for a visit to the store?
JM: Have an idea of what you want, but keep an open mind. Sometimes when you stay so focused on something you like, you may neglect something you could fall in love with. Also have your measurements handy.
>> Download the tile project checklist (aka the Dream Sheet)
TOA: What do you do when you’re not immersed in tile?
JM: I’m usually on the hunt for new restaurants. I worked in a French restaurant for five years, so I consider myself a bit of a foodie. I’m always looking for that hole in the wall greasy spoon with an amazing cheeseburger.
On Sundays during football season, you’ll find me rooting for my Chargers. But you’ll usually hear me screaming “No!!!!!”
TOA: What community organizations or charities are you involved in?
I’m active in Relay For Life, and ASPCA. In addition to donating money, I volunteer my time walking for RFL to raise money and awareness every year if possible.
TOA: Any parting words of advice?
JM: Always trust your gut instinct. If it takes more than five seconds to have a certain feeling for it, then it’s probably not the style for you.
And as a side note, it’s okay to be a little kooky and goofy with your style. Life is too short to be serious all the time. So have fun when you come in to Tile Outlets. You'll find tile ideas in many different styles, sizes, shapes and colors. Try something you would never try tile-wise. You never know. You may be surprised with what you come up with.
TOA: Thanks, Josh!
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 Josh Morrison, and let all of us know how to help make your dream home become a reality with the beautiful selection of in-stock and first quality porcelain and ceramic tile, stone, mosaics, cabinets and more that you'll find available for a whole lot less in the Fort Myers store!
