What Employee-Owner Frank Reese Says About Tile Outlets of America

Next in the Tile Outlets of America Employee-Owner series is Frank Reese who joined Tile Outlets of America in 2003. Frank is based out of the Tampa Tile Outlets store.

>> See Tile Outlets of America becomes an employee-owned company

We caught up with Frank to ask him a few questions.

Meet Tile Outlets of America Employee-Owner Frank Reese

TOA: Frank, tell us about yourself and your background. Are you from the Tampa area?

FR: I'm originally from eastern Pennsylvania.

When I entered the work force, many of my early jobs were in factory work. In the 70s and 80s, the garment industry was still going strong in that part of the country.

I started as a presser and then accepted a job in the warehouse where I received all incoming materials and assisted with inventory. Eventually, I became their delivery driver.

In the late 90s, I moved to South Carolina and worked in a few factories there as a machine operator at both a circuit board company and gun parts factory.

I moved to Tampa in 2003.

Frank Reese loves wood plank tile such as Timber Teka 9x47

TOA: How did you get started at Tile Outlets?

FR: I had many years of shipping/receiving experience and applied to Tile Outlets of America. I was part of the team that opened the Tampa store in 2003 and was hired before the store opened with the intent of getting everything fully stocked before the grand opening.

I started day one in shipping/receiving and that's what I love doing. Although I've considered other positions within the company, this is the part I enjoy the most.

I had never worked with these types of tile and stone products before, but I got a crash course, lol!

Frank Reese loves wood plank tile like Eco Canela 10x40.

TOA: What is your role at Tile Outlets of America?

FR: I am the Shipping & Receiving Manager for the Tampa location.

I receive all incoming product and prepare all materials that need to be shipped out.

I also transfer materials from store to store. I work with our Management team and Brooks Loy (who also works in receiving) to make sure the product gets appropriately tagged and placed on the showroom floor.

I also take care of warehouse supply ordering and basic upkeep of the area.

TOA: What do you love most about being an employee-owner of Tile Outlets of America?

FR: It is a great incentive for employees to take ownership of the store, by way of keeping damage down, helping to keep the store looking clean and welcoming.

This is a great retention incentive that will be a benefit to employees who put in their time.

>> See What Being Proudly Employee-Owned Means At Tile Outlets of America

Frank Reese loves wood plank tile such as Castelli Deli Monte Lux Polished 8x48.

TOA: Which are your favorite tile products and installations at the Tampa store?

FR: I really love many of the wood plank tiles.

>> See Five New Wood Looking Tile Planks To Transform Your Home!

I remember a few years ago, we only carried a handful of these products. Now a quarter of our tile flooring is wood planks. I really like the Timber Teka 9x47 and the Castelli Deli Monte Lux Polished 8x48. I'm moving into my new house soon and the Eco Canela is a strong contender for our bedrooms and the Man Cave.

I also really like the ledger panels we have in stock--beautiful products.

>> See Consider Stacked Stone Ledger Panels For A Textural Wall Look

Frank also loves ledger stone panels.

The recent wave of new mosaics are stunning and I'm sure a kitchen project will be in the works in the next year.

TOA: What are your top tips for people shopping for tile?

FR: We have a huge inventory, so much so that it may seem overwhelming.

I would say, find a few products that you like and take home a few samples.

Once you get a feel for them in your home, it will take a lot of guess work out of your decision. If something doesn't work, come back and try a different scheme.

>> See What To Expect When You Shop Tile Outlets of America

TOA: What do you like to do outside of Tile Outlets?

FR: I love to go to antique malls and flea markets to search out hidden treasures.

In the past I've bought/collected/sold old toys from the 50s-80s, but now I've really focused on vinyl records. I've been collecting since the 1970s.

My girlfriend Amy & I love to travel and we try to get away to somewhere new every few months. Scotland and Ireland are on our radar for our next trip out of the country.

TOA: Thank you, Frank!

If you haven't yet visited Tile Outlets of America in Tampa we hope you'll come visit soon.

When you do, be sure to say hi to Frank Reese. 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 at all Tile Outlets of America stores!