What Employee-Owner Stephanie Blanco Says About Tile Outlets of America

Have you met employee-owner Stephanie Blanco?

Edith (Stephanie) Blancojoined Tile Outlets of America in 2014. She is based out of the Sarasota Tile Outlets store and is next in the Tile Outlets of America Employee-Owner series.

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

We caught up with Stephanie to ask her a few questions.

Introducing Tile Outlets of America Employee-Owner Stephanie Blanco

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

SB: Hi, my name is Edith Blanco, but I go by Stephanie. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic.

When I was 15, my parents moved us to Philadelphia in order to try and make a better life. Years passed and I met my now fiance. Not long after we had a little girl, Samyra.

In 2013, my fiance and I decided to relocate to Bradenton, Florida, for better educational opportunities. We now have another addition to our family, Michael.

TOA: How did you get started at Tile Outlets?

SB: When my family and I relocated from Philadelphia to Florida, my main concern was finding a place to live and making it feel like a home.

For the first couple of months, I was a stay-at-home mom, and, as much as I loved it, I felt like I needed something more to do with my spare time.

I came across an ad for Tile Outlets of America. I called the number, had an interview set up the next day, and luckily, I was hired right on the spot!

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

SB: My role as a Sales Representative at Tile Outlets of America is to make sure customers get the help they need and always leave satisfied with their trip to TOA.

>> See Meet the Sarasota Tile Outlets Team

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

SB: When you know part of the company is yours, you work a little harder to help the company grow and be successful. That's what I love about being an employee-owner of Tile Outlets. It's a family.

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

SB: I really enjoy the Royal Dianna Porcelain Tile 12x24, because it has nice color and pattern. It reminds me of a marble!

I also enjoy the Antique Onyx Travertine Roman Pattern Brushed Face, Chiseled Edge.

It also has beautiful colors and the different sizes for the pattern give it a lot of character!

TOA: Stephanie, what new trends do you see happening in tile?

SB: The wood planks!

Everybody loves wood floors, right? Minus the maintenance.

So the next best thing? Wood look; it's very modern and easy to care for.

An example of wood plank tile: Hunter Barnwood 8x47 Plank

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

SB: I always insist on them doing a little research to make sure they're getting the best selections.

And also not to stress or rush, because I don't want them to be unsatisfied with their final decision.

>> Download the Dream Sheet Tile Project Checklist

Stephanie's family

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

SB: I enjoy spending time with my family and going to the park with my children.

TOA: Thank you, Stephanie!

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

When you do, be sure to say hello to Stephanie Blanco.

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!