Tiling Connect

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In this episode of Tiling Connect, we're joined by a seasoned Business Development Manager with more than a decade of experience building relationships, solving problems, and helping customers succeed across the commercial, residential, and builder markets.

This isn't a conversation about simply selling tiles. 

It's about building trust, understanding people, and becoming the person customers call before they make their next decision.

From early-morning builder visits and architect presentations to working alongside his team, designers, and tilers, Scott shares what life on the road is really like and why resilience, consistency, and genuine relationships are the foundations of long-term success. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Why the best BDMs sell confidence, not just products.
• Building lasting relationships with builders, retailers, architects, designers, and tilers.
• The importance of product knowledge and becoming a trusted industry expert.
• How to handle rejection, setbacks, and challenging market conditions.
• What separates high-performing sales professionals from everyone else.
• Managing your time while covering large territories and diverse customer bases.
• Why listening is often your most valuable sales skill.
• The mindset required to stay motivated year after year.
• Common mistakes new BDMs make and how to avoid them.
• Advice for anyone looking to build a long and rewarding career in the tile industry.

Whether you're an experienced sales representative, a new BDM, a retailer, supplier, or simply passionate about the tile industry, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, relationship-building, and creating value beyond the products you sell.

Listen now and discover what it really takes to become a trusted advisor in one of Australia's most competitive industries.

If you want to connect with Scott at National Tiles, here are the links:  

Website: https://www.nationaltiles.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-griffiths-b1186527/

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In this exciting international episode, we sit down with Jacopo Strocchi from Battipav, one of the world’s most respected tile-tool manufacturers, to explore the incredible story behind the Italian brand trusted by tilers across the globe.

From humble beginnings in Italy to becoming a global force in professional tile tools, this conversation dives deep into the origins, innovation, and craftsmanship that have made Battipav a recognised name in the tiling industry.

We discuss Battipav’s reputation for producing high-performance manual tile cutters and wet saws, the importance of Italian engineering, and how the company continues to evolve in step with the ever-changing demands of the tiling trade.

Jacopo also shares insights into:

• The history and evolution of Battipav
• What separates Battipav from its competitors
• The importance of quality Italian craftsmanship
• How the tiling industry has changed globally over the years
• Innovation in tile cutting technology
• Future growth opportunities for Battipav
• Supporting professional tilers and retailers worldwide
• Why the Australian tiling market is so important to the brand

Most importantly, this episode gives Australian tiling contractors and retailers a genuine look into who Battipav is, what the company stands for, and why its tools continue to earn the trust of professionals across the industry.

If you’re passionate about tiling, innovation, quality tools, and the future of the trade, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

If you want to connect with Jacopo or Battipav, here are the links:  

Website: https://battipav.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@battipav?si=EtEdMdHAoFPWBNT6

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/battipav/ 

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In this episode, we sit down with Taylor Ryan, founder and creator of TilenBreathe. A man who’s not just talking about change in the construction industry, he’s building it.

Taylor’s journey starts where many great stories do, on the tools. As a tiler, he saw firsthand the daily risks most tradies ignore, especially the silent killer: silica dust.

But instead of accepting it, he challenged it.

We dive deep into:

• How his tiling background shaped his mindset and problem-solving approach
• The moment he realised silica dust wasn’t just “part of the job”
• The creation of TilenBreathe and why it’s more than just a product
• The brutal realities of launching something new in a traditional industry
• The mental pressure of wearing every hat, founder, operator, marketer, problem-solver
• Why protecting your lungs isn’t optional, it’s everything

This isn’t just a conversation about tools.
It’s about responsibility.
It’s about leadership.
And it’s about making decisions today that your future self will thank you for.

Because at the end of the day, you can’t build a career if you can’t breathe.

If you want to connect with Taylor or find out more about TileNBreathe, here are his details: 

Website: https://tilenbreathe.com.au/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tilenbreathe/

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In this episode, I sit down with Joanna Cassidy from Cassidys to talk about her journey into one of construction’s most demanding trades. 

Joanna shares what inspired her to become a qualified brick and blocklayer and how she’s built a reputation based on craftsmanship, pride in her work, and a relentless commitment to quality.

We dive into the realities of working in a male-dominated industry and how Joanna challenges outdated stereotypes simply by turning up, delivering great work, and letting her results speak for themselves. 

She also opens up about the expectations and challenges that come with the job and why resilience and confidence are essential traits for anyone stepping into the trade.

Joanna describes what it takes to run a successful husband-and-wife business while maintaining a balance in life. It highlights managing workloads and supporting each other’s strengths as a strong partnership model.

Most importantly, Joanna shares her passion for encouraging more women to consider careers in construction. Her story is proof that skill, dedication, and pride in the craft matter far more than stereotypes.

If you’re passionate about craftsmanship, leadership, and building a better future for the trades, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

If you want to connect with Joanna at Cassidys, here are her details: 

Website: https://www.cassidysbrickandblocklaying.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannacassidyau/ 

Sponsor: https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/ 

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In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Pride from Tiling with Pride. A bloke who backs his work, backs his standards, and isn’t interested in cutting corners.

Jamie breaks down why he got into tiling, what hooked him on the trade, and why pride in workmanship still matters in an industry that’s often racing to the bottom.

We discuss what separates the average operator from someone who earns respect on-site, with clients, and within the industry. This isn’t theory. It’s real talk about craftsmanship, reputation, and doing the job properly, even when it’s harder, slower, or costs more upfront.

We also discuss the realities of running a tiling business with multiple employees, the pressure, the responsibility, the leadership required and how Jamie works to grow a company without compromising his health, relationships, or life outside the job.

What We Get Into:

• Why Jamie chose tiling and why he stayed
• Why standards and pride still matter in the trade
• How to stand out without undercutting or BS marketing
• Craftsmanship as a business advantage, not a weakness
• The truth about running a crew and leading from the front
• Managing pressure, expectations, and responsibility
• Building systems so the business doesn’t own you
• Chasing success without burning out or losing your family

If you’re sick of the race to the bottom, tired of cowboys lowering the bar, and want to build something you’re genuinely proud of, this episode will hit home.

If you want to connect with Jamie at Tiling with Pride, here are their details: 

Website: https://www.tilingwithpride.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiling.with.pride/

Sponsor: https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/ 

Support the show

If you'd like to be a part of the show or have any feedback, contact us at: [email protected]
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In this powerful episode, Mark Moskwa sits down with Sean Somers from Ultimate Tiles to unpack the exciting next chapter for the business: the acquisition of an existing location on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Sean shares the real story behind the expansion: what drove the decision, the risks involved, and the long-term vision to build one of Victoria’s biggest independent tile businesses. 

This conversation goes far beyond tiles and into what it truly takes to lead, innovate, and grow in today’s competitive market.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The strategy behind Ultimate Tiles’ Mornington acquisition
• What leadership really looks like during periods of growth
• How to balance innovation with strong business fundamentals
• The challenges and opportunities of expanding locations
• Why independent businesses can still dominate in a corporate world
• The passion and vision driving Ultimate Tiles forward

Who This Episode Is For:

• Tile retailers, contractors, and construction professionals
• Business owners looking to scale or acquire
• Anyone interested in leadership, growth, and building a legacy brand
• Those passionate about the future of the Australian tile industry

This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about business growth, leadership development, and creating something that lasts.

If you want to connect with Sean or any of the Ultimate Tiles locations, here are their details: 

Website: https://ultimatetiles.com.au/

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/ultimatetilespakenham/

https://www.instagram.com/ultimatetilesmornington/

https://www.facebook.com/Tilerswarehouse

Sponsored by: https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/ 

Support the show

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Today on Tiling Connect, we’re diving into one of the most exciting shifts happening in the tile and flooring industry: the rise of digital visualisation and joining us is someone at the heart of that innovation.

We’re speaking with Ben Quinn from Roomvo, the leading platform that has transformed how homeowners, builders, and designers choose tiles. 

Roomvo is the cutting-edge digital room visualiser that lets you see, online and instantly, precisely how a tile will look in your space with incredible accuracy.

In a world where customers want confidence before they commit, Roomvo has become a game-changer. No more guessing. No more hoping a showroom sample will work. With Roomvo, you can experiment, explore, and get inspired from the comfort of home before walking into the store.

In this episode, Ben shares the story behind Roomvo’s invention, the technology powering this visual revolution, and how it’s reshaping consumer expectations across the industry. We’ll talk innovation, customer experience, and the future of digital tools in the tiling world.

So get ready, this is a conversation packed with insight, inspiration, and the kind of forward-thinking every retailer and renovator needs to hear.

If you want to connect with Ben and Roomvo, here are their details: 

Website: https://get.roomvo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.roomvo/ 

Email: [email protected]

Sponsor: https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/ 

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Welcome back to Tiling Connect. The podcast that brings the people, passion, and purpose behind Australia’s tile industry to life. 

Today, we’re heading to the beautiful Sunshine Coast to meet a business that truly embodies craftsmanship, family, and tradition.

Our guests today, Dawn and Roy Wells, are the team behind Natural Tile. A proudly family-operated business whose love for tiles spans more than two decades, crossing continents from the UK to Australia. 

Their journey is one built on hard work, design excellence, and a genuine passion for helping people transform their homes and spaces with quality tiles that tell a story.

In this episode, we dive into how their family values shape every part of the business, what it takes to thrive in both the UK and Australian markets, and how they’re keeping the art of tiling alive for the next generation.

So whether you’re in the trade, renovating your dream home, or love a good story about family, craftsmanship, and connection, this one’s for you.

If you want to connect with Dawn or Roy, here are their details: 

Website: https://www.naturaltile.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturaltileshowroom/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natural-tile-bathrooms/

Sponsor: https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/ 

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If you'd like to be a part of the show or have any feedback, contact us at: [email protected]
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Welcome back to the show, where we delve into the stories that shape the construction industry and the individuals driving it forward.

Today’s guest has taken a unique journey, starting on the tools as a tiler, and now shaping the future of the trade from the classroom. Adam Agostino joins me, an ex-tiler turned TAFE lecturer, who’s dedicated to educating the next generation of trade contractors.

In this episode, Adam shares his story of transitioning from hands-on work to teaching, the challenges and rewards of stepping into the role of mentor, and how his passion for the industry fuels the way he teaches. 

We’ll explore his approach to connecting with young tradies, the lessons he’s carried from the job site into the classroom, and why investing in the next generation is crucial for the future of the trade.

Whether you’re a seasoned contractor, a young apprentice, or someone who loves hearing how real people make real impact in their industries, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you want to connect with Adam, here are his details: 

Website: https://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/ 

E: [email protected] 

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In today’s episode, we sit down with Grant Dziurek, who’s redefining what it means to be a contractor in the modern construction world.

He’s a mature-aged individual, running his own business, studying to upskill, managing the chaos of a household as a single dad, and somehow still finding the drive to deliver quality work in one of the most demanding and most competitive markets out there.

This is a conversation about resilience, discipline, and the sheer determination it takes to keep the tools running, the books in order, the kids fed, and the dream alive.

Whether you’re in the trades, juggling family life, or need a dose of real-world inspiration, this one’s going to hit home.

If you want to connect with Grant, here are his details: 

Website: https://www.gdhouseworx.com.au/ 

Sponsored by: https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/ 

Support the show

If you'd like to be a part of the show or have any feedback, contact us at: [email protected]
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