Connect Newsletter_Issue 1

MAY 2025/ISSUE 1

TILING NEWSLETTER

INDUSTRY TREND IDEAS

CHECK OUT‌

SUSTAINABLE TILING SOLUTIONS

FREE BUSINESS

2025

ADVICE | STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

MAY 2025

TILING MASTERY MASTERY IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST SKILL MASTERS BUILD REPUTATION CLIENTS WANT EXPERTS, NOT JUST TRADIES MASTERY BRINGS LEADERSHIP

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

JOSH WEST FROM WEST TILING BRISBANE

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CONTENTS PAGE 2

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PODCAST EPISODE 53

INDUSTRY TREND IDEAS

Meet Josh West from West Tiling.

Behind the Trowel: Insights from a Tiling Pro.

Eco-friendly construction materials continues to rise, with homeowners and builders seeking sustainable options.

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BUSINESS ADVICE

TILING MASTERY

Strategies for managing a thriving business and maximising the effort you invest in your endeavours.

What It Means to Be a Tiling Master – And Why It Matters for Business Success

If you’re working in the tiling, flooring, or construction industry, you already know that internal wet areas are one of the most common points of failure in a build.

Showers leaking, bathrooms needing to be redone. And more often than not, it comes down to poor waterproofing.

That’s where the GAPP Course comes in.

GAPP (Gripset Accredited Practitioner Program) is a hands-on, trade-focused training course designed to teach the right way to waterproof wet areas. Based on the current Australian Standards, product insider knowledge, and real job site conditions.

It’s not about fluff or theory overload. It’s about practical, immediately useful skills that will make you a more reliable and indemand installer.

So, what’s in it for you?

Confidence and Compliance Learn how to apply sheet and liquid membranes correctly, detail junctions and penetrations the right way, and understand product compatibility.

The course is based on AS 3740 and gives you the knowledge to back your work with confidence.

Flexibility That Works for You The theory component is delivered live via Zoom (or available prerecorded), and practical training is run regularly in each state, so you can fit GAPP in around your work schedule.

So if you’re ready to take your waterproofing skillset to the next level, enrol in the GAPP course.

Yo u r f u t u r e s e l f ( a n d y o u r c l i e n t s ) will thank you!

Class sizes are small, and spots fill up fast. Learn more or book your spot at gripset.com/gapp

Hands-On Training As well as learning all the theory behind the AS 3740, you’ll be applying product, cutting tapes, and working through real-world scenarios with guidance from our experienced trainers who’ve been in your boots with industry experience.

Stand Out from the Crowd Whether you’re working for a builder, tiler, or running your own business, being GAPP certified shows you’re serious about quality. You’ll get listed on our online directory, gain access to ongoing support, and have access to Gripset branding that shows you know your stuff.

It Pays for Itself The industry is cracking down on poor waterproofing, and insurance claims aren’t getting any easier. One avoided callback or mistake could more than cover your course fee. Additionally, receive a continued discount when stocking up on Gripset products through approved resellers.

Extended Warranty When you complete gapp you receive an extended 15-year warranty on the completed waterproofing system when you follow the specifications as per our warranty booklet.

PODCAST EPISODE 53 If you’ve ever tried tiling yourself, you know it’s an art form. It takes precision, patience, and a whole lot of skill—kind of like trying to get your mates to actually show up on time for a BBQ! Josh is a tiling expert who transforms homes and businesses across Brisbane with his craftsmanship. But today, we’re not just talking about laying tiles. We’re also exploring the mindset, challenges, and wins of running a tiling business in 2025.

If you want to connect with Josh, here are his details: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west_tiling/

CLick on the image to listen to the episode

G R E AT S E R V I C E , Q UA L I T Y & C O M M U N I C AT I O N . H I G H S TA N DA R D O F AT T E N T I O N TO D E TA I L & W O R K M A N S H I P ! T H E Y U N D E R S TA N D T H E V I S I O N F O R T H E P R OJ E C T & D E L I V E R W H AT ' S REQUIRED. WELL ORGANISED ALSO. S O N A B U I LT P T Y LT D 5/5

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Tile Talk: Straight Answers from a Tiling Pro How long have you been installing tiles?

Trowling on and off for 15 years.

What is your favourite tile to install?

Anything stone or handmade, perfectly imperfect tiles.

What is the most tedious task that occurs regularly on a job site?

Cleaning up after other trades.

What is your favourite tool or piece of equipment?

Atika or Rodia Wetsaw, both are built for a purpose.

When you're not working, what are you doing?

Researching tiling methods, techniques and tools. I’m big into learning all facets of tiling and going down rabbit holes, watching tile install videos - especially European tilers.

What is the last piece of advice you heard that matters?

Don’t care for the opinion of someone who isn’t brave enough to try what you are doing.

Go Pro - 1% better today than yesterday.

Who inspires you the most in everything you do?

Family, we break our bodies for those we love.

What do you love most about your business and tiling?

Not one day is the same. New challenges and opportunities.

INDUSTRY TREND IDEAS “ G R E E N I S T H E N E W G R O U T – O F F E R I N G S U STA I N A B L E T I L I N G S O LU T I O N S T H AT D O N ' T C O M P R O M I S E O N ST Y L E O R ST R E N GT H . ”

The push for eco-friendly construction materials continues to rise, with homeowners and builders seeking sustainable options.

Sustainable Tiling Solutions Opportunity for Tilers: Offer and promote eco-friendly adhesives, recycled tiles, and lowVOC grouts.

Highlight sustainable practices like responsible disposal of old tiles and minimal water usage.

Use this angle in marketing to appeal to environmentallyconscious builders and renovators.

Large Format & Seamless Tiling Demand is growing for large-format tiles and minimal grout line aesthetics, especially in high-end residential and commercial spaces.

Opportunity for Tilers: Upskill or train in handling and installing large format tiles.

Invest in tools suited to larger slabs (suction cups, leveling systems, etc.).

Partner with designers to showcase seamless, luxury installations.

www.rubi.com

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“Big, bold, and beautiful – mastering the art of seamless surfaces with large format tile installations.”

BUSINESS ADVICE Price with Profit in Mind – Not Just to Win Jobs Don’t fall into the trap of underquoting to stay competitive. Factor in all costs (materials, tools, travel, time) plus a margin for profit and future investment. Include a buffer for unexpected issues, and don’t be afraid to educate clients on the value of quality work.

Build a Strong Referral Network Word of mouth is gold in the trades.

Always leave a clean job site, follow up after completion, and ask happy clients for reviews or referrals.

Pro tip: Use a simple spreadsheet or quoting app to break down your costs and standardise your quoting process.

Also, connect with local builders, plumbers, and real estate agents— people who can feed you consistent work.

Pro tip: Have a few business cards or flyers in your van to hand out onsite or at supply stores.

Separate Your Business and Personal Finances Set up a separate bank account for your tiling income and expenses. This makes tax time a breeze and gives you a clear view of how your business is performing. It also looks more professional if you're applying for finance or planning to grow.

Pro tip: Use a simple accounting tool like Xero, QuickBooks, or even a free version like Wave to track everything.

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TILING MASTERY W H AT I T M E A N S TO B E A T I L I N G M A ST E R – A N D W H Y I T M AT T E R S FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

In the construction industry, skill is everything. But in the tiling game, there’s a level above simply “good at your trade.”

There’s a title that carries weight, respect, and recognition — Tiling Master. It’s not just a badge of honour; it’s a statement about who you are, how you operate, and what kind of business you run.

Let’s break down what it really means to be a Tiling Master and why this distinction can be the difference between surviving and thriving in the competitive world of construction.

1. Mastery is About More Than Just Skill Being a Tiling Master means more than laying tiles straight and cutting corners clean. It’s about a commitment to excellence in every part of the job — from planning and waterproofing to design consultation and customer care.

A true master knows the difference between shortcuts and efficiencies.

They stay up to date with the latest systems, tools, and compliance standards.

They understand moisture management, substrate prep, and product compatibility like the back of their hand. And they don’t cut corners — because they know corners are where problems start.

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TILING MASTERY 2. Masters Build Reputation – and Reputation Builds Business

3. Mastery Brings Leadership When running a business, you're not just laying tiles — you're leading people. Whether it's apprentices, employees, or subcontractors, your team looks to you for guidance, standards, and inspiration.

In the tiling industry, your name carries significant weight. Once you become known as a Master, your work speaks for itself. Clients trust you. Builders seek your expertise. Designers value your input. Other trades view you as a leader on-site.

This reputation doesn’t stem from just one major job; it’s cultivated job after job through consistency, integrity, and pride in your craft.

In short, a Tiling Master doesn’t need to pursue work. Their reputation attracts opportunities to them.

A Tiling Master sets the tone for professionalism, safety, and quality on every job. They train others not just how to tile, but how to think like a tradesperson — with pride, discipline, and a long-term mindset.

That leadership fosters culture — and culture creates a business that people want to be part of.

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TILING MASTERY 4. Customers Want Experts, Not Just Tradies Today’s clients are more informed than ever. They don’t want a cheap job; they want the right job. They seek someone who understands design intent, waterproofing codes, acoustic requirements, and timeframes.

When you position yourself as a Master, you instantly distinguish yourself from the pack. You’re no longer just one of many quotes on a spreadsheet; you’re the expert who delivers peace of mind.

That’s a powerful position to be in.

Final Thoughts Being a Tiling Master is about ownership and responsibility for your trade, name, and business.

It's a mindset that declares: I don't just do tiles; I set the standard.

In a world where standards matter more, this mindset separates good tilers from great businesses!

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5. Business Growth Depends on Standards To grow your business, establish systems and standards. Ensure your team delivers top-tier work, even off-site.

A Tiling Master creates processes, documents everything, and defines clear benchmarks for “great work. " This enables scaling without sacrificing quality.

In an industry reliant on word of mouth, consistency is your best marketing tool.

So ask yourself — are you chasing jobs, or building a legacy?