Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Harms
Hi Phillip, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got my start in construction originally doing roofing/framing and other handyman projects, with a family friend, in Minnesota. Due to a lack of roofing work in the winter I got a job at a car dealership where I met a friend who would introduce me to a Tile Company where I got started on as a helper , doing 80 hour work weeks! I immediately fell in love with Tile and realized it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was introduced to Facebook pages that would change my life and help me to grow in the trade , almost with an unfair advantage , considering previous generations did not have access to anything like this, or the internet in general. After months of working with this rockstar crew, Wall to Wall LLC, life eventually brought me back to Florida and I continued my experience with a local tile company based out of Oviedo. Not to brag or boast, but I realized that there were industry standards and methods that were not being followed that I was educated to do a better job, and I was confident in my skills. I then worked for a rental company. I worked as the only tile installer and was doing showers and entire floors as a laborer. I realized then that I was already doing the entire job on my own so I was ready to make the jump, and follow my dream of starting my own tile company. I have had a humbling career and have learned so much and continue to learn in an ever changing industry. There are always new materials and standards that are assuring our installations are a lasting piece of Art. Today, I am a member of the National Tile Contractors Association, and I am a Certified Tile Installer (#1951) through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation . I aspire to get more involved in the custom mosaics , and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels. I love what I do !!!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say I am still struggling with the business side of things but I have overcome a ton of obstacles- lack of support, lack of experience, I’ve had dry spells where I could not find work, and on the flip side have had too much work that I could handle. I have had a crew with employees under me, but have found through experience what works best for me . You don’t fail unless you are trying !!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Custom Tile Installations. I am leaning toward the Large Format installations but I am VERSATILE and I do it all, I love handmade tile, Zellige, fired clay, and I am aspiring to be more involved with custom mosaics. I have done a couple but I want to eventually have a workshop and process to create many pieces. LED Backlit Niches have been a favorite – utilizing ‘Illuminiche’ ‘s prefabricated dimmable light assembly to bring the SHINE to your bathroom. I am proud to continue my education and training and to be using the greatest in materials and shower preparation. I love what I do and I view Tile as ART.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the day I found a four leaf clover. I told myself I could find one and looked for hours.. even in the rain. Through the doubt and disbelief I kept my head down and searched and searched… until I found it! I have similar stories fishing for Gar 🙂
Pricing:
- Typical shower remodel is in the range of $8-12k
- Typical backsplash installation $1-2k
- Large Format Tile Flooring Installation – $15 sq ft +
- Day Rate – $1k
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Versatile_llc
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Versatile407/
