TCAA's 2021 Carl V. Cesery Award Recipient: Scott Conwell The award, a five-inch bronze medallion, created by legendary American sculptor Gilroy Roberts whose other notable work includes creation of the Kennedy half dollar, was presented to Scott Conwell by TCAA's president during the Awards Luncheon at Total Solutions Plus on October 26, 2021. The Cesery Award is given by the Tile Contractors’ Association of America to recognize a person’s contributions to the tile industry and to those who have served our industry with distinction. There certainly can be no doubt that Scott Conwell has indeed contributed to our industry, with distinction, at the highest levels. Scott has represented the tile and masonry industry for 25 plus years through his work for the International Masonry Institute as Director of Industry Development. His work includes delivering meaningful education on design theory and constructability with an emphasis on ceramic tile and stone. He has delivered over 1,000 seminars in the U.S., and has also presented internationally in Italy and Spain. He frequently contributes articles to technical journals. His articles on tile have been published in TILE Magazine, The Construction Specifier, Tile Letter, and TCAA’s own 093000 Contractor magazine. He is a regular presenter at AIA and CSI design and construction industry conferences and has also presented at Coverings, Surfaces and TSP. He is so well known as a ceramic tile expert; he has been asked to lecture at architectural and construction management schools. Scott is nationally known for his contributions to the development of ceramic tile standards and best practices. He is an active member of the Tile Council of North America Handbook Committee, the American National Standards Institute, and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers’ Tile/Marble/Terrazzo Craft Committee. As a member of ANSI he participated in the development of A108.19 and A108.20 the first in the world installation standards for gauged porcelain tile, and is currently leading a subcommittee in the development of a new standard, A108.T, Standard Terminology for Ceramic Tile Assemblies. In fact, it was through Scott Conwell's efforts that Qualified Contractor Language, Qualified Installer Language, and the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) was inserted in the MasterSpec ceramic tile specifications, which is developed and distributed nationally for the American Institute of Architects. His expertise in architectural detailing of ceramic tile and masonry is legendary. There isn’t an architect in the country who has not benefited from his expertise in the practical aspects of how to design with ceramic tile. His most recent work was the production of the details and graphics for the newly published tile curriculum used at International Masonry Institute (IMI)/International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC) training centers nationwide. WOW! Is there anything Scott hasn’t done to promote, educate, and train on the benefits of ceramic tile? This certainly is not the first time Scott has been recognized for his contributions. Scott is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the Construction Specifications Institute. Both of which recognize this designation as the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member. TCAA congratulates Scott Conwell as the recipient of TCAA's 2021 Carl V. Cesery award! We are grateful for his service to the industry and our organization. |
The Tile Contractors’ Association of America is pleased to announce that John E. Trendell, President of Trendell Consulting, LLC was chosen as the recipient of the GIACOMO DELAZZERO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, presented during the 2019 Total Solutions Plus industry conference, in Nashville, TN on October 28, 2019. This very prestigious award is only given to individuals whose contributions to TCAA and the ceramic tile industry have, indeed, been extraordinary and a lifetime commitment. In fact, only four previous industry giants have been recipients; Giacomo DeLazzero (the 1999 award winner for whom the award was later named), Eugene G. Grazzini, Sr., Robert Smyth, and Raymond Byrne.
Trendell has been a part of the tile and stone business for 44 years, having started his career with the Cleveland Marble Mosaic Company in 1975. He started his own ceramic tile installation company in 1981 and has been a leader in our industry ever since.
His most recent industry recognition was as recipient of the 2015 TCAA Carl V. Cesery award for outstanding service to the tile industry, which is a prerequisite of the Lifetime award. Trendell has held every office in TCAA, including president in 2010/2011. His passion for labor is reflected by his 20-year tenure as TCAA Labor Committee Chair. Recognizing the importance of industry standards, Trendell is a TCAA representative on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook committees.
He was instrumental in creating the industry partnership that led to qualified contractor language becoming part of the TCNA Handbook in 2012. He went on to play a key role in creation of the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program and continues to serve on the ACT Task Force committee.
Trendell’s strong interest in the men and women who are the craftworkers and backbone of the industry has led him to serve on numerous local and national committees, and boards including apprenticeship and training programs. Currently, he serves as a trustee for the International Pension Fund, the International Masonry Institute, the International Council of Employers, and is Co-Chair of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Ceramic Tile Labor Management committee.
John has been married to the same wonderful gal, Mary, for 45 years! (Yes, that is even longer than he has been in the tile business). They also have raised 3 beautiful daughters.
TCAA congratulates John Trendell on receiving the Giacomo DeLazzero Lifetime Achievement Award and is grateful for his service to the industry and our association.