Lucinda Noel, has been a dedicated and influential figure in the ceramic tile industry for over 45 years. Since starting her career in 1979, Lucinda has amassed a wealth of experience in various facets of the business, including project management, estimating, purchasing, and negotiating contracts. Her journey began at The Cleveland Marble Mosaic Co., where she swiftly advanced from secretary/bookkeeper to estimator and project manager, handling both ceramic tile and stone projects. In 1984 Lucinda accepted a position to manage a satellite office for John Trendell’s company, and then in 1992 founded Commercial Tile & Stone Inc., where she led with an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Lucinda has not only contributed to the success of her own business but has also played an active role in shaping the future of the industry. After her remarkable 25-year career as a contractor in Cleveland, Ohio, she took on the role of Executive Director of the Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA). During her leadership, Lucinda implemented sustainability programs that have allowed TCAA to grow and flourish, guiding the association into a new era of innovation and responsibility.

At the end of June 2024, Lucinda retired after a lifetime of breaking barriers in the industry. She is a loving and active member of her church and continues to dedicate her time to the betterment of society. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Rick Noel, who supported her endeavors in her words as “the wind beneath her wings”. 

Lucinda was a trailblazer for women in the tile industry being “the only woman in the room” during her initial years when attending Professional Estimator’s Society events, jobsite meetings, and in plan rooms back in the day when take offs were done from paper blueprints at the local Builder’s Exchange or the general contractor’s offices. Her tireless work, leadership, and industry expertise have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, making her more than deserving of the Cesery Award.

At the 2024 Total Solutions Plus conference in Boston, Lucinda was honored with this prestigious award, symbolized by a bronze medallion created by Gilroy Roberts. The Cesery Award celebrates her lifelong dedication to advancing the ceramic tile industry, and her legacy as a giant within the field will continue to inspire future generations.

Congratulations, Lucinda, on this well-deserved recognition! 

The Carl V. Cesery Award was established as a way to honor those who, like the award's namesake, have served the ceramic tile industry with great distinction. The award, a five-inch bronze medallion, was created by legendary American sculptor Gilroy Roberts whose other notable work includes creation of the Kennedy half dollar. 

TCAA's 51st Cesery award was presented to Chris Walker by TCAA's president during an Awards Luncheon during our annual Total Solutions Plus Conference on October 23, 2023.  There certainly can be no doubt that Chris Walker has indeed contributed to our industry and served with distinction at the highest levels.

Chris may jokingly say that tile is his “accidental profession”, however, his contributions to our industry, especially in the field of installation standards, is second to none.  Chris is chairman of the ANSI A-108 Installation of Ceramic Tile Committee, and a voting member on the TCNA Handbook Committee.  Not only is his expertise recognized nationally, but he is recognized internationally as well as chairman of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group for ISO TC-189 Ceramic Tile.

We at TCAA feel a sense of pride knowing that Chris began his journey on the industry standards committees as TCAA's representative.  Congratulations Chris Walker! Well deserved!

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.