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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Job creation and sustainability of jobs is critical for the continued expansion of Utah's economy. In the last year, our state economy has added almost 19,000 new jobs, and the number of Utahns bringing home wages and salaries is 1.2 million, up 1.6 percent from a year ago.
Some of those jobs come courtesy of Contempo Tile. This Salt Lake City-based company that started in Jan (yawn) Kucera (koo-chair-uh)'s garage in 1976 now has six locations in two states and anticipates even more growth in the future. They're also starting to hire again, infusing more capital into the Utah economy.
Contempo Tile is the largest independent distributor of ceramic porcelain and natural stone tiles as well as granite and marble slabs in the Intermountain West. They go the distance to bring in only the highest quality and most unique products, importing from Brazil, Turkey, Mexico, China and India. In fact, one of the quarries where they purchase marble is the same place where Michelangelo quarried his famous David statue.
Company president and CEO Mike Baker says Contempo Tile hasn't been immune from the effects of the economy in the last few years, but they've successfully handled it by getting lean, changing the business structure and refining the product offering to focus on affordability. Adaptability has been another important factor in the company's continued success. They were recently purchased by a private equity firm that's also helping take the company to the next level.
Another business strategy that's really helped Contempo Tile is to bring in eco-friendly products. These are tiles made from recycled products, and customers love them! They are unique and beautiful to look at, and the environmentally friendly aspect of the product is appealing. This is a wise move since green business is a $5 trillion industry, and the United States needs to be an serious player.
These strategies have worked since even while streamlining the organization, many of Contempo Tile's employees have been with the company for over 10 years.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Contempo Tile 3732 S. 300 West Salt Lake City, UT 84115 801-262-1717 www.contempotile.com
