What is your business’ biggest challenge?

Our biggest challenge has been supply chain issues. It is taking significantly longer to receive products both domestically and from abroad due to a lack of availability of both products and shipping containers. Many factories have slowed and/or limited production in an attempt to combat high energy costs. Global port congestion has delayed receiving products as much as 10 additional weeks. Managing expectations with our customers is of paramount importance to us. While supply chain issues are quite fluid and beyond our control, we do our best to keep our customers updated as new information becomes available. Communication is key. Throughout it all, we have been successful in planning ahead to maintain healthy stock levels.

How has your life experience made you successful in your field today?

My parents grew up in Depression era Eastern Europe. They are Holocaust survivors. Along with my parents, I immigrated to the United States as a refugee. I was taught by example to not be wasteful and to save for a rainy day. This is part of the reason Palmetto Tile Distributors has been able to weather the recent storms of both COVID and the global supply chain issues of the past few years.

What is the latest trend in your business?

Fun shapes are being introduced in full force by the design industry. Fan, raindrop, elongated hexagons, triangles, waves, and three-dimensional tiles are just a few of the innovative shapes available. Recycled, sustainable glass mosaics offered in mid-century modern shapes bring a touch of sophisticated whimsy to the room.

How do you keep up with the latest advances in

your field?

Keeping one’s finger on the pulse of the industry is necessary to stay relevant in the marketplace. We pride ourselves on partnering with vendors and factories that not only offer top quality, but offer innovative design as well. We make sure to have a balance of timeless staples as well as innovative shapes, patterns, and colors. We offer everything from ¼-inch mosaics up to porcelain slabs. We are only limited by our creativity.