Jim Upton has been installing tile for over 20 years and has worked in the construction/remodeling field for nearly 30 years.
Insistent on learning everything the hard way he decided to forego formal training and jump into the tile trade headfirst.
After learning a good number of lessons by trial and error he eventually went to work for other contractors including a tile store in Bellevue, Washington working alongside many other installers all of varying skill and experience levels. This provided an opportunity to learn and experiment with some new skills and techniques that he wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise.
Eight years later, in the downturn of the economy, he created a new tile contracting company, Tiger Mountain Tile Inc, based out of Issaquah Washington.
In addition to learning the physical, hands-on skills of the tile trade he has also become a student of his craft. Studying the proper methods, keeping up to date with changes and innovations in the tile industry, joining the National Tile Contractors Association, and participating in online tile forums he considers himself a true tile nerd.
Jim Upton is a CTEF certified installer, NTCA member and Ambassador, Wedi PRO Certified installer, and has taken product-specific training from Schluter Systems, Laticrete International, Custom Building Products, Ardex Americas, and NTCA training for Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels.
When he is not working, studying, writing, or talking about tile he likes to ride his motorcycle and tinker in the stock market.
He is also the creator of www.DIYTileGuy.com a tile blog for the DIY community.
Google Business page
