The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) has named Juan “Junior” Mercado and Jeff Occhipinti the recipients of the 2024 NTCA Tile Setter Craftsperson of the Year awards. Announced at the Total Solutions Plus conference in Boston, Mercado from Christian Brothers Flooring & Interiors won in Commercial and Occhipinti from Columbia River Tile & Stone was honored in Residential.
The awards are designed to highlight tile setters who have made outstanding contributions to the tile industry, both in technical skill and in setting standards for quality and service. Mercado and Occhipinti will receive their awards at the Ambassador Reception on Jan. 27, 2025, during The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas.
Juan Mercado – Commercial Winner
Juan Mercado has dedicated more than 25 years to the tile industry, advancing from an apprentice to a superintendent. Known for his commitment to quality and precision, Mercado holds one of the earliest Certified Tile Installer certifications (CTI #63). For more than six years, he has led high-profile commercial projects including the iconic Petco Park in San Diego, where he applied his expertise to challenging exterior sandstone installations and complex architectural designs.
Mercado’s ability to identify and resolve construction issues has earned him respect among clients and colleagues alike. On a recent multi-family project, he insisted on adjustments to the backer board and devised a custom mortar bed system to ensure compliance with Tile Council of North America (TCNA) standards, despite schedule pressures. His focus on safety, quality and training extends to his role as a mentor, where he guides apprentices in technical skills and instills a strong work ethic.
Jeff Occhipinti – Residential Winner
A tile professional since 2003, Jeff Occhipinti is renowned for his artistry and commitment to advancing high-quality residential tile installations. He has transformed his company into a leader in the field, known for both traditional tile installations and innovative, artistic work. As a Certified Tile Installer (#1354) and NTCA Five-Star Accredited Contractor, Occhipinti brings technical skill and a passion for tile craftsmanship to every project.
His dedication to professional growth has led him to earn Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) in multiple disciplines, and he has recently completed the Artisan Revolution in Tile program. Occhipinti is also a founding member and instructor of the Oregon-Columbia Tile Trades JATC tile apprenticeship program, helping train the next generation of tile professionals. His leadership has helped the program receive national recognition. In addition to mentoring his team, Occhipinti’s company has earned two prestigious Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards, as well as more than 230 five-star online reviews.
For more information, visit www.tile-assn.com.
