Emily Hartson, Arizona Tile

Name of Company
Arizona Tile

Name of Participant
Emily Hartson

What is your job title?
Order Desk Lead

What do you do for your company?
I serve as the leader of two pivotal teams within our organization: the Tile Order Desk and the Slab Order Desk. My responsibilities encompass the efficient processing of customer orders through diverse channels, including email, phone, and in-person interactions. My commitment to delivering excellent customer service involves resourcefulness when addressing inquiries. Additionally, I undertake the training of incoming employees, ensuring their comprehensive understanding of procedural protocols. To maintain operational excellence, I conduct regular reports to oversee the seamless functioning of both departments while including ordering slab and tile stock.

Do you hold any NARI certifications?
No

How do you use your previous experience and/or education to do your job?
In my previous professional experience, it helped me have meticulous attention to detail and impeccable organizational capabilities. I processed orders electronically and seamlessly integrating them into the system, all while ensuring a high standard of customer service.

What do you love about remodeling?
I love remodeling because you can take an outdated living space and turn it into a clean, modern look that suits your personality. 

Katy Smith, Alpha Granite & Tile

Name of Company
Alpha Granite & Tile

Name of Participant
Katy Smith

What is your job title?
Showroom Manager

What do you do for your company?
I joined Alpha in May 2021 as a Sales Executive. I’ve held onto those sales responsibilities, but I’m now also the Showroom Manager – scheduling and coordinating showroom events, overseeing showroom renovations, managing social media accounts, assisting our owners with marketing and PR, and supporting the Sales Manager as needed.

Do you hold any NARI certifications?
No

How do you use your previous experience and/or education to do your job?
Prior to working in the stone industry, I worked in home staging and real estate. Helping people get their homes ready to hit the market was a completely different perspective – then, I was de-personalizing spaces and creating an aesthetic that would appeal to as many people as possible. Now, I help people infuse their homes with their own taste and personality. I love both for different reasons, but I truly love what I do now!

What do you love about remodeling?
I love being a part of helping people create their dream homes. Whether it’s a small project or a whole house renovation, it’s so rewarding to contribute to beautiful spaces that homeowners will enjoy for years to come.

Sonia Phocas, Alpha Granite & Tile

Name of Company
Alpha Granite & Tile

Name of Participant
Sonia Phocas

What is your job title?
Owner

What do you do for your company?
Financial Controller

Do you hold any NARI certifications?
No

How do you use your previous experience and/or education to do your job?
I have a degree in Education, but have over 30 years experience in running our own business with my husband, Denis.  He takes care of operations and I’ve always taken care of anything financial.

What do you love about remodeling?
In our industry – Fabrication and Installation of Countertops – I love knowing how happy our customers are with their new surfaces.  Some changes are just a simple new countertops, and some are major remodelers, but in both cases the countertops are the “bling” in their remodel and knowing we’re a part of that is very satisfying.