Kendra and Stephanie Take Tile Outlets to the Fort Myers Home Show

Did you know that Tile Outlets recently exhibited at the Fort Myers Home Show?

We caught up with Kendra Weaver, cabinet designer, who not only participated with Stephanie Hyyti but also provided Facebook Live perspective on the event. Here's that story.

Taking Tile Outlets at the Fort Myers Home Show

TOA: Kendra, tell us about the Home Show and what it was all about.

KW: The Fort Myers Spring Home Show took place at the beautiful new Suncoast Credit Arena at Florida Southwestern College on April 6th and 7th.

It was full of things for the home, everything from outdoor grilling areas, Tupperware, spas, beds, pocket pets (more on that later) and of course cabinets, mosaics, and flooring from Tile Outlets of America.

If someone is looking at doing any kind of remodeling or home updates of any kind, going to a home show is a great way to get ideas and make contacts for future or current projects.

TOA: Who participated from Tile Outlets of America?

KW: Stephanie Hyyti, one of our resident tile specialists, and I were both in attendance answering questions and showcasing what Tile Outlets has to offer.

TOA: Who did setup and what did you set up?

KW: Mark Scott, our General Manager, and Rodney Bushek, an expert order puller, loaded up everything and headed over to the arena around 11 a.m. Friday morning.

They started with installing 100sf of LVT on the floor. It took them about 1.5 hours using minimal tools: a razor blade, a straight edge, woodblock, and rubber mallet.

>> See Shop Luxury Vinyl Flooring at Tile Outlets of America! which includes installation best practices and guidelines.

Once that was done, we set up a couple of vanities and the tile displays. The whole thing took just under 3 hours and turned out great.

TOA: What products did you feature at this Home Show?

KW: We used Poplar White and Owl Ridge LVT on the floor, had 6-7 different porcelain wood look tile planks, and a variety of the very popular large format tile.

With a 44,000 square foot showroom, it's really difficult to narrow down the selection for our 10x10 booth.

Stephanie spent the weeks prior picking out just the right tile and mosaics to showcase. The Wood Glass Strips were so popular one patron of the show actually stopped at the store after to pick up a sample. Great picks, Stephanie!

TOA: Which products generated the most interest?

KW: The LVT was by far the MOST talked about product of the entire show. Almost everyone would walk up to the booth looking at the floor.

They were very interested to know it’s free-floating and incredibly easy to install and maintain. With all the water and potential flooding here in SW Florida, a waterproof luxury vinyl wood look plank is an easy choice.

TOA: Kendra, please share detail on the cabinetry styles you brought!

KW: We brought a dozen or so different cabinet door styles to the show.

• We took some of our super modern flat paneled doors from Adornus. These are for the customer who knows they want super clean lines and a very modern appeal.
• We also brought some traditional doors as well. The Hickory door from our Faircrest line was one of the more popular traditional style doors. With its blond wood tone, natural knots, and variegated wood veining it fits in very well with someone who wants a country or cabin feel to their kitchen.
• We also had some transitional cabinets. The Vail and Newport from the Adornus line offer what we are calling a modified shaker door, not quite raised panel, not as simple as a shaker. This door style is become more and more sought after.

>> Shop Cabinets

TOA: What kinds of questions and reactions did you get?

KW: The reaction was really great!!

A lot of people knew about us and had previously purchased from us. People were happy to hear that we have been in the same location for 15 years and that we are employee-owned.

TOA: What did you and Stephanie think of the show?

KW: We both had a terrific time.

Stephanie has years of show experience in her previous career. She thought it was a great turn out and always enjoys interacting with potential customers.

I enjoyed looking at all the home goods in the downtime as my family is purchasing our 1st home in just a few weeks.

We are both very hopeful to be able to represent Tile Outlets at more events in the future.

TOA: What was your biggest surprise?

KW: I've been with Tile Outlets of America for 13.5 years and was very surprised at how many people recognized us and told us they were already fans of the store.

So many people said that we had done their whole house or that they had just remodeled the bathroom with us. I’m in the store all the time so it was refreshing to get out and hear what people have to say.

Below you see some of our giveaways as well as the Tile Outlets flooring visualizer on the iPad.

>> See Have You Tried the Visualizer from Tile Outlets of America?

TOA: What was the best part of the show?

KW: 1st Our very loyal customers!! It was a pleasure to talk to people who love our store and continue to shop with us.

2nd. THE POCKET PETS!!! (I totally told you we would get back to this!!)

They were the cutest things ever, and right next to us. These Sugar Gliders were so sweet and so soft and cuddly. It was hard not to stare at them and pine for one all weekend. I refrained from getting one, maybe next time!

TOA: Kendra, any other observations?

KW: It was great to get to talk to other people in the remodeling/construction industry. It’s always good to network and develop contacts who help support your business. We definitely saw some familiar faces.

TOA: What was your reaction to doing FaceBook Live?

KW: I LOVED doing the FaceBook Live segments! It’s a great way to reach customers and show what’s new and exciting!!

And, this is right up my alley as I dabble in acting during my non-working hours at The Laboratory Theater in downtown Ft Myers!! I hope that Tile Outlets will be doing more of them in the future.

(Here you see Kendra and Stephanie announcing the winners of Fort Myers Home Show giveaway drawing.)

TOA: Thanks, Kendra and Stephanie!

Did You Miss the Fort Myers Home Show?

If you did, no worries. Simply come to one of Tile Outlets of America's three stores in Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. In Fort Myers, be sure to say hi to Kendra and Stephanie.

We welcome the opportunity to show you our products and answer your questions so we can help your dreams become a reality for a whole lot less.