Meet Bob Stangs, Assistant Store Manager, Tile Outlets in Sarasota

Tile Outlets of America isn't just another tile store. Rather, it's a special place where you'll discover all kinds of beautiful tile and stone possibilities bundled with passion and expertise committed to helping you transform your home from dream to reality. Bob Stangs, Assistant Store Manager in Tile Outlets in Sarasota, is one such expert. He's also next In this blog series where we introduce you to the leadership team for each Tile Outlets store.

Meet Assistant Store Manager Bob Stangs, Tile Outlets in Sarasota

TOA: Bob, tell us about yourself and your background.

Bob: I was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Pennsylvania when I went to college.

I have worked in the lumber and millwork industry for over 30 years both in sales and management. I was a partner in a window and door wholesale operation where I was general manager and treasurer on the board of directors until we closed the business in 2010.

At that time I moved to beautiful, sunny Cape Coral, Florida and took a position as an In-home Consultant with a major window and door manufacturer.

TOA: What is your history with Tile Outlets?

Bob: I was hired by Tile Outlets in December 2013 as a sales representative for the Sarasota store.

Six months later I was offered the position of Key Holder. In December of 2014, I was promoted to Assistant Store Manager. My duties are to assist the General Manager with in-store operations, help oversee the sales force and pullers.

I help out on the sales floor as needed and enjoy the time speaking with customers and helping make their "Dreams become reality for a whole lot less."

TOA: How did you get started with tile?

Bob: The window and door manufacturer I was working for closed their In-home Consultant program across the United States. I answered an ad and the next thing you know I was selling tile. It was a natural progression as my kids say; I went from doors to floors.

TOA: What do you love most about tile and stone?

Bob: The durability and appearance of the different products.

Natural stone is a beautiful product. Every piece has its own personality.

The large formats in porcelain allow for fewer grout lines and give the appearance of one continuous piece of tile.

The wood look products give you the durability of tile and the appearance of real wood.

TOA: Which is your favorite product and why?

Bob: My favorite product is the wood look porcelain. I purchased it for my home and couldn't be happier with the installation.

When people arrive at my front door the first thing they ask is if they need to take off their shoes. I just laugh and say if you would like, but no need because it is tile not real wood. It looks that good.

Bob Stangs selected Botanica Teak Wood Look porcelain tile for the floor in his home.

TOA: What tile product or installation trends are most interesting for the Sarasota market?

Bob: I'm not sure I can pinpoint any one item over another.

We have homeowners coming in for backsplash mosaics, others because they are redoing a bath. Although the market is changing with the number of real estate foreclosures, we still get those who are flipping a home and need to redo the entire unit.

Sarasota has a large population of snowbirds who spend only 6 months a year in town so they either look to have the installation done when they are back north or only give the installer a small window to complete the project.

TOA: What tips do you have for someone getting ready for a tile or stone project? Where should they go for ideas and advice?

Bob: In the age of the Internet, as my one daughter says, Google it!.

The TIleOutlets.com website has all our products that you can see in the comfort of your own home.

Sites like Houzz or home deco magazines also are a great place to gain some ideas.

The Inspiration Center in the Tile Outlets Sarasota store is a great place to sit with a cup of coffee and pick and choose tile and stone. Our staff is very knowledgeable and very willing to help.

TOA: What’s the best way to prepare for a visit to the store?

Bob: If possible have an approximate idea of the square footage that is going to be needed to complete the project. This will allow the sales team to be able to check our other two stores for product if we do not have enough on hand.

>> Download the Tile Outlets Dream Sheet checklist to help prepare for your project.

Don't be overwhelmed when you walk in. Yes, we have many fine quality products, but the sales team will help you narrow down your search and in no time you will be walking out the door with the materials you need to complete your project.

Most importantly don't be afraid to ask questions. You have a right to know, so utilize the expertise of the sales and management staff to make your shopping experience exceptional.

TOA: What do you do when you’re not immersed in tile?

Bob: We live in paradise here in the Sarasota area, so I enjoy being outside near the water. I enjoy fishing and being at the beach.

All my family live up north so when the opportunity presents itself they come down for a visit.

TOA: Any parting words of advice?

Bob: There are many different tile stores or big box warehouses you can visit to purchase the materials you need to complete your project. Tile Outlets of America is the only store where you will find a friendly face as you walk through the door. A knowledgeable sales staff that is eager to help. A group of pullers that will get your order together and load it in your vehicle for you. A management team that is on the floor at all times to assist you with answering any questions or concerns you may have.

We are here for you!! Stop in I promise you will be happy with what you see.

TOA: Thanks, Bob.

If you haven't yet visited Tile Outlets of America in Sarasota, we hope you'll come visit soon. As Bob says, Tile Outlets isn't just any tile store. It's a very special store where you'll not only find the most extensive selection of first quality tile and stone products in-stock and at great prices, but it's also where you'll find people - like Bob - who care intensely about helping you find what you need to make your dream home become a reality.

When you visit our tile store, be sure to say hi to Bob Stangs and let all of us know how to help you!