Profile: Brian Turner of TileDIY

Profile of Brian Turner of TileDIY

How did you become an entrepreneur?

Basically by necessity. In England, I was the MD ('89/'92) of Vitrex, (manufacturer of tiling tools), one of a group of companies that was publicly auoted on the FTSE. Vitrex Ltd had developed a small business in the Sstates with Ace and The Cotter Company (True Value). I persuaded the board to allow me to start an American company, Vitrex Inc., to service the growing business. It was agreed, and in 1992, my wife and I moved here. Two years later, the parent company was bought out by a French company who wanted to service the US from England, and we were cut loose.

I had some ideas of what I wanted to make and contacted the U of Kentucky and the Robotics Department who helped me with some of my ideas. I took those ideas to many different metal stamping companies and eventually found one who would work with me. This all took about five to six months. I then went to NKU, where I was fortunate enough to meet a wonderful gentleman called Sutton Landry. He basically settled me down and Americanized my English business plan, which led to a partnership and the capital needed. The designs of my new tile cutters were made, the first time a product like this was made in the US, and we secured the Home Depot business from a Chinese manufacturer. We had the business for 10 years. That same design has now been copied by all manufacturers and sold around the world.   

How did you find your first employee?

My first employee was my wife. Well, maybe not, as she never got paid. Later we did advertise and found a very good young lady married with two kids who managed the eventual 22 employees like a compassionate drill sergeant.

Why did you start your business in the US?

The advantage (and disadvantage when you lose them) is the customer base and size of the market.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

Know your market, believe in what you are doing, have good products with unique selling features and benefits. Start small, stay local and maintain low overheads. Have enough money for cash flow after your initial expenditure.

The most amazing thing for me was when applying to become an American citizen. I had to pay to advertise my job as president of Nattco in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and one other newspaper, and if the attorneys who were assigned to the project found an American with the same qualifications I was out of a job. Fortunately for me, manufacturing of tiling tools was done in China.

What inspires you?

Finding a need and filling it. Making something better -- hence TileDIY LLC and the new TI-ProBoard.

What founders do you admire?  

Richard Branson of the Virgin Group and Bill Gates, both knew what they wanted, achieved it, and millions have benefited in the case of Bill Gates.

What is next for you and for your company?  

My goal is to grow TileDIY LLC and TI-ProBoard so everyone can have access to the benefits of a tiled deck.