Profiles
Nancy Epstein
Founder and Chairman of the Board
By 1993, she had established an import and wholesale distribution company to service her showroom. Today, Artistic Tile has become one of the largest wholesale distributors of luxury tile and stone with nine showrooms nationwide and product distributed through more than 200 luxury tile and stone showrooms across the United States. In 2011 Artistic Tile acquired the esteemed Waterfall Bathroom Furniture line of sustainable bath vanities.
The firm's 110,000 square foot corporate headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey is comprised of a state-of-the-art production facility, warehouse, training center, customer service center, design studio, and in November 2014 was expanded to include an additional 25,000 square foot slab gallery.
Nancy makes numerous product development trips throughout the world including Tunisia, Mexico, Italy, France, Spain, China, Vietnam, Turkey, India, and Israel. Nancy's designs have been featured in top shelter media outlets and consistently win “Best of” awards.
A graduate of Syracuse University, Nancy and her husband Larry have three sons and nine adored grandchildren. Nancy sits on the board of directors of the JCC on the Palisades and IMPACT-se, an organization whose mission is to expose intolerance in school textbooks in the Middle East while advocating for positive change. She is an active supporter of the Jewish Federation of Miami, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Israel American Council (IAC), the Israel Tennis Centers, the Neve Joseph Community Center in Haifa, Israel, and the Rose Epstein School in Holon, Israel, named for her husband’s grandmother.
Joshua Levinson
CEO
Joshua Levinson, CEO, is a proud ambassador for the brand interfacing with both customers and suppliers globally. He finds great excitement in visiting the quarries of the natural stones that Artistic Tile offers, noting that the quarry is the heart and soul of the industry. “To visit a quarry is to truly know and appreciate the stone that is born there,” declares Josh.
Josh oversees the technical and logistical operations of the company. On a daily basis works to insure the timely, safe and successful installation of Artistic Tile’s beautiful product on job sites worldwide. To achieve this outcome, Josh is in direct communication with both the A&D community and tile & stone installers, working on projects both small and large.
Josh is a frequent presenter to the trade and homeowners as well. Years of practical knowledge gained through job site visits, quarry tours, factory inspections, and educational seminars have made him a sought-after resource.
Josh is currently a member of the Natural Stone Institute’s Board of Directors, and serves on its Technical committee. Josh is also a National Tile Contractor’s Association (NTCA) Technical Committee Member, and a voting member of The Tile Council of North America’s “TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation” committee. The TCNA Handbook Committee standardizes installation specifications for tile to ensure that installers have access to knowledge, guidelines, and techniques that make our products look and perform as perfectly as our clients deserve.
Josh is a graduate of the University of Colorado and is married with three children. In his spare time, he is an avid skier and sports enthusiast.
Lauren Cherkas
President and Chief Sales Officer
Lauren Cherkas began working at Artistic Tile in the newly established wholesale division. On her third day of employment, her cousin Nancy Epstein offered Lauren a position for life, based upon how impressed she was that Lauren had already developed and was leading a product training course for the warehouse workers after being there just three days herself.
With a career already in the making, Lauren returned to Pennsylvania State University where her petition to create a personalized major was accepted and she began her focus on Management, Marketing, Art History, and Italian. Her Italian studies lead to a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, where she had the pleasure of interacting with Artistic Tile’s suppliers. She traveled extensively throughout Europe and came to appreciate the design inspirations found in cathedrals, gates, ceiling details, and, of course, flooring.
After graduating from college, Lauren launched her full-time career in tile and stone, but switched her concentration from wholesale to the retail segment of Artistic Tile. She started in sales in the White Plains showroom, moved on to management at the flagship showroom, and became the President of the Retail division in 2005. Lauren directs the nine Artistic Tile retail stores.
On a personal note, Lauren is married with two young children. She enjoys reading, skiing, travel and participating in races in support of a variety of causes.
Zachary Epstein
President and Chief Product Officer
The youngest of Nancy Epstein’s three sons, it was only natural that Zachary Epstein would step into the family business. Throughout his life he has traveled with Nancy extensively in Europe and the Middle East visiting quarries and ancient ruins, gaining an appreciation for craftsmanship that created beautiful stone mosaics that have weathered thousands of years. He watched in amazement as Nancy turned her global inspiration into innovative designs, often times reinterpreting antiquated patterns with a contemporary eye, that have set new standards in the luxury tile industry.
Throughout his teen years, Zach worked at Artistic Tile. He spent summers in the warehouse and during the school year worked afternoons in the Paramus showroom. Upon graduating college with a degree in Business Administration, Zach assumed a full-time position at Artistic Tile managing assorted aspects of both the retail and wholesale operations. Zach is now President & Chief Product Officer.
A graduate of the University of Hartford, Zach is married and has a daughter and two sons. He is an enthusiastic home cook and can often be found in the kitchen or behind the grill.
Michael Epstein
President and Chief Marketing Officer
Michael is a graduate of New York University and began his career in politics, starting with an internship for a New Jersey Congressman in 2004. By 2007 Michael was Deputy District Director, responsible for managing the Congressman’s district schedule, meetings, events and NJ offices.
In November of 2007 Michael joined Obama for America, and by early 2008 he was traveling across the country to produce events for then-Senator Obama.
Michael worked as an advance consultant to the 2008 campaign, as a media logistics coordinator for the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee, and as an advance associate for the White House from early 2009 until early 2012, when he became a full time Advance Lead. In each role, Michael spent a majority of his time away from home, traveling the world to produce a variety of events for President Obama and Vice President Biden.
Attention to detail, sharp aesthetics, and extremely strict quality standards defined the work Michael performed for the White House, just as they are defining characteristics of Artistic Tile in the luxury tile industry.
In the summer of 2012 Michael met his wife on an advance trip to Florida. Michael and Kiera were married in January of 2014 and the couple moved from Washington, DC in March of that year. Michael started as VP of Marketing in April of 2014. Today, Michael and Kiera are parents to three wonderful children, Abraham, Eve, and Samuel, and live in Tenafly, NJ.
Joshua Epstein
President
Joshua Epstein is the eldest son of Founder & Chairman Nancy Epstein. Josh grew up immersed in Artistic Tile, traveling extensively with Nancy as she sourced materials and inspiration, exploring factories and quarries around the world, and joining Nancy as she made calls on dealer showrooms and sales reps across North America. Prior to joining Artistic Tile, Josh was an owner and manager at Jet Line Products, a wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and equipment with locations across the United States. At Jet Line, Josh’s areas of responsibility were expansive, and included Operations & Infrastructure, HR, Property Administration & Security, Banking & Accounting, IT, Vendor Relations, Purchasing, and Marketing. During his tenure, Jet Line grew from four to nine locations, and last year was acquired by a multinational public company. Josh graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Business Administration. When not at Artistic Tile, Josh can be found skiing out west, mountain biking, playing tennis, scuba diving, taking long walks on the beach, or heli-skiing. Josh is married and the proud father of three.
Karen Lofton
Director of Business Development
Karen Lofton, Director of Business Development, is responsible for building Artistic Tile Sales through the management of the Regional Sales team. Before joining Artistic Tile the first time, Karen was a multi store manager for Ann Sacks in New York City. She left Artistic Tile when her family relocated, but in her heart, had always hoped to return in some capacity. After 13 years, Karen returns to a business and company she loves with more than 25 years of Retail Management, Human Resources and Operations experience. Karen lives in North Carolina with her husband Rodney, son Bryce and her fur babies Bailey and Kobe. In her spare time, she enjoys family time, singing, interior design and travel. Karen can be reached at karenlofton@artistictile.com.
Jamie Ayers
National Sales Manager
Drawing upon two decades of experience in the industry, Jamie brings a remarkable level of expertise in natural stone, manufactured material, as well as commercial and retail sales. Throughout her illustrious career, Jamie has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of the tile and stone industry, leading teams to successful results and fostering business growth. In her new position, Jamie will work closely with the Artistic Tile Showroom Managers and Design Associates, playing a pivotal role in orchestrating and implementing sales strategies to continue the brand’s significant growth. Jamie Ayers can be reached at (312)339-9289 or jamieayers@artistictile.com.
Marybeth Brintz
NJ Regional Rep
Marybeth Brintz, one of the first employees at Artistic Tile, moved from her roles in Client Services to managing Regional Sales for New Jersey, Long Island, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC. With her customer service background, she ensures that all of her accounts receive the best individual attention and service possible. Marybeth has a business degree from St. Peter's College in Jersey City, NJ. Marybeth can be reached at 201-864-7000 or at marybethbrintz@artisticle.com.
Ernesto Diaz
West Coast Regional Rep
Ernesto Diaz, Regional Sales Rep, has been in the tile & stone industry for nearly 25 years. Before joining Artistic Tile, Ernie spent 10 years working and managing Los Angeles based tile & stone showrooms. Ernie is based in Los Angeles. He currently covers the states of California, Idaho, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska for Artistic Tile. Ernesto can be reached at ernestodiaz@artistictile.com.
Phil Varlese
Regional Sales, Central NJ to Northern VA
Phil has over 20 years experience in all aspects of the tile & stone business (retail/management/wholesale/A&D). He has written a CEU, and was the Natural Stone Institute's Speaker of the Year in 2017. Phil covers Central/Southern NJ, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia and West Virginia. Phil can be reached at (609)372-7078 or philvarlese@artistictile.com.
Bliss Rich
Regional Sales for New England and Upstate New York
Bliss Rich is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art with a degree in fine art. After a diverse range of experiences that included living in Japan teaching English and working in the fashion industry in New York City, Bliss discovered her passion for tile and natural stone in her hometown of Manchester, Vermont. Bliss joins Artistic Tile with 8 years’ experience in both retail and wholesale. As Regional Sales Representative, her territory covers New England and Upstate New York. Bliss currently lives in Massachusetts and in her free time enjoys painting, drawing, or visiting contemporary art museums.
Bliss can be reached at blissrich@artistictile.com.
Regional Sales Jimmy Stolz joined Artistic Tile in 2007 as a Customer Service Representative. Since joining, Jimmy has taken on a number of roles during his 17-year tenure. With a strong retail background and a passion for training, he is committed to leveraging his extensive knowledge to grow Artistic Tile in his territory: Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Canada. Jimmy holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational research & human resources and is close to completing a master’s degree in business administration. He is a dedicated father of two and actively supports his children's sports activities and interests. In addition, Jimmy serves as a board member for Care 4 a Cure, a non-profit organization that raises funds for local cancer patients in need. You can reach Jimmy at 201-978-6631 or jimmystolz@artistictile.com.
Jimmy Stolz
Jennifer Quinn
Regional Sales
Jennifer Quinn graduated from Long Island University C.W. Post with a BFA in Painting. A decorative fine artist devoted to the design and sales of creative home furnishings, applying patterns and surface design for such firms as Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch. She launched her own firm creating custom finishes and murals to personalize residential and commercial homes. She enjoys working with teams and coming up with innovative solutions and beautiful designs. Jennifer joins the Artistic Tile team after assisting interior designers and architects with fabric and wallpaper at Osborne & Little. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, gardening, gourmet cooking and travel. Jennifer can be reached at (212)838-3222 or jenniferquinn@artistictile.com.
Regional Sales You can reach David at 201-864-7000 or davidbessenbacher@artistictile.com. Vice President of Operations Gerard Esmail came to Artistic Tile in 2005. Prior to joining Artistic, he spent over 15 years in large wholesale and retail corporations. During that time he developed expertise in operations management with an emphasis in strategic planning, inventory and efficiency. Gerard can be reached at (201)864-7000 or gerardesmail@artistictile.com. Slab Gallery Manager Lance Boddie works in Artistic Tile's client service department and has more than 10 years of customer service industry experience. Before joining the company, he spent a number of years working in the wholesale flooring industry. Lance has a degree in business administration from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. Lance can be reached at (201)864-7000 or at lanceboddie@artistictile.com. Operations Manager As Operations Manager for Artistic Tile, Stephanie Rakotz is responsible for managing the Imports team at Artistic Tile’s distribution center in Secaucus, NJ. While the Imports department collectively is responsible for the importing, exporting, and purchasing of stone and various materials from around the world, Stephanie specializes in transportation, purchasing, logistics, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and customs compliance. Stephanie’s academic credentials include a BA in Psychology from Mercy College and an MBA from Long Island University. Stephanie can be reached at (201)864-7000 or at stephanierakotz@artistictile.com. VP of Sales, Wholesale Division Carol E. Schreck-Butsko, V.P. Sales Artistic Tile’s Wholesale Division, has twenty years of experience in all aspects of the import and distribution of natural stone and tile. For several years her duties have included quality control inspections geared at assuring the end user of a superior product. Carol has endeavored to learn the underlying geology of natural stone products and related installation methods so that she may educate and inspire others within the industry. She has completed the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) Intro to Substrate/Subfloor Inspection and looks forward to continuing her formal education in this area. Carol can be reached at (201)864-7000 or at carolbutsko@artistictile.com. Flagship Showroom Manager Jason joins the Artistic Tile flagship showroom following 30 successful years in the luxury retail industry, bringing with him extensive experience in high-end sales, management, and merchandising. Known for exemplary customer service, Jason has a keen eye for design, an incredible attention for detail, and strongly believes in “fashion for the home”. His professionalism and engaging personality will welcome you at the flagship showroom. Jason can be reached at (212)727-9331 or at jasonsimon@artistictile.com. Operations Manager & Design Associate Shane has always had a passion for art and design and chose to major in fine art and art history. While in college, he also held a part-time job in retail. Applying his eye for great design, Shane quickly progressed to visual merchandising and launched a career that spanned nearly two decades. His prior work in fashion apparel and "fashion for the home", as well his years of attentive customer service, all guide his design decisions for clients at Artistic Tile's NYC Flagship showroom. Shane can be reached at (212)727-9331 or shaneborde@artistictile.com. Design Associate Mark has been with Artistic Tile for over seven years. He brings a strong understanding of great customer service. He possesses a long history in the Hospitality Industry and has been fortunate to have worked for some of New York’s top Chefs and Restauranteurs in a variety of positions including Maitre’ d. In addition to his work in demanding Three Star Restaurants, Mark freelanced as a stylist for some of New York’s Top Galleries and Retail establishments. He has done visual work for Bergdorf Goodman, Alfred Dunhill, Bazaar Sabado, Portico Home, and Cole Rigg’s photography. He possesses a BS in Communications from Boston University. Mark can be reached at (212)727-9331 or markmcelligott@artistictile.com. Design Associate Having an opportunity to straddle the beautiful worlds of Italy and NYC has had a strong influence on Silvana’s extensive work in the fashion industry. As a buyer, store owner and designer of fine Italian fabric belts, Silvana developed her passion for style and beauty. Today, Silvana leverages her knowledge of aesthetic with a deep understanding both business and industry trends, to create unique, highly sophisticated spaces. When she’s not busy creating inspiration boards, Silvana can be found enjoying life with her three children. Silvana can be reached at (732) 212-1616 or silvanaromano@artistictile.com. Design Associate Irma attended the Technical University in Tbilisi, Georgia, where she graduated with BA in Civil Engineering, going on to earn a Master’s in Art History from Moscow State University. After graduation she joined 21st Century Development in Moscow as a managing engineer and designer. Following her immigration to the United States, Irma became involved in the US design industry, in which she has been working for the past 15 years. Her education, years of practice and deep appreciation for art from around the world has established Irma as an expert in the world of tile. Irma can be reached at (212)727-9331 or irmacollin@artistictile.com. Showroom Manager Sharon Green joined Artistic Tile in 2017 after an extensive career at Macy’s in the Visual department. Sharon studied Graphic Design and Package Design at the Ridgewood School of Art & Design in Mahwah, NJ. She has had a passion for the creative arts throughout her career, enjoying expressing that creativity working with her clients to realize their design projects. One of Sharon’s favorite parts of the job is working with the clients. As she says, “I want them to love what we create together. If I see something that is not going to be a good fit, I tell them and work to find the right tile and look”. When not at Artistic Tile, Sharon enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs. Sharon can be reached at (201)670-6100 or sharongreen@artistictile.com. Design Associate Design Associate, Susan Jarblum, is a graduate of Hunter College in New York where she majored in psychology. Before joining Artistic Tile, Susan owned her own gift shop in Westwood, NJ. Susan has a passion for design and enjoys interacting with clients to help make their dreams a reality. Susan can be reached at 201-670-6100 or at susanjarblum@artistictile.com.
Design Associate Jacqui Natoli brings with her over 25 years of experience in tile and design, including 14 years with Artistic Tile. With a BFA in Interior Design, her expertise in space, color, and design makes her a key resource for your project. Jacqui thrives on the challenge of collaborating with clients to create spaces that align with their unique vision and needs. You can reach Jacqui at (201)670-6100 or jacquinatoli@artistictile.com. Design Associate Jeff brings over 25 years of experience in the luxury furniture market to Artistic Tile, including 20 years as a Senior Sales Associate at Baker Furniture New York. Jeff has represented some of the industry's most iconic designers and collections, such as Barbara Barry, Jacques Garcia, Thomas Pheasant, and Jean-Louis Deniot. From a Park Avenue penthouse to a Majlis in Dubai, Jeff has played a key role in many notable projects across the globe. His extensive design experience combined with his interest in Decorative Arts affords Jeff unique insight into the design process. Jeffrey can be reached at (212)727-9331 or jeffreyperry@artistictile.com. Design Associate Lynn studied Fine Art and Jewelry Design at Brookdale College and has pursued a creative professional career ever since. Her many talents include throwing pottery, designing unique jewelry pieces and of course, finding the perfect blend of tile and stone. Lynn is passionate about the natural elements and color. Combined with her many years of design experience, Lynn’s drive and creativity offer her clients a creative edge and the ability to fashion a design tailored to their unique taste. Contact Lynn at (732)212-1616 or lynnanderson@artistictile.com. Design Associate Design Associate Gina Librandi has a degree in interior design from the University of Delaware. She has been with Artistic Tile since 1998 and is known in her showroom as being the custom queen and computer guru! Gina can be reached at (914)422-0041 or ginalibrandi@artistictile.com. Showroom Manager Audra graduated from Hendrix College in 2013 with a degree in American foreign war history. After working at a law firm throughout college and post-graduation she decided the law was not for her and made the change to a more creative field. Audra's love of history, travel, and interior design come together seamlessly at the artistic tile showroom in Dallas where she helps clients realize their vision. Audra can be reached at (214)760-1753 or audrabock@artistictile.com. Slab Gallery Operations Manager Miguel Vargas began his career in the stone industry in 2003 in Dallas, gradually building extensive knowledge in stone and tile. With 17 years of experience as a warehouse manager, he has successfully overseen daily operations and ensured the safety of both customers and employees in the slab gallery. In his spare time, Miguel enjoys assisting in coaching baseball and softball with his kids. Miguel can be reached at (214)760-1753 or miguelvargas@artistictile.com. Slab Sales Consultant Billie Mendoza is an experienced senior designer and sales representative with over 13 years in the industry. Her design specialties include proper installation of tile or natural stone slab materials in interior and exterior projects . An expert in design curation, Billie's greatest qualities include cultivating to each company or individual, based on their specific taste, design vision and needs, personalities and architectural specifications. Billie can be reached at (214)760-1753 or billiemendoza@artistictile.com. Design Associate Natalie can be reached at (201)670-6100 or nataliecasden@artistictile.com. Showroom Manager Paul can be reached at (415)366-6147 or paulcardenas@artistictile.com. Design Associate Pam Katz is a design associate in Artistic Tile's San Francisco showroom. Pam is a graduate of San Diego State University where she received a degree in comparative literature. Before joining Artistic Tile, Pam spent twelve years working at Country Flooring. Pam enjoys helping clients select the perfect products for their projects. She also loves the creative process as well as brainstorming and problem solving with clients. Pam can be reached at (415)366-6147 or at pamkatz@artistictile.com. Design Associate Christina is a passionate designer with a wealth of experience in the field. She majored in Interior Architecture and Design at Academy of Art University, setting the foundation for her design career. Over the past 13 years, Christina has held various design positions, including working with furnishings, tile and bath, and soft goods. Her diverse experience has allowed her to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry and a deep appreciation for different design elements. During her studies in Italy, Christina discovered her love for natural stone and its unique qualities. She firmly believes in the grounding capabilities of natural materials and is dedicated to creating spaces that promote overall well-being. When Christina is not busy visiting architects and designers, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughter. They love exploring the beautiful mountains of Northern California or embarking on adventures to discover new places and inspirations. With her expertise, creativity, and love for design, Christina strives to bring joy and beauty into people's lives through her exceptional design solutions. Christina can be reached at (415)366-6147 or christinaregan@artistictile.com. Brand Ambassador Roy Marcus has the unique pleasure of sharing with the world all that makes Artistic Tile so special. His current post as the company’s first Brand Ambassador follows his experience in managing two of the company’s showrooms, including the NYC Flagship. Although he majored in American Studies at Hobart College in Geneva, NY, Roy's first job was designing footwear at the last surviving shoe factory in Manhattan. After holding sales and marketing posts and working for Fortune 500 companies, Roy became part of the home décor world where for over two decades, he's used his keen eye to create great designs for clients. Roy can be reached at (201) 864-7000 or roymarcus@artistictile.com.
David Bessenbacher
Gerard Esmail
Lance Boddie
Stephanie Rakotz
Carol Schreck-Butsko
Jason Simon
Shane Borde
Mark McElligott
Silvana Romano
Irma Collin
Sharon Green
Susan Jarblum
Jacqui Natoli
Jeffrey Perry
Lynn Anderson
Gina Librandi
Audra Bock
Miguel Vargas
Billie Mendoza
Natalie Casden
Paul Cardenas
Pam Katz
Christina Regan
Roy Marcus
Don Pannell
Design Associate
Don has over 30 years of experience in a variety of sales and service industries, the last ten of which have been in the luxury tile and stone industry. This exposure has provided him with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of the industry, and a rich understanding of the needs and challenges faced by industry-leading designers and architects in the specification of bath and tile products. Don is excited to bring his expertise to our 21st street flagship location. Don can be reached at (212)727-9331 or donpannell@artistictile.com.
Michal Abehsera
Architectural Sales New York
Michal Abehsera works out of Artistic Tile’s flagship New York City showroom, and is an integral part of our Architectural Sales department. She holds a degree in Psychology and Biology from Stern University, as well as a degree in Interior Design from Parsons The New School. In 2013, Michal joined Artistic Tile and quickly became a rising star--working with NYC's top developers and architectural firms. Michal's knowledge, work ethic and passion for design, coupled with her experience in business and real estate make her a truly unique sales representative. Michal lives with her husband and their three children in Westchester, NY. She is an Olympic triathlon finisher and can be found many a morning at Soul Cycle. She also loves to travel, cook, and blog about design. Michal is also currently working on publishing her own cookbook. Come on in to the showroom and meet Michal, you’ll be happy you did!
Alejandro Mejia
Architectural Sales
Alejandro began his career in the tile and stone industry in 2003. He acquired a broad knowledge of stone and mosaics through his passion for the industry and his five years at Artsaics Studios. Alejandro subsequently accepted a position with Nemo Tile as a sales associate, earning him the product knowledge and customer service skills necessary to confidently guide clients in their design. In 2010, he accepted a new position with Artsaics, as an architectural and interior design representative. In this role, he helped open the market and reach new customers. Alejandro joined Artistic Tile in 2013, with an excitement that is contagious. He’s not afraid of hard work and always gives his best to help the team succeed. Alejandro can be reached at alejandromejia@artistictile.com.
Arielle Small
Architectural Sales
Arielle Small joined Artistic Tile in 2014 as part of the newly minted Architectural Sales team. Since her arrival, Arielle has been vital to increasing the company’s exposure in the commercial market. With a focus on customer service and material expertise, Arielle has developed strong relationships with top architecture and design firms throughout New York City; she takes great pride in her ability to assist clients in finding just the right materials for each project, regardless of size or aesthetic. Arielle can be reached at (917)620-4932 or ariellesmall@artistictile.com.
Meagan Zachary
Architectural Sales
Meagan Zachary’s design journey began in 2014 when she started at an interior design firm. One of the firm’s projects was a Highland Park home in Dallas, Texas in which they needed tile for 7 bathrooms. She and her colleagues brought their client to the Artistic Tile Dallas showroom, where Meagan’s Aunt Saz was the Showroom Manager, to make their selections. Meagan was so impressed with the products, that it inspired her initial interest in tile. Meagan subsequently decided to work for a local Fort Worth tile showroom to bolster her experience in the tile industry. Today, Meagan’s passion for and experience in both Interior Design and the tile and stone industry culminates in what she considers her dream job, serving as the new Artistic Tile Architectural Rep for Fort Worth and Western Dallas! Meagan can be reached at (214)760-1753 or meaganzachary@artistictile.com.
Maisie Evans
Design Associate
Maisie graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Studio Art. While in school, she discovered her passion for interior design along with painting and ceramics. A native Mississippian, Maisie planted her roots in Dallas, where she has excelled in her career in the stone and tile industry. With her previous slab gallery experience, Maisie has a great eye for combining tile and countertops to make an exquisite space. In her spare time Maisie enjoys traveling and spending time with her two dogs, Tucker and Stella.
Maisie can be reached at (214)760-1753 or maisieevans@artistictile.com.
Tai Pleasanton
Achitectural Sales
Tai Pleasanton, a seasoned creative with a global perspective, brings a unique blend of art and business to Artistic Tile. Raised in a multicultural environment, Tai’s passion for design was ignited through her studies at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Tufts University, where she focused on East Asian Studies and Sculpture. Her hands-on approach was honed through an apprenticeships with a prominent stained glass studio, restoring stained glass for the Archdiocese of Boston, and the co-founding of a glass crafts school and studio. With a deep appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship, Tai’s bilingualism in Japanese and extensive travel have cultivated a keen eye for aesthetics and a versatile design sensibility. As the daughter of an Ikebana master, Tai developed an ability to listen fully and practice patience, skills she employs to find the perfect tile or natural stone slab for her clients. Tai can be reached at (212)838-32221 or taipleasanton@artistictile.com.
Claudia DiFabio
Showroom Manager
Claudia DiFabio has served as the showroom manager for Artistic Tile's A&D Building location since joining the company in 2002. Prior to joining Artistic Tile she spent years working in the fashion industry for shoe manufacturer Joan and David, and for the luxury handbag and accessories company Coach. She graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in the history of art. Claudia can be reached at (212)838-3222 or at claudiadifabio@artistictile.com.
Lisa Rotunno
Design Associate
Lisa Rotunno is the architectural sales representative for Artistic Tile's Chicago location and has been with the Chicago team since it opened in 2009. Lisa started her career working for a mid-sized architecture firm handling the interior design for Fortune 500 companies, law firms and banks. She later started her own design firm specializing in residential design and serving Chicago's North Shore suburbs. Lisa can be reached at (312)670-0612 or lisarotunno@artistictile.com.
Meg Murphy O'Connor
Design Associate
Meg Murphy O’Connor joined Artistic Tile at the opening of the Chicago showroom in 2008. Prior to joining Artistic Tile, Meg earned her Bachelor's degree from DePauw University with a major in Communications and concentrations in Art History and Studio Art. Her time studying abroad in Italy solidified her passion for the arts which ultimately brought her to Artistic Tile. With her foundational knowledge of art and design, Meg has guided countless residential and boutique-commercial projects to completion. She has a keen awareness for inventive ways of using existing and emerging Artistic Tile products. Meg finds great joy in being part of a collaborative design process that incorporates the client’s specific aesthetic aspirations and her own desire to make things beautiful and unique. Meg can be reached at (312)670-0612 or megm@artistictile.com.
Marisa Bellish
Training Manager
As a graduate of The Ohio State University, Marisa obtained her Bachelors Degree in Interior Design and was an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers. While in school, she was fortunate enough to have three internships in the industry, which is how she fell in love with Kitchen and Bathroom Design. After graduating, Marisa decided to further her education by studying under the National Kitchen and Bath Association and working towards becoming a certified designer. Marisa can be reached at (312)670-0612 or at marisabellish@artistictile.com.
Erik Doepel
Showroom Manager
Erik, a seasoned interior designer, brings over 13 years of experience to his position as Showroom Manager. His journey began at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Detroit, where he earned degrees in both Interior Design and Interior Architecture. After starting his career as a resource librarian at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, IL, Erik quickly ascended to sales management positions for various high-end interior design manufacturers. Erik's expertise has immersed him in the world of textiles, wallcoverings, furniture, and trimmings. He has collaborated with a diverse range of industry professionals and design firms on projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces—each project has exposed him to a unique creative process, fostering a proactive approach where he strives to present various options and solutions.
Erik can be reached at (615)810-0470 or erikdoepel@artistictile.com
Kylee Chatham
Design Associate
Kylee majored in Residential Design at Virginia Tech. Kylee began her career in the casework and architecture world, where she gained valuable experience as a project coordinator, managing relationships with contractors, designers, vendors, and clients. For the last several years, Kylee has been focused on tile and stone. Prior to joining Artistic Tile, Kylee was a designer at one of the company’s dealer showrooms in Washington, DC. Kylee’s relationship-oriented approach puts her clients at ease, while her project management background helps the vision come to life.
Kylee can be reached at (615) 810-0470 or kyleechatham@artistictile.com.
Colleen Ramme
Design Associate
Colleen Ramme, a native New Yorker, recently planted roots in Nashville. Her love for hospitality drew her to interior design, creating spaces homeowners and their guests will equally admire. Colleen’s natural inclination to cultivating relationships, logistics, and planning makes her an ideal partner at Artistic Tile. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients to find innovative and unique solutions. Colleen has a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Dayton, loves the challenge of a new recipe, and is most passionate about designing kitchens, the heart of the home!
Colleen can be reached at (615) 810-0470 or colleenramme@artistictile.com.
Beth Hickey
Client Services
Before working for Artistic Tile, Beth worked in client services for a promotional advertising firm specializing in screen printing and embroidery. Fast paced was her middle name! The majority of her clients provided services for “hot market” - orders mostly for the NFL and MLB. Quick turnaround was a must, especially during playoff season. Since starting with Artistic in 2014 in the order entry/reception department, Beth has quickly advanced to client services, and on to become the team lead/training specialist. Beth can be reached at (201)864-7000 or bethhickey@artistictile.com.
Michael Wu
Client Services
Michael Wu works in Artistic Tile's client services department. He has a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Monmouth University. Prior to joining the company, he spent five years working in the decorating apparel industry. He makes sure to assist the clients and help them find the right products and services needed. Michael can be reached at (201)864-7000 or michaelwu@artistictile.com.
Dolores Goncalves
Client Services
Before working for Artistic Tile, Dolores worked for Ideal Tile Importing and then moved on to work in their new Ideal Tile showroom. Working in the showroom was only supposed to be a temporary position, with the expectation that she'd return to Importing. As it turns out, she discovered she enjoyed working with clients and helping to plan their projects, so she stayed. Dolores finds it especially rewarding when a client leaves happy and they return to work with you again. After four years in a showroom, she's moved onto work on the Artistic Tile customer service team, where she now lends her attentiveness, kindness, and expertise to remote clients. Dolores can be reached at (201)864-7000 or doloresgoncalves@artistictile.com.
Kymberli Gann-Hoolahan
Project Manager
Kymberli can be reached at (201)864-7000 or kymberlihoolahan@artistictile.com.
Salome Mumladze
Design Associate
Salome has passion. Born in Georgia to a family of engineers and artists, she chose a different path: finance. After a few years, however, Salome had a change of heart, following her passion for design. She established a thriving career in her native country before moving to the US with her husband and two boys. At Artistic Tile, Salome brings her unique eclectic taste and knowledge of traditional design to each project. She loves her job every day at every minute. Salome can be reached at (201)670-6100 or salomemumladze@artistictile.com.
Amira Duck
Architectural Sales
Amira is excited to be a part of the Artistic Tile team. She has over twelve years’ experience in the luxury goods/furnishings/furniture market. After obtaining her undergraduate degree at SMU she worked in high end residential hospitality in Beaver Creek, Colorado where she was a member of the executive team. After 5 years she eventually moved back to Dallas, Texas to work for her family company, Dahlgren Duck and Associates. It is a Special Markets company specializing in bespoke china, crystal, silver, and linens for private aircraft, yachts, and five star hotels for an elite international client base. After her father sold the 30 year old business, she was hired as the Showroom Manager for Adriana Hoyas, a contemporary luxury furniture line, also located in the Dallas Decorative Center. She expanded her network of designers and regional clientele and looks forward to introducing them to Artistic Tile. Amira's interests include art, photography, snow skiing, and travel. Amira can be reached at (214)760-1753 or amiraduck@artistictile.com.
Caroline Sandoval
Design Associate
With a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, Caroline Sandoval joins the Artistic Tile Flagship Showroom team with extensive knowledge & experience in luxury goods. Her passion for fashion’s dialogue with history through art and culture, paired with a career of delighting her discerning retail clients, equips her to guide the Artistic Tile client with a sharp and worldly style. By discovering the client’s unique needs, Caroline delivers optimal design plans, resulting in the lasting beauty of each project. Caroline can be reached at (212)727-9331 or carolinesandoval@artistictile.com.
Lisa Scully
Design Associate
Lisa joined Artistic Tile after an extensive career in the fashion industry. After graduating LIM College, she opened and operated Lisa’s Bridal Boutique, executing her dream to make every bride’s day special. Most recently as Vice-President of Sales at Tommy Hilfiger, Lisa worked alongside the design and merchandising teams to bring the right product to the right people. As a Design Associate at Artistic Tile Paramus, Lisa applies her commitment to customer service and design vision to her clients’ projects. Lisa can be reached at (201)670-6100 or lisascully@artistictile.com.
Wendy Greenberg
Design Associate
Wendy Greenberg is a seasoned designer with over two decades of experience in the fashion and home industries developing print and pattern. Her expertise led her to collaborate with renowned designers like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Anna Sui, and L.L. Bean. With a keen eye for design and a passion for creating unique spaces, Wendy is excited to partner with Artistic Tile's clients to bring their visions to life. When she's not designing, Wendy enjoys staying active with any sport with a racquet and a ball, including her favorite: pickleball! Wendy can be reached at (914)422-0041 or wendygreenberg@artistictile.com.
Randy Watson
Architectural Sales
Randy covers Texas and Oklahoma. Randy can be reached at 214-418-0501 or randywatson@artistictile.com.
Deborah Cox
Design Associate
Deborah Cox can be reached at (214)760-1753 or deborahcox@artistictile.com.
Design Associate
Jayme Halpin