Chicago, IL (4/23/09) -Tom Peck, Jr. was awarded Tile Council of North America’s (TCNA) prestigious Tile Person of the Year award at Coverings 2009.

“I am deeply gratified to be recognized as TCNA Tile Person of the Year, and I accept this on behalf of all past and present Custom Building Products employees who have worked to improve the tile industry,” remarked Tom. “I am also humbled to stand among the previous honorees and their vast contributions to the tile business. After spending 35 years in our industry, I am still very excited when I see a well-executed tile or stone installation and very much appreciate all that went into the creation and installation of the material. Beautiful design and skillful craftsmanship will always keep our industry at the forefront of functional and decorative building choices, and dedicated people who care about our industry at TCNA and companies like Custom Building Products will insure a strong future. “

After working in various roles at Custom Building Products and learning the tile business, Tom assumed the role of Custom’s president in 1986 from his father, Thomas R. Peck, and co-founder, Mike Bilek. With Tom’s guidance, Custom emerged as one of the largest North American manufacturers of installation products with operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Under Tom’s leadership, Custom implemented computer controlled high-speed batch mixing and robotic packaging for consistent material performance. Also with Tom’s guidance, Custom developed a line of products for use in all installation phases that helped strengthen installer and consumer confidence, thereby promoting the use of tile instead of alternate surfacing materials.

Tom’s work with major commercial and retail distributors has promoted tile consumption at both the professional and DIY levels. Throughout his career, Tom has strongly supported Custom’s tile industry involvement by offering company resources and employee participation in tile industry initiatives including trade groups, code bodies, continuing education programs, and philanthropic efforts, such as Habitat for Humanity, City of Hope, and Tile Partners for Humanity.

“Tom never seeks out personal recognition,” said Eric Astrachan, TCNA’s executive director. “All the more reason we are proud to recognize today his 35 years of achievement in the tile industry. Tom has dedicated his business life to the betterment of our industry, and on behalf of TCNA, I am proud to name him our Tile Person of the Year.”