Tile Wholesalers of Rochester is celebrating our 52nd birthday. Reflecting on this milestone, we are excited to introduce our newest blog series: “Eras of Tile.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll travel back in time to revisit our most significant achievements as a company and explore how the tile industry has spectacularly transformed throughout the decades.
Since 1972, our family-owned and operated business has proudly served the Rochester, NY community with an unwavering passion, spanning over three generations. We are proud of our rich history, and through this series, we look forward to sharing the fascinating evolution of both our company and the world of tile with you!
Celebrating 52 Years in Business
Rochester has been our home for over half a century. Our journey began in 1972 with Alan Firkins’ vision. Over the years, we've renovated our space, expanded our offerings, and embraced new trends, while continuing our commitment to exceptional customer service.
“Delivering high-quality tile and an unmatched customer experience is what we do. These are the core principles that this business was founded on and it's what makes us the company we are today,” shares Dave Firkins.
This year, as we celebrate our 52nd anniversary, we reflect on the decades of growth, change, and innovation that have shaped our small business.
A Journey Through the Decades
In honor of our long-standing history, our newest blog series will explore the unique trends and distinct influences that defined each decade of tile design from the 1970s to the present day:
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The 1970s:
- The vibrant and bold tile designs of the ‘70s mirrored the groovy, eclectic spirit of the era. From earthy tones to intricate patterns, this decade was all about making a statement. It was on June 1st, 1972 when Alan Firkins founded Tile Wholesalers of Rochester, starting a legacy that would span generations.
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The 1980s:
- Pastel colors, geometric shapes, and the growing popularity of ceramic tiles characterized the ‘80s. This era saw significant innovation and experimentation in interior design. During this time, Dave Firkins joined his father full-time, helping to steer the company through a period of exciting growth and transformation.
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The 1990s:
- The ‘90s brought a rise in minimalist aesthetics and the use of natural materials. This era saw a move towards simplicity and elegance in tile design. As the decade progressed, Tile Wholesalers of Rochester continued to evolve, embracing these trends and expanding our product offerings to meet changing customer preferences.
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The 2000s:
- Technology had a profound impact on tile production in the early 2000s, leading to new textures and finishes. This decade brought a blend of traditional and modern styles, reflecting the growing diversity of interior design. Our company adapted to these changes, ensuring that our customers always had access to the latest and best in tile innovation.
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The 2010s:
- The 2010s saw the prominence of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This decade marked a shift towards green living in tile design. Tile Wholesalers of Rochester was at the forefront of this movement, partnering with brands like Crossville and Sonoma Tilemakers.
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The 2020s and Beyond:
- In this decade, we continue to explore current and up-and-coming trends in the tile industry. Our completely revamped showroom showcases the latest advancements, and we look forward to what the future holds for Tile Wholesalers of Rochester. With new partnerships and innovative products, we remain committed to bringing the best in tile to your homes and projects.
Each blog will not only highlight design trends but also tie back to significant moments in our company's history; from our early days when Alan Firkins founded Tile Wholesalers of Rochester and began selling tile wholesale to contractors and tile installation companies, to the ‘80s and ‘90s when Dave joined his dad, Alan, full-time and became President (accompanied by Conor and Shannon Firkins’ dance moves) to 2014 when Kathryn officially joined the team, growing the family business to a new level, to our most recent partnerships with Artistic Tile, Tiles of Ezra and our grand opening of the completely revamped showroom.
Follow Along with Us!
Whether you’re a long-time customer or completely new to the TWR community, we hope that sharing our journey through the decades will shine a light on trends that have come and gone, reemerged, and bring a sense of nostalgia as we walk down memory lane. Stay tuned for our first decade-themed blog post, where we will dive into the vibrant world of 1970s tile design and share more from the early days of our company’s founding.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey over the last 52 years. Here’s to many more serving our wonderful community and continuing to bring the best in tile to your homes and projects.
