MAPEI’s Luigi De Geso Receives NTCA’s Joe Tarver Lifetime Achievement Award
(In the image from left to right: Todd McDougal, Eric Boender, Carol Hould, and Luigi De Geso)
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The Starnet organization is proud to celebrate an exciting achievement by Luigi De Geso, who has been recognized with one of the tile industry’s highest honors. At the Coverings 2026 international event in Nevada, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) named Luigi De Geso the recipient of the Joe Tarver Lifetime Achievement Award.
This award honors the legacy of Joe Tarver, a former NTCA leader who guided the association for more than 30 years beginning in the early 1970s. The distinction recognizes individuals who have devoted their entire careers to advancing the global tile and stone industry through leadership, service, and innovation.
Driving Unprecedented Expansion and Innovation
Since becoming President and CEO of Mapei North America, De Geso has led the company through a period of historic growth. Annual revenue increased from $260 million to more than $1 billion, marking a major milestone for the organization.
During this time, Mapei expanded its footprint from 12 facilities to 25 advanced manufacturing plants across North America and the Caribbean. The company also grew its product portfolio significantly, offering flooring professionals more solutions than ever before.
Through his work with the Tile Council of North America and other global trade organizations, De Geso has played a key role in shaping industry standards, education, and installation practices that benefit contractors and manufacturers alike.
A Vital Link for Starnet Members
Within the Starnet Commercial Flooring Partnership, Mapei remains a valued Preferred Vendor Partner and a trusted resource for members. Over the past decade, Starnet contractors have tripled their purchases from Mapei, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s products, service, and leadership.
Starnet proudly congratulates Luigi De Geso on this well-earned honor and we look forward to his continued impact on Mapei, our members, and the flooring industry as a whole.
Sources:
Floor Daily. (2026, March 26). NTCA to present awards to Luigi Di Geso & Dan Lambert at Coverings. https://www.floordaily.net/floorfocus/ntca-to-present-awards-to-luigi-di-geso-dan-lambert-at-coverings
ProInstaller Magazine. (2026, March 28). NTCA to honor Di Geso, Lambert during Coverings. https://piprolink.com/ntca-to-honor-di-geso-lambert-during-coverings/
Floor Covering News. (2026, March 26). NTCA names 2026 award honorees ahead of Coverings. https://www.fcnews.net/2026/03/ntca-names-2026-award-honorees-ahead-of-coverings/