Coverings Champions

A Coverings Champion is a distinguished industry leader recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the success and growth of the Coverings exhibition. Carefully selected by the Coverings Board of Directors, these influential visionaries are dedicated advocates who passionately promote the event and invest significant time, energy, and resources in its advancement. Through their involvement in educational sessions, expert panels, special projects, and outreach efforts, Coverings Champions drive industry innovation while elevating both the Coverings experience and the future of the tile and stone community as a whole.

We’re pleased to share the following individuals have been selected to be part of the inaugural class of Coverings Champions!

Nominate by January 6

Join us in Celebrating Excellence at the Rock Stars & Coverings Champions Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Coverings Lounge, Booth 4300 Celebrate both our rising stars and established industry leaders who together represent the present and future of excellence in our industry.
(Open to all)

Nominate by December 16

Steven Clem
FAIA, ASID, IIDA

Principal

TVS

Atlanta, Ga.

Steven Clem, FAIA, ASID, IIDA is a principal with TVS where he has practiced architecture and interior design since 1978. He has the remarkable ability to help people imagine more, deliver bold ideas and masterfully design them to the smallest detail. His vision, creativity, and leadership have produced beautifully crafted environments that create exceptional experiences across a wide spectrum of project types – from high profile branded showrooms, offices, and building lobbies to international headquarters, performing arts centers and world class aquariums. Clem’s designs reflect his innate ability to employ imaginative, innovative solutions in the simplest and most elegant forms resulting in more than 120 design awards. He has mentored many young interior designers and architects to achieve their own success and is recognized as a thought leader in the design industry.

Significant to his work’s success, Steve embraces the partnership between the architect, designer, general contractor, and the true craftsmen that reside with the subcontractors, routinely promoting the best talent collaboration amongst these groups. His interest and design engagement with the international Ceramic tile industry has generated many exciting opportunities and innovations in the some of his most outstanding projects.

Steve holds the honor of being the 2017 ASID Designer of Distinction, the premier award for personal achievement and social consciousness in the interior design profession. In 2014, Steve was named a Fellow by the American Institute of Architects.

Tony Malisani

President

Malisani Inc.

Great Falls, Mont.

Tony is the third generation of the Malisani family to own and operate Malisani Inc. Malisani Inc. is a specialized ceramic tile, terrazzo and stone contracting firm that was founded in 1928. Over the years the company has added fabrication of stone and quartz slabs, and monuments to their product mix. Tony has over 30 years of experience in fabrication, installation and service work in the ceramic tile, natural stone, and terrazzo industries as a mechanic, foreman, project manager, and owner. He is a member of the National Stone Institute (NSI- formally MIA) speaker’s bureau, and a frequent presenter at StonExpo and Coverings. His firm was the 6th company to earn the MIA Natural Stone Accredited Fabricator credential in the US. Tony served as the MIA as president in 2014 and continues to serve as a past president for NSI. He is also a past president of the Natural Stone Foundation.
When Tony is not being a Stone head, he loves to ski and loves to help others enjoy the sport. He is a past director of the Great Falls Ski Patrol and currently instructs courses for first aid and toboggan handling on the mountain. In addition, Tony serves on the Parish Finance Committee. You could say he loves to serve others.

Tony was awarded the 2019 National Stone Institute Person of the Year, 2015 National Ski Patrol Senior Certification, and the 2013 Great Falls Ski Patroller of the Year.

Malisani Inc. is the proud recipient of the 2009 Montana Contractors Association Specialty Contractor of the Year, and 1999 Montana State University Family Business of the year.

Tony is married and has four children, and three grandchildren. Angelo, his son, is working in the family business.

Woody Sanders

President

DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting

Marietta, Ga.

Believer in Christ Jesus, husband of Wei, father of Boone, Caleb, Stepfather of William and Kim. Grandfather Oz, Shia, Nomi, Decker and one coming in July. He is founder and president of DW Sanders Ceramic tile & stone Contracting Inc. established in 1994 and located in Marietta, Georgia. DW Sanders is a specialty subcontractor that mainly focuses on the residential market in interior and exterior spaces and more recently pioneering pedestals in both residential and commercial sectors.
Unfortunate events inside his company in 2016 would lead Woody to seek out other like-minded contractors where he re-connected with the NTCA at Coverings. Having found inspiration, he got busy and got involved. DW Sanders Tile has been fortunate to tile a tiny house, put on demonstrations and education sessions and last year construct the outdoor Oasis at Coverings.
Currently, Woody is NTCA 1st vice president, sits on CTEF board of directors. He is on the technical front and is involved with NTCA Technical committee, Method and standards Committee, ANSI and TCNA. He is Certified Tile Installer #1295 and ACT #22.

Harold Yarborough

Former Chairman

D&B Tile Distributors

Sunrise, Fla.

Born and raised in South Florida
Having grown up in the family tile business, dedication to growing knowledge was key to success. Committing to the time and being involved in associations such as CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributors Assoc), NTCA (National Tile Contractors Assoc), CTEF (Ceramic Tile Education Foundation) & ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors).
Served as board member then President of ABC local chapter. Serving today as Trustee of ABC Cares

Serving as a current board member of CTEF

Served as a board member of CTDA and Hall of Fame recipient.

Having served as Chairman of D&B Tile Distributors until my retirement in 2021, I am still dedicated to serving the Tile industry and construction industry.

My wife Vikki and along with 2 dogs travel several months out of the year in our RV.

Register online by April 28 to save on registration! Prices increase onsite.