Background Information
Name: Lauren Cherkas
Company: Artistic Tile
Position: President and Chief Sales Officer
LinkedIn: [Lauren Levinson Cherkas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-levinson-cherkas-087a038)
Instagram: [@artistictile_lauren](https://www.instagram.com/artistictile_lauren/?hl=en)
Professional Journey and Role at Artistic Tile
Lauren Cherkas joined Artistic Tile during her college years, starting in the company's newly established wholesale division. On her third day, she created and led a product training course, impressing her cousin and company founder, Nancy Epstein, who offered her a lifelong position.
Lauren returned to Pennsylvania State University, where her petition to create a personalized major was accepted. She focused on Management, Marketing, Art History, and Italian, including a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, where she interacted with Artistic Tile’s suppliers. Upon graduating, Lauren shifted her concentration to the retail segment, initially working in the White Plains showroom. Her career progressed rapidly, and by 2005, she became the President of the Retail division.
Lauren currently directs nine retail stores of Artistic Tile and leads strategies to enhance sales and customer engagement. Under her leadership, the company emphasizes high-quality, luxurious tile and stone products.
Company Overview: Artistic Tile
Foundation and Ownership: Artistic Tile is a proudly woman-led, family-owned company founded by Nancy Epstein. It operates both wholesale and retail segments and is renowned for luxury tile and stone products.
Headquarters: The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Secaucus, New Jersey, featuring a state-of-the-art production facility, warehouse, training center, customer service center, design studio, and a 25,000-square-foot slab gallery.
Retail Presence: Artistic Tile operates nine showrooms nationwide and distributes products through over 200 luxury tile and stone showrooms across the United States.
Leadership Insights
Management Style and Contributions:
Lauren's early initiative in developing training programs and her educational endeavors demonstrate her proactive and strategic approach to business management. Her shift from wholesale to retail indicates a versatile understanding of the company's operations and market dynamics.
Major Achievements and Insights:
- Broadening the retail footprint of Artistic Tile to nine strategic locations.
- Enhancing consumer and architectural engagement across diverse markets.
- Leading product and sales strategies that align with luxury branding and high quality standards.
Personal Insights and Interests
Family: Married with two young children and a puppy.
Hobbies: Enjoys reading, skiing, traveling, and participating in various races to support charitable causes.
Community Involvement: Served on the Board of Directors of the YJCC of Washington Township (2012-2014), currently serves on the Board of Directors of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, and is involved in several committees and organizations aiming to improve living conditions in the Middle East.
Key Points of Contact
- Retail Stores: Lauren oversees the operations of nine showrooms which are the direct face of Artistic Tile to end consumers.
- Product Innovation: Engages actively in training and product development.
- Community Engagement: Involved in philanthropic activities and supports various charitable causes, particularly in the Middle East.
Note: This comprehensive profile provides detailed insights into Lauren Cherkas' professional trajectory, contributions to Artistic Tile, and personal interests that could be valuable for engaging in meaningful professional interactions.
