Moore-Merkowitz Tile Ltd

            In 2004, Susan Moore and her husband Neil Merkowitz, owners of Moore-Merkowitz Tile Ltd in Alfred Station, New York visited Chapter 23, SCORE with a question – should they build a new facility for their successful business?  A new building would require a six figured investment financed by a business loan, supervising the construction of the new site, a relocation of equipment, etc?

            Larry Elliott, their SCORE counselor, worked with Susan and Neil to understand their business economics and assisting them in determining what growth in business would be required to justify this type of major expenditure. After reviewing all the pertinent financial facts, , Susan and Neil decided the best business decision at this time was to continue to rent rather than to build.

            Today, Moore-Merkowitz Tile Ltd. continues a unique Alfred tradition of creating functional art. They use terra cotta as the body for their hand-carved relief and field tiles, each layered with rich, museum-quality glazes. Moore-Merkowitz art tiles have been featured in numerous publications and books.

            The following are a few of the tiles that the company makes and sells.

o  Maltese Cross 101	Checker 102	Checker Star 103	Country Flower 104
Brittany Cross 107	Woven 111	Ponce 120	Loire 121
Villandry 122	Angers 123	Field 100 Layered Ochre Z01*	Field 100

            Over the past four years Susan and Neil have requested assistance in two other areas – marketing and internet design.  In each case SCORE counselors with the requisite skills have worked with the owners, giving them valuable advice and perspective on how to proceed. 

            Founded in 1986 by Susan Moore and Neil Merkowitz, Moore-Merkowitz Tile led the resurgence of hand-made relief tile in America in the mid-1980s. Their influential designs and museum-like glazes place Moore-Merkowitz Tile among the leaders in the renaissance of American art tile, setting a standard in decorative ceramic tiles for others to emulate.  Moore-Merkowitz products can be found in leading tile and home decorating stores across the country.  For more information on this company, its background and products go to www.mooremerkowitztile.com.

            A few finished applications can be seen in these photographs.

                      

                             

 

 

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            If you have an existing business or are starting a new one, consider how your company may benefit from SCORE’s counseling. Call for a free counseling appointment at one of our many locations. While you are there, ask your SCORE counselor how you might tap into our 60-plus membership knowledge bank to further address your particular business and industry concerns.