In this industry, partnerships make or break you. The right ones fuel growth, spark creativity, and, most importantly, build relationships that last. For The Curious Collectives, that’s exactly what our partnership with Emser Tile has become.

How It Started

I first met Mike Weaver, Emser’s VP, at the International Builders Show in 2024. From the moment I shook his hand, I knew he was one of our people. Mike’s got this incredible mix of energy, relationship-building instincts, and genuine curiosity that instantly drew me in.

We were looking for a national sponsor: someone who could not only support us as we grew but also truly get what The Collectives were about. Emser checked every box: scale, vision, and a relational approach that mirrors how we operate.

They were already collaborating with folks in our network like Brad Leavitt in Phoenix and Brad Robinson in Atlanta so it just felt like a natural extension of our community. And honestly, when you meet someone who values showing up and following through as much as you do, the decision becomes easy.

What Sets Emser Apart

Emser has managed to combine the horsepower of a global brand with the heart of a boutique firm.

Their team works with designers and builders like a true partner, offering what I’d call concierge-level support. You send them a few inspiration images, some specs, maybe a budget and they handle the rest: sourcing, quantities, pricing, and samples.

For busy professionals, that kind of time-saving support is gold. And they don’t just do it once, they do it consistently, with kindness and clarity. That’s rare in any industry.

Check out this collective event hosted by Emser!

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Bringing Emser Into Our Projects

Currently, we’ve got four projects in motion featuring Emser products, including our Mysa Hus spec home, where they’ll be the exclusive tile partner.

That home wraps up in May 2026, and I can’t wait to experience their products and service firsthand not just as a partner, but as a builder.

A Partner That Shows Up

Here’s the thing about Emser, they don’t just sell tile. They support people.

Their team acts like an extension of yours, handling sourcing, takeoffs, budgets, and logistics with precision and care. It’s a full-service experience that blends global strength with a small-team feel.

But what really sets them apart is their culture. I talk with Mike weekly, sometimes about work, sometimes about life. He’s the kind of leader who shows up at events, whether it’s The Collectives, the Contractor Coalition Summit, or even a local Minnesota builders’ clay shoot simply because someone invited him.

He means what he says, and he backs it up with action. That loyalty and authenticity flow through the entire Emser team!

Emser at a Collective Events

Emser doesn’t just stand behind a booth or pass out samples. They connect. They shake hands, have real conversations, follow up, and keep building relationships long after the event ends. It’s relational, not transactional. And that’s what makes them such a powerful partner for our community.

If there’s one thing I hope others in The Collectives take away from working with Emser, it’s this: relationships are the business.

Ask for help. Offer help. Build trust. That’s how real partnerships grow—and Emser embodies that mindset completely. When you support them, they support you tenfold.