City Tile’s flagship building on Boban Drive in Nanaimo
NANAIMO – City Tile is all about family.
It’s not just that founders Dominic and Rose Staniscia have all three of their daughters involved in the business, Danielle and Michelle managing the Nanaimo branch at 4337 Boban Drive and Christina managing the Courtenay location at 2989 Kilpatrick Avenue. It’s that their goal is to make their customers feel like family, as they provide top quality tile that is an important feature in homes where families grow together.
“We aim to provide our valued customers the best quality, the most up to date product and the best service possible in a family atmosphere,” says Danielle. “The City Tile family offers expert advice on which tile works best for everyone.”
The Staniscias opened their first location (Nanaimo) in November, 2003, and they’ve consistently expanded since the beginning, including during a recession and the pandemic.
Dominic Staniscia, who founded City Tile with his wife Rose
“We pride our business on having the stock readily available and making our clients experience smooth and easy,” Christina adds. “All our products are displayed in bulk, allowing customers the satisfaction of receiving the product they have physically seen and touched. With the tile industry changing frequently, we are always attending the latest tile trade shows and spend a lot of time learning and researching the latest in tile products and trends.
“By staying at the forefront of the tile industry it provides us with the ability to always deliver on quality service. We have products such as ceramic wall tiles, porcelain tiles, tools, materials, and accessories to choose from. We are a one-stop tile shop.”
Christina, the oldest sister, began working at City Tile 17 years ago.
Danielle, Christina and Michelle, who manage City Tile’s locations in Nanaimo and Courtenay
“She became our dads ‘right hand girl’ early on, helping him with anything he needed, from book-keeping to being our general manager, which is still true to today,” Danielle notes. “Michelle graduated from the Interior Design course at Vancouver Island University in 2007 and began working at City Tile shortly after. She has been a key factor on the sales floor, helping with all our clients, builders and designers who come into our showroom.”
Danielle began working for the family business after high school in 2012.
“I manage all media and marketing needs, as well as being the new voice for our radio ads,” she says. “We all work together to make this business run as smooth as possible.”
Michelle points out that Dominic’s strategy during the pandemic helped City Tile move forward and grow.
“Our parents have taught us everything we know, and Dominic always says ‘You don’t make money selling – you make money buying’,” she says. “Our dad kept ordering stock even with the risk of things slowing down, but it did the opposite for us.
“People were choosing to upgrade their homes, and with that, business started to boom for us. The construction industry never stopped, and with the stock we continued to bring in, we were prepared.” Danielle notes. “We are very thankful and humbled for the support from our community and customers over the years! Our family promises to continue to share our passion of tile with the island!”