Lafayette / Louisiana / United States
United Tile was established in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1947, by R. B. Wiegand Jr. Realizing the need for ceramic tile in South Louisiana, he opened the second location in Lafayette in the early 1950s. The oil industry was just beginning to grow here and both commercial and residential construction was active. The early store saw two managers come and go. In 1957, Dick Wiegand sent his brother-in-law, H. R. "Buzz" Wagner and his wife Dorthy to oversee the Lafayette store. Business flourished with new homes, schools, hospitals and other construction jobs. In 1966, United Tile moved to their current location on Eraste Landry Road. This 8,400 square foot facility provides a modern showroom, offices and warehouse space. The Wagners guided United Tile for over thirty years in Lafayette to be a premier flooring company serving the Acadiana area. The business continued to grow and additional storage space was added. Today there is over 10,000 square feet under roof. With the Wagners decision to retire in 1989, Stan Messinger was sent from Shreveport to work in the ceramic tile department during the transition. During this period, United Tile began to diversify into both a retail and wholesale commercial business and became unique in that both sales and installation became an integral part of the operation. Stan had brought with him eight years previous experience with United Tile dating from 1967 through 1976 both in the Lafayette and Shreveport locations. In 1996, United Tile was sold to its current manager, Stan Messinger, in order for Dick Wiegands son, R. L. Wiegand, to concentrate on his thriving Shreveport business. This move has paid off well for both parties. United Tile of Lafayette, LLC has continued to grow and is the leader in ceramic tile sales and installation for Acadiana.
