Michelle Labriola Brings a Midwest Focus to ARTO
Michelle Labriola may be one of the newest additions to ARTO’s team, but her knowledge of ARTO goes way back. Previously working with a Chicago-based dealer, Michelle fell in love with ARTO’s unique handmade tiles the first time she saw the collection. “I love that ARTO offered so many styles within one line — old world, modern, transitional, all in one series,” Michelle says. “That’s not something we see often.”
Fifteen years later, ARTO persuaded her to come aboard as the company’s Midwestern Regional Sales Manager.
“I would’ve done a better job recruiting her, if I’d know what I was doing back then,” jokes Armen Alajian who — along with his brother Vod — co-owns the company his father Arto started in 1966. “She’s already part of our family. Now we’ve just made it official.”
“ARTO has always been an innovator, continually creating in various mediums that are unique,” says Michelle. “They’re not just tile manufacturers, they’re artisans. I’m excited to now be the one who introduces Midwestern dealers and their clients to ARTO’s newest innovations.”
ARTO is equally excited to have Michelle on the team. Along with her industry experience, she brings an extensive understanding of the Midwest market, dealer needs, and trends.
“We’re fortunate she’s made the switch from customer to team member,” says Armen. “Along with her 22 years of experience in the region, Michelle is hungry, humble, and smart — everything you want in a sales pro. Especially the humble part.”
Michelle will lend her insight into the Midwest market to help inform clients about future roll-outs of ARTO products. “She’s going to realign and redevelop the foundation of dealers and distributors across the region to bring ARTO into more people’s homes and businesses,” adds Armen.
“The Midwest has been focusing on outdoor living,” Michelle explains. “As you known, the winters here can be brutal. Clients are looking for tile products that can withstand extreme elements, while also offering that handmade artisanal quality that gives the space warmth, character, and personality. ARTO products deliver on all fronts, with handmade products that meet freeze/thaw requirements while looking beautiful. Each ARTO tile is individual and unique, but also reliably durable for various environments.”
As ARTO’s Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest area, Michelle will continue to be based just outside of Chicago. This strategically puts her in the ideal position to personally visit the dealers regionwide as well as their clients.
“I’m hyper-focused on making sure our dealers know how to sell ARTO, since it’s an extensive line with many options,” says Michelle. “Once it’s broken down, each collection is simple and easy to understand. I worked in a showroom for 13 years and know the importance of being comfortable with a collection and how to set clients’ expectations.”
She adds, “I want dealers in the Midwest to know that they can rely on ARTO for a full range of tile solutions, including concrete, terracotta, residential, and commercial. We can do it all, in various tile mediums. And with our streamlined new manufacturing and quick-ship processes, our regional dealers will be happy to learn that lead times for ARTO’s products can now be as short as two weeks.”
“We are thrilled to have Michelle onboard,” says Aaron Dugas, ARTO’s Vice President of Sales. “With Michelle focusing her attention on the Midwest, we can fully commit to serving this region with products that respond directly to market demands and trends, as well as prompt, dedicated service. Michelle is an instrumental part of ARTO’s strategy to extend our brand, elevate the experience, and further our reputation for quality products as well as customer support.”
“ARTO is expanding our reach, and planning to roll out exciting new products at a consistent rate,” adds Michelle. “Now is the perfect time to join this growing company and be part of ARTO’s bold vision for the future of our industry. I love living and working in the Midwest, and am a tile nerd — so now I get to combine my two passions and help bring our versatile products to more dealers, homeowners, and businesses.”
When Michelle is not talking tile, she is still in design mode. Whether moving her furniture around, re-purposing old pieces, or indulging her secret obsession with spray painting light fixtures — she is always staying up to date on the trends. Her last project was a full kitchen renovation inspired from a new tile she fell in love with — a picket she found irresistible!
When her family forces her to stop designing, you will find Michelle at the hockey rink cheering on her sons or at one of her husband’s music gigs.