The name of George Clamp’s business — Great Britain Tile —is as distinctive as the man himself.
Both are impossible to forget after just one encounter. George has a charming way of disarming you and making you feel at home — as if you were a long lost relative.
And, his showroom is just as memorable, with its flood of natural lighting and array of colorful tile, stone, carpet, wood and laminate flooring samples.
It’s almost impossible to separate the man from the business — and the business from the man —after more than 50 years on two continents in the flooring industry.
It began in England when George was just 15 and was taught how to lay tile at his uncle’s flooring company. After a few years of learning everything he could about tile installation and products, George was ready to start his own business.
When the opportunity came about in 1982, George relocated his young family to the U.S., setting up shop in the Town n’ Country area of Tampa.
After a couple of nondescript names for his new business, George decided to re-name his company after something dear to his heart — his homeland.
And so, Great Britain Tile was established. Today it is a well-respected brand that is recognized by homebuilders, contractors and homeowners.
In 2003, George moved his business to Land O’ Lakes and built a 60,000 square foot warehouse on U.S. 41 to be closer to the thousands of new homes going up in central Pasco County. He also made Land O’ Lakes his family’s home, building in the Wilderness Lakes subdivision just a few miles from his office.
Most people who drive past Great Britain Tile don’t realize that the retail showroom they see from the road is just a small part of the company’s revenue.
Commercial work is Great Britain Tile’s core business. Its largest customer is Lennar Homes. Other key accounts include Homes By Westbay, LGI Homes, Gulfwinds Homes, Dolphin Homes and Morgan Construction.
George’s son, Steve Clamp, serves as company’s vice president and heads up the commercial side of the company’s business. He manages crews of installers who go out every day to install flooring in the area’s once-again booming subdivisions.
Building a warehouse to support the commercial side of their business gave George and Steve the opportunity to open a showroom for local residents.
“We wanted to share with our new neighbors the quality products and competitive pricing we get from national and international manufacturers because of our high volume work,” said Steve.
The large showroom showcases ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, mosaics, glass tile, metal tile, handmade tile, inlays and medallions, cork, leather, vinyl, hardwood and laminate flooring.
“We provide quality products from some of the finest and most respected suppliers in the industry,” said Kim Novotny, showroom manager. “We keep up with the latest designs and decorating trends, and help customers come up with ideas that work with their budget.”
Just as important as its quality products is the knowledge and experience of its installers.
“We know what products work best in different situations, and gladly share our knowledge about material options and installation techniques,” said Kim. “We even have setting materials and tools available for our customers.”
George and his staff understand that buying flooring is a major household purchase and want to help local residents any way they can.
“We invite you to come by our showroom and ask us any question you have about flooring, whether you end up buying from us or not,” said George.
(813) 235-9775
9533 Land O Lakes Blvd. (US 41, 8 miles north of State Rd 54)
Land O Lakes, Florida
9 to 5 Mon -Fri • 9 to 1 Sat
