The Artist

What started in a modest 1,500-square-foot space, grew significantly, and expanded to today’s beautiful 14,000-square-foot facility at 28 Atlantic Avenue in Rochester NY. But Artwalk Design, and Joe Ventura’s story, are over 20 years in the making …

When Joe was 18 years old, he began his journey in real estate and tile work. Starting with his first parcel of real estate, he learned the intricacies of laying tile from the ground up. His first project, though not perfect, stood the test of time for 25 years until the property changed ownership. This early experience laid the foundation for his career. The hands-on approach Joe took in those early days instilled in him a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and attention to detail. His willingness to learn from both successes and mistakes set the stage for his future in the tile industry.

In his early 30s, Joe decided to venture into the tile business. Using his 401k savings, Joe bought a kiln and started making tiles. He spent countless hours perfecting his craft, experimenting with different techniques and materials to create unique, high-quality tiles that would stand out in the market. However, despite initial setbacks and financial losses, his persistence paid off. Joe not only learned the business from scratch but mastered the art of making and selling tiles. He capitalized on his intimate knowledge of tiles, and his industry connections and relationships, to passionately serve his clients and elevate the reputation of his business.

Sustained Growth and Success

By forging strong relationships with industry representatives and understanding the nuances of the tile and flooring market, Joe became nationally recognized. His commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, along with his ability to secure surfaces and tiles from around the world, solidified his standing in the industry. Joe's dedication to maintaining these relationships ensured that his business continued to grow and succeed, reflecting the same values and determination he had from the very beginning. His reputation for integrity and reliability made him a trusted figure in the tile world.

Joe’s success extended beyond his Rochester location too. In 2003, Joe started an online business to expand the reach of ArtWalk Tile. Within four years it ranked third in the US in Internet sales for flooring. In 2005, Joe was selected as a vendor to Lowe’s home improvement stores on the East Coast.
The Internet business was sold in 2019. In 2020, ArtWalk Tile was rebranded into ArtWalk Design showcasing luxury brands such as Versace and Lamborghini.

Summing It Up

Throughout his journey, Joe has cultivated a reputation for offering only high-quality products and continues to refuse selling his clients anything short of the best in terms of quality and style. Thanks to his unique and high-end offerings that satisfy his customers' needs for beauty and distinction, his business has thrived on word-of-mouth referrals as his best form of advertising. And as the business expanded, Joe has never lost sight of the principles that guided him from the start. His commitment to excellence – in offerings and service - became the hallmark of his brand.

What’s Next?

Joe’s not done yet. The next adventure will be launching September 2024 – the Atelier at ArtWalk Design. More details to come!