The story of RTC Products begins with its president, Bill Russo, and a single product: a high-quality grout sponge. That product helped launch the company and laid the foundation for RTC Products to become one of the leading tool and allied products businesses in the tile and tool industry today.

Bill Russo began his career as a telemarketer for industrial tools before entering the tile industry in the early 1990s as a partner at Midwest Trade Tools. When that partnership ended, Russo connected with leaders from the Raimondi Company at the ITSSE Tile Show in Miami in 1999. This meeting grew into a strategic relationship, and soon after, Russo launched Russo Trading Company, operating under the Raimondi Tools USA brand. This relationship grew into a 12-year partnership during which they built a successful program for independent distributors. 

As market conditions shifted and their vision evolved, Russo transitioned the business to a fully independent brand. This move allowed the company to expand its product offerings, deepen its commitment to customer-driven innovation, and position itself for the next phase of growth. New leadership during this transition period also brought valuable sales, operations, and contractor expertise that has helped shape the leading manufacturer and nationwide wholesaler of high-quality, innovative products you know today.

“We like to provide something unique to the industry. RTC Products has its finger on the pulse of the business and industry’s tools, keeping up with technology trends.” 

– Bill Russo, President

Most recently, the company underwent a rebrand to better communicate its evolution over the years and its direction, now operating as RTC Products.

“We are developing a consistent message now, focusing on RTC Products as the brand name. We want to give that name visibility so that there is no question of who we are.”

– Steve Sprung, Chief Operating Officer   

Read more about our recent feature in TileLetter Magazine.