CMR Alliance, LLC

What is the biggest misconception about the industry?

There is a common misunderstanding in our industry that terrazzo is just another type of hard surface floor covering and therefore the process of selection to installation must be similar to other types of hard surface floor coverings. This could not be further from the truth. Terrazzo is a "process" and is made to order.


What is your biggest current challenge at work?

Keeping up with technology is probably our biggest current challenge.  Our industry is being presented with so many technological advances, and its imperative that we we keep up so we remain competitive.


What keeps you up at night?

As a small business, we are expected to play by the same set of rules as the larger outfits, and very often that can puts a strain on our cash flow. We find ourselves in the position of funding our portion of the project until we are funded.


What project is your company most proud of?

We had the privilege of being part of the renovations within Building 197 at The Washington Navy Yard in 2015. This was the site of a mass shooting back on September 16th 2013. Being part of the construction of the Remembrance Hall was a high point.  


What did you want to be when you grew up?

A Marine Biologist.


Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.

I was a professional actor in radio, television, film and theater for 20 years.


What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?

The Hamilton


What is your favorite movie or tv show?

Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid


What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?

Look for a process or system that already is proven and works. Don't try to re-invent the wheel.


What was your first job?

Pumping Gas


CMR Alliance focuses on the preservation of all interior architectural finishes within a variety of commercial environments. We implement cleaning, maintenance and restorative approaches for finishes such as metal, brass, carpet, upholstery, tile, grout, wood, natural stone, concrete and terrazzo.

In business since 1999.

Timothy Rail

CMR Alliance, LLC