Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Trexel.
Hi Erik, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out as a tile installer in the Midwest in the late 90s. My mother was an art teacher and her coworkers husband was a tile setter and gave me a job after high school. I was an artist and was drawn to the creativity in tile. I had already done some construction and tile was more appealing due to that creative aspect and the details in tile installation. I got to set tile for about a year, just enough to get a taste. I moved to portland in 2000 and was in health care for a few years before getting back into tile and eventually starting my own business in 2009.
My only goal in the beginning was to be independent and work for myself, but eventually fell in love with the business side of things as well. I had already developed a lot of skills in my teens and twenties organizing events and playing in touring bands, networking, branding, and team building that I was able to incorporate into my business. I realized shortly after starting my company that I enjoyed working with a team more than solo and I also couldn’t say no to a job, so the need for extra hands came necessary quickly. It took many years of trial and error to build a functioning office, team, and crew. Once it was successfully built it opened up a lot of doors for higher end work and larger projects.
Four years ago I got an offer to become a licensed manufacturer of custom foam shapes and shower pans which was a game changer for my business and career. After many years of trying to expand my business into a more collaborative company through exploring plaster, tile manufacturing, countertops, general remodels, and thin panels, custom foam was clearly the best opportunity for what I was looking for. From there it made the most sense to expand into a storefront and warehouse to be able to grow the business, which lead to a retail store and distribution and eventually a showroom. We are currently housing a design center/showroom to accompany the other endeavors. We are creating a one stop shop for homeowners, contractors and designers, fully equipped with a designer and knowledgeable staff.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Riding the roller coaster of entrepreneurship is always a challenge. The stress of managing a team, the financials, and in general the instability of growing a business is not for very many people but it is what I love and have always done since I was a teen. I couldn’t do life any differently nor would I want to. The times when it all clicks and is functioning on a high level it creates a great amount of joy and satisfaction I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have always been an artist and musician. My mother was an art teacher and raised me around art. My grandfather was a painter and business owner. My father was a counselor and perfectionist and I think that combination gave me the interest and skills in tile and in business. I am proud of how I have developed a culture and brand from scratch and learned business without any business training or schooling. Our company specializes in high end detailed tile work. We also are dedicated to customer service, professionalism and hard work. We now have a store, manufacturing facility, distribution, and design studio where we sell tile. We are becoming known for being a resource to the community.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I found mentorship from a fellow tile business owner in the community. I think my social skills, work ethic, and networking ability gave me the opportunity to meet him. The best way to find a mentor is to be active in your community and put in the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Levelplane.net
- Instagram: @levelplane
- Facebook: Level Plane Tile and Stone
