Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Mitrzyk.
Tyler, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The first question I get asked after a client finds out I’m the founder and sole owner of Chicago Fabrications and how it became about. The story goes back in 2012 when I first moved to Chicago and was active at 2 battalions 24 Marine Corps reserve center as a grunt. Years later reenlisting and stationing at great lakes Navy base in Gaurnee, Il, 40 min North of the city. I commuted every day, along with deploying several times in and out of the country.
Meanwhile, I was training on and off throughout the next three years, I had a passion to build custom reptile enclosures called terrariums. They were condos for reptiles. I decided to create a company called Tyler Terrariums. I rented a space that I turned into a small wood shop with a welder. I knew how to weld from high school, as well as build. I did very well with welding at skill center. So I started pre-building terrariums and driving around to pet stores to consign them in their stores, after many rejections. I re-evaluated my shop and opportunities. I then started offering my shop for rental online for people to build custom projects.
From there I saw renters bringing in barn wood for their projects. As well as people wanting me to build the projects. I found out what they were paying and I knew I could get lumber for free from my hometown Standish Michigan. I went home a tore down my buddies barn he was going to burn. A few of my good friends and myself de-nailed and piled up the beams and siding in the back of a haul to ship to Chicago to rebuilding exchange. I sold it for pennies on the dollar to get my foot in the door and them to take me seriously.
They later placed a whole semi load and when it arrived they only took a third of the load. I had to drop the rest and sell on craigslist out of a small lot I rented from Wexler Steel on the south side.I quickly started to sell lots of lumber at a triple the margin was getting from rebuilding exchange. Rebuilding exchange had a good connection for cheap. Now I’m a competitor. Feels great. I also picked up random projects building custom furniture, that later are into a large segment of the company.
Not long after making a bit of cash I moved from 500 w Cermak in South Pilsen of 500 SF space to 3032 w Chicago ave to 3500 SF space. As business picked up I had a larger vision with a larger space. The vision was what Chicago Fabs is now. We have doubled the size of this company for the last 3 years. Now we are at 2825 w 5th ave and have 10,000 SF warehouse with a full office, showroom, break room and much more room for activities.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Its been a rough road, as it should be. If it was easy everyone would do it. The hard work cuts out all non-hackers.
– staffing is challenging
– cash flowing on large projects with end of project payouts can be setting yourself up for failure
– balancing employees with workflow
– HR can consume profits if not handled correctly
– Don’t promote an employee because they’re doing their job correctly
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chicago Fabrications – what should we know?
Chicago Fabs is the hottest business in the Chicago area selling reclaimed materials from all of the Midwest and Chicago area. We would like to serve everyone that needs reclaimed or out of the ordinary lumber. Who offer all varieties of species, texture, colors and more. If we don’t have it in stock we can source it and have it special ordered. I’m sure we can find what you need.
We pride ourself on educating everyone on their purchase. As far as treatment, storage, and install instructions of all material. We believe we can meet all needs, we price competitively. We will match other prices to the extent of convenience. Our goal is to be the lumber connection for all reclaimed building materials. We work with many demolition companies to recycle their planks, flooring, siding, and trusses.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe that there are key leadership traits that makes one successful. Some of which I learned in the Marine Corps:
1. Vision, to see what it is you’re chasing. Something to look forward to, and something to love when you get to whatever you may be chasing. You have to see yourself doing whatever it is that you love.
2. Drive, If you don’t continue to push forward and execute and make risky decisions. Sometimes they might not be the best decision, but at least you decided. Leads me to be decisive.
3.Passion, Whatever you’re chasing, you better love it. When you talk about your vision or your dream, people need to walk away knowing you truly believe in yourself or whatever your chasing.
4.Discipline, know that if you don’t get out of bed and makeups your own work week of made up tasks that others might not understand, goes back to following your vision no matter what. No one cares if you fail, people feed off others failure. It comforts their decision to not take the step off the ledge because they’re scared of failure. There is no failure, only expensive learning lessons and obstacles before the finish line. There is no quit. You will work late nights and weekends, its where you get ahead, while the rest sleeps, you work. Its to easy to be lazy.
5. Courage, to stand up for your vision when others shame you or bring you down. Those people are cancer and need to be removed from your life. You are who you surround yourself with. Law of Attraction comes to mind. It’s a real thing.
Above is a formula for success. With those 5 leadership traits in any order, you have the algorithm to success. If you’re missing anyone you will struggle on your mission to success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2825 w 5th ave Chicago IL 60612
- Website: www.chicagofabrications.com
- Phone: 312-637-1923
- Email: tyler@chicagofabrications.com
- Instagram: @chicagofabs
- Facebook: Chicago Fabrications
- Twitter: #chicagofabs
- Yelp: Chicago Fabrications
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