Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/439904
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J a n u a r y 2 0 15 • I NSIGH T | 35 work, Lenz adds. "Last year, we made next to nothing, but it paid off this year." e business partners believe strongly in American-made products. "We go out of our way for tools, our boots, for anything that we wear or use to find American-made products just because they typically last longer," Kuehl says. Factotum's business cards (which they order from a company in Milwaukee that uses an old letterpress) and some of their T-shirts read: "e future belongs to the few of us still willing to get our hands dirty." at's not to say there aren't perks to working for themselves, such as taking a break when things are slow. "My wife just called me — she said, 'How's work going?'" Lenz says. "I was like, 'I gotta be honest. We're fishing.'" Factotum's clients include Conger ToyotaLi in Green Bay and e Bar locations, the RiverHeath Development, Seth's Coffee and Bake Shop, Badger State Brewing Co. and residential clients. Much of the business seems to be coming via word of mouth. "is summer — it went by so fast it was crazy," Kuehl says. "ey just kind of found us." In the case of Conger ToyotaLi (this month's Insight cover story) someone Lenz knew worked there and mentioned Factotum to Co-owner Anika Conger- Capelle. "We haven't done a ton in really getting (our name) out there, but it's more than busy enough," Lenz says. "It's one of those things you can tell, that's what people want." Kuehl and Lenz love the challenge of filling custom orders, such as for a residential client who ordered a 10-foot table that expanded to 16 feet. "It's fun because you wrack your brain to figure out how to build it, and as soon as you get done you go, 'Yeah. We just did that,'" Lenz says. Andrew Fabry, president and founder of Badger State Brewing Co. in Green Bay, hired Factotum to build about 16 tables with chairs, bar stools and a bar topper last summer aer a friend recommended the new company. Fabry says Factotum is filling a niche market in the region. "ere are people who are looking for this sort of thing in smaller population areas, and I think that, coupled with their attention to details, they're very sharp guys. ey're very passionate about their work." Factotum's price range varies because of the custom nature of its products. "I think middle America would be able to afford our stuff, and that's really who we're targeting," Kuehl says. "e high-end people really like it because it is a look and they can get anything custom they want. We can build anything."