Meet Connor Lyle | Owner of 5280 Custom Tile

We had the good fortune of connecting with Connor Lyle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Connor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was fortunate enough to learn the trade of installing tile and stone from two brothers who I consider to be among the most talented craftsmen in the space. Not many people start their first day of training on the job in Cherry Hills, working on a 25 million dollar home. Hard work was met by an incredible attention to detail, and what we created was both inspiring and fulfilling. After many years of learning from the best and honing in on my skill, I was met with some news that has changed the trajectory of my career. Andrew and Jason, owners of Denver Design Tile and my employers, were given the opportunity to work full-time for a builder in Aspen, CO. This was an opportunity they could not pass up.

Opportunities in life can creep up on you, like a big wave, forming in the ocean. As the wave (opportunity) beings to take shape you may start to feel nervous, fearful, or a bit overwhelmed even though you’re equipped with a board and you know how to surf. This is certainly how I felt upon hearing the news that I would either need to move to Aspen, find a new tile company to work for, or start my own. I did not jump immediately to the idea of starting my own business. I first tried to find suitable housing near Aspen, but with no success. I then began working for other tile installation companies, but was unsatisfied with the poor quality of work and professionalism. When the wave has peaked and the moment is right, you jump to your feet and are ready to ride. Your exact path is unknown, but your goal is in site. This moment of courage I had, of standing up and taking on the wave, was the birth of 5280 Custom Tile. And I haven’t looked back yet.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Ever since I was little I’ve found enjoyment in being creative and working with my hands. Playing guitar, drawing, or wood working was always a hobby of mine, but it took quite a while for me to realize that it was possible for my career path to include this creative side of myself. My first day on the job, working with Denver Design Tile, opened up a whole new world for me. Unexpectedly, I found myself really enjoying the work I was doing as if it wasn’t work at all. Having that creative/artistic side to myself has really benefited my business. Instead of being on a job site and only seeing laborous work that needs to be done, I see it more like a painter/sculptor/musician see’s his work of art. This trait has allowed me to be more meticulous and precise in my work and leads to an even greater final product. True art is indeed an end in itself. An artist will create something beautiful just for its own sake. I feel so grateful to have found a means of work that could also be experienced as enjoyable in and of itself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As much as I’m thankful for the City of Denver and the wonderful people in it, I would be taking my best friend an hour or two westbound to experience why I truly love my home state of Colorado. On our way westward, we would stop in the amazing town of Evergreen where I currently reside and enjoy a locally brewed cup of coffee from Everbean, taking in the views as we walk around Evergreen lake. After working up an appetite from the trek around the lake, we would have to stop next door at one of the best restaurants in Colorado, Willow Creek. Where to next? There is so much to do here! Depending on the season, we could go rock climbing in Clear Creek Canyon and watch the kayaks and rafts come down the raging river as we hang from the heights of the canyon walls. Next stop, Winter Park. There’s a special feeling you get when you’re surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. The Continental Divide will make you feel small, yet in the most refreshing of ways. When we’re not mountain biking, hiking, skiing, or on the water in Grand Lake, we would be simply hanging out, maybe at a local restaurant like Deno’s and taking it all in. I wouldn’t be a very good friend if we didn’t find a night to enjoy at Red Rocks, listening to some jammy music under the night sky in the most beautiful outdoor venue I know of.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
None of my success would be possible without several key influences in my life. First and foremost, I want to give a shoutout to my amazing parents, Tad and Betsy, for always believing in and supporting me (even in the dark times) and inspiring me to believe in myself. My next shoutout goes to my Uncle Dan, owner of award winning Hayley Custom Homes, whom without I would have never been introduced to the trade of tile, let alone the two skilled craftsmen who have taught me at the highest level. Last but certainly not least, I owe a great debt of gratitude to Andrew and Jason Shannon, owners of Denver Design Tile, for taking me under their wing in my early days and for providing me with a skillset to be truly successful. Thank you all for making this journey of mine possible.

Website: https://5280CustomTile.com

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