Good Evening Everyone,
On the afternoon of September 21, I had the pleasure to interview Levi Green, an up and coming entrepreneur based in Oklahoma. Levi’s passion and experience proved him to be not just a person to interview, but one to lookup to with regards to turning a dream into a real world working venture. Please take the time to read over the interview and gain some inspiration along the way!
Question: Good Afternoon Levi, tell me a little about yourself.
I am 25 years old and have been happily married to my wife Chandler for the last couple years. We currently have one child and his name is Luke. A few years back I was enlisted in the Navy where I developed my ideas of entrepreneurship and business prior to getting out. Right now, I am a land developer by day and entrepreneur by night.
Question: I see that you are involved in multiple ventures, how did you start getting in the field of entrepreneurship?
I have many new ventures under my belt currently. My first jump into the entrepreneurship field was my development of a shaved ice and coffee company based in Oklahoma called Stone Ice and Coffee. I started this company rather uniquely, as I was golfing with an old friend. We talked back and forth about starting a company. Thinking little of it at the time, Myself and my co-founder revisited the idea and after cracking the numbers, we decided to followthrough with it. Over a few months we created a shaved ice and coffee stand by incorporating the use of a “tiny home,” which we built on our own reducing external costs.
Levi stated “this got the entrepreneurship blood flowing and once you start you can’t stop”
Other ventures Levi has in development is property sales, commercial and residential drone photography, “Tiny Home” construction and basically anything that will grow capital. Levi also stated “once you have capital down and the drive to keep pushing, everything else seems to fall into place.”
After building the shaved ice stand, this lead Levi to see potential in the “Tiny Home” construction industry which is currently his new project and created the company “Living tiny.”
Question: What gave you the confidence to take the first leap into entrepreneurship?
Research, research, research. You have to be willing to sit down and breakdown the numbers and possible success of a future venture. The payoff of the high risk and work is much greater in the end. Levi stated “efficiency and knowledge gave me the courage.” He also said if numbers don’t make profit in 3 years, he feels it may not be a good venture to start.
Question: How did you get into the “Tiny Home” market?
After gaining experience of building a “tiny home” with his shaved ice an coffee company, Levi’s wife Chandler had a “light bulb” moment in the potential profit in the “tiny home” market. Chandler saw that the margin was there and a pay off from day one could be accomplished. So they pursued it.
Question: Where do you see the “Tiny Home” market going in the next few years?
Being the only “tiny home” company in the Oklahoma area, Levi sees high potential of growth. “the largest “tiny home” manufactures are located in California with a few in Florida.” Growth in the “tiny home” arena is totally up to us. Levi also said the market is growing and more and more people are interested to live efficiently through “tiny home” living.
Question: Being a new endeavor, what challenges arose when going into the “Tiny Home” business?
As with any new venture, challenges were bound to occur. The things that needed to be learned and accomplished were quite different then your normal home building. Things such as how to make the home portable, using lighter materials, deciding on the correct plumping (to not freeze), and how to fit household items in a small area, while making it still livable were a few areas that proved to push the limits and creativity in Levi’s operation.
Question: How many team members do you have on board your current venture?
Overall I have (5) team members on board through my multiple ventures.
Question: What have been some of your best team building strategies?
Communication is key. Without great communication our team and ventures would fall apart. We found that holding weekly meetings on Monday and Friday proved to be successful. These meetings help to keep us on budget and address concerns from the week to be able to correct and move on to improvement the next week.
For example if something is not selling, the team and I pull it from the menu and develop something new to try.
Question: How have you been able to stay on top of the business and how do you feel about the current competition in the market?
In the “Tiny Home” market competition is gauged on the quality of the product. Levi stated “it is only as good as the next builder.” So Levi must outdo other builders and keep quality up. This will keep the customer coming back.
Question: When you wake up in the morning, what is your first task to ensure you stay on track throughout the day and keep the drive and passion going?
I wake up at around 5 a.m. everyday. I use this time to reflect. Also Bible study helps me keep pushing. “Christ keeps me grounded and helps to make the right deal and get it done.” Levi also said that working out at least 3 times a week helps to keep the mind both physically and mentally strong for his endeavors.
Question: What advice would you give current and new entrepreneurs to improve their skills and knowledge in the field? Do you recommend certain skills/traits before considering entrepreneurship?
“Just go out and do it.” “Too many people dream but do not pursue those dreams.” Levi also gave the advice to “take the leap” and you are losing if you never start. Levi also ensures to read books on great leaders such as CEO’s to get the scoop on how others became successful in the field.
Do you have a website?
Yes, currently I am running two sites.
ifly107.com (interesting fact… 107 is the FAA code for drone)
stoneiceco.com
Do you have a web developer?
Yes, I use godaddy.com for developing. I develop the sites through their in-house building tools and applications.
