About Erik Lutz

I owe my passion for mechanical things to both of my Grandfathers. My Grandpa Kranz was a high school auto shop teacher for 28 years. From the time I could walk he was teaching me how to work on cars. My Grandpa Lutz owned a company that distributed rubber seals. Many of his clients were in the Automotive and Heavy Equipment industries. Growing up in the family business further cemented my fascination of manufacturing. At the age of 13 my parents let me purchase my first welder. I still remember the excitement as my Dad and I drove home from our local hardware store after picking it up. The learning curve is steep for a self taught welder, especially at the age of 13. Since then I have learned the MIG, and TIG welding processes and strive to better my skills daily. Welding is cool in its own right but being able to take a 20ft piece of steel tubing and fabricate it into a finished product it what really gets my engine running.

In addition to my technical skills I hold an A.A.S. in Heavy Equipment Technology from Ferris State University. Currently, I'm working towards earning my B.S. In Business Management/Entrepreneurship from The Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University, Chicago, IL. I'd like to spend 80 hours a week making bad ass creations in my shop but growing my knowledge in the realm of business is just as important as laying down a perfect bead with my Lincoln Electric TIG welder. At this point my operations are part time, I hope to grow the business exponentially upon graduating.    

Hockey: a lesson on work ethic

My Dad is awesome, and when I was about eight years old he started playing men's league hockey. Naturally I wanted to be "cool like Dad" so my parents bought me hockey equipment and I've been playing ever since. I have been blessed with some incredible coaches, in addition to their on-ice instruction they taught my teammates and I how to persevere, and remain strong in the face of adversity. These are values that have made me the man I am today. I am eternally indebted to this wonderful sport, and so grateful for all the wonderful friendships I've made because of it.    

Life lessons from Past Employers

Classic Auto Restoration- My time spent working alongside John Young of Classic Auto was truly special. John Is a True Artisan, His attention to detail and problem solving abilities are unlike anything I've ever seen. He specializes in fully restoring vintage European Automobiles and Motorcycles. He is a wealth of knowledge and the lessons I learned in his shop will stick with me forever.     

Elite Heavy Equipment Service-  Elite was my workplace during my time in Heavy Equipment School. The owner Mike Dahlen has built this business from the ground up and his story of entrepreneurial success is truly inspirational. Mike and his employees took me under their collective wing and showed me through their example what it means to be a great Mechanic, Employee, Employer, and Overall Person.   

Lutz Sales Incorporated- Our family business: The pride I felt walking through the door and seeing our last name on the wall is a constant reminder of what I want to Achieve. My Grandfather, Dad, Uncle, and Great Uncle are successful because of the upstanding values they choose to live by. Our company motto "Sales through Service" rings in my head constantly. The Lutz men that have come before me treated their Employees and Customers as if they were family. This unwavering commitment to all stakeholders is rare in business these days, and It is the foundation all the ventures I pursue are built on.