Trostrud Mosaic & Tile

At the end of 1939, with the outbreak of war in Europe, the company temporarily closed. During the war years, Earl Trostrud, Sr. was employed by Howard Foundry, making aircraft engine parts, and by Kraft Foods, working in the construction department. In 1946, with the war behind us, Earl Trostrud, Sr. reopened Trostrud Mosaic & Tile Co., Inc., stil... l concentrating in the residential market, and once again building a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. In 1957, Earl Trostrud, Sr. started pursuing commercial contracts and was awarded several gas stations. The projects went well and their success whetted our appetite for more commercial work. In the spring of 1958, after just graduating St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Earl Trostrud, Jr. joined his father in the Tile business and they both pursued commercial contracts. The father and son team worked hard at their business, crafting a reputation of quality workmanship, integrity and honesty and a philosophy of treating everyone the way they would want to be treated - whether you were a contractor, owner, distributor, office personnel, tile setter or tile finisher. In the summer of 1975, Earl Trostrud, Sr. retired from the Tile business. Ten years later, Brad Trostrud decided to give estimating a 6-month try. Brad had graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stout with a major in Industrial Design and a minor in Graphic Design. He worked for an exhibit design house near McCormick Place and then at an independent design firm specializing in water craft and mobile homes. Brad thought this would be an amazing opportunity to work with his father and to strengthen their bond. Working together for over 30 years has been extremely rewarding to the both of them. Earl, now in his early 80s, is still working every day and holds the title of Vice President, while Brad serves as the President. Earl and Brad have always been very active in the Ceramic Tile Contractors Association of Chicago (CTCAC) and Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA). They both have served ...Read More