## Tangram Ten: Meet Abel Lopez
We're excited to introduce Abel Lopez, our newest Estimator who officially joined the Tangram team this month. While Abel has been collaborating with our flooring division for several months, his transition to a full-time role marks an important milestone for both him and our growing team.
### From Entrepreneur to Estimator
Abel brings a unique perspective to commercial interior design, having previously operated his own small flooring business. This entrepreneurial background provides him with firsthand knowledge of project challenges, client expectations, and the importance of accurate estimates in maintaining healthy profit margins.
His experience running a business from the ground up means Abel understands both the technical aspects of flooring installation and the business considerations that drive successful commercial projects. This dual perspective proves invaluable when developing estimates that balance competitive pricing with realistic project timelines.
### Getting to Know Abel
**Hometown:** Avocado Heights
**Previous Experience:** Owner-operator of a small flooring business
**What He Brings:** A great attitude and extensive industry knowledge
When Abel isn't focused on project estimates, he enjoys ranch life – a passion that speaks to his hands-on approach and appreciation for quality craftsmanship. His practical mindset extends to problem-solving scenarios too. When asked what three items he'd want on a deserted island, Abel's response was refreshingly pragmatic: a speedboat, gasoline, and an axe. His reasoning? The boat and fuel would provide an exit strategy, while the axe would handle any immediate survival needs.
### A Team Player Ready to Grow
What excites Abel most about his new role is the opportunity to meet new people and gain valuable experience within a larger commercial design framework. After years of managing every aspect of his own business, he's looking forward to specializing in estimation while learning from Tangram's diverse project portfolio.
"I want to bring a great attitude and share my knowledge," Abel explains. This collaborative mindset aligns perfectly with our team culture, where individual expertise combines to deliver exceptional commercial spaces.
### The Value of Industry Experience
Abel's transition from business owner to team member highlights an important trend in commercial design: the value of professionals who understand projects from multiple perspectives. His experience managing client relationships, coordinating installations, and handling the financial aspects of flooring projects provides crucial insights for accurate project estimation.
This real-world experience helps bridge the gap between design vision and practical execution – a critical factor in delivering commercial projects on time and within budget.
Welcome to the team, Abel! We're excited to see how your expertise and entrepreneurial spirit contribute to our continued growth.
*P.S. If you meet Abel around the office, be sure to ask him about his culinary adventure with Rocky Mountain Oysters – it's quite the story!*
