NFIB Louisiana Member Profile: Level Homes

Date: July 15, 2015

Todd Waguespack, owner of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based home builder, has built a successful southern business with a strong team of 46 employees.

How did you become a small business owner and why?

I began Level Homes because I wanted to work for myself and provide jobs for others. When I started out we were small—just me, my partner and one super intern. I like being a small business owner because the sky is the limit in what we can accomplish. We are a close-knit team and that is a model that I like, as opposed to not knowing all of my employees.

What has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge was most likely facing the downturn in 2009. Level was able to remain as a major builder in the market and maintain success in a time when most homebuilders were going out of business. My partners allowed us to stay on top and we adjusted with the market and were able to sustain the momentum in order to succeed.

What has been your proudest moment as a small business owner?

This year when we had everyone vote on employee of the year, for the first time there was a two-way tie. We had a tiebreaker and the person who received the award had been working for me for 16 years.  He really deserved it and I was proud that we have such a tight-knit group to have people so close in competition.

What do you love most about running your own business?

I love running my own business because I get to control what we set out to do and accomplish. I am instrumental in setting forth my goals as well as seeing them through. I am visionary when it comes to developing and home building and I like to be able to be creative in my planning and thinking process. In a larger corporation, I might not be able to be heard. Furthermore, my employees are always able to shed light and share opinions and ideas. I am not one person. Level is not one person. We are a team of individuals with common principles and goals.

What advice would you give other small business owners?

Advice I would give to small business owners is to keep your eye on the ball, and be able to make good and quick decisions. Never lose focus and never stop training in your field.

How would you describe the business climate in Louisiana?

The business climate in Louisiana is on fire.  So many companies continue to enter in the state for headquarters and the plants are always expanding. We are not even close to seeing the potential LA has. I am proud to be part of this growth and development.

Why did you join NFIB?

I like to stay involved in the community and help others where I can. Joining NFIB was a good decision for Level Homes as we grow around Louisiana and into other states like North and South Carolina. We liked the idea of being part of an organization that is holding congress and state legislators accountable for the votes they make on regulatory and public policy issues impacting small business. And, being part of NFIB allows us to stay informed about issues in real time and offers us the opportunity for input on how proposed regulations or policy changes might impact us as a developer, homebuilder and small business owner.

Related Content: Small Business News | Economy | Louisiana

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