Lance Petrie – Star City Six

LUSSO Mattress (lussosleep.com) has designed their mattress with uncompromising quality and at an affordable price. Lance Petrie is co-founder and owner of LUSSO Mattress.

Tell us a little about your business.

My brother Shane and I started LUSSO because we both felt passionately about improving people’s lives with a mattress that was better and more affordable than the existing foam mattresses that were available. We designed a mattress with three layers of premium foam that provide comfort and support. Each layer interacting with the next, resulting in just the right amount of give that cradles your body, relieving pressure points with responsive bounce that keeps you from sinking. Our mattress also has a cover made from Tencel, an eco-friendly anti microbial material, which is soft to the touch and contains cooling elements for optimal sleep.

How did you get started in the business?

We had the idea for the business about 10 years ago but it was hard back then to wrap my mind around the whole process of getting it off the ground. My brother and I spent a lot of time doing research and development, meeting with different manufacturers and assembling a sales/support team. Once all the logistics were worked out, we knew we had a good product and the motivation to turn LUSSO Mattress into a successful company.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

The mattress business is a different type of business than I was used to. I’ve owned a commercial flooring company for many years and its earned itself a good reputation. Most of my business comes from word of mouth and referrals. Going from a service business to a product business has been a learning experience. Retail can be challenging as you figure out which marketing efforts work and which ones don’t.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

I’m very proud of LUSSO Mattress. It took a long time, but it has been very rewarding to see it take off and improve the lives of many. I’m also proud of North American Flooring and the partnerships I’ve built throughout the years with manufacturers and other business owners.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m the youngest son of Roger Petrie. He owned Midwest Refuse but is now retired. My mom finds her joy in gardening. She is a part of the American Rose Society and has been recognized at many shows for growing the best roses. She probably has over 350 rose bushes in her backyard. In addition to my brother, I also have a sister who has three kids. We are all very close—we try to take at least one trip together every year!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I love art and photography. I do oil painting mostly, and I always have a camera on me.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Whatever you do, do it with all your might.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Honest.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily life?

Cooking. I like to go to the grocery store and pick out foods that I think might be good together. It’s fun to experiment and come up with my own recipes!

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

To see one day into the future.

What is your favorite movie?

The classics, like Dumb and Dumber, The Shining, Top Gun, etc.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 217-1009; Email: lancep@lussosleep.com; Website: lussosleep.com.