How Finnish Sauna Builders and Brick & Mortar are Transforming Chicago

Hello, I'm Alex Layoff, one of the founding partners of Finnish Sauna Builders. I'm excited to share our story of dedication, commitment, and a shared love for sauna bathing, which has brought us into a unique collaboration with Brick & Mortar to reshape sauna and steam design across Chicago. My partner, Tim Zilis, and I have been close friends for over a decade. We're like the proverbial Ying and Yang—two individuals with distinct backgrounds and talents that complement each other perfectly. Our journey together began with a common passion for sauna bathing, and it's taken us places we could have only dreamt of.

My background lies in the design and engineering of sauna bathing environments, and I've spent the last decade fine-tuning my craft. My journey has led me to explore the global sauna market, importing unique products from Finland, Estonia, and beyond. These experiences have given me a profound understanding of cutting-edge sauna technology and design.

But my true specialty lies in crafting custom sauna rooms that cater to a diverse clientele, from fitness centers to residential developments and private homes. The challenge of creating unique, beautiful, and functional spaces is what drives me each day.

Moreover, I'm the tech-savvy half of our partnership, responsible for streamlining our operations, reducing errors, and enhancing efficiency. My love for all things sauna has made me an expert in the field, and I'm thrilled to bring that expertise to our collaboration with Brick & Mortar.

Now, let me introduce you to my partner, Tim Zilis. Tim's background in sales has given him the opportunity to consult and partner with some of the country's best health and fitness centers, resorts, hotels, and high-rise developments. His extensive history of working with homeowners to design and create sauna rooms that fit any budget is truly impressive.

What sets Tim apart is his unique ability to understand our clients' needs and visions and turn them into reality. He's a master at collaborating with designers, architects, and homeowners to craft the perfect spa environment. Tim's love for sauna has taken him to spa facilities worldwide, where he's soaked in the very best experiences to bring to our clients.