Phil Castle, The Business Times

Tom Pesek searched for years for just the right business to buy — one that not only makes things, but also maintains a reputation for quality products and operations.

Pesek says he found exactly what he was looking for in Timberleaf Trailers, which handcrafts teardrop trailers designed and constructed to make camping more convenient and enjoyable.

The fact the company makes products for the outdoor recreation market and is based in Grand Junction was all the more attractive, he says. “Everything lined up.”

After purchasing a majority stake in Timberleaf Trailers last year, Pesek moved the operation into a new building that offers more than twice as much space as the previous location.

As he also expands staffing, Pesek expects the pace of production to increase as the lead time required to complete trailers for customers decreases. Eventually, the company will build enough trailers to fill custom orders as well as build up an inventory to sell. What won’t change, he says, is the quality materials, craftsmanship or end result — trailers that offer comfort, durability and mobility.

Alex Molick, minority owner and general manager, says the teardrop design makes camping simple. “It’s just so convenient to get away and do the things we want to do.”

Molick’s parents — Kevin and Paula Molick — launched Timberleaf Trailers in 2015 in Denver.

When Kevin couldn’t find a trailer that met his needs, he decided to build one himself. After sharing his ideas with friends and others, he realized building trailers could become a viable business venture. Kevin brought to the venture his experience in woodworking and in building furniture and remodeling homes.

The Molicks subsequently relocated Timberleaf Trailers to Grand Junction and expanded staffing to increase production.

The company was among the winners in the 2022 Colorado Companies to Watch program honoring fast-growing businesses in the state. Timberleaf Trailers was a finalist for the award in 2021.

When Kevin Molick decided to retire, Pesek purchased a majority ownership in the business. Alex Molick remained as a minority owner.

Pesek holds degrees in electrical engineering and business administration. He says he’s long been involved in product development, including machine tools and process control equipment.

In looking for a business to buy, Pesek says he wanted one that not only makes things, but also has a reputation for quality products and operations.

Pesek says he also loves outdoor recreation and Colorado, so Timberleaf Trailers was especially attractive. He says he previously lived in Iowa, but has family in Colorado, including Grand Junction. He says he’d frequently visit. “I always wanted to be here more.”

In January, Pesek moved Timberleaf Trailers into a building on Justice Court near Grand Junction Regional Airport.
At 9,600 square feet, the new location offers more than twice as much space as the previous location and room to further grow the operation.

Timberleaf Trailers handcrafts three models of teardrop trailers — the Classic, Pika and Kestrel.

The Classic is the largest and offers the most interior space with room for a queen-size bed, custom cabinets, storage areas and a skylight. The Pika is slightly smaller with a double bed. The Kestrel is smaller still, but includes a double bed and cabinets.

The Classic and Pika models include galley kitchens tucked under rear hatches. The kitchens include sinks and water storage as well as optional stoves and refrigerators or coolers.

All three models are available in standard, all road and off-road versions.

Pesek says each trailer is constructed by hand using imported Baltic birch to offer a more water resistant and higher quality product.

Timberleaf handcrafts trailers to customer orders, offering a variety of color schemes and other options. The company constructed 91 trailers in 2023

The lead time to complete trailers ranges from six to eight months, but Pesek says he hopes to increase the pace of production to decrease that time.

Eventually, he says he’d like to build up an inventory of additional trailers to sell and rent.

Pesek says there was a spike in interest in outdoor recreation and a corresponding increase in demand for trailers in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

While some of that demand subsequently dropped off, compact trailers have remained popular in part because they’re more convenient and easier to use, he says. “People have more of an interest in keeping things simple.”

Teardrop trailers in general and Timberleaf Trailers in particular offer a number of advantages over other trailers, Alex Molick says. They can be towed by smaller vehicles into locations that would be difficult or impossible for larger trailers.  And teardrop trailers can be set up and ready to use in minutes.

That makes camping easier and more enjoyable, he says. “The teardrop design just breaks down all the barriers. You can do what you love with those who love.”

For additional information about Timberleaf Trailers, log on to https://timberleaftrailers.com or call (970) 778-3744