Jeff Pell founder of Sky House Company is a second-generation builder whose entire family has been involved in the home construction industry. His father was a trusted home builder and three of his uncles are accomplished tradesman. He was raised on construction sites and in his father’s wood working shop, so you could say that fine homebuilding is in his DNA.
Early on, Jeff worked for his uncle in his painting company. Eventually he got bored with it and decided to move on. “I felt like I had conquered it,” Jeff said.
Jeff went on to say, “I couldn’t silence the voice in my head that said you need to start your own thing.”
He went on to explain how he set his goals and expectations really high, and then would try to exceed them.
That is how his business grew.
The reason that he chose his business name the way it is, is so that it could eventually grow to be something bigger than him. If he would have went with Jeff Pell Construction, or Pell Building…etc. he felt like it would be limited to him and his name. So, he chose Sky House Company and therefore the sky is the limit when it comes to company growth.
Jeff is passionate about taking care of his sub contractors. At one point in the conversation, he said, “I make it my goal to roll out the red carpet for my subs.”
He has learned through the years that there are people out there who you will never satisfy and who will never be happy.
So, learning to say “No,” can be just as powerful as saying “Yes.”
He interviews the client just as much as they are interviewing him. When asked how to do that, he gave these tips:
- Watch the client’s body language. It actually speaks more than their words.
- Watch how the couple is interacting with each other.
- Find out what is their realistic budget.
Jeff really stressed the importance of staying true to your vision.
Work like nobody today so you can live like nobody tomorrow.
Jeff said, “I’m all about trying to be better.”
He listed a huge list of apps and tech that he loves to use in his business.
- Buildertrend
- Quickbooks Online
- Google Drive and Docs
- Measures
- Cam Scanner
- Phaze App
- Canvas App
- Dark sky app
- Construction Calc
Books Jeff recommends are:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad
- Profit First
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The best advice Jeff has received and which he wants to pass on to those around him is:
“Don’t do anything you can’t have a conversation about.”
Jeff says that his success comes from having amazing role models in his life.
If something goes wrong always make it right. Keep your integrity in tact. Lose the money if you have to. When you make it right, the homeowner will remember that more than the anything else. Do the right thing.
This was an awesome conversation! Listen all the way through and be inspired!
Today’s Protractor Tip is given by Brad Leavitt from AFT Construction. It’s all about the importance of “Being Present. If you don’t know what that is… you’ve got to listen to it. It’s a great tip!
Our featured contractor website today is JKHolton by Tim Holton. They are a family run business providing exceptional building and renovation services in the Cochranville, PA area.
The book we recommend today is called Essentialism by Greg McKeown. As the title suggests, it’s all about focusing on the essentials.
Protractors – Making A Difference!