By Build ON
Special guest: Stuart Williamson, CEO and Founder of JOT Contracting
We are back this month with a Part 2 from CEO and Founder of JOT Contracting, Stuart Williamson! With construction being a sector Build ON specializes in, with lots of client’s sharing the same background, Build ON was eager to share with our clients, more of Stuart’s experiences and pieces of advice on owning your own contracting company in the nation’s capital. Specializing in home renovations, new builds, and house flips, Stuart shares more insight on owning a small business in the construction sector in Ottawa, some tips on how to make yourself unique and gain a good quality and professional reputation as a hands-on owner. Below you will find a snapshot of the most relevant interview questions Build ON was able to further ask Stuart relating to construction and to help others interested in opening their own General Contracting business in their local area.
1. Build ON: Can you speak about what professional etiquette looks like as a General Contractor, when it comes to correspondence with clients, project management all while working on site?
Stuart: Depending on the scope of work, your professional etiquette may change. However, there are a few things that stay consistent from project to project. For example, transparency and communication from you to your clients. This means that having open and consistent lines of communication about the progress of your project. This would ensure that both parties are on the same page and the project can be completed without the client not knowing what is going on. In addition, this also gives you clear directive in terms of the completion of the project from your own point of view.
2. Build ON: Like all humans, we are bound to sometimes make mistakes. How would you say you and your ]company handle accountability when it comes to situations where there are errors, either on your part or errors from other trades? Do you suggest any returned compensation to the clients?
Stuart: Errors are sometimes unavoidable, whether it is from your own hands, the supplier or sub trade. I pride my business on quality craftsmanship and so compensation is always sought out. The reason being, to not only resolve the issue but to maintain a positive working relationship with the client and the completion of the project.
3. Build ON: Has there ever been any times when you and your client have had disagreements? Can you give an example and a solution on how this was solved?
Stuart: Absolutely, there are some circumstances in which a client’s vision may not align with proper construction processes. I do my very best on each project to meet the vision and design the client wants, however, if that vision or design is not up to construction standards or safety codes, then it is not something I am willing to do. So, to resolve this, you have to clearly and directly communicate with the client that the work they want to get done, cannot be achieved safely. My next step then is to redesign and develop a new plan, that both parties agree on, in regards to integrity and vision of the project.
4. Build ON: On the hiring front, when you are hiring for a new candidate to join your team, what kinds of qualities and skill sets do you look for?
Stuart: When I look for employees, the main qualities that I like to see are people who are hard working, have a willingness to learn and someone who asks questions and is not just about getting the job done but understanding how the job needs to get done. Being punctual is always good. A bonus for me, of course, is being able to find someone who, understands minor construction tasks, and has hands-on-experience using tools and safety equipment.
5. Build ON: Work-Life balance is an important aspect to consider, especially when owning your own business. On average, how many hours would you say you are working? What are some ways you “shut off” the workday when you come home?
Stuart: On an average day, I would say I work anywhere from 8-10 hours. This means that I break my day down into 6-8 hours physically working, and about 2-4 hours that are spent on administration and correspondence. Administrative tasks could be anything ranging from researching materials, to creating quotes etc. In regards to the question of shutting off the workday when I come home, as a family man, I really value the time that I spend with my wife and daughter. It is so important to me to not let the burdens of my work carry over, so, it is good to have daily routines that extend beyond my work.
6. Build ON: Success is something most strive for. What does success mean for you and how do you, as a business owner, measure success for your company?
Stuart: For me, success is measured by overall satisfaction of the project. Myself, walking away from the job and appreciating the work done and having a positive review from my clients really does help. The client’s overall happiness, is enough success I need. One last thing I will say is that being confident in your skills, upon entering a project, knowing that you will be completing the project on time while meeting all client needs. I truly believe that confidence builds success and success makes you more confident. So, all in all, if a client is happy, they are more willing to ask for more work done if need be, or happily make referrals, which is always a bonus when you own a local business.
Interviewing once again, business owner, Stuart Williamson, has allowed Build ON and our clients to gain knowledge first hand on the construction industry, via General Contracting. Once again, we thank Stuart for the time he took out of his busy schedule to shed some light for our clients wishing to pursue this occupation.