Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandt Smith.
Hi Brandt, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’m a proud Durham native and earned my degree in finance from Hampton University. I started in the construction industry after college working for a family friend to generate income. After years worth of interviewing for various finance positions with no luck, I began to realize my passion for construction and went to Wake Tech in the evenings to learn more about the industry and later obtained a Master’s degree from WCU in construction management.
I realized the need for more diverse construction companies and with the desire to be an entrepreneur, I decided I would start my own construction company.
After 15 plus years of gaining experience with various companies on different types of projects across the country, I embarked on my own and started SGS Contracting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The largest struggle that I have had is the lack of opportunities. Being a young construction company and not having a track record limits the opportunities that you have, which means sometimes I had to aggressively pursue less attractive projects to develop relationships and build our portfolio.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
SGS Contracting is a commercial construction manager and general contractor focusing on educational, life sciences, retail, restaurants, municipal, and commercial projects in the greater Triangle area. We are a full-service construction company, meaning, we can provide everything from design services, permitting, estimating, construction, and turnover to the end-user. This includes ground-up construction and occupied renovations.
Our communication and relationship building sets us apart from other construction companies. Our ability to listen to what the client’s needs and wants are, ensures that the client understands what we proved and what to expect from pre-construction to the final walkthrough. I have found that by effectively and honestly communicating with clients, most conflicts rarely arise, which helps build the client relationship.
I am most proud to have a construction company in my home city and to be a part of the changing landscape while enhancing the community and being a positive influence on the community.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentors can present themselves in different forms and industries.
They do not have to be in your industry to understand and relate. Any entrepreneur can be your mentor and it is acceptable to have multiple mentors that satisfy different needs for you and your business. Getting involved in the community or industry organizations is the best way to find a mentor and surround yourself with like-minded individuals that want to see you succeed.
Sharing my vision and goals has been instrumental in finding the correct mentors. By doing so, I have been able to find similar characteristics in my mentors, which allows me to progress and grow as an individual and grow SGS Contracting. This is not to be confused with a mentor sharing the same thoughts and path as me, because mentors should also challenge your thoughts and direction and make you aware of other angles.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.sgscontractingllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgs_contracting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SGSContractingllc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SGS_Contracting
Image Credits
Ariel Perry Photography
